Software for curved bridge girders

[bgarbasz]

I was wondering if anyone would be able to provide some recommendations on the best software to design a multi span horizontally curved steel bridge with steel straddle bent pier cap beams. The steel girders will most likely be framed into the web of the steel straddle bent pier cap, which will be supported at each end by a single concrete column.

Is there a commercially available sofware program that would be able to incoporate the steel straddle bent pier cap? Would a combination of programs be required to perform the analysis? We currenly utilize DESCUS to design our horizonally curved girder bridges but I wonder if given this type of structure if there isnt something better out there.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Qshake]

MDX is a good all around steel girder program for both straight and curved applications. Another is PC-SIMON.

I have used DESCUS quite some time ago and never really liked it's interface. Both MDX and PC-SIMON are very user friendly.

Also, make sure your client wants a fracture critical bridge because a stradle bent made of steel is fracture critical due to the loss of the steel straddel beam results in the loss of the bridge.

Good Luck.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

 

[abusementpark]

I worked at a bridge firm briefly and we used MDX for curved steel bridges. MDX can CHECK bolted splice design, but not design them.

Curved steel bridges are geometric nightmares.

 

[bridgebuster]

Ditto on MDX.

Good point on the FCM QShake. Also if your cap is going to be a box beam put hinges on the access hatches. One of the worst things you can encounter in a bridge inspection is a vertical access door without hinges especially if you can only get to it with a ladder.

 

[Drumchaser]

box beam?.... I am confused (which is the norm)

From the OP: it sounded to me as if the cap(s) would be PL Girder attached to the column (transverse to spans) with anchor bolts and with the girders sliding halfway thru the PL G cap.

The only thing I have to add:

Take time during initial decision making to consult with fabricators, steel erectors, and contractors for ideas on acheiving economical, easily built designs. Designs that merely satify design spec.s are rarely good. Good designs reflect consideration of the requirements of fabrication, construction, and maintenance, which is rarely the norm these days.

 

[abusementpark]

If there is any example of how our design specs have become way too convoluted and confusing, it is the LRFD Steel Bridge Design Spec. It is basically impossible to do by hand and you are just in the dark plugging in numbers to complex equations.

 

[bridgebuster]

box beam or plate girder; either can be designed. In the northeast, box beams appear to be the norm. A box provides more torsional rigidity.

 

[Qshake]

Agree with the boxes for the norm. Very few plate girder transfer beams due to the unbalanced loading conditions.

A good point on the hatch, inspection is already difficult why make even more so.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

 

[bldgdesign]

Try this website. BridgeWorks is the software and the developer is Tom Elborno.

http://www.masterengineers.com/