Quick Overview
- 1#1: CSiBridge - Advanced parametric bridge modeling software for analysis, design, and rating of all bridge types.
- 2#2: midas Civil - Integrated 3D solution for modeling, analysis, and design of complex road and railway bridges.
- 3#3: OpenBridge Designer - Comprehensive BIM platform for 3D parametric modeling, analysis, and design of bridges.
- 4#4: Autodesk Structural Bridge Design - Specialized software for structural analysis and code-based design of concrete and steel bridges.
- 5#5: RM Bridge - Professional tool for conceptual design, analysis, fabrication, and construction of girder bridges.
- 6#6: Allplan Bridge - BIM-based software for parametric 3D modeling and automated design of bridges.
- 7#7: LUSAS Bridge - Finite element analysis software for detailed design, analysis, and load rating of bridges.
- 8#8: SOFiSTiK - Integrated CAD/BIM system for analysis, design, and detailing of bridge structures.
- 9#9: LEAP Bridge Concrete - 3D application for integrated design of concrete bridge superstructures and substructures.
- 10#10: SAP2000 - Versatile finite element program for nonlinear analysis and design of bridge structures.
We evaluated tools based on feature versatility, code compliance precision, user-friendliness, and long-term value, ensuring they cater to varied bridge types and project scales.
Comparison Table
Compare leading bridge design software tools such as CSiBridge, midas Civil, OpenBridge Designer, Autodesk Structural Bridge Design, RM Bridge, and more. This breakdown helps readers understand key features, capabilities, and ideal use cases to choose the right software for their projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CSiBridge Advanced parametric bridge modeling software for analysis, design, and rating of all bridge types. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | midas Civil Integrated 3D solution for modeling, analysis, and design of complex road and railway bridges. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | OpenBridge Designer Comprehensive BIM platform for 3D parametric modeling, analysis, and design of bridges. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Autodesk Structural Bridge Design Specialized software for structural analysis and code-based design of concrete and steel bridges. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | RM Bridge Professional tool for conceptual design, analysis, fabrication, and construction of girder bridges. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Allplan Bridge BIM-based software for parametric 3D modeling and automated design of bridges. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | LUSAS Bridge Finite element analysis software for detailed design, analysis, and load rating of bridges. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | SOFiSTiK Integrated CAD/BIM system for analysis, design, and detailing of bridge structures. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | LEAP Bridge Concrete 3D application for integrated design of concrete bridge superstructures and substructures. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | SAP2000 Versatile finite element program for nonlinear analysis and design of bridge structures. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
Advanced parametric bridge modeling software for analysis, design, and rating of all bridge types.
Integrated 3D solution for modeling, analysis, and design of complex road and railway bridges.
Comprehensive BIM platform for 3D parametric modeling, analysis, and design of bridges.
Specialized software for structural analysis and code-based design of concrete and steel bridges.
Professional tool for conceptual design, analysis, fabrication, and construction of girder bridges.
BIM-based software for parametric 3D modeling and automated design of bridges.
Finite element analysis software for detailed design, analysis, and load rating of bridges.
Integrated CAD/BIM system for analysis, design, and detailing of bridge structures.
3D application for integrated design of concrete bridge superstructures and substructures.
Versatile finite element program for nonlinear analysis and design of bridge structures.
CSiBridge
specializedAdvanced parametric bridge modeling software for analysis, design, and rating of all bridge types.
Integrated bridge rating module with automated live load distribution and influence surfaces for rapid, accurate capacity assessments
CSiBridge, developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), is a comprehensive software solution specialized for the modeling, analysis, design, and rating of various bridge types, including girder, truss, cable-stayed, arch, and suspension bridges. It integrates advanced finite element analysis with automated design checks according to numerous international codes, supporting both straight and curved geometry. The tool excels in handling complex loading scenarios like moving vehicles, seismic events, and construction staging, making it a complete workflow from concept to detailed engineering deliverables.
Pros
- Unmatched depth in bridge-specific modeling and analysis tools, including tendon prestressing and moving load optimization
- Seamless integration of design, rating (LRFR/LFD), and detailing per global codes like AASHTO, Eurocode, and more
- Powerful visualization and reporting for BIM interoperability and construction documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive capabilities
- High system resource demands for large-scale models
- Premium pricing may deter small firms or simple projects
Best For
Professional bridge engineers and firms tackling complex, code-compliant designs for highway, railway, and pedestrian bridges.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $15,000-$25,000 depending on modules; annual subscriptions from $5,000+ with maintenance.
midas Civil
specializedIntegrated 3D solution for modeling, analysis, and design of complex road and railway bridges.
Precise construction sequence simulation that models incremental erection, prestressing, and time-varying effects
midas Civil is a comprehensive finite element analysis and design software tailored for bridge engineering, enabling detailed modeling of complex structures like cable-stayed, suspension, PSC girder, and arch bridges. It excels in simulating construction stages, moving loads, time-dependent effects, and seismic performance with high accuracy. The software integrates analysis, design checks per international codes, and automated reporting for efficient workflows in professional bridge projects.
