Where to Find BrDR Learning Resources
November 28, 2023Have you ever had issues finding help when using BrDR? Or how something is calculated by the software? Or how an input is used by the software? This article provides a summary of learning resources that provide answers to all these questions. Help for BrDR can be found in multiple places, including both on-line and within the software.
Training resources (YouTube Videos, Tutorials, RADBUG resources)
If you are new to the BrDR software or if you simply want to know the process for creating/inputting a bridge, a variety of videos and tutorials are available on the AASHTOWare Bridge – Training web page (link Training – AASHTOWare Bridge).
Videos
The top of the web page lists YouTube videos on topics covering things such as introduction to the software, installation, and information on creating simple BrDR examples. These videos provide a high-level view of the software and are particularly good for new users who prefer a visual learning experience. The first link will direct you to the official AASHTOWare BrDR YouTube with all the videos. Note that the previous BrDR YouTube Channel is no longer in use. The videos were refreshed and transferred to the official AASHTOWare BrDR YouTube Channel.
Tutorials
Further down on the Training web page is a comprehensive list of BrDR tutorials. In general, these tutorials provide a step-by-step guide for creating a BrDR bridge model in PDF format. The tutorials include captures of the windows and specific data needed to create a model. The models are organized by category (structure type or feature) and most tutorials are accompanied by a completed BrDR bridge model that matches the tutorial input and can be imported directly into the software.
The tutorials provide a great way for new users to learn how to use the software while also providing enough detail for more experienced users who seek specific examples of the software features and structure types. The tutorials are currently being updated for the version 7.5 release of the software.
User Group Information
Each year at the BrDR User Group meeting, presentations are provided on everything from summary updates to the software to training examples on how to use the software. The PDF versions of these training examples are provided at the bottom of the Training web page. The contents for each User Group meeting’s training examples since 2012 is provided in a downloadable zip file. Presentations are provided on the User Group Presentations – AASHTOWare Bridge web page.
Detailed Documentation
In addition to training materials, the BrDR software includes many other materials readily available to users. These include detailed method of solution manuals, context sensitive help, software technical notes, and Confluence articles for commonly encountered questions while using the software.
Method of Solution manuals
Delivered with the BrDR software are comprehensive method of solution manuals for the various structure types and specification methods. The manuals are installed with the software and are available in PDF format directly from the Bridge Workspace (BWS) in the BrDR interface (see figure).
Context Sensitive Help
The BrDR software includes context sensitive help for each of the 800+ windows available in the software. When any window is active, pressing the F1 key will open a help window specific to that window. The help includes information for each input item on that window and often the usage of that information by the analysis engine (see figure). An ‘Engine Related Help’ link is also available for information that is specific to a particular engine. Clicking on this link will provide additional information for the currently set default engine. This allows third-party software vendors to provide help beyond what is provided in the standard help.
Software Technical Notes
For issues that are of particular note such as the software producing unconservative results, a Technical Notes site is available at Technical Notes – AASHTOWare Bridge. This site provides a listing of all current BrDR technical notes. Each note includes a description of the issue, a potential workaround, and a long term resolution for the issue.
Confluence articles
For commonly reported support issues, Confluence articles have been created to guide the user. This site is part of the Jira support site and a listing of articles is available at BrDR Support Service Desk – Confluence. The articles range from release notes for each BrDR release to ‘How-to’ articles for various BrDR support questions. Articles are added as more common user questions are encountered.
Other forms of help
Other forms of BrDR help and links to their location include:
- Frequently Asked Questions – Frequently Asked Questions – AASHTOWare Bridge
- This provides a list of commonly asked questions related to the software
- Email list sign-up – Support – AASHTOWare Bridge
- The End-User Mailing list allows users to subscribe to the AASHTOWare Bridge Design and Bridge Rating Mailing List to receive notification of critical bugs, notifications of Service Packs and Technical Notes as they become available.
- Release Notes/BrDR User Manual
With Each release of the software a set of release notes provides a summary of the New Features and a list of resolved incidents. A BrDR User Manual is also provided which provides a basic introduction to the software, a glossary of terms, and general information on getting started with the software use. Each of these items is installed in the root ‘AASHTOWare’ folder.