Bridge Geometry System

(BGS)

Users Guide

Version 9

September 2011

Table of Contents

Table of Cards..................................................................................................................................................x

Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................................xiii

Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................................xiii

Table of Tables ...............................................................................................................................................xv

Chapter 1: Introduction .................................................................................................................................1 Purpose of this Guide ...................................................................................................................................1 Organization of this Guide...........................................................................................................................1

Chapters: ..................................................................................................................................................1 Appendices:..............................................................................................................................................2

Program History...........................................................................................................................................2 BGS: A Bridge Geometry System ...............................................................................................................2 Other Documentation...................................................................................................................................3

README File.........................................................................................................................................4 Release Notes ..........................................................................................................................................4 Online Support Information..................................................................................................................4

Chapter 2: Getting Started ............................................................................................................................5 Before the User Starts ..................................................................................................................................5 Using BGS ....................................................................................................................................................5

Creating the BGS Input File..................................................................................................................5 Running BGS (Processing the BGS Input File) ...................................................................................5 Reviewing BGS Output..........................................................................................................................5

BGS Input File .............................................................................................................................................6 Establishing Horizontal Alignment ..........................................................................................................8

Summary.........................................................................................................................................8 Example Input File Snippet ............................................................................................................8

Establishing Vertical Alignment ..............................................................................................................9 Summary.........................................................................................................................................9 Example Input File Snippet ............................................................................................................9

Establishing the Roadway Template ......................................................................................................10 Summary.......................................................................................................................................10 Example Input File Snippet ..........................................................................................................10

Preparing BGS for Bridge Commands ...................................................................................................10 Summary.......................................................................................................................................10 Example Input File Snippet ..........................................................................................................11

Defining Bent Lines and Slab Dimensions.............................................................................................11 Summary.......................................................................................................................................11 Example Input File Snippet ..........................................................................................................11

Establishing Bearing Seats Centerline ..................................................................................................12 Summary.......................................................................................................................................12 Example Input File Snippet ..........................................................................................................12

Defining Beam Lines and Framing the Bridge.......................................................................................13 Summary.......................................................................................................................................13

i

Example Input File Snippet ..........................................................................................................13 Finding Vertical Clearance.....................................................................................................................13

Summary.......................................................................................................................................13 Example Input File Snippet ..........................................................................................................14

Example Input Files.......................................................................................................................................14 Example 1....................................................................................................................................................14 Example 2....................................................................................................................................................16

Output of BGS Operating on Example 1 Input File ...................................................................................18

Chapter 3: General Information and Terminology ...................................................................................45 Input File....................................................................................................................................................45 Control and Section....................................................................................................................................45 Roadway .....................................................................................................................................................45 Roadway Designation.................................................................................................................................45 Roadway Templates....................................................................................................................................46 Design Data ................................................................................................................................................46 Stations .......................................................................................................................................................46 Station Equations .......................................................................................................................................46 Alphabetic Entries ......................................................................................................................................47 Alphanumeric Entries ................................................................................................................................47 Comments ...................................................................................................................................................47 Field ............................................................................................................................................................47 Justifying ....................................................................................................................................................47 Numeric Entries .........................................................................................................................................47 Explicit Decimal Point ...............................................................................................................................48 Implicit Decimal Point ...............................................................................................................................48 Process ........................................................................................................................................................48 Run .............................................................................................................................................................48 Diagnostic Messages ..................................................................................................................................48

Chapter 4: System Card...............................................................................................................................49 Introduction................................................................................................................................................49 SYSTEM Card Input ..................................................................................................................................49

PROJECT ID Field ..............................................................................................................................49 UNIT Field ............................................................................................................................................50

NAD 83 Setting .................................................................................................................................50 JOB TYPE Field and SAVE RESULTS Field ...................................................................................51

JOB TYPE Field................................................................................................................................52 SAVE RESULTS Field .....................................................................................................................52

OMIT STORED DATA Fields ............................................................................................................53 OMIT STORED GEOMETRY DATA Field ....................................................................................53 OMIT STORED DESIGN DATA Field............................................................................................53

ii

OMIT STORED BRIDGE DATA Field ...........................................................................................53 PRINT INPUT DATA Input Field......................................................................................................54 COMMENT Input Field ......................................................................................................................54

Output .........................................................................................................................................................55

Chapter 5: Roadway Design Data ...............................................................................................................56 Introduction................................................................................................................................................56 How Roadway Design Data Is Used ..........................................................................................................56

Horizontal Alignments .........................................................................................................................57 Vertical Alignments..............................................................................................................................58 Template Data ......................................................................................................................................59 Superelevation and Widening Data ....................................................................................................62

Stationing and Equation Scheme ..............................................................................................................65 Inputting Roadway Design Data................................................................................................................67