Pros
- Advanced construction stage analysis with time-dependent material behaviors
- Support for numerous international design codes and load standards
- Robust 3D modeling and visualization tools for complex geometries
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High computational demands needing powerful hardware
- Premium pricing may deter smaller firms
Best For
Experienced bridge engineers handling large-scale, complex projects with demanding analysis needs.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start around $15,000-$25,000 depending on modules, plus annual maintenance fees of 15-20%.
OpenBridge Designer
enterpriseComprehensive BIM platform for 3D parametric modeling, analysis, and design of bridges.
Parametric modeling engine that automates bridge component generation and adapts to design changes in real-time
OpenBridge Designer from Bentley Systems is a powerful 3D modeling and design software specialized for bridges, enabling parametric modeling of complex structures like girder, arch, and cable-stayed bridges. It integrates seamlessly with analysis tools such as RM Bridge and LEAP Bridge for structural validation, load rating, and automated detailing. The software supports BIM workflows, clash detection, and construction sequencing, making it ideal for infrastructure projects requiring high accuracy and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Pros
- Advanced parametric 3D modeling for diverse bridge types with automated reinforcement detailing
- Seamless integration with Bentley’s ecosystem including OpenRoads and analysis tools
- Robust BIM capabilities for clash detection, 4D construction simulation, and federated data exchange
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive features
- High resource demands requiring powerful hardware
- Subscription pricing can be prohibitive for small firms or freelancers
Best For
Large engineering firms and infrastructure agencies handling complex, multi-disciplinary bridge projects that demand integrated BIM and analysis workflows.
Pricing
Subscription-based via Bentley CONNECT; starts at approximately $5,000-$10,000 per year per user, with volume discounts and enterprise bundles available.
Autodesk Structural Bridge Design
specializedSpecialized software for structural analysis and code-based design of concrete and steel bridges.
Advanced automated load generation wizard compliant with multiple global design codes
Autodesk Structural Bridge Design is a specialized software for the analysis, design, and load rating of various bridge types, including beam, integral, and arch bridges. It automates complex load generation, performs code-compliant design checks per standards like AASHTO LRFD, Eurocodes, and British Standards, and integrates seamlessly with Autodesk tools like Revit and Civil 3D. The software supports both steel and concrete materials, offering detailed output reports and detailing capabilities for efficient workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive code compliance for international standards
- Seamless integration with Autodesk ecosystem (Revit, Civil 3D)
- Automated load generation and analysis wizards for efficiency
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High subscription cost
- Limited flexibility for non-standard or highly custom bridge geometries
Best For
Structural engineers and bridge design firms deeply integrated into the Autodesk workflow needing robust, standards-compliant analysis.
Pricing
Annual subscription at approximately $2,310 USD per user; available standalone or via Autodesk AEC Collection.
RM Bridge
specializedProfessional tool for conceptual design, analysis, fabrication, and construction of girder bridges.
Advanced construction engineering simulation that models incremental erection, cable tensions, and form traveler movements with high precision
RM Bridge from Bentley Systems is a specialized engineering software for the analysis, design, and construction engineering of bridges, supporting everything from simple girder bridges to complex cable-stayed and suspension structures. It offers advanced 3D parametric modeling, detailed load analysis, and code-compliant design checks. The tool excels in simulating construction sequences, making it invaluable for large-scale projects with intricate erection processes.
Pros
- Unmatched construction stage simulation for accurate erection analysis
- Comprehensive support for international design codes and bridge types
- Strong integration with Bentley's OpenBridge and BIM workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring specialized training
- High licensing costs for smaller firms
- Resource-heavy performance on complex models
Best For
Experienced bridge engineers and firms handling complex, long-span infrastructure projects with detailed construction sequencing needs.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription model, typically $15,000–$30,000 annually per license depending on modules, with custom quotes for large deployments.
Allplan Bridge
specializedBIM-based software for parametric 3D modeling and automated design of bridges.
Parametric bridge modeling engine that automatically adapts to design changes across the entire model
Allplan Bridge is a BIM-based software solution from ALLPLAN for the entire bridge design process, from conceptual modeling to detailed construction documentation. It offers parametric modeling for complex bridge geometries, automated reinforcement design for concrete and steel structures, and seamless integration with Allplan's architecture and engineering tools. The software supports 3D visualization, clash detection, and quantity takeoff, making it suitable for collaborative workflows in bridge engineering projects.
Pros
- Powerful parametric modeling for diverse bridge types including prestressed concrete and steel
- Automated reinforcement and detailing tools that save significant time
- Strong BIM integration with clash detection and IFC export for interoperability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to Allplan ecosystem
- High subscription costs geared toward enterprise users
- Limited standalone functionality without full Allplan license
Best For
Mid-to-large engineering firms specializing in complex bridge projects that require BIM-compliant workflows and advanced automation.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around €3,000-€6,000 per year per user (Allplan Bridge module requires base Allplan license); custom enterprise pricing available.
LUSAS Bridge
specializedFinite element analysis software for detailed design, analysis, and load rating of bridges.
