The Bridge Modeler enables parametric definition of girder-type bridge systems. Users initiate high-level parametric modeling by defining span length, layout lines, cross section, and other geometric and structural specifications. The Bridge Modeler then assembles frame, shell, and solid objects, and connects them with link elements, to automatically create bridge objects. The Bridge Modeler expedites design by automatically generating, meshing, and analyzing complex bridge models. Templates are also available for several superstructure and substructure design checks.
Articles
Tutorials
| Title | Description | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis and design of composite steel-girder bridge | Use CSiBridge to model a composite steel-girder bridge based on that from the LRFD Design Example, Steel Girder Superstructure Bridge (FHWA NHI-04-041). | CSiBridge |
| Applying parametric variation to bridge width and girder spacing for bridge object with skewed abutments (steel I-girder bridge deck section) | Demonstration of how to apply parametric variation to the deck width and girder spacing of bridge object with skewed abutments. | CSiBridge |
| Applying parametric variation to bridge width for bridge object with skewed abutments (flat slab bridge deck section) | Demonstration of how to apply parametric variation to bridge object with skewed abutments | CSiBridge |
| Applying point, line, and area loads to bridge objects | This tutorial demonstrates point-, line-, and area-load application to bridge objects. | CSiBridge |
| Concrete box-girder bridge model | Model from the SAP2000 Bridge Examples document. | SAP2000 |
| Create and copy frame properties | Use interactive database editing to create and copy frame section properties between models. | CSiBridge |
| Haunched steel-girder bridge | Guidelines and tutorial for modeling haunched steel-girder bridges. | SAP2000 |
| Import frame properties from shape libraries | Guidelines for importing frame properties from shape libraries. | CSiBridge |
| Influence-based moving-load analysis first steps (CSiBridge) | Procedure for setting up influence-based moving-load analysis. | CSiBridge |
| Influence-based moving-load analysis first steps (SAP2000) | Procedure for initiating influence-based moving-load analysis. | SAP2000 |
| Layout-line geometry | Guidelines for defining vertical and horizontal layout lines, also known as baselines. | SAP2000 |
| Manual modeling of bridge foundations | PowerPoint presentations are attached which provide detailed examples of a 2-span PCC-girder bridge with three different foundation types. A step-by-step modeling procedure, with detailed descriptions and sketches, outlines the process. | CSiBridge |
| Manual modeling of wall-type bents | This tutorial describes a manual modeling process for wall-type bents within bride objects. | SAP2000 |
| Manual modification of bridge bearings | Guidelines for the manual modification of bridge bearings automatically created by the bridge modeler. | SAP2000 |
| Model from Bridge Seismic Design Request manual | Example bridge model from the Bridge Seismic Design Request manual. | CSiBridge |
| Pushover analysis first steps | Guidelines for performing pushover analysis. | SAP2000 |
| Steel bridge | Tutorial included with the SAP2000 Bridge Examples document. | SAP2000 |
| Steel-girder bridge with variable flange thickness | Guidelines and tutorial for creating a steel-girder bridge with variable flange thickness. | SAP2000 |
| Step-by-step moving-load analysis first steps (CSiBridge) | Procedure for setting up step-by-step moving-load analysis. | CSiBridge |
| Step-by-step moving-load analysis first steps (SAP2000) | Procedure for initiating step-by-step moving-load analysis. | SAP2000 |
| Variable girder spacing | Procedure for developing a model with variable girder spacing. | SAP2000 |
Test Problems
| Title | Description | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge shrinkage example | Evaluate shrinkage for a one-span and a continuous two-span bridge system. | CSiBridge |
| Horizontal moving loads | Demonstration of horizontal moving loads compared against hand calculated results. | CSiBridge |
| Hyperstatic forces for bridge-object superstructures | The hyperstatic forces within a superstructure which is modeled using bridge objects may be obtained using any of three methods described in this test problem. | CSiBridge |
| Staged-construction analysis of two-span precast-girder bridge | Modeling and construction stage analysis of precast-girder bridge which is simply supported for dead load and continuous for live load. | CSiBridge |
| Start and end station for bridge line-load input | This test problem explains start- and end-station interpretation for line load offset from baseline. | CSiBridge |
| Temperature-gradient loading for bridge objects | This test problem demonstrates CSI Software calculation and application of temperature-gradient loading to bridge objects. | SAP2000 |
| Tendon force vs. frame response | Tendon application is validated by comparing tendon forces to those in an equivalent frame system. | SAP2000 |
References
Aviram, A., Mackie, K., Stojadinovic, B. (2008). Guidelines for Nonlinear Analysis of Bridge Structures in California. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center.
Page: Basic concepts
Page: Bridge components
Page: Bridge design
Page: Bridge load rating
Page: Modeling different types of bridges
Page: Review and interpret results
Page: Bridge modeler miscellaneous topics
Page: Bridge modeler FAQ