Is the software free?

Yes. All tools on bridgeautomation.net are completely free to use. There are no subscription fees, no usage limits, and no premium tiers. No payment information is ever required.

Do I need to create an account or log in?

No. There is no registration process and no login required to use any of the tools. Simply navigate to bridgeautomation.net/OurSoftware, select a tool, and start entering your data.

Do I need to install anything?

No. All tools run entirely in your web browser. There is no software to download, install, or configure. A modern web browser and an internet connection are all that is required.

What browsers are supported?

The tools work in all modern browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. For the best experience, keep your browser up to date. Internet Explorer is not supported.

Do the tools work on mobile devices?

Yes. The site is designed to be responsive and usable on tablets and smartphones. Some tools with complex data entry or large output tables may be easier to use on a larger screen, but all tools are accessible on mobile. Bridge Automation also offers dedicated Android apps on Google Play for vertical and horizontal curve calculations.

How accurate are the calculations?

All tools are verified against published textbook examples and hand calculations prior to release. Calculations follow established engineering principles and, where applicable, widely used design standards. We take accuracy seriously — if you believe a result is incorrect, please report it in the community forum with your input data and the expected result. All reported discrepancies are investigated promptly.

What design codes and standards do the tools follow?

Reinforced concrete tools follow ACI 318. Vertical and horizontal curve Android apps follow standard highway geometry definitions. Where a tool implements a specific standard, this is noted in the tool's interface or help text. If you need support for a specific code not yet covered (e.g., AASHTO, Eurocode), you can request it via the forum.

Can I use these tools for professional engineering work?

The tools are intended to assist with calculations and are suitable for use as a check or reference. As with any engineering software, all results should be reviewed by a qualified licensed engineer before being used in a final design or submitted as part of a design package. Bridge Automation tools do not replace engineering judgment or professional responsibility.

The result from a tool doesn't match my hand calculation — why?

Double-check that your units and boundary conditions match what the tool expects — the most common source of discrepancy is a mismatched unit or a different assumed support condition. If the difference persists after double-checking your inputs, please post the details in the forum so we can investigate. Include your input values, the tool output, and your expected result.

What loading types does the Beam Analysis tool support?

The Beam Analysis tool supports point loads, uniform distributed loads (UDL), and partial distributed loads applied over a specified segment of the span. Multiple loads of different types can be combined. Results include support reactions, shear force diagrams, and bending moment diagrams, displayed both graphically and numerically.

What cross-section shapes are available in the Section Properties tool?

The Section Properties tool supports standard rolled steel sections (W, S, C, L, HSS, and pipe shapes) as well as user-defined rectangular, circular, and built-up sections. Computed properties include area, centroid location, moment of inertia (Ix and Iy), section modulus (Sx and Sy), and radius of gyration.

What does the Column Design tool calculate?

The Column Design tool generates an axial-moment interaction diagram for a reinforced concrete column cross-section defined by the user. It evaluates whether a combination of applied axial load and bending moment falls within the capacity envelope of the section, using ACI 318 strength reduction factors. Both rectangular and circular column geometries are supported.

Does the Prestress tool handle post-tensioned members?

Yes. The Prestress tool covers both pretensioned and post-tensioned concrete members. Calculations include prestress losses (elastic shortening, creep, shrinkage, and relaxation), service-level stress checks at transfer and at final conditions, and flexural strength checks at the strength limit state.

How do I report a bug?

Post a detailed report in the community forum. Include the tool name, your input values, the output or error you received, and your browser and operating system. See the Contact Us page for full guidance on what to include in a bug report.

How do I request a new feature or tool?

Post your suggestion in the forum. Describe what you need, why it would be useful, and any relevant design standard or reference it should follow. Feature requests that are broadly useful to the structural engineering community are given priority in our development schedule.

Will new tools be added in the future?

Yes. We continue to develop and deploy new tools based on demand and user feedback. Planned areas for expansion include additional beam configurations, steel design checks, and geotechnical calculations. Follow the Bridge Automation blog for announcements about new releases.

How can I support Bridge Automation?

The best way to support the project is to use the tools, share them with colleagues and students, and contribute to the community forum. Engaged users who report bugs and suggest improvements directly help make the tools better for everyone. The site is supported through advertising — allowing ads to display when you use the site helps keep the tools free.