Roadway Design Data Input Cards ....................................................................................................67 Horizontal Alignment Data .................................................................................................................67 Horizontal Alignment (RD05) Data Input..........................................................................................71

Function............................................................................................................................................71 Usage.................................................................................................................................................71 Horizontal Alignment Output ........................................................................................................75 Horizontal Alignment Input/Output Examples ............................................................................76

Alternate Horizontal Alignment (RD06) Data Input.........................................................................81 Function............................................................................................................................................81 Usage.................................................................................................................................................81

Parallel Alignment (RD16) Data Input...............................................................................................81 Function............................................................................................................................................81 Usage.................................................................................................................................................81

Profile Grade (Vertical Alignment) Data ...........................................................................................83 Function............................................................................................................................................83 Usage.................................................................................................................................................84

Template Data ......................................................................................................................................86 Function............................................................................................................................................86 Usage.................................................................................................................................................86

Superelevation and Widening Data ....................................................................................................90 Superelevation Data Input Card .........................................................................................................90

Function............................................................................................................................................90 Usage.................................................................................................................................................90

Widening Input Card ...........................................................................................................................94 Function............................................................................................................................................94 Usage.................................................................................................................................................94

Updating Design Data ................................................................................................................................96 Deleting All Design Data for the Project ............................................................................................96 Deleting Design Data for a Single Roadway (RD00) .........................................................................96

Function............................................................................................................................................96 Usage.................................................................................................................................................96

Updating Horizontal and Vertical Alignment Data...........................................................................97 Creating (Punching) and Listing Design Data .......................................................................................100

Creating/Listing Design Data (RD02)...............................................................................................100 Usage...............................................................................................................................................100

Creating Design Data with Unit Transformation (RD04)...............................................................101 Function..........................................................................................................................................101 Usage...............................................................................................................................................101

iii

Chapter 6: Command Structured Input General Geometry ...............................................................104 Introduction..............................................................................................................................................104 Command Structured Input Form...........................................................................................................104 Modifying Report Output .........................................................................................................................107

CMNT (Comment) .............................................................................................................................107 SKIP ....................................................................................................................................................107 EJCT (Eject) .......................................................................................................................................108

General Geometry ....................................................................................................................................108 General Geometry Commands .................................................................................................................108

CURV (Curve) ....................................................................................................................................108 Notes on CURV command .........................................................................................................112

PONT (Point) ......................................................................................................................................113 BRDS (Bearing and Distance) ...........................................................................................................115 YPNT ...................................................................................................................................................116 ZPNT ...................................................................................................................................................116 ISCT (Intersection).............................................................................................................................118

Notes on ISCT Command...........................................................................................................120 OSCT (Intersection) ...........................................................................................................................121 ANGL (Angle).....................................................................................................................................123 TRVS ...................................................................................................................................................124 PARL (Parallel) ..................................................................................................................................130 PERL ...................................................................................................................................................132

Notes on PERL Command..........................................................................................................134 TANG (Tangent) ................................................................................................................................134 AREA ..................................................................................................................................................138

Note ............................................................................................................................................141 Roadway Elevations .................................................................................................................................141 RDWY Roadway Elevations ..................................................................................................................142

Notes ...........................................................................................................................................144 CORR Elevation Correction Factor .....................................................................................................145 CORR Argument Input Scheme .................................................................................................................146

Function..........................................................................................................................................146 Usage...............................................................................................................................................146

Creating (Punching) and Listing Stored Geometry Data .......................................................................150 PLST Create (Punch)/List Stored Points..............................................................................................150 Function ...................................................................................................................................................150 Usage ........................................................................................................................................................150 PLST Argument Input Scheme...................................................................................................................151 Card 54 - PLST Argument Input Scheme Card.........................................................................................151 CLST Create (Punch)/List Stored Curves ............................................................................................151 Function ...................................................................................................................................................151 Usage ........................................................................................................................................................152 CLST Argument Input Scheme ..................................................................................................................152 Card 55 - CLST Argument Input Scheme Card.........................................................................................152 BGPN Transform Command Units and Punch ...................................................................................153

iv

Function ...................................................................................................................................................153 Usage ........................................................................................................................................................153 Card 56 -BGPN Argument Input Scheme Card ........................................................................................153

Chapter 7: Command Structured Input Bridge Geometry..................................................................155 Bridge Geometry Commands ...................................................................................................................155

NAME..................................................................................................................................................155 Function..........................................................................................................................................155 Usage...............................................................................................................................................155 NAME Argument Input Scheme A....................................................................................................155 NAME Argument Input Scheme B....................................................................................................156

PSLB (parallel slab line) ....................................................................................................................157 Function..........................................................................................................................................157 Usage...............................................................................................................................................158 PSLB Argument Input Scheme A .....................................................................................................158 PSLB Argument Input Scheme B .....................................................................................................158 PSLB Argument Input Scheme C .....................................................................................................159 PSLB Argument Input Scheme D .....................................................................................................160