Advanced nonlinear analysis engine with specialized bridge modules for simulating real-world behaviors like cable dynamics and soil-structure interaction
LUSAS Bridge is a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) software suite specifically tailored for the design, analysis, and assessment of bridge structures ranging from simple beam bridges to complex cable-stayed and suspension bridges. It excels in advanced simulations including nonlinear analysis, construction sequencing, dynamic loading, and load rating according to international standards like Eurocodes, AASHTO, and BS codes. The software provides comprehensive modeling tools, automated meshing, and detailed reporting for engineers handling intricate bridge projects.
Pros
- Exceptional advanced FEA capabilities for nonlinear, dynamic, and staged construction analysis
- Broad compliance with global bridge design codes and standards
- Proven track record on major international bridge projects with robust visualization and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and FEA expertise required
- High licensing costs make it less accessible for small firms
- Limited integration with BIM workflows compared to newer competitors
Best For
Experienced bridge engineers and consultancies tackling large-scale, complex structures needing precise finite element simulations.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at approximately £12,000-£30,000 depending on modules, plus 18% annual maintenance; custom quotes for enterprises.
SOFiSTiK
enterpriseIntegrated CAD/BIM system for analysis, design, and detailing of bridge structures.
Integrated parametric bridge modeling with automatic reinforcement generation and code-compliant design optimization in one environment
SOFiSTiK is a powerful structural engineering software suite from sofistik.com, specializing in advanced finite element analysis (FEA), design, and detailing for bridges and other structures. It excels in handling complex bridge types like cable-stayed, arch, and prestressed concrete bridges through parametric modeling, automated workflows, and BIM integration. The software supports international design codes and provides seamless tools for analysis, optimization, and construction documentation throughout the bridge lifecycle.
Pros
- Comprehensive FEA and design capabilities for complex bridges
- Strong BIM integration and automation for detailing
- Supports a wide range of international standards and bridge types
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its advanced, modular interface
- High cost with quote-based pricing
- Limited beginner-friendly tutorials and community support
Best For
Experienced bridge engineers and firms handling large-scale, intricate projects requiring precise analysis and automation.
Pricing
Quote-based licensing; perpetual modules start at €10,000+, with annual maintenance fees and flexible network/subscription options.
LEAP Bridge Concrete
specialized3D application for integrated design of concrete bridge superstructures and substructures.
Automated generation of production-ready reinforcement schedules and 3D rebar models directly from the design model
LEAP Bridge Concrete, developed by Bentley Systems, is a specialized software for the analysis, design, and detailing of precast and cast-in-place concrete bridges, including girder, slab, and box girder types. It automates reinforcement design, load rating, and production of shop drawings while ensuring compliance with standards like AASHTO LRFD. Integrated with OpenBridge Modeler and other Bentley tools, it supports BIM workflows for efficient bridge engineering projects.
Pros
- Comprehensive automation for concrete reinforcement detailing and shop drawings
- Strong integration with Bentley’s OpenBridge ecosystem for BIM collaboration
- Robust code compliance and analysis for complex precast bridge designs
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for new users
- Primarily focused on concrete bridges, less versatile for steel or composite types
- High subscription costs limit accessibility for smaller firms
Best For
Experienced bridge engineers in large firms handling precast concrete girder and slab bridge projects.
Pricing
Subscription-based via Bentley's SELECT program; annual costs typically range from $5,000 to $15,000+ depending on modules and firm size (quote-based).
SAP2000
enterpriseVersatile finite element program for nonlinear analysis and design of bridge structures.
Sophisticated moving load analysis with influence surfaces and lane superposition for accurate bridge live load distribution
SAP2000, developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), is a versatile finite element analysis and design software used extensively for structural engineering, including comprehensive bridge modeling and analysis. It supports 3D modeling of bridge superstructures and substructures, moving load analysis, influence lines, and code-based design for concrete, steel, and composite bridges. The software excels in static, dynamic, and nonlinear analyses, making it suitable for complex bridge projects involving seismic, wind, and vehicle loads.
Pros
- Powerful finite element engine with nonlinear, dynamic, and pushover analysis tailored for bridges
- Extensive library of international design codes and automated bridge load generation (e.g., HL-93 vehicles)
- Integrated design optimization for steel girders, concrete sections, and prestressing tendons
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive options
- High resource demands for large-scale 3D bridge models
- Premium pricing with additional costs for modules and maintenance
Best For
Experienced bridge engineers handling intricate, multi-span or seismically active bridge designs requiring advanced simulation.
Pricing
Custom quotes; basic licenses start at ~$5,000-$10,000 annually via CSI cloud licensing, with higher tiers up to $20,000+ for full bridge modules.
Conclusion
The top tools reviewed offer exceptional solutions for bridge design, with CSiBridge leading as the top choice, praised for its advanced parametric modeling across all bridge types. midas Civil stands out as a powerful integrated 3D option for complex road and railway structures, while OpenBridge Designer excels as a comprehensive BIM platform, ensuring users have strong alternatives aligned with different needs. Each tool brings unique value, but CSiBridge’s versatility cements its position as a standout.
Don’t miss out on CSiBridge—its cutting-edge tools for analysis, design, and rating make it the ideal starting point to enhance your bridge design workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
