Questions about this article, topic, or product? Click here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 
GENERAL

What is OpenBridge Modeler?
OpenBridge Modeler is a comprehensive 3D modeler for bridges, working on the MicroStation Platform and built on the OpenRoads technology. It enables users to create parametric, intelligent, interoperable DGN models.

What are the system requirements for OpenBridge Modeler?
Minimum system requirements are Windows 8 or higher, 2 GB memory, and 1.25 GB free disk space

 
Does OpenBridge Modeler have to be purchased separately?
Yes. OpenBridge Modeler is a standalone product, and has a specific price. Please contact a Bentley Sales Representative for specific pricing in your region.
 
Is OpenBridge Modeler ELS eligible?
Yes, OpenBridge Modeler is ELS eligible.
 
Is there a trial version available for download?
Yes. Contact your Bentley Account Manager or download the product directly from Bentley SELECT Services Online.  If you have additional questions regarding the product, please contact Bentley Support.
 
What types of bridges can OpenBridge Modeler be used for?
OpenBridge Modeler currently supports Precast, prestressed girder bridges, reinforced concrete slab, boxes, and T-beam bridges, steel I-girder bridges, and concrete segmental bridges.
Is there a help or reference manual online?
Yes, Help and Tutorials are installed with the product. Pressing the F1 key while in OpenBridge Modeler brings up the Help file.
 
How do I get trained on OpenBridge Modeler?
In addition to the tutorials and QuickStart guide delivered with the product installation, OnDemand training is available from the Bentley LEARNserver.
 
 
MODELING
Which products can I use to perform bridge modeling, analysis and design, detailing and model review in conjunction with OpenBridge Modeler?
 OBM works with OpenRoads V8i SS4 and the latest releases of LEAP Bridge Concrete, LEAP Bridge Steel, RM Bridge, and ProStructures. OBM CONNECT Edition, a new product launching in Q1 2018 will work with OpenRoads Designer CONNECT Edition.
 
What about modeling the prestressing tendons?
Prestressed tendons are designed and modeled in the corresponding analytical application: LEAP Bridge Concrete or RM Bridge.  OpenBridge Modeler can display the tendons modeled in RM Bridge.
 
Will OpenBridge Modeler model a bridge in a sag or vertical curve? Crest?
Yes, OBM will be able to model a bridge in either sag or crest vertical curves. The modeled bridge will follow the alignment and profile set by the roadway engineers, therefore it could be in sag or crest in a vertical curve.
 
Can OpenBridge Modeler generate complex bridges with concrete and steel girders?
OBM uses the concept of units, in which a bridge structure may have a unit composed of multiple spans of a concrete girder and support additional unit(s) of longer span(s) for a steel girder.
 
Can you model Dapped beams in OpenBridge Modeler?
Yes, OBM can model steel dapped beams. Using the built-up steel girder option, users can specify either parabolic or linear variation of the steel beams.
 
How does OpenBridge Modeler handle integral bent caps?
The initial release does not yet address integral bent caps for Box Girders. It is on the roadmap for future versions to support this feature
 
Can you model a bridge with a variable deck overhang with OpenBridge Modeler?
Yes, OBM will handle the variable deck overhang. Deck modeling in OBM is extremely flexible and powerful and can follow any line/shape or geometry.
 
Can you incorporate a haunch over the beam and see the elevations?
Yes, you can specify a minimum haunch, and OBM will model the varying haunch thickness over the beam and under the deck. OBM also provides a detailed report of the haunch thickness along tenth points along each beam.
 
Can you customize the substructures or you have to stick to what is in the library?
Yes, these can be modeled and used in OBM. The existing substructure elements can be modified to accommodate such standards and transferred to the analytical software for calculation.
 
Can it model the haunch/fillet (concrete between the top of beam and bottom of deck)? Design for a minimum thickness?
Yes, you can specify a minimum thickness, and the program automatically fills in the haunch between top of the beam and bottom of the deck.
 
Are through plate girders and truss bridges available?
Plate girders are available in the initial release of OBM. Truss bridges are not included in this release.
 
Can OpenBridge Modeler do animation?
Animation can be accomplished with the MicroStation tools or at an advanced level with LumenRT .
 
 
Can Bridge Rails be included in the parametric model?
Yes, the barrier is made up of three parts.
1.      Barrier (from template – extruded)
2.      Pipe Rail in Barrier template – extruded, with vertical offset
3.      Support for Rail – modeled using cells placed along path at a specified spacing
 
Can a custom capital be defined on top of a column?
Yes, it is possible, and can be accomplished with multiple alternatives. For example:

·         Create a complete custom Pier including the column capital

·         Create the pier: Use a vertical offset option

·         Add the custom Cap

·         Use vertical offsets to accommodate exact conditions

 
Can OBM handle a single pier shared by two bridges (Gore Area)?
Yes. The gore area can be defined by specifying the alignments and the corresponding active profiles as constraints for the deck.
 
Can you copy and paste data from Microsoft Excel?
Yes.  This is available when defining the constraint definitions. You can copy/create the data in excel. The data can then be edited and copied back from excel into OBM.
 
