Engineering Software

The following table lists free TxDOT engineering software to assist in highway design. It provides an overview and minimum system requirements for each application.

Description System Requirements

ABUTMENT - Abutment MicroStation Development Language (MDL)

Application for automating the detailing of bridge abutments (for I beam type superstructures) using MicroStation J.

User Guide [pdf, 6 pages, 158kb]

 Processor: Pentium 133Mhz
Memory: 32mb
Free Disk Space: 8.8mb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: -
Date: 10/23/2003
Size: 2.5mb

BGS-TxDOT Bridge Geometry System

The TxDOT Bridge Geometry System(BSG) is used for bridge geometric design. The initial release of BGS, Version 8.1, was developed from the TxDOT Roadway Design System (RDS) Version 8.0 application by removing all non-bridge related RDS commands. The user may define, and display graphically, geometry points and curves, bridge alignments with templates, superelevation and widening, and bridge framing, with or without contours. The result of these changes to RDS is BGS, a "scaled down" implementation of TxDOT RDS that focuses on bridge geometric design.

An experienced RDS user will be able to begin using BGS immediately as BGS is used in the same way as RDS. The BGS and CAD plots are the same as RDS when applied to bridge geometric design.

 Processor: Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon minimum
Memory: 32mb
Free Disk Space: 10mb
Operating System: Win 2000, 2003, XP, Vista
Version: 8.1.7
Date: June, 2007
Size: 2.4mb

Optional Software: The Bentley System MicroStation V8 (2004 Edition) software must be installed in order to process BGS plot commands.

BMCOL51- Beam-column analysis

Generalized beam-column discrete element model to analyze simple and continuous beam subjected to concentrated, uniform, uniformly varying, and non-uniformly varying static and movable traverse loads. The program considers the effect of axial load on stiffness. It models spring supports, rotational spring restraints, and concentrated applied torques, It analyzes a beam-column of up to 999 discrete increments of user defined length. Flexural stiffness may be prismatic, uniformly varying, or non-uniformly varing.

 Processor: Pentium 133Mhz
Memory: 32mb
Free Disk Space: 200kb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 5.2.3
Date: 08/07/2009
Size: 1.0mb

C2C Tools- Center to Center (C2C) Development Toolkit

Containing the interface Control Document, XML Schemas and WSDL files need to develop plugiin software compatible with the Center to Center Infrastructure. This download also contains the Center to Center Test Suite application, used to validate the plugin against the defined interface, and the Status Logger application need for the Test Suite application.

 Processor: Pentium 133Mhz
Memory: 256mb
Free Disk Space: 30mb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 4.4.0
Date: 4/30/2009
Size: 16.5 mb

CAP18 - Bent Cap Analysis Program

A specialized structural analysis program using a discrete element model that produces envelopes of maximum bending and shear forces acting on bridge bent caps. Analytical results are for working stress and/or load factor design in accordance with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications or the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. Users input live loads are automatically placed within users defined lanes to generate maximum forces at users specified points.

 Processor: Pentium 133Mhz
Memory: 256mb
Free Disk Space: 30mb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 6.1.1
Date: 3/25/2008
Size: 1.4mb

COSB1

Analyzes cantilever overhead sign bridge typically built in Texas. Structure geometry and analysis are based on the assumptions and limitations described in the help document.

 Processor: Pentium 133Mhz
Memory: 32mb
Free Disk Space: 600kb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 3.00
Date: 8/1/2001
Size: 0.28mb

CULV5 - Concrete Box Culvert Analysis

This program is used for the structural analysis of concrete box culverts. CULV5 determines the forces acting on each of the different members of the culvert using the direct stiffness method. The user is required to input loading conditions, structure geometry, and member sizes. The program outputs the member forces for use in either a working stress design or a load factor design in accordance with the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, 17th ed. for highway loadings, and AREMA 2000 for E72 and E80 loadings.

 Processor: Intel Pentium
Memory: 256mb (1GB Vista)
Free Disk Space: 10mb
Operating System: Win 2000, 2003, XP, Vista
Version: 1.71
Date: August, 2003
Size: 1.6mb

ESS Tools

Environmental Sensor Station (ESS) software development toolkit containing the Protocol Document, XML Schemas, and XML Tester Application with Schema Panels needed to develop software capable of interfacing with TxDOT's Environmental Sensor Station software.

Processor: Pentium 133Mhz
Memory: 512mb
Free Disk Space: 5mb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 1.0.0
Date: 2/25/2009
Size: 2.3mb

FM Tools

Flow Manager (FM) software development toolkit containing the Protocol Document, XML Schemas, and XML Tester Application with Schema Panels needed to develop FM compatible software.

 Processor: Pentium 133Mhz
Memory: 512mb
Free Disk Space: 5mb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 1.0.3
Date: 5/23/2008
Size: 2.0mb

OSB6

Use approximate analysis method for overhead sign bridge customarily built in Texas. Structure geometry and analysis are based on the assumptions and limitations described in the help document.

 Processor: Pentium 133Mhz
Memory: 32mb
Free Disk Space: 1.2mb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 3.00
Date: 8/1/2004
Size: 0.32mb

PIER - Non-Linear Analysis of Concrete Piers

Specialized program which performs non-linear analysis of slender, non-prismatic, and hollow core concrete

Reference Guide[zip, 4 file,22mb]

Processor: Pentium 133 Mhz
Memory: 864kb
Free Disk Space: 513kb
Operating System: Win 32- Bit
Version: 2.01
Date: 7/19/2004
Size: 0.69mb

PSTRS14-TxDOT Prestressed Concrete Beam Design/Analysis Program

PSTRS14 has been developed and is maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The program is used to design/analyze standard and non-standard simple span prestressed concrete beams with either draped or straight (partially debonded) strands according to AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Specifications (4th Edition, 2007), AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges (17th Edition), AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges (15th Edition, 1994 Interim), or American Railway Engineering Association Specifications (1988). Properties of standard I beams, Dbl-T beams, U beams, Slab beams, Box beams and TxGirder beams are included in the program's beam section library. User defined beam shapes can be designed/analyzed using the non-standard beam option.

