Hello!

I have some questions regarding the Caesar II Expansion Joint Modeler. I've used it to model a tied universal expansion joint several times (I'll attache screenshots of the Expansion Joint Modeler windows) and each time is has come out with an adjusted lateral stiffness of 402680 [lb./in.] and torsional stiffness of 3133063. This seems extremely high.

Is it because it's a tied joint (I thought that was what the weightless ridged was for)?

The stiffnesses are for the individual bellows as apposed to the enter joint, right?

Would any of you mind giving me some tips for specifying expansion joints from Caesar II models?

Thank you for the help.

-Levi

LeviM,
Your are correct when you say that the stiffness values are for each bellows in a universal expansion joint. As a result, the values will be very high. The effective universal, overall, stiffness will be substantially lower for lateral and ½ for torsional. I see where you’re using the minimum number of cons, ie 4, you can reduce the values somewhat by increasing the number of cons in the input sheet.
In regard to how to specify an expansion joint, I’ve attached a sample specification which you can use. There is a sample datasheet at the end where all you have to do is fill in the blanks.
I hope the above helps,