node local coordinate system

Creation date: 8/30/2018 8:10 PM    Updated: 8/31/2018 5:41 AM    node local axis numerical error
Question:

Dear sir,

Refer to the model attached.


I defined the nodal local coordinate system at the abutment supports such that it lines up with the bridge skew.


I then defined the restraints at these nodes to be free in local x.


When I ran the analysis, I see some reaction in local x, say, under "testing lateral load".  How could this be possible?


thanks




Answer:

Hi,

It is happening because of numerical error caused by huge modulus of elasticity of material "4: Rigid". It is 2e+15 kN/m2. Usually, it is rigid enough if you define 1000 times of normal modulus of elasticity. For example, the modulus of elasticity for Conc C30 is 2.497e+7 kN/m2. Then, 2e+10 kN/m2 would be sufficient to represent rigid material property and also it can avoid the numerical error.

After the change above, I can see zero reactions in the local x direction as shown below.

Regards,
DK Lee 
Files
Model 3.mcb
381 KB