I have looked everywhere and can't find a clear explanation of the mechanics behind when it will and won't apply the beam definitions. Apparently the pattern is acceptable, there were no errors when creating that, but the first 3 or 4 spans, the left most beam refuses to be created. Some of the spans it will let me select a beam definition and list it as such in the Beam Definition window, sometimes it won't even let me select a beam type, it just defaults back to the WF66G beam, which doesn't show anyway.
I would love to know the reason for why these beams won't create - given there is no explanation for it I've been trying all sorts of adjustments with no luck.
If anyone can help explain it for me or point me towards somewhere that might help me figure it out I would be appreciative. Thanks.
Giles, Most likely the beam top flange width is falling outside the width of the bridge deck defined in some specific spans. What version of OBM are you running? This is already fixed in the recent releases.
Hi Sri,
I have a similar question, but I can't even generate beam layout as my beam arrangement is outside of the deck edge. Can you suggest me how to overcome this problem?
I am trying to do a Stell bridge with Left and Right beam and deck in the middle of the beams, not top of the beam. Please refer to the image below, can you suggest the best workflow for this kind of bridge? Also, it's a 2 span bridge where one span is a cantilever, can you also guide on how to set-up a cantilever beam?
Regards,
Jaimin Patel.
I don't know that OpenBridge would support that kind of bridge directly, as far as I know at this time you need to have the beams within the footprint of the deck, I may be wrong. Could you build it by initially making the deck wider to accommodate the beams outside lines, and sitting the deck on top of the beams and then offset the deck down in elevation by the difference you are trying to achieve, then clip the edges of the deck by the width of the beam plus the width of the connection plates?
I know that seems like a long route to get to your design, but I am not sure of another solution at this time. Maybe that could get you there?
Jaimin:
You will need to create a dummy deck that spans the width of your steel beams on each side. Place the dummy deck with a vertical offset from your PGL such that the bottom of the deck is the top elevation of your steel beams. After working through the beam layout and modeling the girders, you should be able to turn off the dummy deck in the explorer. You could also place a second deck at the true location needed at anytime inthe process.
That's basically a more eloquent version of my suggestion then, right? Not trying to be smart, just checking if I had the right idea?
Thanks, Steve.
I thought the same way, I was on the right track.
Can you give some advice on the cantilever section? is it just adjusting the offset of the beam in beam layout?
Jaimin Patel
In the beam layout, you can extend a beam beyond the first or last support. Or if easier, add a dummy support for the end of the beam, and just don’t place an abutment at that location.