BrDR 7.6 Release Notes
- David Foremsky
AASHTOWare Bridge® Design and Rating Release Notes
January 2025
Madero Engine Sunset Notice
The Madero ASR analysis module has been sunset and is no longer available. See Technical Note 79 (Madero ASR Analysis Module Sunset Notification)
New Features and Enhancements
AASHTOWare Bridge® Design and Rating Version 7.6.0
The following enhancements and additions have been added to AASHTOWare Bridge® Design and Rating in Version 7.6.0:
1. AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications updates (10th Edition)
The 10th edition incorporates the approved ballots at the 2021, 2022, and 2023 AASHTO Committee on Bridges & Structures Annual (COBS) Meeting.
Steel Highlights
a. Lateral-torsional buckling requirements
i. New procedures based generally on procedures given in 2nd Edition of AISC Design Guide 25
b. Cross-frame analysis and design
i. Cross-frame member stiffness modification factor to consider effects of eccentric end connections
ii. Torsional bracing stiffness and strength requirements for cross-frames
c. Shear connector requirements
i. New fatigue detail category for shear connectors which also results in reformatting of Table 6.6.1.2.3-1
ii. Clustered shear connectors commonly encountered in accelerated bridge construction applications
Concrete Highlights
a. Reinforcement development length requirements
i. New development length calculations
ii. Headed deformed bars
b. Pretensioned anchorage zone requirements
i. New horizontal transverse tension tie reinforcement requirements
ii. 0.7” Diameter strands in precast pretensioned girders
Culvert Highlights
1. Incorporate recommendations from the research report for NCHRP Project 15-54, “Proposed Modifications to AASHTO Culvert Load Rating Specifications”
i. Removed the provision to neglect live load where depth of fill is more than 8’
ii. Allow neglecting live load when the factored live load vertical pressure at the culvert surface is less than 10% of the sum of the factored vertical earth load plus factored vertical live load pressure
iii. Replace lateral live load surcharge (LS) with approaching wheel (AW) load
iv. Revised equivalent strip width for live load distribution
2. AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation updates (3rd Edition, 2024 Interim Revisions)
The 2024 interim revisions, MBE 3rd 2024i Spec version, incorporate the approved ballots at the 2022 and 2023 AASHTO COBS Annual Meeting. The MBE 3rd 2023i Spec version delivered with the 7.5.x releases that incorporate the approved ballots at the 2022 meeting will be migrated to MBE 3rd 2024i and the MBE 3rd 2023i Spec version will no longer be available.
LRFR evaluation – Concrete shear and evaluation of shear load rating
a. Use concurrent load effects
b. Concrete Iterative Shear Rating control option
c. Modify MCFT Strain and Ignore Size Effect control options
LRFR evaluation – Permit truck load rating
a. Consider permit truck as notional – consider only axles that contribute to the maximum force effect
b. Consider ADTT for loading lane load
c. Revise conditions for loading of lane load and actions to be considered for span 200’ to 300’ and continuous span configuration
LRFR evaluation – Gusset plate compressive resistance
a. Combine Whitmore Section and Partial Shear Plane
b. Implement Truncated Whitmore Section
c. Implement Basic Corner Check
3. New LRFR control option for compact web section Cb calculation using AISC Article F1 commentary
4. New Bridge Workspace windows for entering points of interest along the webs of standard and advanced concrete multi-cell box superstructures
5. Analysis Results Comparison (ARC) Tool Usability Improvements
A new ribbon user interface, expanded dataset comparison capabilities and flexibilities, improved feedback mechanisms, error reporting, and collaboration features.
6. Top voted RADBUG enhancements
a. BSSD-1852 Automatically Calculate Flange Effective Width
b. BSSD-2782 Saved Print Settings in BrDR
c. BSSD-2828 Bottom Flange Lateral Support Location
d. BSSD-3289 Bent Reinforcement Bar for RC Culvert Slabs and Walls
e. BSSD-3454 Enhance Rating Tool API Scenarios Functionality
f. BSSD-3707 Steel Cover Plate Development Length
7. BrDR development migration to the .NET 8 software development platform
.NET 8 is a huge technological advancement from the .NET Framework development platform. This ensures BrDR stays current with the newest technologies and best practices.
