Documentation

Learn how to use CSiBridge Express effectively.

Quick Start Guide

Get up and running with CSiBridge Express in minutes. This guide walks you through creating your first bridge design.

Step 1: Create a New Project

After launching CSiBridge Express, select a bridge template from the starting window. Choose from options like Single Span Overpass, Multi-Span Overpass, Waterway Crossing, or various Flyover configurations.

Basic Setup Options

  • Default Units: Metric SI, Metric MKS, or US Imperial
  • Design Code: AASHTO LRFD 2020, AASHTO LRFD 2017, IRC:112-2020, or Eurocode 2:2004
  • Material Library: United States-Customary, China-GB, Europe-EN 1992, and more

Step 2: Define Bridge Layout

Configure the bridge geometry in the New Project Window:

  • Location: Set start bearing, start station, and skew angle
  • Elevation: Define start elevation and reference ground elevation
  • Spans: Enter number of spans and span lengths (e.g., "20;20;30" or "4x25")
  • Deck: Select deck section type (RC Slab, RC Beams, or PSC Girders)

Step 3: Configure Components

Customize the structural components:

  • Bent Type: Single Column, Multiple Column, Wall Column, Multiple Pile, etc.
  • Bent Cap: Uniform Depth or Variable Depth sections
  • Columns: Prismatic, Trapezoid, Flared, or I-Shape
  • Foundations: Isolated Footing, Combined Footing, Pile Group, etc.
  • Abutments: Closed Wall, Open Frame, or Integral types

Step 4: Generate Model

Click "Generate Model and Continue" to create the 3D bridge model. The main program window will open with:

  • Bridge Explorer: Navigate unit setup, libraries, and bridge components
  • Property Panel: View and edit component parameters
  • 3D Interactive Window: Visualize and interact with the bridge model

Step 5: Run Analysis

Navigate to the Analysis ribbon menu and click "Run Analysis". CSiBridge Express uses the SAPFire® engine to perform:

  • Linear Static Analysis
  • Modal Analysis
  • Moving Load Analysis
  • Response Spectrum Analysis
  • Pushover Analysis (for seismic assessment)

Step 6: Design & Review

Use the Design menu to:

  • Auto Design: Automatically generate designs for all structural components
  • Capacity Check: Verify components meet required capacity ratios
  • Design Response: View force diagrams, interaction diagrams, and capacity ratios
  • Generate Reports: Create comprehensive design documentation

System Requirements

CSiBridge Express requires the following system specifications:

Minimum Requirements

  • OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
  • CPU: Intel i3 8th gen or AMD Ryzen 5
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 1.5 GB, SSD recommended
  • Display: 1280 × 720
  • Graphics: DirectX 11 compatible

Recommended

  • CPU: Intel i5/i7/i9 9th gen or AMD Ryzen 5/7/9
  • RAM: 16 GB (32 GB for large models)
  • Storage: 500 GB+ PCIe SSD
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GPU with 512 MB+ VRAM

Interface Overview

The CSiBridge Express interface consists of four main areas:

  • Ribbon Menus: Home, Analysis, Design, Detailing, Options, and Help tabs
  • Bridge Explorer (Left): Tree-view navigation of unit setup, libraries, project, and bridge model
  • Property Panel (Center-Left): View and edit parameters for selected components
  • 3D Interactive Window (Right): Visual display of bridge model, components, and reports

Bridge Templates

CSiBridge Express provides pre-built templates for commonly encountered bridge configurations:

Straight Bridges

  • • Superstructure Only
  • • Single Span Overpass
  • • Multi Span Overpass
  • • Waterway Crossing

Flyover Bridges

  • • Straight Flyover
  • • Cross Flyover
  • • U-Turn Flyover
  • • Ramp 270 Degree

Alignment Definition

Define the precise positioning of your bridge in both horizontal and vertical planes.

Horizontal Alignment

  • Data Types: Bearing and Lengths, PIs Using Cords, Segments
  • Quickstart Options: Straight, Curve, S-Curve, Expanded U-Turn
  • Station Data: Define reference points along alignment

Vertical Alignment

  • Quick Profiles: Flat, Ramp, Climb To, Descent From, Flyover
  • Gradient Control: Define vertical curves and grades

Deck Sections

Three deck section types are available, each suited for different span lengths and load requirements:

RC Slab

Reinforced concrete slab spanning directly between supports. Suitable for short-span or pedestrian bridges.

RC Beams

Reinforced slab supported by rectangular beams. Used for medium spans with moderate traffic loads.

PSC Girders

Prestressed concrete girders for longer spans. Select from AASHTO, Caltrans, or WSDOT libraries.

Substructure Components

Bent Types

  • • Single Column Bent
  • • Multiple Column Bent
  • • Wall Column Bent
  • • Multiple Pile Bent

Column Types

  • • Prismatic
  • • Trapezoid
  • • Flared
  • • I-Shape

Foundation Types

  • • Isolated Footing
  • • Combined Footing
  • • Pile Group
  • • Pier Pile

Abutment Types

  • • Closed Wall
  • • Open Frame
  • • Integral

Vehicle Live Loads

CSiBridge Express incorporates vehicle libraries adhering to international standards:

  • AASHTO: HL-93, HS20, HS25, Tandem, Lane Load
  • AREMA: Cooper E80, Alternate Live Load
  • Caltrans: Permit Trucks, California Legal Loads
  • IRC: Class A, Class AA, Class 70R, Special Vehicles

Defining Loads

CSiBridge Express supports comprehensive load definition:

Dead Loads

  • • Self-weight (auto-calculated)
  • • Surfacing Load
  • • Barrier & Walkway Load

Temperature Loads

  • • Positive/Negative Gradient
  • • AASHTO or General method

Running Analysis

CSiBridge Express uses the SAPFire® analysis engine with multiple solver options:

Analysis Types

Linear Static
Modal
Moving Load
Response Spectrum
P-Delta
Pushover

Supported Design Codes

AASHTO LRFD 2020
AASHTO LRFD 2017
IRC:112-2020
Eurocode 2:2004

Auto Design

The Auto Design feature automates reinforcement generation for all structural components:

  • • Select components for auto design
  • • Generate limit states for design
  • • View design progress in dedicated section
  • • Automatic reinforcement sizing and spacing

BOQ & Cost Estimation

Generate accurate Bill of Quantities and cost estimates:

  • Quantities Summary: Concrete volumes, reinforcement weights
  • Bar Quantity List: Detailed rebar quantities by size
  • Material Cost: Based on user-defined unit rates
  • Rebar Schedules: Bar bending details for fabrication

Report Generation

Generate comprehensive reports at multiple levels:

Project Level

  • • Design Criteria Report
  • • Bridge Summary Report
  • • BOQ & Cost Summary

Export Formats

  • • PDF
  • • Microsoft Word
  • • CSV

BIM/IFC Integration

CSiBridge Express supports comprehensive BIM workflows:

IFC Export
Revit Integration
CSiBridge Export
GIS/Map Integration
3D Printing (STL)
Cloud Viewer

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl + NNew project
Ctrl + SSave project
Ctrl + ZUndo
Ctrl + YRedo
F5Run analysis
Ctrl + PPrint/Export