PyBTLS: A Python package for traffic load simulation on short-to-medium bridges

PyBTLS is an open-source Python package developed for the efficient simulation of traffic loads on short-to-medium-span bridges, under a GPLv3 license. This tool addresses the gap in the bridge research field regarding generating new bridge structure load effect data with its corresponding traffic record from a known traffic condition. With the benefit of bridge structure load effect data, bridge traffic load models can be more comprehensive; therefore, the precision of bridge design and assessments can be enhanced. PyBTLS is based on C++ fundamentally but offers a user-friendly Python application programming interface (API). Users can easily generate diverse traffic scenarios and conduct load effect calculations with integrated or customized influence lines for long time periods. This paper introduces PyBTLS’s basis and functionalities broadly, along with a real-world application case to indicate its workflow. Beyond its current capabilities, under the open-source license, contributions from bridge engineering researchers are welcomed. It is hoped that the release of this software will help accelerate research and practice.