The screen shots show input and results of the program. To take the tour, simply click on any of the thumbnails shown below.
The BAP Input window has 7 tabs. The seven tabs are used to create the beam and its supports, and load the beam using point loads, distributed loads, or moving (truck) loads. As data is input the beam diagram automatically draws the beam and loading conditions, so the user can instantly tell if data is being entered correctly.
Identification Tab (I.D. Tab)
(Click picture to view)
In the I.D. Tab, there are text fields for entering structure identification, problem description, and notes.
Sections Tab
(Click picture to view)
In the Sections Tab, the length and properties of the beam are defined. Different section properties can be entered along the beam's length by entering the number of sections, the distance to the end of each section from the left end of the beam, the moment of inertia, and the weight of each section. A description can be given to each section. The beam has one modulus of elasticity. In the beam diagram each section is shown as a rectangular portion of the beam. The active section will be outlined in red.
Hinges Tab
(Click picture to view)
With BAP3.3 internal hinges can be placed on the beam. Hinges are connections in a beam that can transmit shear, but not bending moment. (The beam can rotate at the hinge.) In a bridge this is usually accomplished by a pin and hanger (link plate or eyebar) or a seated beam. In BAP a hinge is input as a distance from the left end of the beam. In the Beam Diagram, a hinge is shown as a yellow circle at midsection of the beam. The graphic below shows an example input showing two internal hinges placed on a three span beam.
Point Loads and Distributed Loads
(Click picture to view)
Point loads (concentrated loads) or distributed loads can be placed on the beam. In this example 3 point loads and one distributed load are positioned on the beam. Notice that metric units are being used.
Results Window
(Click picture to view)
In the following examples, BAP3.2 results are shown. The beam diagram shows the beam with the loads. Shear, moment, and deflection diagrams are shown in the lower portion of the results window. In the upper portion of the window, tables show support reactions, shear, moment, deflection, and rotation.
Print Preview
(Click picture to view)
BAP 3.3 has a very descriptive and easy to use print preview window where you can review your input and results prior to printing them. From this window you can control printers and select which pages of the printer output you would like to print. Printer output is well organized, having a header at the top of each page showing the date and time the program was run, and an area to initial for the person that set up the run file and the person who checked the results. Program input and results are shown in easy-to-read tables and the beam diagram, shear, moment, and deflection diagrams are shown.