I have been trying all morning to get my variable constraint on an approach slab thickness to model correctly. As far as I can tell, the parametric constraint only works perpendicular to the bridge alignment. I need to change the thickness of my approach slab at the last 2 feet to a thicker slab but be parallel to the approach slab skew and support lines. Is there a switch I'm missing to tell it to run the variable parallel to my supports??? I have looked everywhere but just cannot find it. I hope this is an easy one. I'm using OBM CE 10.10.00.85
Unfortunately this is currently a limitation in the deck extrusion algorithms. You are correct, the variations are perpendicular to the alignment. It is on our list of enhancements/fixes required in the near term.
Thanks so much Sri. If I really wanted to get this into my model, would it be best to just get it in with 3D tools? For example, I could do the most modeling that I can with OpenBridge and then just add a simple 3D solid to the bottom of the slab with microstation tools. Do you have any advice (or are there any training videos out there) on how to add small details like this to my models? Id love to be able to add things like fiber optic ducts or signs attached to my bridge. Thanks again Sri!
Steve,
Quick question - Is it better to export the OpenBridge model out to an imodel before I start adding non-OpenBridge solids into the drawing, or is it okay to add them directly into the model?
To the best of my knowledge you cannot add solids to iModels. You can think of iModels as a PDF in the old 2D workflow. In our old 2D workflow we would draw up the plans in 2D in microstation and when we were done and ready to publish we print to PDF. Same kind of goes for iModels, you wouldn't publish one until you are "done".
OpenBridge Modeler - 10.10.00.85Microstation - 10.16.02.34
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Answer Verified By: Dennis Wadas
On the last Bridge model that I made, I needed to share my 3D model with Microstation and Autodesk users to be made into a 4D presentation and be modeled into the roadway cross sections. I exported my model into an iModel (to strip out all of the OpenBridge intelligence) and then referenced that iModel into a regular 3D microstation drawing. I then merged to master the iModel into the 3D drawing and then just had simple solids to share with others.
Microstation & OBM are both DGN based, so no need to publish to iModel to share/reference into each other. You can even reference in autodesk files into Microstation/OBM DGN file if needed. Typically it is best to reference all models for a project into a single empty container file (DGN), then do what you want with that file (i.e. publish to iModel, send to Synchro for 4D, etc)
Thanks again for taking the time to reply Steve! I cant tell you how much this has helped me!