Engineering Software

BGS-TxDOT Bridge Geometry System

The TxDOT Bridge Geometry System (BGS) is useful for bridge geometric design. Included in the text output are geometric data and reports that may be imported into various MicroStation design files to include angles, dimensions, elevations, etc. in the bridge plans as needed to accurately fabricate and place the various bridge elements during construction as well as determine bid item quantities during preparation of the PS&E package.

BGS Version 8.1, the initial release of BGS (June 2007), was developed from TxDOT Roadway Design System (RDS) Version 8.0 by removing all non-bridge related RDS commands. The result of these changes to RDS is BGS, a "scaled down" implementation of TxDOT RDS that focuses on bridge geometrics. BGS v8.1.7.2 was deployed in November of 2011 as a technical release to address OS issues with v8.1.7 (i.e. 8.1) released June 2007.

BGS, Version 9.1 includes a large number of fixes to bugs reported since the release of BGS Version 8.1 as well as enhancements to address user's concerns, including reducing system limitations on numbers such as the number of diaphragm lines that could be defined. Such limitation existed since long before the release of RDS Version 8.0. For a complete listing of the changes made to BGS Version 8.1 to yield BGS Version 9.1, see the Release Notes for BGS Version 9.1 installed with the software. This software product was developed by TxDOT for the use of TxDOT engineers and consultants and is maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The current draft of the BGS v9.1 User Guide is over 360 pages long. Due to file size and for other reasons it is not deployed directly to the end user's machine but is rather stored on TxDOT_s FTP server. Users can access the guide via a link to it installed in the Bridge Geometry System (BGS) program group. This decoupling of the BGS User Guide from the packaging of the software allows for revision on an as-needed basis throughout the life of BGS v9.1. This BGS User Guide, like the old RDS User Manual, should provide all the information that the user will need to run the software.

See the BGS Support Information document, linked in the same manner as the BGS User Guide, for instructions on how to report bugs and wishes about program functionality or get technical support. Technical support is available to all TxDOT BGS users and any consultant BGS users designing bridges for TxDOT.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This 2/20/2020 release of BGS, Version 9.1.6 is a technical release intended to address Windows 10 compatibility and the false positives for malware by malware scanning software issues. The false positive for malware issue has persisted since shortly after the 02/12/2016 posting of BGS 9.1.6, as malware detection software began becoming increasingly more sensitive. The repackaging of the installer includes revised names and content for some documentation. The functionality of the compiled elements of the BGS software have not changed, hence the compile program version remains 9.1.6.

BridgeLink v6.1 (PGSUPER - Prestressed Girder Superstructure Design and Analysis)

PGSuper is now part of the BridgeLink application framework. BridgeLink is an integrated suite of bridge engineering software. BridgeLink links together several different bridge engineering software tools into one convenient and easy to use platform. The software tools included in BridgeLink are BEToolbox, PGSplice, PGSuper, TOGA, and XBRate.

BridgeLink has been collaboratively developed and maintained by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) under the Alternate Route Project initiated and managed by WSDOT. (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/eesc/bridge/alternateroute/licenses.htm)

This TxDOT-customized version of PGSuper is versatile, user friendly, Windows-based software for the design, analysis, and load rating of multi-span precast-prestressed concrete bridge beams/girders in accordance with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (thru the 9th Edition, 2020) and by TxDOT design policies and guidelines. Properties of TxDOT standard I-girders (TxGirders), U beams, slab beams, decked slab beams, box beams, and X-beams and TxDOT specific design criteria are included in templates and libraries published by TxDOT on a server accessible via the Internet. Thus, the software is capable of periodically updating the installed templates and libraries with the most current versions published by TxDOT. Though these templates and libraries are subject to change, the user may save PGSuper project data with its associated templates, libraries and settings in a .pgs file which can subsequently be opened by PGSuper preserving the templates, libraries, settings and design data of the bridges as originally designed.

Custom defined beam shapes that fit within each family of girder types supported by PGSuper can also be added to the user copy of the templates, thereby extending the girder shapes that the user can design, analyze, and load rate with the program.

The flexural design feature computes the required number and pattern of prestressing strands and the minimum required release and final concrete strengths. Specification checking evaluates girders for compliance with strength, serviceability, and detailing criteria. Horizontal and vertical shear design, analysis, and load rating is also facilitated.

A variety of results reporting is provided, including exhaustive and comprehensive reports, reports tailored to specific design or analysis features, fabricator optional design evaluation reports, and a TxDOT Girder Schedule Report ("TxDOT CAD Output").

Certain functionalities of this version of PGSuper have been enhanced over that of the previous release, and most known issues/bugs present in the previous release are fixed in this release. For a list of these changes see the PGSuper support Information Document.

Report all bugs or request technical support via email to TxDOT_PGSuperHelp@txdot.gov

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.

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.

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.

HY-8

HY-8 is a computerized implementation of FHWA culvert hydraulic approaches and protocols. The HY-8 program is available at no charge to the hydraulic and transportation communities.

The FHWA has been producing computerized culvert hydraulic software since the early 1960's (with the HY-1 program). The FHWA released the initial version of the HY-8 program in the early 1980's. FHWA released the original Windows version (7.0) in March 2007 and the second phase update (7.1) in July 2008. The HY-8 program has successfully operated on all current "flavors" of the Windows operating system.

