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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 7 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.
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.
MODELING
Which products can I use to perform bridge modeling, analysis and design, detailing and model review in conjunction with OpenBridge Modeler? Only the latest releases (March/April 2016) of OpenRoads, LEAP Bridge Concrete, LEAP Bridge Steel, RM Bridge, and ProStructures?
What about modeling the prestressing tendons? Prestressed tendons are designed and modeled in the corresponding analytical application: LEAP Bridge Concrete or 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 .
INTEROPERABILITY
How does OpenBridge Modeler integrate with Civil 3D? Geometry from other non-Bentley civil software could be utilized by importing data from a LandXML file.
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.