BMCOL51 (Ver 5.01) Readme.

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Updated on 11/26/2008
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INTRODUCTION
This Readme file contains important information about the posted production version of
BMCOL51 and supplements the BMCOL51 Guide which is distributed via the self extracting zip
archive <setupbmcol51.exe>you downloaded.
Timothy E. Bradberry, P.E., of the TxDOT Bridge Division, is available to assist bridge design
engineers working on TxDOT projects should they have technical questions about this software. If
you are working on a TxDOT bridge design project and have any problems with this software,
please contact Mr. Bradberry (tbradber@dot.state.tx.us; 512-416-2179).
The previously posted April 2003 issue of BMCOL51, Version 5.10, has been pulled for
maintenance. The posted BMCOL51 software, upon execution, will display an issue date of April
1999. The production version of this program and other TxDOT developed software and supporting
end user documentation is available for no fee download from the TxDOT Engineering Software
Internet web page at the following URL address (subject to change):
http://www.txdot.gov/services/technology_services/engineering_software.htm
If this link does not work just use your favorite Internet search engine to search the Internet using
all these keywords: txdot engineering software.

DESCRIPTION
Beam-column analysis: Generalized beam-column discrete element model to analyze simple and
continuous beams subjected to concentrated, uniform, uniformly varying, and non-uniformly
varying static and movable transverse loads. The program considers the effect of axial load on
stiffness. It models spring supports, rotational spring restraints, and concentrated applied torques.
It analyzes a beam-column of up to 500 discrete increments of user defined length. Flexural
stiffness may be prismatic, uniformly varying, or non-uniformly varying.

INSTALLATION
The minimum system requirements to install and operate the BMCOL51 executable require
approximately 200K of hard disk space. This version is 32-bit console application for Win 32
platform (Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT 4.0, Me, XP). Approximately 300K of available RAM is
required for execution. To install this program, simply copy the executable file into a directory of
your choice on a hard drive or network drive accessible to your computer and create a shortcut to it.
You may want to modify the properties of the shortcut by selecting the "Shortcut" tab and typing
the desired path to the input and output files in the box labeled "Start in:" to configure the shortcut
to read input files and write output files in a directory other than that containing the executable.
BMCOL51 (Ver 5.01) Readme.pdf
Updated on 11/26/2008
2 of 2
Files
The files that are included in the self extracting zip archive which you downloaded are as follows:
(1) The file <BMCOL51.ico>is an icon file specifically designed for use with BMCOL51. It is
not needed to run the program but is helpful for making a distinction between your
computer's various desktop shortcut and that of BMCOL51. Place the icon file wherever
you want to place it (preferably with the executable) and configure the shortcut to use it as
the display icon.;
(2) The file <BMCOL51.exe>is the program executable file;
(3) The file <BMCOL51 (Ver 5.01) Guide.pdf>is an Adobe Acrobat PDF image of the
document, Movable Load Analysis of Beam Columns, which provides line by line input
instructions for the program;
(4) The file <BMCOL51 Readme.pdf>is an Adobe Acrobat PDF image of this Readme
document; and
(5) The files BC51Tes#.DAT are 5 unique test input files for BMCOL51 for your use in getting
familiar with the program input and output.
Note: There is a related document which is not included in this readme file but which can be
downloaded directly from the TxDOT Engineering software web page where the BMCOL51 is
posted. That file <ComputerProgToAnalyzeBeam.pdf>is a scanned Adobe Acrobat PDF image
of the research report which describes the background and analytical basis of the BMCOL51
program.