Thanks TomDOT.
I have not contacted them directly but I have read the manuals and technical write ups.
I'm not sure if they are going to give me the information I need to perform my evaluation as I think it would be somewhat biased.
My overall impression is favorable, but the I want to know...
I am reviewing a technical proposal for a bridge design to use a Florida I-Beam in place of AASHTO beams. I have read FDOT's write up of the benefits of the shape and the FIB seems to provide several advantages over AASHTO beams, specifically span lengths and stability. The information I have is...
The slow economy is making it hard for DOT's to fund bridge design projects. I am not sure you will find much demand for entry level bridge engineers in the DOT's especially in CA where the state is in constant danger of going broke. (Or so i've heard in the news)and many other states are...
Qshake
We do all of the same things. I was not suggesting that just because a computer program or a subconsultant says the design is right means it is. Would you agree that the reputation of the software goes a long way in your having confidence that the results are accurate? I have used...
Graybeach's post illustrates the process better than my memory could recall. I had the cheeseburger if I remember right.
Qshake -I think the question of trust that you raise is applicable to many of the industry "standard" software that we are all using.
The design software that my company...
Qshake
The point I was trying to make in my original reply was that kji120 make sure that the services that BSDI offers were really necessary.
As I said this is not an off the shelf software, it is a company that provides a service. They are essentially part of your project team. So if you...
BSDI is more of a service than a program. As far as I know they have not developed commercial package for this software. Each job is customized for the client by BSDI.
You will need to work with BSDI to develop the model of your bridge in their software. Basically you send BSDI the member...
If you are looking for a section that is no longer manufactured you could try to find it in an old fabricator hanbook. Bethlehem Steel pubished thier structural shapes in a book. and I found one on online this morning. Here is the Description:
"BETHLEHEM STRUCTURAL SHAPES. Information and...
Another use for a mirror...
From my days as a coatings (bridge painting) inspector...an extendable mirror to see thoses inacessable areas.
Also don't forget your hardhat and other safety gear.
My State DOT generally likes to limit the overhang so that the effective flange width on the exterior beam matches the interior beams though so I can't say I've thought too much about it. In general most of the bridges that I have designed have very little live load going to the exterior beam...
Jeffcivil2
The technology may not be advancing as fast as other more modern engineering dicipline are , but remember you're part of the worlds oldest (or second oldest depending on your viewpoint) profession. We alter the environment that we live in to suit the needs of society, and that has...
Use the simple span distribution of the wheel load if you are concerned with the reactions at each end of the trench , but conservatively in this situation I would assume the load is 1/2 the axle load, say 16 Kips.Road plate is not typically designed. The distribution of the wheel load is more...
Impact is based on span length not speed using AASHTO Standard Specs.
The LRFD spec calls impact something different and I am not sure it is related to speed or weight (I have done limited LRFD design) .
Different states may have requirements that take this into account but you would need to...
"Basically, suck it up. Decide that you are going to excel at it and do so. Find ways of speeding it up/making it easier etc."
KENAT, well said..., a star from me.
If the river is naviagable have you considered using SPMT (Self Propelled Modular Tansports) trailers on a barge? This method has been used sucessfully on several projects that I know of recently. There are some companies out there that use these machines quite effectively to solve problems like...