BRIGADE Bridge Analysis Software
For the structural analysis and design of bridges and civil structures.
What is BRIGADE?
BRIGADE is a market-leading software package that provides a complete range of static and dynamic analysis procedures, automatic handling of moving vehicle loads, pre-stressing, advanced load combinations, and non-linear capabilities.
It is designed to cater to both standard and complex bridge structures, offering an intuitive user interface that is easy to learn for new users and highly productive for experienced users.
Most popular uses for BRIGADE
Bridge design
BRIGADE is an indispensable tool for companies involved in bridge design. The development of BRIGADE has focused on enhancing workflow, features, and result reporting. This emphasis is particularly evident in its handling of moving loads and load combinations according to design codes. These features are highly valued by engineers, whether designing a simple single-span bridge or a more aesthetically or structurally complex bridge.
As a long-time user of both BRIGADE/Plus and BRIGADE/Standard, ELU has harnessed the full potential of our bridge analysis software, showcasing its versatility and efficiency in diverse engineering scenarios.
Civil structure analysis
BRIGADE is a valuable solution for companies engaged in civil structure analysis, offering robust capabilities for designing and analyzing a wide variety of structures. The software is designed to streamline workflows, enhance feature accessibility, and improve result reporting, making it an indispensable tool for engineers. Its advanced handling of static and dynamic loads, as well as compliance with international design codes, ensures precise and reliable outcomes.
“The bridge and civil structure department at Inhouse Tech has been growing steadily over the years and so has the company's use of BRIGADE.”
Business Manager, Inhouse Tech
Why use BRIGADE?
Whether you’re working on standard bridge projects or complex civil engineering structures, BRIGADE is a powerful tool with functionalities that help to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with industry standards.
Delivers the full range of analysis methods needed for any bridge engineer; whether you’re studying seismic load, the static response of a standard frame bridge, the dynamic response from high-speed trains, or studying non-linear time dependent effects in materials.
The automatic handling of moving vehicle loads and complex load combinations, according to predefined design codes, simplifies the design process and ensures accuracy.
BRIGADE’s intuitive user interfaces are easy to learn for new users and highly productive for experienced users.
BRIGADE uses Abaqus integrated solver technology to solve numerical equations. This ensures that BRIGADE’s core solver is constantly developed and recognized as a market leader. The Abaqus solver provides robust calculations and delivers accurate results.
No coding knowledge is needed to use BRIGADE, but the pre- and post-processing phases can be scripted/coded in Python – one of the most widely used coding languages. Users can automate workflows by scripting both the entire modeling phase of a structure or bridge, and the output phase.
What can you do with BRIGADE?
BRIGADE offers a comprehensive suite of analysis methods, modules, and features designed to meet the diverse needs of bridge and civil structure analysis. From static and dynamic analysis to advanced load handling and result visualization, BRIGADE equips engineers with the tools necessary to ensure precision and efficiency in their projects.
Static and dynamic analysis
Perform comprehensive static and dynamic analyses to evaluate structural performance under various conditions.
Prestressing analysis
Analyze the effects of prestressing, including short-term and long-term losses, to ensure structural integrity.
Segmental construction
BRIGADE/Plus offers the possibility to analyze the effect of segmental construction by adding and removing parts of the structure, loads, boundary conditions, etc., during analysis.
Non-linear analysis
BRIGADE/Plus offers the possibility to perform non-linear analyses, including geometrical and nonlinear material behavior and contacts.
Moving loads
BRIGADE/Plus and BRIGADE/Standard include a market-leading technique for evaluation of the static response of moving loads. The technique is based on influence surfaces/influence lines and mesh-independent traffic lane alignments. Vehicles can consist of axles with fixed or variable internal distances and in combination with moving surface loads. Multiple simultaneous vehicles in different lanes are handled automatically.
Load combination
BRIGADE/Plus and BRIGADE/Standard include a state-of-the-art load combination facility automatically taking into account whether the loads provide an adverse or relieving effect on the structure. Load combinations can be created manually or generated from a library of design code specific combinations e.g. Eurocode.
Result visualization
Visualize results in 3D plots and 2D graphs and generate detailed reports for efficient interpretation and communication.
How to choose your bridge analysis software
When selecting the most suitable bridge analysis software for your organization, it’s crucial to consider the complexity of your projects and the specific features required.
BRIGADE/Standard
For standard bridge structures, BRIGADE/Standard offers user-friendly interfaces and predefined traffic loads that simplify the design process.
BRIGADE/Plus
For more complex bridge projects or any other type of structure, BRIGADE/Plus provides advanced modeling and analysis capabilities, including support for intricate geometries and dynamic load conditions.
How to buy Brigade
Looking to purchase Brigade licenses? Want to see a demo to understand what Brigade can do? Or do you need to speak to an expert before you can make your decision?
Brigade comes in all shapes and sizes. We’re here to make sure that you’re getting the right software package for your team.
Let's talk
Our simulation team are on-hand to provide tailored guidance and support with a deep knowledge of the full SIMULIA portfolio. Reach out to talk to an expert today.