Using the Program
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Running PGSuper is simple. For our example we will use the default project. By selecting File / New from the main menu the project dialog box will popup.
The "Default Project" is a complete working project.
Our next next step will be to select the units for the problem. The program runs either in English or SI units. The default measurement system is SI.
The next we'll conduct is to select the code to be used for the specification check. There are four codes available. They are as follows:
- AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 2nd Edition 1998 - SI Units
- AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 2nd Edition 1998 - US Units
- WSDOT LRFD - SI Units
- WSDOT LRFD - US Units
For brevity let's assume that default PGSuper libraries have the necessary entries for our design. Unless your working on WSDOT bridges you probably will have to add entries to the library for your particular locale.
For the final input step we will describe the bridge. By selecting Project / Edit Bridge from the main menu a tabbed dialog box will appear. In this dialog box you will enter the length of bridge, typical sections, roadway geometry, barrier type, prestressing strand type, and girder data. Notice that we are referencing Connection Type from the Connection Type Library.
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After completing the necessary input for the project we can analyze the bridge and study results simply by selecting a View from the View Menu as discussed in the previous section. Final results for the analysis and design can be found in the Menu Item View / Reports.
The Report generator allows the user to select data ("chapters") to be included or excluded in the final output. This flexibility allows the user to only include the desired data eliminating the printing and review of data that is not required. If required the "Detailed Report" will generate 70 plus pages of output which includes 22 distinct Chapters of data. The breadth of the output is a welcome feature. By reviewing the data in the detailed report and reading the Technical Documentation the user will be well versed in how PGSuper is conducting the analysis. This is important feature for companies and individuals that test their software before using it in production.
The Reports are clear and well organized. Tables are used extensively, which makes reviewing the analysis easy. Equations, graphics, and code section references are shown where applicable. At the bottom of each page the date and file name and path are recorded.
To give you the "flavor" of what PGSuper is calculating and checking here is a list of some of the twenty-two "Chapters" available for output:
- Bridge Description - Echo of input
- Section Properties - Computed section girder section properties ( beam, composite )
- Moments, Shears, and Reactions - Computed forces and reactions for each load case.
- Prestressing Force and Strand Stresses - prestressing stresses at each stage
- Specification Check - Code checks summarized in tables with the status of the check (pass or fail ). Failure of specification check is highlighted in red for easy determination.
- Project Criteria - Echo of the design code and parameters used in the project.
- Lifting Check Details - Analysis of lifting of the girders.
- Hauling Check Details - Analysis of girder transportation.
