Bridges

Historically providing passage over obstacles such as valleys, difficult terrain or bodies of water, modern day bridges are expected to be longer, stronger and inherently become more complex in design. DIANA provides the tools to analyze both old and new.

Empower your vision for sustainable concrete structures

Simulate future bridge concepts

Architectural design of bridges results in more complex shapes and the use of new durable materials. Assessment and prolonging life of existing bridges needs knowledge of nonlinear material behavior and the application of creative and modern strengthening techniques. These complex and challenging bridge engineering projects requires finite elements analyses.

DIANA’s extensive features and capabilities provide the most trusted platform for bridge designers to evolve their creativity, and the complexities of their bridge structures, from design to construction phase.

Design optimization and long term assessment of the bridge structure

Reduce material and increase performance

The extensive and model code based material models libraries in conjunction with the variety of element types, including 3D solid elements, and the possibility of performing a nonlinear calculation provides DIANA always a solution and calculates the (remaining) capacity of all bridges. Design tools in DIANA, ease these calculations by creating mobile loads, and calculating normative loading.

Special features for bridge engineering

Modeling and data exchange

Full 3D modeling capabilities
Exchange with BIM and CAD programs
Advanced Modeling operation (sweep operation…)
Parametric modeling (via python scripting)¹

¹specific functionality for the analysis of box girder, post-tensioned and composite bridges

Element types

2D & 3D elements (with high order up to cubic interpolation)
Cable/Truss/Layered Shell Elements
Embedded reinforcements with grids and bars defined independently from FE mesh
Composed Elements which allow calculating cross-section forces and bending moments in references places

Material models

Wide range of material models for the analysis of nonlinear concrete material behavior with possibility to combine with temperature and creep effects
Various Steel design model codes
Creep and shrinkage models according to different international design codes
Plasticity models for reinforcements

Specific loadings and boundaries

Easy definition and handling of load combinations and scanning over results from different load cases
Post-tensioned and prestressed loads
Mobile Loads²
Heat Flow boundaries (time dependent)

²specific functionality for the analysis of box girder, post-tensioned and composite bridges

Analysis types

Construction-staged analysis/Phased analysis³
Heat of Hydration of Concrete Analysis
Design checks of reinforcement grids⁴
Coupled thermo-stress with automatic conversion of temperature field to mechanical loading

³⁺⁴specific functionalities for the analysis of box girder, post-tensioned and composite bridges

Specific output

Temperature output
Degree of reaction/equivalent age
Development of mechanical properties with time
Bending and force diagram
Deformed models
Stress and strain contour plots for reinforcements
Crack plot
Design check output

Licensing packages

Choose your subscription

We provide a wide range of flexible licensing modules and subscription plans for advanced calculations. Our Sales Team are always more than happy to discuss your requirements and can make individualized proposals based on your specific needs.