Resolved Incidents
AASHTOWare Bridge® Design and Rating Version 7.6.0
The following Support Center incidents in the AASHTOWare Bridge® Design and Rating Technical Support website are also addressed in this release:
1. BSSD-3586 - Problem for steel girder with thicker overhang
2. BSSD-3590 - LTB calculation - lateral flange moment of Inertia differs by more than 50% not being considered.
3. BSSD-3876 - Truss analysis error with non-linear LRFR analysis for lane load
4. BSSD-3943 - Fatal error occurs when web end block width is equal to width of PS I-beam top flange
5. BSSD-3953 - BrDR LRFR rating does not match LRT with moment redistribution
6. BSSD-3961 - LRT Results Not Matching Bridge Explorer Results
7. BSSD-3982 - Redistributed negative moment not being properly applied to positive moment regions
8. BSSD-3990 - Timber deck factor, flat use factor, incising factor not being used correctly
9. BSSD-4038 - Bug with "thickness field measured (DW=1.25 if checked)" checkbox on the Wearing Surface tab
10. BSSD-4042 - Stringer Group Geometry Definition error for GFS superstructure
11. BSSD-4060 - Add validation check for width of Advanced Concrete Member
12. BSSD-4088 - Truss LLDF incorrect for multiple roadways
13. BSSD-4105 - [7.3.1] AASHTO ASD ENGINE bearing stress seems to be using the Shear LLDF, not the Shear at Supports LLDF.
14. BSSD-4112 - Pedestrian live load not being applied properly in some cases for 3D FEM
15. BSSD-4127 - Pier Cap Geometry window shows incorrect data when importing an MCB integral with substructure
16. BSSD-4142 - When a floortruss member load is assigned between nodes in a floortruss, the analysis will not run.
17. BSSD-4149 - 'Mirror Group' stringer definition issue
18. BSSD-4152 - Unable to compute beam depth error in end span when attempting to enter P/T tendon profile
19. BSSD-4155 - LRFR reduced DW load factor for field measured thickness not being considered for floorbeams in GFS or FS structure types
20. BSSD-4171 - PS Design Tool - Incorrect Camber article reference in 'Stage 3 Spec Check Results' report
21. BSSD-4172 - BrDR or BrD - Remove Camber table from 'Stage 3 Spec Check Results' report file
22. BSSD-4181 - Truss LFR adjacent vehicle analysis failure with vehicle assigned to multiple rating categories
23. BSSD-4184 - Differing behavior of Compute LLDF button between member types
24. BSSD-4185 - Metal Culvert/CMP in ASR 3D FEM – does not give an error message that the structure is not supported for ASR
25. BSSD-4192 - Axial compression capacity equations being applied to tension-only truss floorbeam member
26. BSSD-4195 - Corrugated deck analysis fails when wheel load distribution widths are blank
27. BSSD-4197 - 'Consider striped lanes for load rating' option not being considered for GFS superstructure type
28. BSSD-4198 - Incorrect LFR analysis output values in Diaphragm Detailed Rating Results table generated by Report Tool
29. BSSD-4206 - Grid highlight colors not correct when first opening the Girder profile window
30. BSSD-4229 - LRFR rating factor not matching between BrR and Rating Tool with shear governing under gapped lane load
31. BSSD-4239 - 3D FEM design check fails when combining wind and pedestrian load
32. BSSD-4250 - Truss Member Of Interest Override Capacity command not being applied to symmetrical members
33. BSSD-4252 - Deflection check ignoring pedestrian load for FEM runs
34. BSSD-4255 - Missing 'One Lane LLDF' info in 'Rating Results Report' for LFD truss rating analysis having an adjacent LL defined
35. BSSD-4256 - Angles of Floorbeam Truss ignored if section loss is defined
36. BSSD-4263 - Clarify error message when DL Distribution "By transverse continuous-beam analysis" is chosen
37. BSSD-4278 - Timber Girder Line Model is not working in 7.4.0
38. BSSD-4312 - LFR & LRFR combined axial and moment spec checking for I-shaped steel member in diaphragm
39. BSSD-4314 - Slab tributary area for curved girders using offsets at abutment rather than radial spacing
40. BSSD-4315 - Prestressed Concrete Design Tool not producing a successful design for a NEXT 32D beam
41. BSSD-4316 - Flange lateral bending stress being set to 0 for HL-93 90% (Truck Pair + Lane) and 100%(Tandem Pair + Lane) load cases
