Adapt Structural Engineering Consultants

ADAPT-ABI
version 4.x and version 5.0

1. F.A.Q. (FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS)

In view of the overwhelming interests and enquiries we received since the official release of
ADAPT-ABI version 5.0, we have compiled the following FAQ that mostly asked and
answered questions are included.

All the answers apply to version 4.x (includes version 4.09 up to ver 4.5). For those that are
only applicable to version 5.x, it will be specially noted in the answers.

Kindly submit your own question to intl@adaptsoft.com for more information.

2. TABLE OF CONTENT
 What is ADAPT-ABI?
 What is the key advantage of ADAPT-ABI?
 What are the types of bridge that ADAPT-ABI handles?
 Knowing that the key strength of ADAPT-ABI on construction stages analysis, could
you please elaborate the type of post -construction analysis that ADAPT-ABI can do?
 Presently I am using Spreadsheet and In-house tools to handle bridge projects. Can you
please describe advantages and disadvantage of ADAPT-ABI in comparison to our
existing solution?
 What are the main differences between version 4.5 and version 5.0 of ADAPT-ABI ?
 Which Creep and Shrinkage modules are considered be ADAPT-ABI?
 Does ADAPT-ABI generate moving load as per IRC or BS5400-Part II requirements?
 Is ADAPT-ABI a finite-element-based program, and what type of element it support?
Do I need to model a bridge by defining nodes and lines?
 Does ADAPT-ABI design post-tensioned members (like beams/girder)?
 Can “bearing” support be modeled in ADAPT-ABI?
 What type of loadings can defined in ADAPT-ABI?
 Are both the Moving Load and Elongation modules still available in version 5.0?
 Earlier ADAPT-ABI was available in Small, Medium and Large versions which were
limited to certain number of elements and tendons. Is it same in version 5.0?
 Presently I am working on some projects. Once my system is upgraded to version 5.0,
how can I work with my existing projects?
~ ~ ~

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 ADAPT-ABI FAQ

a. What is ADAPT-ABI ?
ADAPT-ABI is a software specially tailored for bridge analysis, particularly for the
segmentally constructed bridges and special structures during the construction phase and
when complete.

Figure 1: Types of bridge modeled in ADAPT-ABI

b. What is the key advantage of ADAPT-ABI ?

Unlike most other bridge design software which mainly focus on the completed bridge
behavior, ADAPT-ABI models the material properties, time-dependent factors of creep,
shrinkage, relaxation in prestressing, elongation of tendons, aging of concrete and provides
information for geometry control during construction (for example the pre-camber required
during construction of a balanced cantilever bridge to counteracting the short-/long-term
deflection), in addition to some post-construction design force envelop calculations like
influence line, bending moment and shear force diagrams. .

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As the loadings during construction phases often causing more severe force resultants for
critical structural elements, ADAPT-ABI helps bridge engineer to get a better overview and
thorough understanding of the design force envelop and behavior of a bridge throughout its
entire life span.

Figure 2: Pre- and post-construction loadings.

c. What are the types of bridge that ADAPT-ABI handles?

ADAPT-ABI can analyze the construction phase and in-service performance for:
 Balanced cantilever bridges (Cast-in-place or Precast)
 Incrementally launched bridges
 Span-by-span bridges
 Cable-stayed bridges
 Precast-prestressed girder bridges with field splicing and topping slab
 Box girder bridges
 Bridge rehabilitation with external post-tensioning
 Full analysis, from casting date to 30 years and longer in-service, including
moving load generation, code combinations, enveloping, construction loads,
creep, shrinkage, relaxation of the prestressing steel, aging of the concrete, and
temperature effects

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Figure 3: Incrementally launched bridge.

Figure 4: Precast bridge with cast-in-situ topping.

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 ADAPT-ABI FAQ

Figure 5: Balanced cantilever bridge construction.

d. Knowing that the key strength of ADAPT-ABI on construction stages analysis,

could you please elaborate the type of post-construction analysis that ADAPT-
ABI can do?

ADAPT-ABI can calculate the gravity resultant forces due to dead, live and moving loads,
and provide graphical diagrams of influence lines and force (moment, shear, torsion*)
envelopes.

However, ADAPT-ABI does not perform dynamic analysis (i.e. calculation of mode shapes
and period) nor push-over analysis yet in the latest version 5.0.

Note: Torsional forces are calculated in ABI version 5.x using simplified assumptions and
non-f.e.m. algorithm. Users are advised to validate the results produced for bridge of more
complex shape with curvatures on plan.

e. Presently I am using Spreadsheet and In-house tools to handle bridge projects.

