Dead Load Types

CSiBridge Express automatically calculates component weights based on geometry and material density.

• Self-Weight of Deck
• Girder Self-Weight
• Column and Bent Cap Weight
• Foundation Weight
• Barrier and Railing Weight
• Automatic Weight Calculation

Temperature Loads

CSiBridge Express applies temperature effects according to code provisions.

• Uniform Temperature Change
• Temperature Gradient Effects
• Vertical Temperature Distribution
• Seasonal Temperature Ranges
• Material Thermal Properties
• Expansion Joint Considerations

Vehicle Live Loads

CSiBridge Express supports multiple international vehicle load standards with automatic load positioning and distribution.

• AASHTO HL-93 Loading
• IRC Class A and B Loading
• Eurocode Load Models
• Design Truck Configurations
• Design Lane Loading
• Dynamic Load Allowance

Vehicle Classes

CSiBridge Express provides comprehensive tools for defining and managing vehicle classes to accurately represent typical traffic loads.

• Auto-Generated Vehicle Class Library
• Custom Vehicle Class Definition
• Vehicle Combination Selection
• Scale Factor Specification
• Multiple Vehicle per Class
• Moving Load Case Integration

Mass Source

CSiBridge Express considers structural components, non-structural elements, and additional loads to ensure precise predictions of bridge behavior under seismic activity.

• Structural Component Mass Definition
• Non-Structural Element Inclusion
• Load Pattern Selection
• Mass Multiplier Specification
• Element Self-Mass Control
• Response Spectrum Generation

Response Spectrum

CSiBridge Express uses pseudo-spectral acceleration versus period functions to determine maximum expected bridge responses during seismic events.

• Code-Based Spectrum Definition
• User-Defined Spectrum Input
• Interactive Graphical Visualization
• Multiple Function Support
• Acceleration as Percentage of Gravity
• Maximum Response Prediction (Acceleration, Velocity, Displacement)

Load Patterns

CSiBridge Express auto-generates essential load patterns while providing flexibility for users to create custom patterns for comprehensive structural analysis.

• Auto-Generated Load Pattern Library
• Custom Load Pattern Definition
• Load Type Specification (Force, Displacement, Temperature)
• Self-Weight Multiplier Assignment
• Multiple Loads per Object Support
• Independent Load Variation Control

Load Cases

CSiBridge Express auto-generates essential load cases and provides full customization capability for unique project scenarios.

• Auto-Generated Essential Load Cases
• Modal Analysis Cases
• Dead Load Cases
• Moving Load Cases
• P-Delta Analysis
• Custom Load Case Creation

Load Combinations

CSiBridge Express automatically generates code-compliant combinations while allowing full user customization for accurate safety verification.

• Auto-Generated Code-Compliant Combinations
• Design Code Integration
• Load Case Editing Capability
• Custom Combination Creation
• Combination Duplication
• User-Defined Section Management

Limit States

CSiBridge Express automatically generates code-compliant serviceability and strength limit states to ensure bridges remain safe, serviceable, and durable throughout their intended lifespan.

• Auto-Generated Serviceability Limit States
• Auto-Generated Strength Limit States
• Design Code Compliance
• Load Combination Association
• Custom Limit State Creation
• Limit State Duplication for Customization

Additional Bridge Loads

Additional Bridge Loads allow users to supplement auto-computed loads by applying custom loads directly on bridge decks and bents. This feature provides flexibility to account for unique project conditions and site-specific loading scenarios.

• Direct Deck Load Application
• Direct Bent Load Application
• Vertical, Longitudinal, and Transverse Directions
• User-Specified Load Locations
• Abutment Load Assignment
• Supplementary Load Integration

Finite Element Mesh Viewer

The Interactive Finite Element Mesh Viewer provides detailed visualization of the generated mesh, allowing users to examine mesh quality and distribution closely. While direct mesh modifications are not possible, users can refine the analysis by adjusting underlying parameters.

• Interactive Mesh Visualization
• Close-Up Mesh Examination

SAPFire® Analysis Engine

CSiBridge Express automatically generates comprehensive finite element analytical models from parametric geometry and analyzes them using the powerful SAPFire® engine. Multiple solver options provide optimized performance for projects of any scale and complexity.

• Standard Solver - General Purpose Analysis
• Advanced Solver - Complex & Large-Scale Models
• Multi-Threaded Solver - Parallel Processing

Analysis Results Visualization

Comprehensive visualization tools enable users to understand and interpret analysis results effectively. CSiBridge Express provides animated structural responses, graphical force displays, and detailed result summaries for thorough post-analysis review.

• Animated Structural Response
• Graphical Force Display (Axial, Shear, Moments)
• Load Case and Combination Selection
• Analysis Result Summary Dashboard
• Support Reactions and Bearing Forces
• Maximum Deflection Reports

Modal Results

CSiBridge Express presents comprehensive modal analysis data with detailed process information for thorough dynamic performance evaluation.

• Natural Frequency Calculation
• Mode Shape Visualization
• Analysis Process Information
• Error and Warning Messages
• Analysis Results Summary Access
• Report Generation Capability

Bridge Forces

Bearing Forces and Displacements sections provide detailed analysis results at bearing locations. Users can examine forces and movements for any load case or combination, with results organized by bent and abutment for clear interpretation.

• Bearing Force Analysis
• Bearing Displacement Tracking
• Load Case/Combination Selection
• Individual Bent/Abutment Tables
• Report Generation
• Organized Result Presentation

Maximum Vertical Girder Deflections

CSiBridge Express allows users to visualize deflections for any load case or combination, with flexible reporting and export capabilities for detailed post-processing.

• Maximum Deflection Visualization
• Load Case/Combination Selection
• Report Generation
• CSV File Export
• Serviceability Assessment
• Flexible Data Management

Pushover Analysis

CSiBridge Express supports nonlinear pushover analysis with automated load case generation and detailed fiber hinge material modeling for performance-based seismic evaluation.

• Nonlinear Static (Pushover) Analysis
• Automatically Generated Pushover Load Cases
• User-Controlled Mesh Size for Nonlinear Elements
• Fiber Hinge Modeling for Columns and Piers
• Stress–Strain Curve Definition for Concrete and Reinforcement