42. BSSD-4317 - Corrugated deck gives inconsistent results for truck vs tandem LRFR rating factors
43. BSSD-4320 - Integral piers being located relative to longitudinal C/L of pier cap instead of superstructure reference line upon initial creation
44. BSSD-4322 - Error retrieving P/T secondary force effects for Advanced Concrete Beam with cantilevered end spans
45. BSSD-4329 - Incorrect concrete shear capacities computed for culvert walls for LRFR analysis
46. BSSD-4343 - Advanced Concrete Member Alt does not consider "Solid Section" flag for shear capacity
47. BSSD-4348 - Revise specification checking description for concrete box culverts
48. BSSD-4355 - Incorrect PS force Tabulated Results and Results Graph for prestressed girder having unsymmetrical strand debonding
49. BSSD-4373 - Element Name is missing from Bracing Summary ratings for permit and legal loads
50. BSSD-4375 - Substructure Data Architecture Issue: Default materials set at higher grid is not used when GUI beneath it is opened
51. BSSD-4382 - Equations 6.10.4.2.2-1 and -2 not being checked for sections governed by Appendix A
52. BSSD-4383 - Calculation of live load portion of Vu for 6.10.5.3 Special Fatigue Requirement for Webs
53. BSSD-4387 - Results Graph for shear shows analysis points out of order
54. BSSD-4391 - Entering small skew angle at Support 1 for curved bridge triggers "Support skew and girder spacing result in an invalid framing plan! Re-check your data!" error.
55. BSSD-4400 - Exterior beam LLDF - Type F/G precast box beams using the incorrect width of the beam (interior vs. exterior width)
56. BSSD-4401 - LRFD Distribution Factor Disregarding Rigid Deck Distribution
57. BSSD-4418 - Error running large 3D FE models when 'Exclude permit lane load from permit vehicle location' option selected
58. BSSD-4419 - 'Vehicle type not supported' error when pedestrian load entered for a girder being analyzed for permit vehicle and an adjacent vehicle
59. BSSD-4422 - MCB integral substructure with cross slope elevation error
60. BSSD-4425 - Culvert rating factors=99 when EV exceeds capacity
61. BSSD-4426 - Timber deck rating showing up for level not requested
62. BSSD-4437 - Moment redistribution supported for MBE 2022 and 2023 interims is also incorrectly applied for MBE 2020 interim
63. BSSD-4443 - 'Must consider user input lateral bending stresses' control option causing 'Model domain generation failed!' error
64. BSSD-4445 - Inconsistent impact of Vp force on shear capacity
65. BSSD-4446 - Deleting a substructure pier does not remove all associated pier items
66. BSSD-4447 - Load rating factor from Overall Summary differs from Detailed Rating Results table
67. BSSD-4452 - LFR LLDF Auto-Calculation Not Following System Defaults
68. BSSD-4465 - Maximum Iteration Exceeded for shear rating of prestressed beam
69. BSSD-4477 - Incorrect beam end rotations in Bearing Design Summary Table
70. BSSD-4496 - Incorrect combined axial and flexure capacity for I- and H-shaped truss members
71. BSSD-4500 - Incorrect corrugated metal deck load ratings due to support skew and negative overhangs
72. BSSD-4501 - Override Capacities Not Being Applied for ASR flexure
73. BSSD-4503 - Blank adjacent vehicle name in header of Distribution Factor-Line Girder analysis summary report
74. BSSD-4504 - Incorrect vertical support condition assigned to cantilevered end of virtual stringer FE model
75. BSSD-4508 - Error in depth of web in compression at plastic moment Calculation (D6.3.2-1)
76. BSSD-4513 - Bad rating using distribution factor line girder on splayed span
77. BSSD-4514 - Batch Import error occurs randomly when SQL Server database AUTO_CLOSE is set to ON
78. BSSD-4516 - BrR Permit Truck LRFR Load Rating Discrepancy
79. BSSD-4526 - BrR Tabular Results are blank for PS Box beam
80. BSSD-4532 - Inconsistent Diaphragm Data: diaphragm not fully deleted
81. BSSD-4541 - Dist. Fact. Superstructure Properties window - range types - "One range per span" and "Per member" allows "Number of ranges" greater than 1
82. BSSD-4546 - Standard and Adv. MCB report tool does not report stirrup locations in web that are longer than the full box due to varying skews
