Model Bridge Design » software

Model Bridge Truss Design Software

Garrett Boon — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:07:13 +0000

I am always on the look out for good software to help design model bridges. My latest find, Dr. Software, is a series of programs that allow you to customize a design, put a load on it, and see what happens. Dr. Truss comes in 2D and 3D options. You can also get Dr. Beam, which allows you to word with a beam and not a truss. The pictures in this post are from Dr. Truss 2D.

The Dr. Software is very comprehensive and in-depth. You can do a lot of different kinds of analysis on your truss design. One of the coolest features is that all your modifications are shown in real time. Even while you are dragging a joint to a new location the program shows you the changes in the forces and moments of inertia. I think that the Dr. Software can be a serious help to the serious model builder who wants to better understand the physics of truss design. Check out their website:

http://www.drsoftware-home.com/

Bridge IT

Garrett Boon — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 03:47:23 +0000

Recently I was introduced to a bridge building program, Bridge It. This program is made by NVIDIA and Auran. In the game, you are given scenarios and have to make a bridge that will support the required load while staying within a budget. Let me tell you, some of them are not easy.

Bridge It lets you build these bridges from a variety of materials, including suspension cables. The bridges are tested by a car or train, and sometimes by an earthquake. Needless to say, since Bridge It is made in part by NVIDIA the graphics are sweet. Very visually stunning as it says.The game does cost $20 (if you buy it from http://www.chroniclogic.com/ otherwise it is more). It does have a free demo though. I would say it is worth the money.

You must have a NVIDIA graphics card. If you don’t know what that means, then find out. The game will not work if you have a ATI video card. Ask any computer geek you know and he will be able to tell you what you have.