3D BRIDGE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS, DESIGN AND EVALUATION

BSE Bridge Structural Engineering Software

BSE : BRIDGE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SOFTWARE

INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN SOFTWARE

BSE SOFTWARE

The BSE Bridge Structural Engineering software is a fully integrated analysis, design and evaluation software for bridges. The software accounts for steel, reinforced concrete, composite, prestressed girder bridges and steel-wood bridges.

This engineering software solution is used worldwide by several notable international companies in production work for building innovative bridges. The BSE software is an advanced structural program based on more than 34 years of Research and Development.

The Bridge Structural Engineering software is a technology built on a powerful user-friendly interface offering comprehensive analysis options and intuitive modeling features. The advanced structural analysis of the BSE software allows the user to achieve specialized analyses crucial to any projects related to the bridge industry.

The BRIDGE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING program allows to analyze, verify, evaluate and design 2D and 3D bridge models of any type and size subjected to standard or non-standard moving loads. The BSE BRIDGE performs multiple simultaneous or non simultaneous standard and non standard moving loads analysis on simple and complex trajectories. The program includes a comprehensive library of over 25 standard trucks and a moving load editor for user defined trucks and trains.

ANALYSIS SPECIFICATIONS

SIESMIC AND DYNAMIC ANALYSIS

Automated simplified method of the building codes (NBCC and IBC)
Seismic response spectrum, seismic time-history and dynamic time-history analysis
Customized response spectrums and accelerograms
Fully customizable analysis parameters
Maximal response using CQC and SRSS methods
Automated or user defined damping
Graphical display of response spectrums and accelerograms
User defined incidence angle of seismic loads and vertical components
Customized analysis and output time steps
Time refined results can be provided for selected parts of the models
Automated or custom determination of the signs of deformations provided by the maximum response methods
Additional masses can be added to the model by way of static loads
Seismic loads (spectrum or accelerogram) and dynamic loads (sinusoidal, general load functions and random load functions)
Multiple seismic and dynamic loads can be combined together in a single analysis
Base shear calibration according to the selected building code
Possibility to define several seismic loads and account for eccentricities between the center of stiffness and the center of mass
Graphical display of the center of stiffness and the center of mass and seismic forces at floors
Account for accidental eccentricities
Account for the I, F and R coefficients of the NBCC and IBC code in spectral and time-history analysis

LOADS AND LOAD COMBINATIONS

The software allows the user to create load combinations.
A load combination results in an algebric combination of distinct basic loads.
Each basic load is multiplied by a load factor. The resulting load combination acts on the structure to generate a specific structural response.
The load combination wizard in the program also allows creating load patterns.
The load combination wizard generates load combinations according to NBCC, UBC, ASCE 7, BOCA, Eurocode and ECC.
Loading for joints, members including concentrated, uniform, trapezoidal and thermal loads.
Pressure or concentrated floor loads with two-way, one-way and truss distribution using triangular or quadrilateral surfaces.
Pressure or concentrated loads on finite element plates.
Gravity loads in any global direction calculated by the program.
Imposed displacements at any joint. User defined load combinations.

COMPREHENSIVE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OPTIONS

FEA Finite Elements Analysis, Static Analysis, Linear and Nonlinear Analysis, P-Delta Analysis, Natural Frequency Analysis, Static Equivalent, Seismic and Dynamic Analysis, Time-History Analysis, Modal Analysis, Spatial Objects and Spatial Loads, Buckling Analysis, Spectral Analysis, Advanced Section Stress, Torsion and Warping, Built Up Sections, Catenary Cables, Diaphragm Analysis, Notional Horizontal Loads, Loads and Load Combinations.

SPATIAL OBJECTS AND SPATIAL LOADS

Spatial objects are used to model non-structural secondary elements attached to the structure. These elements add no stiffness to the existing model. Loads applied to spatial objects are transferred to the structure through one or more attach joints. The loads are transferred using a “rigid plate” approach.
Concentrated, pressure and wind loads may be applied to spatial objects. The figures below shows a spatial object loaded vertically and horizontally attached to a cantilever column. Also, it shows the deformations and biaxial moments induced by the loads transferred by the spatial object.

CATENARY CABLES

The catenary cable element is a highly non-linear element used to model the catenary behavior of a cable suspended between two points under the effect of its self-weight. This formulation accounts for the non-linearity due to large displacements.

