Superstructure Components

Under this section, we’ll model girders, cross-frames, deck, connection components, barriers, and roadway in 3D. Since the parametric relationship between 3D objects and the FE representation of each object is already defined, the finite element model will be automatically generated by OpenBrIM.

Girder Support Conditions

	Follow the below steps to set boundary conditions for each bearing location (insertion point) that you have defined while creating the bridge layout.
1	Go to Bearing Fixity on the tree view next to data spreadsheet.
2	Set Tx/Ty/Tz/Rx/Ry/Rz.
3	Set Transfer Force to Substructure as Yes for interior pier locations.
4	Set Transfer Force to Substructure as No for start and end support locations.
5	Quick Tip FE behavior of Transfer Force to Substructure

Girders

Follow the below steps to create girders.

1

Go to Plate Girder on the tree view next to data spreadsheet.

2

Click three-dots icon on Girder Layout cell and set a layout.

Edit the plate girder dimensions. To enter a station-dependent dimension;

	Follow the below steps to edit the plate girder dimensions.
1	Click three-dots icon on the cell and Edit (spreadsheet).
2	Define the station-dimension relationship on the spreadsheet.
3	Top Flange thickness, web depth and thickness, bottom flange width and thickness, haunch thickness, and additional haunch width parameters can be defined similarly to top flange width.
4	Click three-dots icon on top flange & web & bottom flange material cells and import a Material.
5	You can edit the FE mesh settings of girders from FEA Settings tab.