Note on Argument Scheme D ....................................................................................................161 TSLB (transverse slab line) ...............................................................................................................162

Function..........................................................................................................................................162 Usage...............................................................................................................................................162 TSLB Argument Input Scheme A......................................................................................................162 TSLB Argument Input Scheme B......................................................................................................163 TSLB Argument Input Scheme C .....................................................................................................164 TSLB Argument Input Scheme D .....................................................................................................165 TSLB Argument Input Scheme E......................................................................................................165 TSLB Argument Input Scheme F......................................................................................................166 TSLB Argument Input Scheme G .....................................................................................................167 TSLB Argument Input Scheme H .....................................................................................................168

SLAB ...................................................................................................................................................169 Function..........................................................................................................................................169 Usage...............................................................................................................................................169 SLAB Argument Input Scheme.........................................................................................................171

Notes ...........................................................................................................................................173 SLEL (slab elevations) .......................................................................................................................174

Function..........................................................................................................................................174 Usage...............................................................................................................................................175 SLEL Argument Input Scheme A......................................................................................................175 SLEL Argument Input Scheme B......................................................................................................177

BENT (bent line).................................................................................................................................178 Function..........................................................................................................................................178 Usage...............................................................................................................................................178 BENT Argument Input Scheme A.....................................................................................................178 BENT Argument Input Scheme B.....................................................................................................180 BENT Argument Input Scheme C ....................................................................................................181 BENT Argument Input Scheme D ....................................................................................................182 BENT Argument Input Scheme E.....................................................................................................183 BENT Argument Input Scheme F.....................................................................................................184 BENT Argument Input Scheme G ....................................................................................................185

RLIN (radial line) ...............................................................................................................................186 Function..........................................................................................................................................186 Usage...............................................................................................................................................186 RLIN Argument Input Scheme A......................................................................................................187

v

RLIN Argument Input Scheme B......................................................................................................188 RLIN Argument Input Scheme C......................................................................................................189

BRNG (bearing seat) ..........................................................................................................................189 Function..........................................................................................................................................189 Usage...............................................................................................................................................189 BRNG Argument Input Scheme .......................................................................................................190

DIAF (diaphragm line) ......................................................................................................................192 Function..........................................................................................................................................192 Usage...............................................................................................................................................192 DIAF Argument Input Scheme A .....................................................................................................193 DIAF Argument Input Scheme B .....................................................................................................194 DIAF Argument Input Scheme C .....................................................................................................195 DIAF Argument Input Scheme D .....................................................................................................196 DIAF Argument Input Scheme E .....................................................................................................198 DIAF Argument Input Scheme F .....................................................................................................199 DIAF Argument Input Scheme G .....................................................................................................200 DIAF Argument Input Scheme H .....................................................................................................201 DIAF Argument Input Scheme I ......................................................................................................201 DIAF Argument Input Scheme J ......................................................................................................202

SPLC (splice line) ...............................................................................................................................203 Function..........................................................................................................................................203 Usage...............................................................................................................................................204 SPLC Argument Input Scheme A .....................................................................................................204 SPLC Argument Input Scheme B .....................................................................................................206 SPLC Argument Input Scheme C .....................................................................................................207 SPLC Argument Input Scheme D.....................................................................................................208 SPLC Argument Input Scheme E .....................................................................................................209 SPLC Argument Input Scheme F .....................................................................................................210 SPLC Argument Input Scheme G.....................................................................................................211

BEAM (beam line)..............................................................................................................................212 Function..........................................................................................................................................212 Usage...............................................................................................................................................213 BEAM Argument Input Scheme A....................................................................................................213 BEAM Argument Input Scheme B....................................................................................................214 BEAM Argument Input Scheme C....................................................................................................214 BEAM Argument Input Scheme D ...................................................................................................215 BEAM Argument Input Scheme E....................................................................................................216 BEAM Argument Input Scheme F....................................................................................................216 BEAM Argument Input Scheme G ...................................................................................................217 BEAM Argument Input Scheme H ...................................................................................................218

Note ............................................................................................................................................218 BGRP (beam line group) ...................................................................................................................218

Function..........................................................................................................................................218 Usage...............................................................................................................................................218 BGRP Argument Input Scheme A ....................................................................................................219 BGRP Argument Input Scheme B ....................................................................................................219 BGRP Argument Input Scheme C ....................................................................................................220

FOPT (frame option)..........................................................................................................................221 Function..........................................................................................................................................221 Usage...............................................................................................................................................221 FOPT Argument Input Scheme A (Options1, 2 & 8) .......................................................................222

Notes on Argument Scheme A ...................................................................................................222 FOPT Argument Input Scheme B (Options 4, 9 &10) .....................................................................224