A cable has no bending, shear, compression or torsion stiffness. Due to this fact, the fixities at the ends are ignored; the cable is always treated as member acting in tension only. In the interface of the BSE, the user can create a catenary cable by associating a cable type section to a member.

DIRECT ANALYSIS METHOD

Direct Analysis Method (DAM) available for AISC 360-16 and AISC 360-10 standards. The options for the Stability Design Method are Direct Analysis Method (DAM) and Effective Length Method (kL).

TORSION AND WARPING

The BSE software considers restrained warping for the torsion of thin-wall open sections. Notice that this phenomenon is not included in most commonly used frame analysis programs. Almost all frame programs in practice use St-Venant torsion theory ignoring the effects of restrained warping.

ANALYSIS ANIMATION FEATURE

ANIMATION FEATURE

The BSE software allows users to animate results from different types of analysis such as:

-Static Linear Analysis
-Static P-Delta Analysis
-Buckling Analysis
-Natural Frequencies Analysis
-Seismic and Dynamic Analysis

The results are scaled by a linearly increasing factor until the unity factor is reached. The user can detect which parts of the model undergo the most displacements or internal forces by seeing the variation of intensity across the model.

ANIMATION FEATURE

STATIC LINEAR AND P-DELTA ANALYSIS

With the BSE software, users are able to animate various static linear and P-Delta analysis results such as the:
-Structure displacements
-Internal forces
-Stresses
-Support reactions.

ANIMATION FOR A BRIDGE MODEL

In the bridge results menu, animating the envelopes helps minimizing the amount of information on the screen. The user can focus on the most solicited regions of the model. As the animation evolves, the final results are displayed and the global envelopes are displayed.

ANIMATION BRIDGE MODEL

FREQUENCY & BUCKLING

The frequency and buckling analysis provide multiple mode shapes describing multiple behaviors of the structure. With large models, the animation is helpful to discern and understand the mode shapes. It is easier to determine if the buckling mode is a local or global phenomenon. It also provides a very accurate interpretation of the participating mass of each mode in a seismic spectral analysis.

TIME HISTORY

The animation function displays every saved time-step to provide an accurate representation of the displacements, velocities, accelerations and internal forces acting on the structure.

This will provide the user a better understanding of the structure behavior during the dynamic event, such as finding the critical time of the dynamic loading.

TIME HISTORY

Animating the envelopes helps minimizing the amount of information on the screen. The user can focus on the most critical regions of the model.

MESHED BEAM ANIMATION

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

BSE BRIDGE

-The moving loads are transferred to selected elements of the model.
-Impact factors can be specified for an entire truck load or on a per axle basis as well as for lane loads.
-Axles can be raised as required by some bridge design codes such as the CAN/CSA S6 code.
-Lateral distribution factors for moment, shear an deflection are supported.
-Envelopes of response are obtained for any combination of moving loads, lane loads and non moving loads.
-Incremental analysis can be carried out to account for staged constructions.
-Load factors can be determined automatically by the program when evaluating an existing bridge.
-Associated forces and maximum values can be obtained at any point of the structure using the advanced query engine.
-The BSE BRIDGE program permits to query analysis results and associated results at any point of the structure.

DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BRIDGES

•Automatic determination of longitudinal and transverse beam reinforcement.
•Automatic determination of pile reinforcement
•Edition of all reinforcement bars
•Multi-cycle design and verification
•Design of partial structures
•Allows design of concrete members subjected to a linear, P-Delta, non-linear, seismic, dynamic or moving load analysis.
•Second order effects may be accounted for according to the simplified method of the design codes.
•Effects of lateral drift and internal member deformations may be considered together or independently.
•The BSE program allows to design continuous members.
•Design of bending, shear, torsion and combined axial forces and bending.

•Calculates all required reinforcement and development lengths.
•Calculated reinforcement can be further edited and additional resistance verification calculations can be performed on the whole or selected parts of the structure. This cyclic design method allows to closely match practical user requirements without the need of tedious hand calculations
•The program can design longitudinal reinforcement, stirrups and column rein forcement for common concrete section shapes.
•Reinforcement layouts, resistance curves and interaction diagrams are displayed graphically.
•The program considers longitudinal reinforcement and bent bars for bending resistance.
•The program considers straight or inclined stirrups and bent bars for shear and torsion resistance.
•The program considers column reinforcement for combined axial and bending loads.