HY-8 7.2 represents a "maintenance phase "of the FHWA's multi-phase culvert hydraulic software upgrade plan. In the future, the plan calls for using a pooled fund effort1 to fund and support incremental upgrades and additions of features, based on available time, budget, and adoption of new hydraulic practices and techniques.

Quick Start Guide (.pdf, 14 pages, 1 mb)

Overheight Vehicle Detection System

Vehicle Compliance Subsystem (VCS) documentation containing the Protocol Document and XML Schemas needed to develop VCS compatible software for use in Overheight Vehicle Detection Systems.

PSTRS14-TxDOT Prestressed Concrete Beam Design/Analysis Program

PSTRS14 has been developed and is maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The program can design and analyze standard and user defined non-standard, simple span prestressed concrete beams having fully bonded draped or straight strands, or partially debonded straight strands, in accordance with the AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Specifications (3rd Edition, 2004-2006; 4th Edition, 2007-2009; 5th Edition, 2010; and 6th Edition, 2012), AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges (15th Edition, 1994 Interim thru 17th Edition, 2002), or American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (4th Edition, 2008-2009).

Properties of standard I beams, Dbl-T beams, U beams, Slab beams, Box beams, TxGirders, Decked Slab beams and X beams are included in the program's beam section library. User defined beam shapes can be designed and analyzed using the non-standard beam option.

PSTRS14 Version 6.1, incorporates enhancements and modifications versus v5.2, including:

• consideration of End Distance, Transfer Length, and Beam Length that were ignored in all prior versions of PSTRS14;
• updating provisions of the AASHTO LRFD BDS (thru the 12th Edition);
• implementing the new loss method proposed in Research Project 0-6374, "Effects of New Prestress Loss Predictions on TxDOT Bridges";
• bug fixes to the v5.1 implementation of the complex AASHTO LRFD loss of prestress methodology, that was introduced in the 4th Edition (2007) and remains the AASHTO method beyond the 6th Edition; and
• implementation of an Optional Life Cycle Camber Report allowing PSTRS14 users to get a report on estimated time dependent camber history based on critical stages in the life of the beam/bridge, including at end of service life.

Note on appropriate use: PSTRS14 is not intended to take the place of PGSuper in production design but rather is a tool for doing comparison design and analysis, for investigating non-standard sections, for prestressed concrete beam design and analysis for railroad bridges, and for investigating existing bridges designed in accordance with either the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications or AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges listed above.

Following the precedent set by the release of BGS v9.1 the PSTRS14 v6.1 User Guide is not deployed directly to the end user's machine but is stored on the TxDOT FTP server. Users access the guide via a link installed in the Prestressed Concrete Beam Design & Analysis Program (PSTRS14) program group.

See the PSTRS14 Support Information Document, linked in the same manner as the PSTRS14 v6.1 User Guide, for instructions on how to report bugs and wishes about program functionality or get technical support. Technical support is available to all TxDOT PSTRS14 users and any consultant PSTRS14 users designing bridges for TxDOT.

Signal

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

SPRT - Shop Plan Review Tools for Acrobat Pro 7-9

For use only by Engineering Consultants under contract to TxDOT to perform shop plan review. The Shop Plan Review Tools add-in for Adobe Acrobat Professional provides functions to expedite approval stamp placement, hiding/showing reviewer markups, and document flattening. Prior installation of Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0, 8.0, or 9.0 is a prerequisite.

This add-in has been tested for compatibility with Adobe Acrobat Pro versions 7 through 9. It is advisable to ensure that critical markups are retained on plan sets when using different versions of Adobe Acrobat Pro.

(This product remains unchanged from its previous listing as simply "ShopPlanTools" prior to the posting of "SPRT - Shop Plan Review Tools for Acrobat Pro 10". This version of Shop Plan Review Tools will NOT work with Adobe Acrobat Pro 10.)

For questions or comments, contact Jeff Cotham at Jeff.Cotham@txdot.gov.

TBLRP

TBLRP - Texas Bridge Load Rating Program

The Texas Bridge Load Rating Program (TBLRP) uses a working stress (WS) analysis method which produces an allowable stress load rating. This load rating methodology is in accordance with the AASHTO Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges, 1993, and the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, 14th Ed., 1989. This program simplifies the load rating of nonstandard bridges that are commonly found on rural roads off the state and federal highway systems. The program emphasizes standardized and efficient load rating with a goal of minimizing clerical and computational errors inherent in manual methods.

TxDOT NTCIP Tester (TNT)

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

TxCRCP-ME

TxCRCP-ME was developed under research project 0-5832, "Develop Mechanistic/Empirical Design for CRCP." This is a simple Excel spreadsheet that determines CRCP performance (punch-outs per mile) based on user inputs for location, traffic, concrete properties and support layers.

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.

WinStorm

WinStorm is no longer provided or supported by TxDOT nor will use of the software typically be accepted for TxDOT projects. GEOPAK Drainage is preferred for storm sewer hydraulics. Please call Design Division, Hydraulics Branch with questions at (512) 416-2219.