Examples of Computer Usage in Bridge Design

Design procedures supported on an office based mini-computer with a display are described and illustrated by examples for concrete bridge design. To retain the engineers' sense of involvement in design and to maintain his flexibility of approach a data-based system is developed. Files are accessed by independent programs and graphical communication is used extensively to ensure fluid and meaningful man-machine interaction in real time. The techniques are illustrated by application to the overall design of a multispan varying section prestressed-concrete bridge and to design of structural elements. Emphasis is placed on visual communication and on the provision of design aids to accelerate the decision-making process. The approach provides an economic, efficient, and accurate method of performing complex operations which are not suited to fully automatic treatment. By condensing the time span of a design cycle more possible solutions can be investigated and thus the engineers' chances of producing the most appropriate design are increased.