EVALUATION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BRIDGES

•Supports longitudinal and bent bars in bending
•Supports inclined stirrups and bent bars in shear
•Supports pile reinforcement
•Allows verification of concrete members subjected to a linear, P-Delta, non-linear, seismic, dynamic or moving load analysis.
•Second order effects may be accounted for according to the simplified method of the design codes. -Effects of lateral drift and internal member deformations may be considered together or independently.
•Verification of bending, shear, torsion and combined axial forces and bending.
•Calculates all required reinforcement and development lengths.
•Calculated reinforcement can be further edited and additional resistance verification calculations can be performed on the whole or selected parts of the structure. This cyclic design method allows to closely match practical user requirements without the need of tedious hand calculations.

•The program can design longitudinal reinforcement, stirrups and column rein forcement for common concrete section shapes.
•Reinforcement layouts, resistance curves and interaction diagrams are displayed graphically.
•The program considers longitudinal reinforcement and bent bars for bending resistance.
•The program considers straight or inclined stirrups and bent bars for shear and torsion resistance.
•The program considers column reinforcement for combined axial and bending loads.

DESIGN OF STEEL BRIDGES AND COMPOSITE BRIDGES

•Full support for transverse, bearing and longitudinal stiffeners.
•Total and partial composite action and automatic determination of the required studs.
•User defined studs.
•Plain concrete slab or concrete slab cast on steel deck.
•User defined and standard steel decks.
•Long term deflections can be considered.
•Slab reinforcement can be considered in analysis.
•Effective or full composite inertia can be used.
•Steel verification includes sections classification, resistance and stability checks according to the applicable code.
•Calculation of the bending, compression, tension, shear and combined resistance of steel elements.

•Effects of bearing, transverse and longitudinal stiffeners are considered in the design of bridge girders using bridge design codes such as the CAN/CSA S6 standard.
•The program optimizes the section shapes to minimize the weight or the cost of the whole or a part of the structure. This optimization is performed based on the complete or customized list of standard section shapes or any user defined library of standard and parametric sections shapes.
•Geometrical limits can be defined to control the dimensions and properties of the section shapes selected by the optimization engine.
•The optimization engine can check various deflection criterions during the section selection process.

EVALUATION FEATURES

•Automatic determination of load factors according to chapter 14 of the CAN/CSA S6-06 code.
•Automatic determination of resistance factors (U) according to chapter 14 of the CAN/CSA S6-06 code.
•Supports standard traffic loads and special permits.
•Classes of dead loads can be set for each basic load (D1, D2 and D3).
•Classes of moving loads can be set for each basic load (Normal traffic, alternate normal traffic, PA, PB, PC and PS).
•Member properties such as system behavior, inspection level and reliability index are specified for each element.
•Element behavior is determined automatically for each element of the bridge.
•Provides forces, resistances, limit states and live load capacity factors for all elements of the model.
•Models can be edited either graphically or by means of tables.

EVALUATION OF STEEL AND COMPOSITE BRIDGES

•Full support for transverse, bearing and longitudinal stiffeners.
•Total and partial composite action.
•User defined studs.
•Plain concrete slab or concrete slab cast on steel deck.
•User defined and standard steel decks.
•Long term deflections can be considered.
•Slab reinforcement can be considered in analysis.
•Effective or full composite inertia can be used.
•Steel verification includes sections classification, resistance and stability checks according to the applicable code.
•Calculation of the bending, compression, tension, shear and combined resistance of steel and composite elements based on the results of a linear, P Delta, non-linear, seismic, dynamic or moving load analysis.

•The design of composite beams accounts for long term deflections, partial composite action, plain slab or slab cast on standard or user defined steel decks and user defined studs.
•The slab reinforcement can be considered in the calculation of the elements resistance.
•It is possible to consider the analysis of composite beams with the full composite inertia or the effective inertia in positive moment regions or the steel beam inertia in negative moment regions.
•Effects of bearing, transverse and longitudinal stiffeners are considered in the design or the evaluation of bridge girders using bridge design codes such as the CAN/CSA S6 standard.
•Complete check of deflection according to a comprehensive set of criterions.

