Bridge Modeling

[mathnbridges]

Any recommendations on FEM that's tailored for bridges? Considering LUSAS, but ODOT(Ohio) uses LARSA so considering that as well. We have RISA 3D right now but want something more "bridge-friendly"
Thanks!

 

[Qshake]

Anything with a bridge modeler is going to up the price of an already expensive general FEA package. but since you inquired, others to consider are:

CSiBridge - From Computers and Structures Inc, producers of SAP2000

MIDAS-Civil

Depending what you want to do, smaller programs are available that are bridge specific:

Bently's CONSPAN series for concrete girder bridges.

MDX for straight and curved steel girder bridges.






Regards,
Qshake

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[jrw501]

We use LUSAS primarily and I find it quite capable and handy. I think it's somewhere between your RISA/SAP2000s and something like ABAQUS. I also have some experience with MDX and while it has some positive aspects (I think it's relatively easy to learn to use), but I've had negative experiences in both projects I've used it on (we kept running into errors in the software -- things like incorrect tabulation of load effects, incorrect calculation of web bend buckling resistance). That said, their support is very good and as long as you format your emails in the precise way they ask, you can get answers and software fixes very quickly.