Bridge Rating Using the Finite Element Method (BRUFEM) is a system of computer programs developed by the University of Florida, with Florida DOT sponsorship, to develop better bridge rating systems using finite element technology. BRUFEM consists of four FORTRAN programs:

• BRUFEM1, a preprocessor for steel and concrete bridges that develops a finite element model and prepares input files for the finite element program
• SIMPAL, a finite element program that solves the finite element model created
• BRUFEM3, a post-processor that reads the SIMPAL output and performs bridge ratings based on the appropriate service level or strength criteria
• SIMPLOT, a graphics post-processor

A workshop to train bridge engineers in the use of BRUFEM has been developed. BRUFEM workshop presentations were held in Alabama, California, and Oklahoma in 1994. No further workshops are planned.

Not available.

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U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration