1. Graphical User Interface Improvements
This short video demonstrates how to move and rotate a model, as well as how to zoom in and out. It also explains how to switch between standard view mode and perspective mode. In addition, it shows how to enable node probing, an effective way to inspect contour plots at specific nodes.
The video concludes by demonstrating how to export the model as a .png file, which can then be used in calculation reports, presentations, or other documentation.
2. Framing Plan - DXF Files
Framing plans in .DXF format are automatically generated by the software at the end of each analysis run. This short video demonstrates this feature on a highly curved, skewed plate girder bridge as an example.
These files can then be opened in AutoCAD, MicroStation, or any other DXF editor, and used to verify the model geometry or included in calculation reports, presentations, and other documentation.
3. Automatic Report Generation
Another feature that is often overlooked, even by advanced users, is the automatic report generated at the end of each analysis run. For each stage, the report summarizes the maximum displacements, stresses, and brace forces, and also lists the vertical support reactions and first buckling eigenvalues.
This provides a quick and efficient way to identify potential issues, such as excessive stresses, support uplift, and structural instability. It also produces valuable output that designers and erectors can include in their calculation notes.
4. Charts - Absolute vs. Relative Displacements and Export to .CSV Files
From displacements plots to principal and lateral bending stresses, moment, shear and torque diagrams, and brace force charts, mBrace3D automatically generates a wide range of diagrams that can be then included in client presentations or calculation notes.
For skewed systems, mBrace3D allows charts to be displayed either using absolute distances along the girders or relative distances.
5. Live Load Analysis - Vehicle Load Optimization Parameters
mBrace3D fully supports vehicle load optimization based on influence surfaces for any design quantity, including displacements, support reactions, moment and shear, and brace forces.
This short video explains the various parameters required for the analysis, including more advanced optional settings such as the inclusion of centrifugal forces and traffic in both directions of travel. The video also demonstrates how to generate the default AASHTO HL-93 vehicle load, as well as its Canadian equivalent from the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code: the CL-625 truck load and CL-625 lane load.
All parameters remain editable, making this functionality versatile and adaptable to any state-specific or owner-specific live load models.