Design and analysis software is offered for a variety of bridge types, including segmental, cable-stayed, precast, and pre- and post-tensioned. New and improved features such as bridge-rating capabilities, code checking, and a full range of 3-D modeling tools provide a solution for every type of bridge at every stage of the lifecycle—from planning, design, engineering, analysis, fabrication, and construction to maintenance and rehabilitation.
In response to a request from Structural Engineer, a number of companies provided the following information about their products. Some companies declined to participate by failing to return the questionnaire by our deadline. We apologize for inadvertent omissions. To be added to our contact list, please e-mail Jennifer Goupil, P.E., at jgoupil@zweigwhite.com.

ADAPT-ABI software, developed by ADAPT Corporation, specializes in the analysis and design of segmental, cable-stayed, precast, and pre- and post-tensioned concrete bridges and girders.

ALGOR, Inc., makes computer software and provides services for mechanical and civil engineers in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, consumer products, military, electric power, petroleum, large structures, and more.

According to Bentley Systems, Incorporated, it provides tools that accelerate bridge information modeling (BrIM) and enable informed decision-making across the bridge lifecycle. Bentley bridge products provide an interoperable, data-managed bridge solution for planning, design, engineering, analysis, fabrication, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation. Bentley’s portfolio includes Bentley Bridge RM—structural engineering, design, and analysis software for large and medium span bridges, including cable-stayed bridges. Bentley LEAP Bridge is a parametric, integrated design and analysis solution for precast, cast-in-place, reinforced, and post-tensioned concrete

The new DYOB—Design Your Own Bridge—program now has the ability to provide drawings for structural plate shapes in addition to CON/SPAN and BEBO precast arch structures. DYOB is the exclusive online design tool from CONTECH Bridge Solutions Inc., allowing users to input parameters and receive a schematic bridge drawing via e-mail within minutes. According to the company, over the years, DYOB has helped streamline the process to get owners and engineers immediate preliminary drawings for their projects. The newest plate shapes include MULTI-PLATE, SUPER-SPAN Low Profile Arch, SUPER-SPAN High Profile Arch, and SUPER-SPAN Pear Arch.

BrIM, the Bridge Information Modeler integrated within SAP2000, provides an interface for quick and easy definition of bridge models. The modeler allows a bridge to be defined parametrically in terms that are familiar to bridge engineers such as layout lines, spans, bearings, abutments, bents, hinges, and post-tensioning. The modeler automatically creates spine, shell or solid element analysis models that update concurrently as bridge-definition parameters are changed. BrIM also allows quick definition of lanes and vehicle loading—including width effects—on the bridge.

Multiframe from Daystar Software, Inc., provides linear and non-linear analysis along with a full range of modeling tools, including 3-D drawing, tension only/compression only members and springs, automation, thermal effects, dynamic analysis, and more.

According to Georgia Tech—CASE Center, its GT STRUDL structural design and analysis software program offers a wide range of frame and finite element capabilities for the bridge engineer.

SPACE GASS from King & Associates LLC is a general purpose structural analysis and design program suitable for any bridge project, according to the company.

When Finley Engineering Group Inc., used LUSAS Bridge for its engineering redesign of the Estero Parkway Flyover in Fort Myers, Fla., its four-steel box girder design produced significant savings in construction costs over an initially proposed cast-in-place concrete box girder design. According to Craig Finley, "The use of LUSAS helped us meet our design deadline and to prove an alternative bridge design that will ultimately save the client a great deal of money in construction costs."

The MDX Software Curved & Straight Steel Bridge Design & Rating package covers the design and rating of steel girder bridges for compliance with the latest AASHTO specifications (ASD/LFD/LRFD).

MIDASoft Inc.’s MIDAS/Civil (Bridge) is 3-D bridge structure analysis and design software. According to the company, it accounts for construction stages and time-dependent materials.

Noran Engineering, Inc.’s core product, NEi Nastran, is used for bridge analysis, including concrete slabs, structural frames, cables, weldments, reinforcing members, and trusses.

Opti-Mate, Inc., software is intended for analysis, design, rating, investigation of concrete deck placement, and AASHTO code check of bridges.

POSTEN Engineering Systems provides POSTEN Multistory and CONCRET—comprehensive design software for post-tensioned and reinforced concrete frame structures.

According to RISA Technologies, RISA-3D’s intuitive interface and familiar spreadsheets help solve problems in minutes, not hours. Packed with the most current steel, concrete, cold-formed steel, and timber design codes, the company says that RISA-3D provides the tools to tackle multi-material projects. Advanced features such as flexible design rules and a custom concrete Layout Editor allow the engineer to control the design, not just the program. Users can review results for the entire model graphically, or view member-detail reports to see analysis results and design calculations (including sketches with rebar callouts) for each member.

According to Strand7 Pty Ltd., its Strand7 is a sensibly priced, general purpose, finite element analysis system developed in Sydney, Australia.

Recently upgraded, pcaColumn program version 4.00 from StructurePoint supports ACI 318-05 and CSA A23.3-04 reinforced concrete design standards. New features and interface enhancements have been implemented to increase the productivity of pcaColumn users. Multiple column section can now be processed in batch mode using command-prompt parameters and text-based input files. This newly added interface enables automation and integration with third-party software, helping users to complete large projects faster. Exporting column sections to DXF format and exporting points from interaction diagrams to spreadsheets are also provided among the new features to facilitate integration of pcaColumn with customized design solutions.

Universal Technical Systems, Inc. (UTS), specializes in engineering software, including off-the-shelf and custom software solutions.

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