Notes on Argument Scheme B....................................................................................................226 FOPT Argument Input Scheme C (Options 6 &7) ...........................................................................232 FOPT Argument Input Scheme D (Options 3 & 5)..........................................................................234

vi

FOPT Argument Input Scheme E (Option 15) .................................................................................236 Notes on Argument Scheme E....................................................................................................237

FOPT Argument Input Scheme F (Options 20, 21 & 22) ................................................................239 BMGD (beam grade) For Simple Spans Only ..............................................................................240

Function..........................................................................................................................................240 Usage...............................................................................................................................................240 BMGD Argument Input Scheme A ...................................................................................................241

Notes on Argument Input Scheme A ..........................................................................................242 BMGD Argument Input Scheme B ...................................................................................................242

VCLR (vertical clearance) .................................................................................................................243 Function..........................................................................................................................................243 Usage...............................................................................................................................................243

Note ............................................................................................................................................244 VCLR Argument Input Scheme ........................................................................................................248

Chapter 8: Command Structured Input - Plotting ..................................................................................249 Plotting .....................................................................................................................................................249

General Plotting Instructions ............................................................................................................249 General Plotting Commands .............................................................................................................249

AXIS................................................................................................................................................249 NPEN...............................................................................................................................................249 PPLT................................................................................................................................................249 SPLT................................................................................................................................................249 LPLT ...............................................................................................................................................249 TPLT ...............................................................................................................................................249 DPLT...............................................................................................................................................249 LABL...............................................................................................................................................249 TICK................................................................................................................................................249

Horizontal Alignment Plotting ..........................................................................................................249 APLT...............................................................................................................................................249

Contour Plotting .................................................................................................................................249 Other Plotting .....................................................................................................................................249

Roadway Elevations .................................................................................................................................249 RDWY - Compute Roadway Elevations...........................................................................................249 CORR - Set Elevation Correction Factor.........................................................................................249

Alignment Relationship............................................................................................................................249 AREL - Compute Alignment Relationship.......................................................................................249

Creating (Punching) and Listing Stored Geometry Data .......................................................................250 PLST - Create (Punch)/List Stored Points .......................................................................................250 CLST - Create (Punch)/List Stored Curves .....................................................................................250 BGPN - Transform Command Units and Punch.............................................................................250

Chapter 9: Running BGS to Process the Input File.................................................................................251 Starting the BGS Program .......................................................................................................................251

Drag-n-Drop Method .........................................................................................................................251 Command Line Method .....................................................................................................................251

Running the Program ..............................................................................................................................251 BGS Log File............................................................................................................................................251 Plot Processing .........................................................................................................................................251 BGS Command-Line Parameters ............................................................................................................251

vii

Chapter 10: BGS Output............................................................................................................................252 Summary of Output Files.........................................................................................................................252 Log File (bgs.log) .....................................................................................................................................252 Report Files (.ls1, .ls2, .ls3, .ls4, .ls5)....................................................................................252 DGN Plot File (.dgn) .............................................................................................................252 Punch file (.pch) ....................................................................................................................252

Punching Previously Stored Geometry Data ...................................................................................252 Punching Previously Stored Design Data .........................................................................................252 Punch File Example............................................................................................................................252

Project Work Files....................................................................................................................................252 Page File (.pag) ................................................................................................................252 Bridge File (.bri ...............................................................................................................252

Chapter 11: Using BGS Project Work Files .............................................................................................253 Introduction..............................................................................................................................................253 Project Work Files....................................................................................................................................253

Page File ..............................................................................................................................................253 Bridge File ...........................................................................................................................................253

Creating Project Work Files ....................................................................................................................253 Using Existing Project Work Files ..........................................................................................................253

Using Existing Work Files (Without Updating the Files) ...............................................................253 Using Existing Work Files (And Updating the Files) ......................................................................253

Chapter 12: Example Bridge Projects.......................................................................................................254 Small Bridge Project ................................................................................................................................254 Large Bridge Project ................................................................................................................................254

Appendix A: BGS Input Forms .................................................................................................................255 SYSTEM Card Input Form......................................................................................................................255 Command Structured Input Form...........................................................................................................255 Roadway Design Data Input Forms ........................................................................................................255

RD05 Horizontal alignment Input Form.......................................................................................255 RD06 Alternate Horizontal Alignment Input Form .....................................................................255 RD10 Profile Grade (Vertical Alignment) Input Form................................................................255 RD16 Parallel Alignment Input Form ...........................................................................................255 RD20 Superelevation Input Form..................................................................................................255 RD25 Widening Input Form...........................................................................................................255 RD30 Template Input Form ...........................................................................................................255

Appendix B: Example BGS Log File.........................................................................................................256

Appendix C: Example BGS Report Output .............................................................................................257 System Card Report Output Example......................................................................................................257 Diagnostic Messages Report Output Example ........................................................................................257 Command (RG) Report Output Examples...............................................................................................257