Does OBM have a moment curvature feature?
OBM is used for modeling the physical features of the bridge. The OBM model can then be taken to RM Bridge where the Moment Curvature diagrams can be generated.
 
Does OBM support International Design Codes (such as Canadian Bridge Design Code)?
OBM is a modeler, so it can model bridges regardless of the global region. The Bentley bridge Analytics products, namely LEAP Bridge and RM Bridge support the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code, CHBDC. RM Bridge support additional design codes.
 
Is there a workflow for checking the model?
Yes, there several reporting options:

·         The Input Echo Report shows all user inputs used to create the bridge model

·         Materials Quantity Report

·         Bridge Deck Elevation and Beam Seat Elevation reports

·         Clash Detection report to check interferences with utilities, vertical and horizontal clearances etc.

 
Can a rebar schedule be generated using OBM?
The OBM model can be read into ProStructures where the rebar can be modeled and detailed.  Also rebar schedules and quantity reports can be generated.
 
Can the model identify conflict between Pier Cap rebar and Bearing anchor rod?
Yes. After the rebar and bearing anchor rods or any other miscellaneous objects has been modeled using ProStructures, the Clash Detection feature can be used to identify the conflicts.
 
Can you design bridge bearing with OBM?
OBM can only be used for creating the physical models of the bearings. The type and the exact sizes of the bearings need to be determined using the bearing manufacturer information and other analytical tools.
How many types of bearing are included in OBM?
There are several options for modeling bearings in OBM:

·         Cells: User created

·         Generic: Rectangular with or without pads and plates

·         Manufacturer catalogs

 
Does it support stages construction analysis? If so, to what level of detail?
OBM is used for creating the physical model of the bridge. The model can then be transferred to LEAP Bridge or RM Bridge where staged construction analyses can be performed.
 
Can the geometric model handle transition superelevation for reverse curvature on the structure?
Yes.  The bridge will follow all transitions specified in the superelevation.
 
Can you go backward? Design bridge than update roadway drawing (grading and etc.)?
OBM supports the typical workflow in which the bridge is modeled on top of the horizontal alignment, the vertical profile, and the superelevation provided by the roadway engineer.
When the bridge model is referenced to the roadway model, any changes to the roadway model automatically update the bridge model.
 
Does OBM handle cast in place geometry control utilizing: camber, phase deflection, angle break criteria, etc.? Does it provide joint coordinates for the different phases? Will it provide corrections?
The first version of OBM offers one-way connection to Bentley Bridge Analytical products namely, LEAP Bridge and RM Bridge.  In future releases of OBM, we will offer a two-way connection bringing back the analytical results such as camber and dead load deflections. This information will then be used to generate accurate models at the different construction stages of the bridge.
 
Does the program handle seismic analysis such as response spectrum analysis?
Yes. OBM is used to create physical models of bridges.  These models can then be transferred to Bentley RM Bridge which offers various dynamic options including the Response Spectrum Analysis.
 
Can OBM do clash detection between segmental tendons & rebar?
Not at the present time; however, the next release of OBM will be able to read the tendon paths created in RM Bridge. This OBM model with the tendon paths can be read into ProConcrete where the Rebar can be modeled.  Clash Detection feature can then be used to identify the clashes.
 
Do the elements in the OBM model have metadata? For example, can you click on them and see engineering data properties?
Yes. With the Element Information feature you can access the detailed information about the bridge component created by OBM. The typical information includes concrete strength, steel grade, beam section designation, etc. Additionally, ad hoc information can be added; examples can include: “date of fabrication”, “site delivery date”, etc.
 
INTEROPERABILITY
How does OpenBridge Modeler integrate with Civil3D?
Geometry from other non-Bentley civil software could be utilized by importing data from a LandXML file.
 
What are the differences between InRoads and Civil3D as they apply to OpenBridge Modeler?
There are many advantages for using InRoads, but in the context of OpenBridge Modeler, working with OpenRoads and OpenBridge Modeler in a common data environment is very productive. For example, the top of footing elevation is automatically calculated once the top of footing is referenced to the DTM model. When the pier is moved, the footing elevation is automatically recalculated, the column length updated etc.  Working in a common data environment, accelerates deliverables, reduces risk considerably, and allows for alternative studies without sacrificing time.
 
Can you import alignment info from SELECTseries 3 v8i?
We can import alignments from the geometry files of GEOPAK, InRoads, and MXRoad. Note that the parametric capabilities are best exploited when reading the geometry, from the MicroStation DGN file, created with the Open Roads Technology.
 
Can you model loadings in OpenBridge Modeler for analysis in RM Bridge?
Only Geometry is transferred from OBM to our bridge design products. Loads cannot be specified in OBM.
 
How does OpenBridge Modeler work with Navigator?
OpenBridge Modeler can produce i-models files that can be opened in Navigator. The i-models are not only graphical objects, but contain detailed engineering data for every element of the bridge.
 
Recommended
Related
Communities
Support and Services
Training and Learning
Social Media