Bridges

During the design of the Wēiti River bridge, New Zealand’s first long span extradosed bridge, a parametric analysis and BIM model was developed to allow the team to efficiently manage complex geometries, repetitive tasks, and inevitable design changes. This Computational Design (CoDe) approach has been particularly beneficial for working through updates of the global analysis model, iterations on the bridge’s cross-section, post-tensioning layout, and generating plate finite element models for transverse analysis, as well as maintaining consistency between analysis and BIM models. The Wēiti River bridge showcases the benefits of CoDe, promoting its broader adoption in bridge engineering for enhanced accuracy and productivity.