If you are related to bridge designing, then it is necessary to know the top bridge design software for 2022. Furthermore, it is a valid concern given that using an authentic bridge design tool would facilitate your task.
Many of us are seeking more effective methods of creating and designing bridges. If you have looked at the available bridge design software, you might be amazed at how good some of the newer software is. At the same time, you will be glad to know how much better some of the older ones have gotten. However, finding the best bridge design software can be bothersome since many of them are paid software.
It is better to know the best bridge design software before finally paying for any. This made us find the best software for bridge design that we are going to present in this article.
Best Bridge Design Software for 2023: From Professionals’ Point of View
Bridge design software is mostly required for professional or commercial use. It is hardly used for personal work. People wouldn’t want to buy paid software for personal use unless it is very important. That is why top civil engineering and design companies look for the top bridge design software.
In our opinion, the following is the top structural design software right now.
#1 AutoCAD
| Standout Features – |
| Design sharing with collaborators and stakeholders is simple. It may be modified with the help of add-on applications and APIs.The tool has the ability to assess project performance. It has an easy-to-use user interface. Frequent and periodic updates. A free trial is offered. |
The full form of AutoCAD is “Automatic Computer Aided Design.” This tool includes all the crucial elements that are needed for an effective bridge design or any structural design. It is a very popular bridge design software due to its variety of features. This makes AutoCAD one of the top structural design software packages of all time.
Many professionals still use AutoCAD for creating 2D and 3D designs, drawing, and modeling. It may also be used to gauge how well a project is performing. AutoCAD provides a clear and straightforward interface, which is easy to understand and share among stakeholders and team members.
Designers have consistently reacted favorably to the many modifications made to it, regardless of the existence of the software. People can easily use it and they will remain confident in its results.
#2 Autodesk
| Standout Features – |
| From a single tool, you can analyze both architectural and tour designs. It offers various analyzing techniques and gives reports on design calculations. You can create grinder bridge designs with it. A free trial is offered. |
You may want to use Autodesk if you are working at a company that develops bridges and other structures on a small scale. So, why choose Autodesk? Because it offers a longer trial period than other bridge design software. This will help you make a firm decision to purchase this software since you can deeply evaluate the features of this tool during the trial period.
It’s possible that Autodesk structural bridge design software is the solution you are looking for. It is an entirely integrated system that is ideal for small-scale applications. Without adding too much complexity, you may create a bridge and examine tour designs with this tool. Additionally, Autodesk provides a variety of price alternatives, which may be beneficial to smaller enterprises.
#3 STAAD Pro
| Standout Features – |
| Any kind of structure may be analyzed quickly and thoroughly. You may use the company’s other tools for integrated projects because it supplies CAM/CAD solutions. You can use STAAD cloud and other design iterations parallelly. It can streamline the BIM workflow smoothly. It offers 90+ worldwide design codes. Excellent for seismic analysis is very simple to use. |
It is considered the best bridge design software for creating state-of-the-art designs. Consider adopting STAAD Pro if your bridge or project demands the highest level of design accuracy.
It not only enables you to work through even the most difficult details, but also allows you to do in-depth structural studies. This could save you from having to use a second remedy, which would be less effective and more expensive. Despite being sophisticated software, it is surprisingly simple to use, especially for beginners.
Another appealing characteristic of STAAD Pro is being a member of Bentley Systems. All in all, STAAD Pro is a considerable solution if you are looking for one that gets almost everything correct.
#4 MIDAS Civil
| Standout Features – |
| For various design standards, the post-processor automatically generates load combinations. The development of building staging plans and models is made simpler by its wizards. Reports may be quickly and easily imported into programs like Microsoft Word and Excel. Comes with a simple interface that requires less ramp-up time. Offers several methods for analysis. Big projects are ideally suited for their tools. |
Midas Civil may be the software solution you’re searching for if you are seeking something specific for designing and constructing bridges. Large-scale design projects benefit greatly from their modeling tools. It has “wizards” that make creating models and creating building staging schedules comparatively simple.
Although it would appear that a solution this complex would be challenging to use, it features an intuitive user interface. Ramp-up also doesn’t take very long. Additionally, reports may be swiftly transferred into other software programs, such as Microsoft Excel or Word. There are several choices for bridge analysis as well.
#5 CsiBridge
| Standout Features – |
| It is suitable for both basic and elaborate designs. It provides the option for parallelization with several CPUs. Gives proper instructions in the Bridge Wizard tool to create a complete bridge model. Allows simple data exports into Microsoft Word and Excel. Enables automation to increase precision and effectiveness. Comes with modeling properties that are adaptable. It has the capability for scheduling and reporting. |
Your best choice for managing both straightforward and complex bridge designs may be CsiBridge. A group that generated a number of renowned solutions actually developed the modeling. That is why the modeling capabilities of this tool are incredibly adaptable and may be tailored for various bridge-building projects.
You can build, model, and evaluate bridges all in one location with this comprehensive solution. Another benefit is the simplicity with which data and other information can be exported into Microsoft Excel and Word. Additionally, it offers unmatched scheduling and reporting skills.
#6 RISA
| Standout Features – |
| It gives other options like RISAFoundation. Comes with features to give design accuracy. Offers an ideal interface for beginners. A great tool for analysis. It offers a free trial service. |
Another strong software program that offers high levels of design accuracy and features is RISA. For novice bridge designers and developers, the user-friendly interface of RISA is ideal.