Can you please describe advantages and disadvantage of ADAPT-ABI in
comparison to our existing solution?
Many bridge consultants use spreadsheet solutions as well as in-house tools to analyze and
design their bridge geometry. While these solutions quickly produce initial solutions for
simple structures, these mostly have following disadvantages:
– May not handle construction stages, requires lot of documentation
– May not produce Moving load result envelope
– Elongation report generation may not be possible
– May produce conservative results for even simpler projects
– Camber calculation is difficult
– Requires up-front investment in model generation

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 ADAPT-ABI FAQ

On the other hand though using ABI user needs to idealize the model like any other finite
element software, for mostly medium size bridges it offers following advantages:
– Produces initial as well as optimized designs
– Simple procedure supports quick and reliable design times
– Excellent design (training) tool for beginners as well as experts
– Camber calculation even for CIP method is accurate and easy
– Simpler and quicker Moving load analysis and Elongation report

f. What are the main differences between version 4.5 and version 5.0 of ADAPT-
ABI?

ADAPT-ABI version 5 is a major release to ease the pain of old ADAPT-ABI version 4.x
users. In ver. 4.x, users were required to complete the modeling entirely in textual command
input. While all the technical features of ver 4.5 are supported, version 5 now provides an
intuitive 3D graphical user input interface that allows users to create, modify and view model
and results in 3D.

Figure 6: Model in ADAPT-ABI v5

ABI v5.0 is not only an update over v4.50, but also we consider it as a different program with
whole new set of features and powerful Graphical User Interface. User can install and run
both the version of program. Following are the major new features in v5:

- Graphical User Interface which can also open, work and save DWG & DXF files as
well.
- 3D reference line generation
- Load modeling on 3D frame
- 3D rendered view
- Automatic Input File Generation
- Display of design results in 3D
- Transformation of polygons into structural components (Segments, Tendon, Spans,
Columns, Reference Line etc.)

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- Section library: Rectangular, Tee, I-section, Single Cell Box Girder and user defined
customizable sections.
- Moving Load library: AASTHO, IRC, RDSO and user defined customizable Load
Trains.

NOTE: While the 3D model generation is now possible in ver 5, the fem analysis engine in
ver. 5 is still utilizing 3-d.o.f. per node (X- and Y-translation and Z-rotation), with the ability
to calculate simple torsional force in members (which generally called as a 2.5D analysis
engine). Please note ADAPT is committed to develop future version of ABI with full 3D
analysis and modeling features. At present modeling and analysis is limited to equivalent
frame analysis. For better understanding please email to intl@adaptsoft.com or call +91-33-
30286580/81.

g. Which Creep and Shrinkage modules are considered be ADAPT-ABI?

ADAPT-ABI v5 supports following concrete modules:

- ACI 1978
- ACI 1992
- Indian (IS 456:2000 and IS 1343:1980)
- AASHTO 1994
- British BS8110
- CEB/FIP 1978
- CEB/FIP 1990
- Eurocode 2004
- Hong Kong Code

Figure 7: Concrete Modules in ABI v5

In addition to these module user can provide Lab input to model any other concrete models.

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h. Does ADAPT-ABI generate moving load as per IRC or BS5400-Part II

requirements?

ADAPT-ABI has a general moving load generator that allows user to define any type of
truck/vehicle loading patterns. Once the patterns are defined and saved into a library file, they
can be used to “run” through the travel paths to obtain the influence lines as well as design
force envelops.

Therefore, even though there is no default BS5400 Pt 2 vehicle loadings pre-defined, user are
free to create and enhance the moving load library to cater the loading requirements of
specific design code that they are using.

i. Is ADAPT-ABI a finite-element-based program, and what type of element it

supports? Do I need to model a bridge by defining nodes and lines ?

Yes, ADAPT-ABI uses finite-element solver to calculate the time-dependent behavior of a

bridge for pre- and post-construction stages. All objects are modeled using line-elements
which are interconnected with nodal points of 3-d.o.f. (X- and Y-axis translations and Z-axia
rotation).

Mean while, in version 5.x, user do not have to create complex geometry by struggling with
nodes and lines. Geometry of a structure can now be modeled using graphical interface easily
by using objects like:

• Spans (broken into pieces – segment)

• Piers/ Columns
• Tendons
• Travelers
• Stays
• Composite Segments
• Rebars
• Steel Components
• Generic Components
• Springs (Linear, Compression/Tension Only)
• Supports (Fixed, Pinned, Roller, User defined)
• Constrains (Master-Slave Connection)
• Nodal Hinges

j. Does ADAPT-ABI design post-tensioned members (like beams/girder)?

