Span Layout

No. Spans

The number of spans in a continuous structure. Click the + or - buttons to increase or decrease the number of spans. At least two spans are necessary for a continuous structure.

Span Length

For interior spans of a continuous, multi-span structure, the span length is the distance from the centerline of the left pier to the centerline of the right pier. For Span 1, the span length is generally the distance from the centerline of the left bearing pad to the centerline of the right pier. A similar condition exists for the last span of the structure.

Girder Offsets, Left/Right

The distance from the end of the girder to the centerline of the left pier of the span. If this distance is positive, the centerline of the pier is located outside the girder.  If this distance is negative, the centerline of the pier is located within the girder.  Note that for Span 1, this distance is usually entered as a negative value to cause the centerline of the left pier to align with the center of the left bearing, since the exterior spans of a continuous structure are typically simple.  Below is a sketch to better show the interaction of the span length, girder length, and the girder offset.

Open

Girder Length

Enter the overall girder length for each span.

Pad Offsets, Left/Right

The distances from the left and right ends of the girder to the centerlines of the left and right bearing pads (always positive).

Design Span

The design span for the girder. Taking Girder offsets and pad offsets into consideration.