83. BSSD-4596 - Truck and tandem pair corresponding shear is not computed
84. BSSD-4604 - Missing help for the 'New Location' window- adding a new debonding location on the Strand Layout window.
85. BSSD-4605 - Results Graph should not be active for Distribution Factor - Line Girder run
86. BSSD-4610 - Hinges should not be allowed at supports for timber stringers
87. BSSD-4612 - Floor system superstructure LRFD Live Load Distribution computation not working
88. BSSD-4617 - PS Girder line Shear Reinforcement Ranges window does not open after reducing the span lengths.
89. BSSD-4621 - Load rating tool - PS-LRFR analysis produces 0.0 rating factors.
90. BSSD-4628 - Substructure speck check fails for piers with wedge nose column components
91. BSSD-4631 - Inaccurate Reporting of LFR Distribution Factor Calculations
92. BSSD-4633 - Incorrect LRFR Fatigue Vehicle Impact and MPF factors applied with 3D FEM
93. BSSD-4634 - Need SL and ML Ratings for Floorbeams
94. BSSD-4638 - Live Load reaction for LFR/LRFR do not match after adjusting for the corresponding impact and MPF
95. BSSD-4646 - Analysis Template with General Preference Import Error
96. BSSD-4648 - In 'Diaphragms' tab of 'Framing Plan' window, incorrect beam length being reported out in dialog error message.
97. BSSD-4649 - Advanced MCB integral pier column location is incorrect in curved region when consider substructure skew is false and the support is skewed.
98. BSSD-4651 - Pier Alternative - 3D Schematic doesn't open after analyzing the pier alt
99. BSSD-4652 – BrDR Help updates related to RC and PS reinforcement windows
100. BSSD-4653 - Substructure analysis - missing reports from engine outputs
101. BSSD-4655 - Bug in Spec Check for Service II article 6A.6.4.2.2
102. BSSD-4658 - 'Left' or 'Right' vehicle path type does not follow travelway edge when non-parallel to structure reference line for DF-LG analysis type
103. BSSD-4660 - Substructure Default Skew Angle is -90 degrees; should be 0.0
104. BSSD-4665 - Pile Footing - Default materials are not populated in the Foundation Properties window when creating a new pile footing
105. BSSD-4677 - Diaphragm Integrity Scanner not fixing a Legacy BrDR Framing Plan Diaphragm Issue
106. BSSD-4678 - Shear skew correction factor not applied at correct location
107. BSSD-4681 - Revise notation in program output for P/S flexural resistance- Change Ac to Act to match the specification change
