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Chapter 1 - Introduction
CTBridge is a computer program specifically designed to aid the analysis and design
of typical California highway bridges.

CTBridge allows description of bridge geometry, reinforcement, and loads in terms

familiar to bridge engineers. This information is used by CTBridge to construct a
numerical model that is subsequently solved using finite element methodology.
CTBridge is equipped with a graphical user interface that allows viewing of the
numerical model. CTBridge allows use of English or Metric units and applies the
provisions of the following specifications:

AASHTO LRFD, 3rd Edition, 2005 Interim Revisions and Incorporating California
Amendments v0.04 (Blue Sheets), US or SI version
Caltrans Bridge Design Specifications, LFD 16th Edition, 1998 (Caltrans 2000)

Results are available in tabular form. CTBridge produces a standardized report by

default, but the user is allowed to vary results from high level controlling
information to low level intermediate calculations. Results are also available for
graphical viewing.

The primary objective of CTBridge is to replace BDS as a production design tool.

This chapter introduces the user to some of the general concepts encountered during
interaction with CTBridge.

Input / Output Files

CTBridge uses or creates several types of files for saving input data or results.
This section discusses these files.

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Input Files

CTBridge input data is saved in a text file with a *.ctb extension. This data in
this file is stored in XML format and is not meant to be read directly by a user.
Prior to analysis, input data must be saved to a *.ctb file.

After analysis, CTBridge produces a standard report of results, but an output file
is not created. The contents of the report can be changed by the user at any time,
and can be viewed and printed from within CTBridge. The current report can also be
saved as a text file, but this is discussed in more detail below.

CTBridge can also import a BDS file by going to the File menu. Care should be taken
when importing a BDS file because not all data comes across in the conversion. Some
areas of BDS do not have counterparts in CTBridge such as the segmental, rating and
pretension subsystems. Other functionality has not been implemented yet in
CTBridge, such as some of the cross section types and composite sections. In other
cases, the BDS data is not compatible with the way CTBridge works. The user is
strongly encouraged to thoroughly check the input when importing a BDS file. Data
can be checked visually, through the input windows, and by carefully reviewing the
input summary after an analysis.

Output Files

As mentioned previously, CTBridge does not automatically create an output file. But
the user is allowed to produce several types of text output files as shown below.

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When in the report view, the contents can be saved as a text output file. This
might be a useful way to transfer the report data to another program, such as a
spreadsheet or word processor for example. One caution is that the headers might
not match up with the columns of data, so this text file is probably not appropriate
for including in a set of structural calculations.

After analysis, the input to the FE engine can be saved as a text file. This file
might be useful for someone interested in how the model is build and where the nodes
are located. It is not the intent in this section to describe in detail the
contents of this file. Suffice it to say that a user familiar with finite element
constructs will be able to understand the data in this file.

In addition to the FE input, the raw FE results can also be saved as a text file.
This file will include displacements and forces at analysis points throughout the
structure. Again, a person familiar with finite element programs will be able to
understand this file.

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Lastly, once an analysis is performed, a SAP input file can be generated based on
the finite element model and loading in CTBridge. If a SAP analysis must be
performed, this feature is good place to start. Since a computer generates this
file, the user can manipulate the data into a more pleasing form or remove data that
SAP won't need.

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