(Photo courtesy of Interactive Design Systems)

Engineers concerned with differential creep and shrinkage stress during the construction of pre- and post-tensioned concrete and cable-stayed bridges will find improved analysis tools in a new version of Bridge Designer II, released July 19.

Version 3.05 of BD2, from Interactive Design Systems, San Diego, Calif., has a new "Composite Section" capability. Company president and software developer Jean-Claude Demosthenidy says it allows designers to define sections as "composite" with part of the section in one material and other parts in another material, such as concrete or steel, assembled over time. Information is at www.ids-soft.com.