General Geometry Command Report Output .................................................................................257

viii

Bridge Geometry Command Report Output ...................................................................................257 Various Example Bridge Geometry Reports ...................................................................................257 Bearing Seat Elevations Report .......................................................................................................257

Plotting Command Report Output ...................................................................................................257 Roadway Elevations Report Output .................................................................................................257 Alignment Relationship Report Output ...........................................................................................257

Roadway Design Data (RD) Report Output Examples ...........................................................................257 Horizontal Alignment Report Output ..............................................................................................257 Parallel Alignment Report Output ...................................................................................................257 Profile Grade (Vertical Alignment) Report Output ........................................................................257 Template Report Output ...................................................................................................................257 Superelevation Report Output ..........................................................................................................257 Widening Report Output ...................................................................................................................257

Appendix D: Example BGS Plot Output ..................................................................................................258 Point and Curve Plot Example ................................................................................................................258 Horizontal Alignment Plot Example .......................................................................................................258 Contour Plot Example..............................................................................................................................258 Closed Area Plot Example .......................................................................................................................258 Bridge Frame Plot Example ....................................................................................................................258 Bridge Slab Plan Plot Example ...............................................................................................................258 Bridge Slab Profile Plot Example............................................................................................................258

ix

Table of Cards

Card 1 - SYSTEM Card................................................................................................................................49 Card 2 - Horizontal Alignment Data Input Card........................................................................................71 Card 3 - Horizontal Alignment Input Example 1........................................................................................76 Card 4 - Horizontal Alignment Input Example 2........................................................................................80 Card 5 - Alternate Horizontal Alignment Data Input Card ......................................................................81 Card 6 - Parallel Alignment Data Input Card.............................................................................................82 Card 7 - Profile Grade Data Input Card .....................................................................................................85 Card 8 - Template Data Input Card.............................................................................................................88 Card 9 - Superelevation Data Input Card ...................................................................................................93 Card 10 - Widening Input Card ...................................................................................................................95 Card 11 - Design Data Delete Input Card....................................................................................................97 Card 12 - Design Data Create/List Input Card .........................................................................................100 Card 13 - Design Data Conversion Input Card.........................................................................................101 Card 14 - Command Input Scheme............................................................................................................104 Card 15 - CMNT Argument Input Scheme Card .....................................................................................107 Card 16 - SKIP Argument Input Scheme Card ........................................................................................108 Card 17 - EJCT Argument Input Scheme Card .......................................................................................108 Card 18 - CURV Argument Input Scheme A Card ..................................................................................109 Card 19 - CURV Argument Input Scheme B Card ..................................................................................109 Card 20 - CURV Argument Input Scheme C Card ..................................................................................110 Card 21 - CURV Argument Input Scheme D Card ..................................................................................110 Card 22 - CURV Argument Input Scheme E Card ..................................................................................111 Card 23 - CURV Argument Input Scheme F Card...................................................................................112 Card 24 - CURV Argument Input Scheme G Card..................................................................................113 Card 25 - PONT Argument Input Scheme A Card...................................................................................114 Card 26 - PONT Argument Input Scheme B Card...................................................................................115 Card 27 - BRDS Argument Input Scheme Card.......................................................................................115 Card 28 - YPNT Argument Input Scheme Card.......................................................................................116 Card 29 - ZPNT Argument Input Scheme A Card ...................................................................................117 Card 30 - ZPNT Argument Input Scheme B Card ...................................................................................118 Card 31 - ISCT Argument Input Scheme A Card ....................................................................................119 Card 32 - ISCT Argument Input Scheme B Card.....................................................................................119 Card 33- OSCT Argument Input Scheme Card........................................................................................122 Card 34 - ANGL Argument Input Scheme A Card ..................................................................................123 Card 35 - ANGL Argument Input Scheme B Card ..................................................................................124 Card 36 - TRVS Argument Input Scheme A Card ...................................................................................125 Card 37 - TRVS Argument Input Scheme B Card ...................................................................................126 Card 38 - TRVS Argument Input Scheme C Card ...................................................................................127 Card 39 - TRVS Argument Input Scheme D Card ...................................................................................129 Card 40 - PARL Argument Input Scheme A Card...................................................................................130 Card 41 - PARL Argument Input Scheme B Card...................................................................................131 Card 42 - PARL Argument Input Scheme C Card...................................................................................132 Card 43 - PERL Argument Input Scheme A Card ...................................................................................133 Card 44 - PERL Argument Input Scheme B Card ...................................................................................133 Card 45 - TANG Argument Input Scheme A Card ..................................................................................135 Card 46 - TANG Argument Input Scheme B Card ..................................................................................136 Card 47 - TANG Argument Input Scheme C Card ..................................................................................137 Card 48 - AREA Argument Input Scheme Card ......................................................................................140 Card 49 - Illustration of Use of the AREA Command..............................................................................141 Card 50 - RDWY Argument for First Command in Series Card............................................................142 Card 51 - RDWY Argument for Subsequent Commands in Series (Table of offsets; optional) Card .143 Card 52 - CORR Argument Input Scheme Card......................................................................................146 Card 53 - AREL Argument Input Scheme Card ......................................................................................149

