Five bridge analysis codes, which formerly ran only on mainframes and minicomputers, have been enhanced and converted to the microcomputer environment. Refinements include color pre- and postprocessing graphics, panel-oriented input, help and error trapping functions, and an improved user interface. Bridge applications include linear-elastic analysis of beam columns subjected to movable loads, linear and nonlinear frame analyses, and analysis of bent caps and continuous beams. Seamless integration of coded modules is performed so thatexisting mainframe programs become subroutines to the new microcomputer codes. However, no other modifications are made to the analysiscodes to ensure avoidance of new error sources and rapid harmonization. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1275, Bridge research 1990.
Abstract