MODELING FEATURES

Local coordinate systems
Linear or circular lines of constructions for model creations
Automated commands for model creation such as move, rotate, extrude, copy, attach, subdivide and others
Models can be edited either graphically or by means of spreadsheets
Element can be created in batch or one by one
Elements of the models can be selected either graphically or according to a set of criterions
Persistent groups of selected objects can be created and edited graphically or by means of spreadsheets
Definition of physical members
Selection and edition of physical members
Definition of loading surfaces
Multiple edition grids with user defined spacing, angles and labels
Powerful edition and automatic generation tools
Members can be subdivided in any number of equal segments or at specific positions

EXTENSIVE PROFILE TYPES AND LIBRARIES

Standard sections (CISC, AISC and European)
Custom section libraries
Non-standard sections (over 30 shapes available)
Truss and pre-tensioned cable sections
User defined section properties
Composite sections are available

Similar connected members can be merged together
Elements of the structure can be renumbered according to several criterions
Element attributes can be set graphically or by means of spreadsheets (sections, analysis parameters, rotation angles, etc.)
Element attributes can be edited in batch or element by element
Loads can be edited graphically or by means of spreadsheets
Contour lines for finite element plates with customized bounds
Wizard based geometry generation
A large number of pre-defined frames
Circular and parabolic arches
Cylinders and cones composed of beams and/or plates
Physical elements concept to group different elements
Surfaces can be used for load transfer and self-weight calculation
Surfaces can be used to simulate diaphragm effects

GEOMETRIC CALCULATOR

Wizard based geometry generation
Large number of pre-defined frames
Over 30 pre-defined trusses
Circular and parabolic arches
Cylinders and cones composed of beams and/or plates

DISPLAY FEATURES

The program manages to scale the size of the various pictures including toolbar buttons in order to make the user interface easy to use on every monitor, even on very high resolution monitors.
3D solid display of all section shapes
Ultra-fast 3D visualization in wire frame or solid modes
Customized display of all graphical objects.
Partial model visualization.
Results can be displayed on screen for the whole or a part of the structure.
Results can be displayed for each element separately by means of graphics and numerical results spreadsheets.
Results can be displayed for a set of elements by means of numerical results spreadsheets.

unit systems

Metric, imperial and mixed units systems are allowed and can be modified at any time. Reports are printed according to any unit system.

Graphical display of seismic and dynamic analysis results
Model size limited only to the physical capacity of the computer.

Objects transparency for various components such as current selection, solid members, plates, surfaces, spatial objects, panels.

The level of transparency may be customized for each type of object from the Display Options command.

Functionalities of the BSE program allow to generate automatically detail elements in an automatically generated mesh perimeter.

These functionalities are specifically related to the refinement area, the opening, the linear constraint and the punctual constraint.
All detail elements added to the BSE model will be automatically connected to the finite element mesh.

The mesh perimeter will also connect any elements already in the model to the mesh perimeter automatically if they are in the plane of the mesh contour.

Comprehensive Reports Provided

Results can be visualized either graphically or numerically.
Input data and results may be printed for the whole structure or partial structures using a graphical selection or a range of elements.
Customized list of input data and results to be printed.

Reports are available in several formats including SAFI™ reports, Microsoft Excel worksheets, Microsoft Access databases and ASCII text files.
All graphics can be printed or copied to the clipboard for use in external programs.

FILE IMPORT AND DATA EXCHANGE

IFC (INDUSTRY FOUNDATION CLASSES)
The integration of IFC in the GSE program enables importation of models from a large number of architectural and structural software.
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an open and neutral data format allowing the definition of related classes to all construction objects. It is dedicated to the building sector and aims to software interoperability (all editors, all applications).
IFC is the most widely used protocol for information exchange and sharing between different platforms of BIM (Building Information Modeling).

AutoCAD interface to import and export models by way of a DXF file.
The SDNF (Steel Detailing Neutral File) interface exports beams, columns and braces to SDNF compatible detailing software.
The KISS (Keep It Simple Steel) interface exports beams, columns and braces to KISS compatible estimation softwares.
IFC-Architecture interface for importing models from Revit or other IFC compliant programs.
If required, members subdivision and account for physical elements will be carried out automatically The solid view of the structure may also be exported when exporting to AutoCAD.