x

Card 54 - PLST Argument Input Scheme Card........................................................................................151 Card 55 - CLST Argument Input Scheme Card .......................................................................................152 Card 56 -BGPN Argument Input Scheme Card .......................................................................................153 Card 50 - NAME Argument Input Scheme A Card .................................................................................156 Card 51 - NAME Argument Input Scheme B Card..................................................................................157 Card 52 - PSLB Argument Input Scheme A Card....................................................................................158 Card 53 - PSLB Argument Input Scheme B Card....................................................................................159 Card 54 - PSLB Argument Input Scheme C Card...................................................................................160 Card 55 - PSLB Argument Input Scheme D Card....................................................................................161 Card 56 - TSLB Argument Input Scheme A Card ...................................................................................163 Card 57- TSLB Argument Input Scheme B Card.....................................................................................163 Card 58 - TSLB Argument Input Scheme C Card ...................................................................................164 Card 59 - TSLB Argument Input Scheme D Card ...................................................................................165 Card 60 - TSLB Argument Input Scheme E Card....................................................................................166 Card 61 - TSLB Argument Input Scheme F Card....................................................................................167 Card 62 - TSLB Argument Input Scheme G Card ...................................................................................168 Card 63 - TSLB Argument Input Scheme H Card ...................................................................................169 Card 64 - SLAB Argument Input Scheme Card .......................................................................................172 Card 65 - SLEL Argument Input Scheme A Card ...................................................................................176 Card 66 - SLEL Argument Input Scheme B Card....................................................................................177 Card 67 - BENT Argument Input Scheme A Card...................................................................................179 Card 75 - BENT Argument Input Scheme B Card ...................................................................................181 Card 76 - BENT Argument Input Scheme C Card...................................................................................182 Card 77 - BENT Argument Input Scheme D Card...................................................................................183 Card 78 - BENT Argument Input Scheme E Card ...................................................................................184 Card 79 - BENT Argument Input Scheme F Card ...................................................................................185 Card 80 - BENT Argument Input Scheme G Card...................................................................................186 Card 81 - RLIN Argument Input Scheme A Card....................................................................................188 Card 82 - RLIN Argument Input Scheme B Card....................................................................................188 Card 83 - RLIN Argument Input Scheme C Card....................................................................................189 Card 84 - BRNG Argument Input Scheme Card......................................................................................190 Card 85 - DIAF Argument Input Scheme A Card....................................................................................194 Card 79 - DIAF Argument Input Scheme B Card ....................................................................................195 Card 80 - DIAF Argument Input Scheme C Card....................................................................................196 Card 81 - DIAF Argument Input Scheme D Card....................................................................................197 Card 82 - DIAF Argument Input Scheme E Card ....................................................................................198 Card 83 - DIAF Argument Input Scheme F Card ....................................................................................199 Card 84 - DIAF Argument Input Scheme G Card....................................................................................200 Card 85 - DIAF Argument Input Scheme H Card....................................................................................201 Card 86 - DIAF Argument Input Scheme I Card .....................................................................................202 Card 94 - DIAF Argument Input Scheme J Card.....................................................................................203 Card 88 - SPLC Argument Input Scheme A Card ...................................................................................205 Card 89 - SPLC Argument Input Scheme B Card....................................................................................206 Card 97 - SPLC Argument Input Scheme C Card .................................................................................207 Card 91 - SPLC Argument Input Scheme D Card ...................................................................................208 Card 92 - SPLC Argument Input Scheme E Card....................................................................................209 Card 93 - SPLC Argument Input Scheme F Card....................................................................................211 Card 94 - SPLC Argument Input Scheme G Card ...................................................................................212 Card 95 - BEAM Argument Input Scheme A Card..................................................................................213 Card 96 - BEAM Argument Input Scheme B Card..................................................................................214 Card 97 - BEAM Argument Input Scheme C Card..................................................................................215 Card 98 - BEAM Argument Input Scheme D Card..................................................................................216 Card 99 - BEAM Argument Input Scheme E Card..................................................................................216 Card 100 - BEAM Argument Input Scheme F Card ................................................................................217 Card 101 - BEAM Argument Input Scheme G Card................................................................................217 Card 102 - BEAM Argument Input Scheme H Card................................................................................218