108. BSSD-4692 - Strand Layout - AASHTO LRFD/LRFR engine help is missing an equation.
109. BSSD-4703 - Culvert Top Slab - LFD Shear Capacity; value for d should be measured from the bottom of slab
110. BSSD-4738 - Analysis fails when concrete moment redistribution is used for multi-cell box beams with integral piers
111. BSSD-4742 - Rating factors in concrete moment redistribution report may not match rating factors in load rating spec articles
112. BSSD-4749 - PSDT debonded strand schematic issue
113. BSSD-4760 - Permit Shear in slabs affected by analysis template
114. BSSD-4763 - BrR BWS Report Issues
115. BSSD-4764 - Report Tool Vertical Shear Reinforcement report format
116. BSSD-4771 - General Preferences control options bugs
117. BSSD-4828 - Concrete Bridge ratings for "User Defined POIs"
118. BSSD-4841 - AASHTO engine does not apply shrinkage load and applies the wrong creep load
119. BSSD-4844 - Substructure graphic does not display
120. BSSD-4851 - Correct checking for double.NaN values in source code
121. BSSD-4857 - PS initial stress allowable stress considering all mild steel and not just that in tension
122. BSSD-4864 - Report Tool Vertical Shear Reinforcement report format issue
123. BSSD-4871 - LRFD 5.5.3.1 does not contain creep and shrinkage moment
124. BSSD-4872 - LRFD 5.6.3.2 does not contain creep and shrinkage values in the factored moment
125. BSSD-4878 - Creep and shrinkage moments inconsistently applied in spec articles checking final tensile and compressive concrete stresses
126. BSSD-4884 - Incorrect longitudinal location used for MCB flexural reinforcement development length computation in v7.5
127. BSSD-4885 - Tutorial Comments; miscellaneous
128. BSSD-4887 - LLDF for slab bridges spanning up to 15 ft
129. BSSD-4888 - Error Opening Window for POI Wizard
130. BSSD-4896 - Floorbeam Definition window - cannot delete self load.
131. BSSD-4898 - Incorrect LLDF warning message for T beams
132. BSSD-4906 - Lateral bracing that is defined is not being used in the braced length calculation, Lb used in spec checks
133. BSSD-4914 - Stiffener spacing discrepancy and its impact on steel shear capacity
134. BSSD-4917 - Advanced Concrete Consider Splitting Resistance Article Control Option
135. BSSD-4920 - Approaching Wheel Load ('AW') not considered for 'compression plus bending' force action
136. BSSD-4921 - Error creating the cross section for parabolic concave web depths
137. BSSD-4922 - Small Rating Factor Difference for Load Rating Tool from App D6.2 Yield Moment
138. BSSD-4923 - Potential Incorrect Spec Check Note for shear connectors
139. BSSD-4924 - Advanced MCB: Individual web results not available
140. BSSD-4926 - UI allows 'Standard' library type to be selected that cannot be subsequently changed
141. BSSD-4928 - Issues with Flexural Capacity of I Shaped Members (6.12.2.2.1)
142. BSSD-4942 - Incorrect units in output for LRFR 5.10.8.1.2a
143. BSSD-4948 - Sign of Vu for 6A.4.2.1 Shear - 5.7.2.6
144. BSSD-4954 - ARC Tool Driver Bug and Missing Attribute
145. BSSD-4955 - Concrete Library in Steel and PS design tools has incorrect E for LRFD
146. BSSD-4960 - Rating Tool settings do not import correctly
147. BSSD-4962 - XML Reports in Steel Design Tool Open in Internet Explorer instead of Built-In Viewer
148. BSSD-4963 - Spec Check Report Generating opens a blank screen
149. BSSD-4965 - Rock Socket Typo on the Foundation Properties window
150. BSSD-4966 - Error Migrating or Transferring General Preference Data between BrR 7.3 and 7.5 - Control Options for ASD and LFD
