Beam Design Modules

The beam design modules take the design of bridge components to the next level by considering the whole length of the beam, not just a single section. Multiple cross sections can be considered as well as multiple stages of construction and multiple material properties. All these variations are accounted for when calculating section properties and, in the case of the integrated analysis, member stiffnesses.

Four main construction types are catered for:

• Steel/Concrete composite beams
• Pre-cast pre-tensioned beams
• Reinforced concrete beams
• Post-tensioned concrete beams

Many productivity tools are available for the Engineer to define the nature of the beam quickly and easily. Once done the process of design can commence. Values for moment, shear and axial data are populated for the various loading stages. This data can come from any source including the Sam analysis modules for the greatest efficiency

The design process can then continue by making the necessary changes to the sections, reinforcement or tendons to achieve a satisfactory design. At all stages of the process the load effects and design limits are displayed graphically. This reduces the time identifying problem areas and accelerating the progression towards the optimum design.

As with the rest of the Sam system the detailed 'hand calculation' style reports are available at any time for checking or production purposes.

Examining concrete stresses graphically in a pre-tensioned beam.

Defining transverse slab reinforcement in a steel / concrete composite beam.