xi

Card 103 - BGRP Argument Input Scheme A Card.................................................................................219 Card 104 - BGRP Argument Input Scheme B Card.................................................................................220 Card 105 - BGRP Argument Input Scheme C Card.................................................................................221 Card 106 - FOPT Argument Input Scheme A (Options 1, 2 & 8) Card..................................................223 Card 107 - FOPT Argument Input Scheme B (Options4, 9 &10) Card..................................................225 Card 108 - FOPT Argument Input Scheme C (Options 6 &7) Card.......................................................233 Card 109 - FOPT Argument Input Scheme D (Options 3 & 5) Card......................................................235 Card 110 - FOPT Argument Input Scheme E (Option 15) Card.............................................................236 Card 111 - FOPT Argument Input Scheme F (Options 20, 21 & 22) Card ............................................240 Card 112 - BMGD Argument Input Scheme A Card ...............................................................................241 Card 113 - BMGD Argument Input Scheme B Card ...............................................................................242 Card 114 - VCLR Argument Input Scheme Card ....................................................................................248

xii

Table of Figures

Figure 1 - BGS Program Folder .....................................................................................................................4 Figure 2 - Control and Section (optional) ....................................................................................................45 Figure 3 - PROJECT ID Field ......................................................................................................................49 Figure 4 - UNIT Field ....................................................................................................................................50 Figure 5 - JOB TYPE and SAVE RESULTS Fields ...................................................................................51 Figure 6 - Three OMIT Input Fields............................................................................................................53 Figure 7 - PRINT INPUT DATA field .........................................................................................................54 Figure 8 - COMMENT Input Field ..............................................................................................................54 Figure 9 - Horizontal Alignment...................................................................................................................57 Figure 10 - Vertical Alignment Profile.........................................................................................................58 Figure 11 - Vertical Alignment .....................................................................................................................58 Figure 12 - Roadway Surface........................................................................................................................59 Figure 13 - Typical Segment .........................................................................................................................60 Figure 14 - Slope and Distance Variations...................................................................................................61 Figure 15 - Dummy and Zero Width Segments.......................................................................................62 Figure 16 - Superelevation and Widening ...................................................................................................63 Figure 17 - Schematic Examples of Superelevation and Widening ...........................................................64 Figure 18 - Gap and Overlapping Equation Numbering............................................................................65 Figure 19 - Examples of Equations...............................................................................................................66 Figure 20 - Horizontal Alignment Input Data.............................................................................................68 Figure 21 - Simple Curve Data Output ........................................................................................................69 Figure 22 - Spiral Curve Data Output .........................................................................................................70 Figure 23 - Examples of Use of Forward Tangent Data .............................................................................73 Figure 24 - Horizontal Alignment Output for Roadway A ........................................................................77 Figure 25 - Horizontal Alignment output for Roadway B..........................................................................78 Figure 26 - Horizontal Alignment Example 2..............................................................................................79 Figure 27 - Horizontal Alignment Output Example 2 ................................................................................80 Figure 28 - Vertical Curve Symmetry..........................................................................................................84 Figure 29 - Elevation Correction ..................................................................................................................84 Figure 30 - Beginning Transition and Ending Transition ..........................................................................91 Figure 31 - Slope Transition Control Options .............................................................................................92 Figure 32 - Positive Widening .......................................................................................................................94 Figure 33 - Negative Widening .....................................................................................................................95 Figure 34 - Examples of Alignment Update.................................................................................................99 Figure 35 - Variable Fields A-D..................................................................................................................105 Figure 36 - Other Fields ..............................................................................................................................106 Figure 37 - Y-Coordinate or Station Field.................................................................................................106 Figure 38 - Bear, AZ, or Skew Field...........................................................................................................107 Figure 39 - Skew Angles ..............................................................................................................................113 Figure 40 - Intersection of Two Circles......................................................................................................120 Figure 41 - Intersection of a Circle and a Line..........................................................................................121 Figure 42 - Offset Alignment.......................................................................................................................122 Figure 43 - Distance and Angle Examples .................................................................................................128 Figure 44 - Delta Angle Examples ..............................................................................................................130 Figure 45 - Tangent Computation (Option 0)............................................................................................136 Figure 46 - Tangent Computation (Options 1-4).......................................................................................138 Figure 47 - Area Computation....................................................................................................................139 Figure 48 - Illustration for Cases A, B & C ...............................................................................................145 Figure 51 - Illustration of AREL Cases A & B..........................................................................................148 Figure 52 - PSLB Lines................................................................................................................................157 Figure 53 - Defined Multiple Parallel Slab Lines ......................................................................................162 Figure 54 - Example Slab Diagram ............................................................................................................171 Figure 55 - Example Slab Line Elevation Plot...........................................................................................174