151. BSSD-4969 - Box Culvert Slab lower Shear Resistance per 5.12.7.3 in version 7.5 compared to version 7.2
152. BSSD-4973 - Stiffener Definitions are missing from floor system superstructures
153. BSSD-4986 - Rating tool difference when LRFR permit lane load is included
154. BSSD-4987 - Some Advanced MCB bridges run in the Load Rating tool but they aren't currently supported.
155. BSSD-4996 - Issue with integral slab depth comparison with the cap depth
156. BSSD-5002 - Metric Bolt Def strength properties not correct when used in bridges with US units
157. BSSD-5005 - Incorrect Deck Factor Cd used for nail laminated deck - LRFR analysis
158. BSSD-5011 - Exclude diaphragms from spec checking when analyzing individual girder
159. BSSD-5014 - Issue with Show All Decimal Places
160. BSSD-5028 - SysError thrown when opening Engine Outputs window for Metal Culvert
161. BSSD-5030 - Substructure-Column spec article 5.7.3.3 not finding load cases
162. BSSD-5031 - Substructure-Spec article 5.7.3.4 warning message; can't find cross section
163. BSSD-5055 - Rotational stiffness computation issue; Structure Framing Plan window
164. BSSD-5075 - Stringer Discrete Brace Locations Near Supports
165. BSSD-5078 - Positive moment capacity used for negative demand for slab ASR
166. BSSD-5080 - Factored reaction values at bearing locations are zero if the bearings are at an offset with respect to the support centerline
167. BSSD-5091 - LRT does not match Bridge Workspace Result
168. BSSD-5092 - Behavior of 'Embedded flange' checkbox in Haunch Profile window
169. BSSD-5093 - PDST sample model PSMS-0101-PWWIB-NSkw-Hpd has Service limit states unchecked
170. BSSD-5104 - Concrete member alt POI setting to consider permit load tensile stress article is not working
171. BSSD-5109 - Concrete member analysis error when ignoring design/legal shear but not permit shear
172. BSSD-5110 - Concrete member analysis fails when POI shear method is set to user defined
173. BSSD-5111 - Concrete member POI override theta value not being considered
174. BSSD-5112 - Truss Member Unbraced Length For LTB Resistance Is Not Set
175. BSSD-5114 - Steel Design Tool Validation Red X not removed when field selected or filled in
176. BSSD-5118 - Error Message on Precomputed Data Window Not Clear
177. BSSD-5121 - 6A.5.4.2.2b reported as 6A.5.4.2.2.2 for evaluating permit tensile stress under service limit state
178. BSSD-5124 - Inconsistent handling of flange lateral support location
179. BSSD-5125 - Lightweight concrete for PS beam reported as normal weight concrete in LRFD 5.4.2.1
180. BSSD-5127 - Distance to tension reinforcement, d, not calculated for shallow compression blocks
181. BSSD-5129 - System Defaults: Rating Tool help screen typo
182. BSSD-5174 - The calculation of culvert rebar development length for hooked and corner rebars does not consider the modification factor for epoxy-coated rebars
Special Notes
Technical Note 82: Negative Zero Reported in Certain Scenarios
With the upgrade to .NET 8.0, floating point values may display as -0.0 instead of 0.0 in version 7.6 and onwards due to changes in the IEEE standard. This affects BrDR, BrD, BrR, PSDT, SDT and ARC Tool (included with BrDR/BrD/BrR). Future releases will update these applications to display negative zero values as 0.0. See Technical Note 82 (Negative Zero Reported in Certain Scenarios) for more information.
Limitations of Educational License
If you are using the Educational version of AASHTOWare Bridge® Design or AASHTOWare Bridge® Rating, be aware that you may only create bridges with the following limitations:
| Educational |
Maximum number of spans: | 3 |
Maximum span length: | No limit |
Maximum number of girders per structure: | 10 |
Maximum number of bridges: | No limit |
BrDR and BrM Web Service Compatibility
Version compatibility between BrDR and BrM is displayed in the following table:
BrM Version | BrDR Version |
6.4 | 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and later |
6.5 | 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and later |
6.6 | 7.3 and later |
6.7 | 7.3 and later |
7.0 | Currently not supported |
Hardware Requirements
The Hardware Requirements listed in the AASHTOWare Bridge® Startup Guide Step 5 and AASHTOWare Catalog are the requirements for typical bridge model. These requirements are highly dependent on the size of the model, the type of the bridge and the complexity of the analysis. If you have additional questions on the hardware requirements or encounter memory or performance issues, please contact AASHTOWare Bridge® Design and Rating Technical Support at BrDR@promiles.com.