Using the Help
Main Module
The intent of the LEAP Bridge Main Module help is to help you become familiar with the program and its capabilities. We recommend first reading the General Operation section to get an overview of the program’s intended functionality and operational procedures. The Tutorials chapter describes how to input various bridge configurations and structure types. The tutorials cover a variety of topics related to post-tensioning and precast/prestressed, cast-in-place reinforced, and cast-in-place post tensioned superstructures, and various pier types. Selected output data is provided for each Tutorial.
| Introduction | This section contains information that is helpful to know before attempting to use LEAP Bridge Concrete, such as program capabilities, intended use, and key features. It also includes helpful information about using the manuals. Reviewing this material prior to running the program helps to ensure smooth operation. |
| CONNECT Project Association | This section describes how to register, associate, or disassociate a project in LEAP Bridge Concrete through Bentley's CONNECT services. |
| General Operation | This section includes information about each of the different input fields, main tabs, and screens in LEAP Bridge Concrete. You can also find related information in the online help system. You can activate the context-sensitive online help at any time while running the program by pressing the <F1> key. |
| Common Usage | This section contains guidelines for the most efficient use of LEAP Bridge Concrete, depending on the users’ objectives. It also notes the limitations inherent in the data-sharing among various components. It is recommended that users review this chapter carefully before using LEAP Bridge Concrete. |
| Reports | This section contains details on the reports generated by LEAP Bridge Concrete. |
| Appendices | This section describes the libraries including: Vehicle Live Loads, Rebar, Strands, Post-tensioning Tendons, and others. |
Tutorials
The best way to become acquainted with the program is by actually using it to solve a few problems. In each tutorial, we walk you through a number of actual bridge design projects. We encourage you to run the tutorials on your own computer and compare monitor displays with the illustrations in this manual. By closely following these tutorials, you can quickly become familiar with a number of typical design situations and most of the computer data input/output process.
We have tried to make LEAP Bridge Concrete as user-friendly as possible; however, there are some features that cannot be made apparent by a headlong approach to using the software. The extra time it takes to go through the tutorials will be compensated for by the knowledge gained. It is advisable for you to check several previous designs using LEAP Bridge Concrete. This will serve to confirm your knowledge of the operation and assumptions of the program.
While these manuals present the overall concept of LEAP Bridge Concrete and the integration of the component programs into one suite of applications, it is important to refer to the user manuals for the component programs themselves for in depth, general options and technical details on the programs.