xiii

Figure 56 - Plan View Showing Location of Slab Elevations ...................................................................175 Figure 57 - Simple Span ..............................................................................................................................180 Figure 58 - Continuous Unit........................................................................................................................180 Figure 59 - Computed Distances.................................................................................................................187 Figure 60 - Measurement Options..............................................................................................................191 Figure 61 - Diaphragm Locations...............................................................................................................192 Figure 62 - Staggered Diaphragms.............................................................................................................192 Figure 63 - Diaphragm Limits ....................................................................................................................193 Figure 64 - Splice Line Limits.....................................................................................................................204 Figure 65 - Beam Line Types ......................................................................................................................213 Figure 66 - Relationship Between a Non-Straight Beam Line and a Straight Beam .............................222 Figure 67 - Framing Option 4/ simple span (Command may refer to more than 1 span):....................224 Figure 68 - Framing Option 9 / Continuous (beams on chords from splice to splice): ..........................224 Figure 69 - Framing Option 10 / Continuous (beams follow beam lines): ..............................................224 Figure 70 - Horizontal Blocking Report for Option 9...............................................................................227 Figure 71 - Horizontal Blocking Report for Option 10.............................................................................229 Figure 72 - Standard Vertical Blocking Command ..................................................................................231 Figure 73 - Alternate Vertical Blocking Command ..................................................................................232 Figure 74 - 6/ simple span (command may refer to more than 1 span):..................................................232 Figure 75 - 7/ simple span (command may refer to more than 1 span):..................................................233 Figure 76 - 3/ simple span (command may refer to more than 1 span) ...................................................234 Figure 77 - 5/ simple span (command may refer to more than 1 span) ...................................................234 Figure 78 - Option 15 Output Interpretation ............................................................................................238 Figure 79 - 20/ equally spaced beams .........................................................................................................239 Figure 80 - 21/ parallel beam groups..........................................................................................................239 Figure 81 - 22/ All beam lines individually defined...................................................................................239 Figure 82 - Required Haunch .....................................................................................................................244 Figure 83 - Method A...................................................................................................................................245 Figure 84 - Method B...................................................................................................................................246 Figure 85 - Method C...................................................................................................................................247

xiv

xv

Table of Tables

Table 1 - User and BGS Roles.........................................................................................................................3 Table 2 - UNIT Field Settings .......................................................................................................................50 Table 3 - Fate of Project Information for JOB TYPE and SAVE RESULTS Combinations Chosen....52 Table 4 - Design Data Card Usage................................................................................................................56 Table 5 - Maximum Amount of Design Data Permitted...........................................................................103 Table 6 - Example Slab Report...................................................................................................................170

Chapter 1: Introduction

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Bridge Geometry System (BGS) software was deployed in 2007 to replace the legacy TxDOT Roadway Design System (RDS) software as the departments principal tool for the geometric design of bridge structures. RDS was used as a basis in the development of BGS. All non-bridge related program features were removed from RDS and various enhancements were applied. The result of these changes is BGS, a "scaled down" implementation of RDS that focuses on bridge geometrics. An experienced RDS user will be able to begin using BGS immediately as BGS is used in the same way as RDS. The BGS input data, output computations, reports and CAD plots are the same as RDS when applied to bridge geometric design. Purpose of this Guide The BGS User Guide describes how to use the BGS software to perform bridge geometric design. The target audience for this document is both new and experienced users. The new user can reference certain parts of this guide to begin learning and using BGS immediately. Other, more detailed parts of the document can be referenced as the users experience and BGS skills develop. The experienced BGS user can reference the entire guide, especially the detailed sections, for use as a reference guide in using BGS. Organization of this Guide The BGS User Guide is organized in the following Chapters and Appendices: Chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter provides an introduction to BGS. Chapter 2: Getting Started This chapter targets the new user by providing an overview of how to begin using BGS. Subsequent chapters provide additional detailed information about the various topics and concepts that are introduced in this chapter. Chapter 3: General Information and Terminology This chapter describes some aspects of BGS input forms which are common to more than one form. General terminology, concepts and topics which apply to the system in general are also addressed. Chapter 4: System Card This chapter provides detailed information that completely describes the SYSTEM card input. Chapter 5: Roadway Design Data Input This chapter provides detailed information that completely describes how to input the various types of roadway design data to define the three dimensional aspects of the bridge roadway surface.

1

Chapters 6, 7 and 8: Command Structured Input - These chapters provide detailed information on the input of General Geometry, Bridge Geometry and Plotting. This includes detailed information that completely describes each of the BGS commands that are issued using Command Structured input. The commands are organized and presented in logical groups of related functionality. The Bridge Geometry group of commands are the commands that are used to compute the geometric aspects of a bridge structure. Chapter 9: Running BGS This chapter provides detailed information that describes how to invoke the BGS program and interface for the purpose of processing the BGS input data file. Chapter 10: BGS Output This chapter provides detailed information about the various output files generated by BGS. Chapter 11: Using BGS Project Work Files This chapter describes how to use the optional BGS Project Work File program feature. This program feature is normally only employed by experienced users on large complex bridge projects. Chapter 12: Example Bridge Projects This chapter includes example bridge projects that describe how BGS is used to es