In ADAPT-ABI v4.x and v5.x, users are required to input and specify the tendon shape and
stressing forces, and let the program calculates the results which include pre-camber, tendon
losses, elongation, and others.

Hence, both ADPAT-ABI version 4.x and version 5 do not design any structural component.

Nevertheless, to figure out the right shape and post-tensioning forces to be applied, the
calculation can be performed easily in our ADAPT-PT PLUS program to the desired
allowable stress limits.

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Figure 8: Post-tensioned structure can be easily designed in ADAPT-PT

k. Can “bearing” support be modeled in ADAPT-ABI?

User can model and simulate the bearing supports in ADAPT-ABI using “finite spring” to
connect girders to the piers.

Fig 8. Finite spring

l. What type of loadings can defined in ADAPT-ABI ?

User can apply point, line, temperature and automatic self-weight in ADAPT-ABI.

Figure 9: Types of loadings applicable in ADAPT-ABI

m. Are both the Moving Load and Elongation modules still available in version 5.0?

As Moving Load and Elongation modules have both been the “must-have” module for
majority of the clients, they are now both standard features of ADAPT-ABI version 5.0.

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n. Earlier ADAPT-ABI was available in Small, Medium and Large versions which
were limited to certain number of elements and tendons. Is it same in version
5.0?
Though earlier till ADAPT ABI v4.5 was classified in three different sizes:
1. Standard Version - Upto 100 elements; 20 tendons
2. Medium Version - Upto 500 elements; 80 tendons
3. Large Version - Upto 1000 or more elements; 300 or more tendons

Moreover, the whole program contains four modules namely BASIC, GEN, MOVING and
ELONGATION.

At present ADAPT only offers a single environment called as STANDARD for ABI v5. It
contains all the modules and supports unlimited numbers of elements and tendons.

To see lock contains, get key id and update the lock user needs to download the latest utility
using the link below (the latest version is v3.05, updated May 2007)
http://www.adaptsoft.com/resources/UserHASP_Setup.zip

Figure 10: Sample Lock Profile

o. Presently I am working on some projects. Once my system is upgraded to

version 5.0, how can I work with my existing projects?

ADAPT understand users requirement while changing the platform of its program. We have
many users who are comfortable with ABI’s unique concept of INPUT FILE. Till the time we
develop future releases of ABI with lot more functionality and full scale 3D analysis, we will
support existing version 4.xx as well as version 5.0 onwards. Hence user can install and run
both the version of the program in the same computer without any trouble.

We recommend installing version 5.0 without uninstalling your older version. Once you are
comfortable with Graphical User Interface you may uninstall older version and switch over
all your works in new version.

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Adapt Structural Engineering Consultants

ADAPT-ABI – Frequently Asked Questions

1. F.A.Q. (frequently-asked-questions)...............................................................................1
2. Table of Content...............................................................................................................1
2.1. What is ADAPT-ABI ?..........................................................................................................................2
2.2. What is the key advantage of ADAPT-ABI ?.......................................................................................2
2.3. What are the types of bridge that ADAPT-ABI handles?.....................................................................3
2.4. Knowing that the key strength of ADAPT-ABI on construction stages analysis, could you please
elaborate the type of post-construction analysis that ADAPT-ABI can do?.......................................................5
2.5. Presently I am using Spreadsheet and In-house tools to handle bridge projects. Can you please
describe advantages and disadvantage of ADAPT-ABI in comparison to our existing solution?......................5
2.6. What are the main differences between version 4.5 and version 5.0 of ADAPT-ABI?........................6
2.7. Which Creep and Shrinkage modules are considered be ADAPT-ABI?..............................................7
2.8. Does ADAPT-ABI generate moving load as per IRC or BS5400-Part II requirements?.....................8
2.9. Is ADAPT-ABI a finite-element-based program, and what type of element it supports? Do I need to
model a bridge by defining nodes and lines ?.....................................................................................................8
2.10. Does ADAPT-ABI design post-tensioned members (like beams/girder)?............................................8
2.11. Can “bearing” support be modeled in ADAPT-ABI?...........................................................................9
2.12. What type of loadings can defined in ADAPT-ABI ?...........................................................................9
2.13. Are both the Moving Load and Elongation modules still available in version 5.0?.............................9
2.14. Earlier ADAPT-ABI was available in Small, Medium and Large versions which were limited to
certain number of elements and tendons. Is it same in version 5.0?.................................................................10
2.15. Presently I am working on some projects. Once my system is upgraded to version 5.0, how can I
work with my existing projects?........................................................................................................................10