 Processor: Intel Pentium or AMD Atlon
Memory:
Free Disk Space: 10mb
Operating System: Win 2000,2003,XP, Vista
Version: 4.2.6
Date: 12/21/2007
Size: 4.5mb

Ride Quality

Used when Special Specification 5880 or Item 585 applies to construction projects. Prior to invoking these Ride Quality Specifications the user should read the Guidance Document [pdf, 3 pages, 25kb]from the Construction Division to determine the proper pay schedule for the type of construction work to be done. The user should also read the specification and the associated Test Method Tex-1001-S

 Processor:
Memory:
Free Disk Space:
Operating System:
Version: 2008.11.11
Date: 11/11/2008
Size: 2.2mb

ShopPlanTools

For use only by Engineering Consultants under contract to TxDOT to perform shop plan review. Shop Plan Review Plug-in for Adobe Acrobat Professional - This tool provides functions to expedite approval stamp placement, hiding/showing reviewer markups, and document flattening. Installation of Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0, 8.0, or later, is a pre-requisite. (Has been tested for compatibility with versions through 8.1.4 and 9.0.0 Beta. Insure that critical markups are retained on plan sets when using Acrobat Pro versions later than these. For questions or comments, contact Jeff Cotham at jcotham@dot.state.tx.us.)

 Processor: Pentium
Memory: 128mb
Free Disk Space: 246kb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 1.0.2
Date: 6/15/2009
Size: 0.36mb

Signal

Analyzes traffic signal or strain pole assemblies. Analysis is based on the assumptions and limitations described in the help document.

Processor: Pentium 133Mhz
Memory: 32mb
Free Disk Space: 500kb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 3.00
Date: 8/1/2001
Size: 0.02mb

SignsPC

SignsPC - TxDOT Traffic Sign Detailing Program

The SignsPC application is used in conjunction with the MicroStation computer-aided drafting application. SignsPC extends MicroStation by providing the user with a toolkit for generating and labeling traffic signs. The toolkit also includes a lettering feature to accurately place lettering cells spaced according to standard specifications.

This release of SignsPC is compatible with MicroStation V8 (2004 Edition, Version 8.5). This specific release of MicroStation must be installed on the target PC in order install and run SignsPC.

 Processor: Pentium
Memory: 256mb
Free Disk Space: 10mb
Operating System: Windows 2000/3 and XP
Version: 3.1.2
Date: October 2007
Size: 5.0 mb

TxDOT NTCIP Tester(TNT)

The TxDOT NTCIP Tester (TNT) is a tool used to test Dynamic Message Signs against the NTCIP standard.

 Processor: Pentium 4 or Higher
Memory: 256mb
Free Disk Space: 75mb
Operating System: Windows XP
Version: 4.0.0
Date: 8/27/2006
Size: 61mb

TSS Tools

Transportation Sensor Subsystem (TSS) software development toolkit containing the Protocol Document, XML Schemas, and XML Tester Application with Schema Panels needed to develop TSS compatible software.

 Processor: Pentium 133 Mhz
Memory: 512mb
Free Disk Space: 5mb
Operating System:
Version: 1.06
Date: 12/22/2007
Size: 2.2mb

TxBridge - TxDOT Bridge Toolbox

The TxDOT Bridge Toolbox (TxBridge) software is used in conjunction with the Bentley(R) Systems MicroStation(R) computer-aided drafting application. TxBridge extends MicroStation by providing the user with various utilities that implement CAD standards adopted by the TxDOT Bridge Division. These utilities automate the selection of drawing scales and the placement of text and terminator elements.

TxDOT developed and tested this release of TxBridge using MicroStation V8 (2004 Edition). This specific release of MicroStation must be installed on the target PC in order install and run TxBridge.

TxBridge is a MicroStation Development Language (MDL) based application. The software is comprised of various MDL (.ma), MicroStation Visual Basic for Applications (.mvba) and MicroStation Basic macro (.ba) programs.

 Processor: Pentium
Memory: 256mb
Free Disk Space: 10mb
Operating System: Windows 2000/3 and XP
Version: 1.4.4
Date: October 2007
Size: 1.2 mb

VCS Tools

Vehicle Compliance Subsystem (VCS) software development toolkit containing the Protocol Document, XML Schemas, and XML Tester Application with Schema Panels needed to develop VCS compatible software.

 Processor: Pentium 133 Mhz
Memory: 512mb
Free Disk Space: 5mb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 1.0.5
Date: 1/15/2008
Size: 2.2 MB

WINCORE

Analyzes and reports soil borings in accordance with TxDOT Standards. Accompanying MicroStation macros allow WinCore files to be accessed from inside MicroStation for automated drawing of core logs in design files. Macros compatible with MicroStation Versions J and V8.

Processor: 486-33Mhz
Memory: 16mb
Free Disk Space: 4mb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 3.1
Date: 8/9/2005
Size: 3mb

WinStorm

Storm Drain Analysis/Design (Metric/English)

 Processor: 486-133Mhz
Memory: 3mb
Free Disk Space: 15mb
Operating System: Win 32-Bit
Version: 3.05
Date: 4/30/2002
Size: 12.9mb