Hello,
I am new to using Qcon Bridge and am trying to simply analyze a four span continuous girder. When I try to analyze the beam the program stops working and shuts down. I believe its because I am not inputting something right. I can run the included samaple file and it works. I have attached the beam and the error message to this forum (but can't seem to find where they have been attached) or you can click on this link to view the images: http://tyeshe2.blogspot.com/2011/01/qcon-bridge.html.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
tyeshe2
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Qcon four Span.jpg | 149.36 KB |
| Qcon Bridge Has stopped working....jpg | 146.64 KB |
The problem is that you have both discontinuous boundary conditions and hinge/roller supports at the same location. If you think in terms of a finite element model, you have released the rotational restaint for a joint and all members framing into that joint. The joint will "spin" and this results in a zero on the diagonal of the stiffness matrix.
To resolve this issue edit each span and make them have "continuous" boundary conditions.
The little open circle at the end of each span will not be displayed after you make this change.
Ok that worked. Thanks a lot for the help. Also, are there any instructions for this program? I click on help and nothing is available. Would you recommend any other program? I am a senior student at the University of South Florida and am in my Structural Bridge Design Capstone class.
thanks,
tyeshe2
There should be a link to the documentation on the menu for the application. If not, look in the application folder for the documentation pdf.
I'd stick with QConBridge as it is easy and works really well.
If you want to do precast-prestressed girder design, use PGSuper. You can also use PGSuper to do a simple structural analysis if you are willing to overlook all the prestressed girder aspects of the program.
Hello All,
How can I apply a distribution factor in Qcon to live loads?
Live load distribution factors are input in the Span dialog. In the grid where you input section properties, scroll it to the right. This is where the distribution factor input goes.
Rick