For reinforced concrete substructure analysis and design, also available as an integrated module with LEAP Bridge
LEAP RC-PIER is an integrated tool for the AASHTO Standard and LRFD analysis and design of reinforced concrete bridge substructures and foundations. By incorporating both LFD and LRFD specifications in one interface, LEAP RC-PIER makes the transition to LRFD simple and efficient. LEAP RC-PIER allows users to design multi-column and hammerhead piers, straight, tapered or variable caps, and circular, rectangular (tapered and non-tapered) or drilled-shaft columns. Footing types include isolated or combined, supported on either soil or piles. There is no limit to the number of loads, bearings and piles that may be included in the design. Analysis results are presented in a variety of easy-to-view formats.
LEAP RC-PIER Data Sheet: View | Print
Key Features:
Easy-to-use interface
LEAP RC-PIER makes the entry of project data convenient with a system of time-saving tabbed screens, dialog boxes, graphic buttons, and menus. Complete 3D design representations are created based on the parametric data entered, allowing users to easily and quickly confirm the accuracy of the input.
Automatic generation of loads
LEAP RC-PIER automatically generates most loads, including live, dead, wind, longitudinal/braking, centrifugal, seismic, temperature and vessel collision loads. In live load generation, LEAP RC-PIER can determine critical loads for AASHTO-specified or user-customized live loads. LEAP RC-PIER first moves the live load longitudinally on the bridge and then transversely to determine the worst case scenarios. For LRFD code, LEAP RC-PIER can determine the live load due to truck and lane for HL93 (or any other customized) design trucks separately so that separate dynamic allowance factors (IM) can be applied correctly. Dead load, wind load, longitudinal/braking load, centrifugal load, temperature load and earthquake load generations provide options for users to determine the correct loads for their specific needs. In addition, the program analyzes all other AASHTO load types including stream flow, buoyancy, ice and shrinkage effects on the structure.
Broad range of analysis options
LEAP RC-PIER allows for customized load groups/limit states in addition to AASHTO LFD/LRFD specified groups/limit states. Users may also choose to apply impact factors for cap, column or footing. Different impact factors are allowed for truck and lane in AASHTO LRFD mode. In LFD mode, users can specifically activate the option to generate additional load combinations for columns as per LFD. Additional options allow users to control the number of iterations for P-delta calculations.
Advanced design capabilities
LEAP RC-PIER allows users to design cap beams, biaxial columns, and footings through LFD, LRFD or working stress methods. Users can apply advanced design methodologies such as Strut-and-Tie (STM) modeling to obtain optimized structures. Specifically:
- Cap design: Users may use LEAP RC-PIER's sophisticated algorithms to automatically generate a rebar pattern that will satisfy the design criteria. Alternatively, custom patterns may be entered. LEAP RC-PIER conducts ultimate capacity checks for positive and negative moments at every check point along the length, and alerts the user if the section capacity or provided reinforcement at any point(s) is not adequate. LEAP RC-PIER also checks to verify that the provided rebar pattern is sufficient for cracking and fatigue. For shear and torsion design, LEAP RC-PIER will compute the required stirrup area. For seismic regions, plastic hinging moment in columns may be considered for cap design. Cap design can be done for center line of column values or at face of support values.
- Column design: Column design in LEAP RC-PIER may be conducted with or without consideration for slenderness effects. Users may choose from P-delta analysis, unbraced moment magnification, or braced moment magnification. LEAP RC-PIER considers the minimum and maximum reinforcement ratios in the design process. Optional interaction diagrams are available for both the top and bottom of column. User may also choose to compute the plastic hinging moments in columns which can then be considered for cap and footing design.
- Footing design: LEAP RC-PIER can handle footings supported on soil and piles. LEAP RC-PIER supports isolated, combined and strap footings. The comprehensive design of the footing includes pile force/soil pressure calculations, flexure design, and cracking and fatigue checks on all faces of the column. One-way shear at a distance equal to the footing depth “d” from the column face and two-way (punching) shear at the critical perimeter around the column are also calculated. Users may select to use maximum pile force/soil pressure computed by the program or input their own value for the design. Pile patterns with regular spacing can be generated and saved in a pile library for easy repetitive use.
LEAP RC-PIER supports flared girder design for LEAP CONSPAN and LEAP Bridge. Analyze and design flared girders in the LEAP CONSPAN superstructure module of LEAP Bridge. From the shared LEAP Bridge project database, LEAP RC-PIER reads the data and supports the design.
User-friendly report generation and export
LEAP RC-PIER outputs in a number of comprehensive and detailed formats. The program generates analysis results plot diagrams which may be exported to spreadsheet format.
2D Views and Export Capabilities
LEAP RC-PIER displays 2D views of the front, top and cross-section of the pier. Print and/or export views to DXF/DWG formats.
Expanded Parametric Design Interactions
As the substructure module of the integrated LEAP Bridge solution, LEAP RC-PIER transfers rebar data to the LEAP Bridge database. LEAP Bridge shows the reinforcement for cap, columns and footings.
Updated Code Specifications
LEAP RC-PIER uses 2007 LRFD code specifications. Major code changes affect moment calculations and the introduction of a new shear method.
Integral Pier Analysis and Design
Analyze and design monolithic/integral piers. A new pier type and cap shape have been added to model integral piers. Load generation functionality has been enhanced to generate loads for integral piers.
Enhanced Modeling Capabilities
Model an integral bent cap as a flanged section with top and bottom flanges of user choice and thickness.
Load Generation
Generate live load and dead load on the pier using the superstructure vertical as well as moment reactions which can be imported from LEAP CONBOX.