You can use additional RISA platforms, such as RISAFoundation, for more complicated applications. Moreover, you will need this option if you are constructing a complicated bridge that uses a variety of materials. RISA is very solid in terms of analysis.
If you work on intricate projects where accuracy is essential, you should definitely try RISA to determine if it’s the perfect tool for you or not. And you have a perfect opportunity to utilize that since a free trial is accessible.
Variations of Bridge Design: 8 General Types
You may have seen various types of bridges. Despite the look, there are structural differences between the two bridges. On top of that, there are differences in traffic loads for different bridges. The construction stage also differs for various bridges.
No matter what, we can conclude with the following 8 types of bridges –
- Beam Bridge
The beam bridge was the first form of bridge ever constructed because of its simplicity. The span can be covered by a crossbeam that is supported by an abutment at either end. A girder bridge is one form of beam bridge that uses steel girders as reinforcement. The cost of building a beam bridge is still the lowest.
Example – The bridge on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana.
- Arch Bridge
Instead of allowing gravity and load forces to send a bridge sliding down, an arched bridge harnesses them to keep itself aloft. The downward force from gravity must be directed inward in order for an arch bridge to function.
Example – The bridge on Point Saint Martin, Italy.
- Truss Bridge
A truss bridge disperses its weight over a number of attached compact pieces. Bridge trusses are normally connected by welded or riveted connections in a sequence of triangles. Smaller bridges are formed by structural beams, whereas bigger ones use box girders.
Example – The Cottonwood River Pratt Truss bridge at Cedar Point, Kansas.
- Suspension Bridge
Just as its name suggests, suspension bridges are supported by vertical pillars that are linked by suspension cables. Small and vertical suspenders are attached to the main cables, using tension to support the bridge deck. Perhaps, the United States is very popular for setting examples of suspension bridges.
Example – The famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
- Cable-Stayed Bridge
This is a variant of the suspension bridge where the towers or pillars are directly connected to the crossbeam. Instead of the main cable, a great number of vertical suspenders cover the top of the tower. The bridge deck is kept steady in place by these suspenders using tension.
Example – The earliest contemporary cable-stayed bridge is said to be Sweden’s Strömsund Bridge.
- Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever construction is used to create this type of bridge. This design supports a horizontal deck that extends out from one or both sides across the bridge using a pillar that is vertically fixed into the ground. It withstands loads from above as well as below.
Example – The McCullough Memorial Bridge in Oregon.
- Tied-Arch Bridge
A tied-arch bridge combines elements of a suspension bridge with an arch bridge. Similar to a typical arch bridge, it supports an arched structure using horizontal force from both sides. These are also known as “bowstring bridges.”
Example – The Fort Pitt Bridge in Pennsylvania.
- Segmental Bridge
Short segments are assembled to form a segmental bridge. This sort of bridge is constructed one segment at a time, in contrast to conventional methods that construct a bridge in relatively large portions. Precast concrete is used to construct this type of bridge. These bridges are especially cost-effective for lengthy spans (over 100 meters). They are picked out for their pleasing appearance as well.
Example – The Manwel Dimech bridge is situated in St. Julian, Malta.
Some of the Most Dangerous Bridges in the World
Although bridges are safe, they may not look like them. Well-constructed bridges are strong enough to hold a significant amount of load. But small bridges, on the other hand, may not take much load.
With that said, there are bridges in the world that are really dangerous. Most of the dangerous bridges are well known for tourism. Here are some of the mentionable dangerous bridges in the world –
- Eshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan
- Musou Tsuribashi Bridge, Japan
- Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia
- Sidu River Bridge, China
- Longjiang suspension bridge, China
- Monkey Bridges, Vietnam
- Royal Gorge Bridge, USA
- Marienbrucke, Germany
- Suspension bridge on the Trift glacier, Switzerland
- Storseisundet Bridge, Norway
- Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
- Aiguille du Midi bridge, French Alps
- Kuandinsky Bridge in Kuanda, Russia
Pre Tensioning vs Post Tensioning: in Prestressed Concrete
The following table will present the comparison between pre-tension and post-tension. So, let’s take a look at the table –
| Pre Tensioning | Post Tensioning |
| Pretension is the method of adding tension to strands before concrete is poured. | After the concrete reaches its maximum strength, post-tensioning is done in a duct that has been formed. |
| It is reliable as well as more durable. | The reliability and durability depend on the two anchorage mechanisms. |
| Needed for constructing small parts. | Here, the size is not limited. Long-span bridges may be required for post-tensioning. |
| The method is based on connecting concrete and steel. | The method is based on bearing. |
| It is relatively cheaper. | It is more expensive than pre-tensioning. |
| The loss of strength > 17% | The loss of strength < 15% |
Final Words
We have introduced you to our selection of the top bridge design software for 2022. Now it is up to you which one you would pick for use. The selection of bridge design software may vary depending on the type of your usage. Some may use the software for their personal work, and some may use it for commercial work. So, you should choose a suitable bridge design software accordingly.
Let us know in the comments which bridge design software you want to use. Also, mention if you have a specific bridge design software that wasn’t on the list.