Best Practices for Creating a Civil iModel for OpenBridge


Question: 

How do I prepare my OpenBridge data to be published to an iModel? 

 

Answer:

iModel for a single bridge:

For projects with a single bridge model, you can publish the model directly from the dgn file that contains the bridge model. This file must have the correct Geographical Coordinate System (GSC) attached. As we create a connection to process the iModel, the Bentley Civil Connector needs to be selected. There is an option to process the reference files attached to the bridge model (terrain, geometry, utilities, etc). 

iModel for multiple bridges:

For projects with multiple bridge models, a dgn container file is recommended.

  1. Create a 3D container dgn file with OpenBridge Modeler.
    1. This container file needs to be created from the correct seed file in the Workspace used by the dataset.
    2. The container file needs to have the correct GCS for the project.
  2. Attach all needed/required reference files.
    1. Ensure the Reference Display = ON for each reference attachment you want to show in the iModel.
    2. Set the references within the “container” file to a minimum nesting depth of 1
    3. Select the option to process the reference files while creating the new connector. 
    4. The Bentley Civil Connector needs to be selected to process the iModel.

iModel for bridges that contain ProStructures data:

  1. Rebar detailing data must be placed in a different dgn file as it needs to be separate from the bridge information.
  2. The rebar detailing information could be created using the Prostructures detailing tools included in OpenBridge Modeler or using the ProStructures software.
  3. A valid workspace setup with ProStructure settings must be used.
  4. At least one dgn file must have the correct GCS
  5. The rebar detailing dgn could be a single file or act as a container for referencing other detailing work.
  6. The ProStructures data in a dgn file uses its own ProStructures Connector that will only process ProStructures related data.
  7. Refer to the following link for details into ProStructures iModel creation: Publishing ProStructures data

 

For federated multi-disciplinary projects, please refer to the following reference:  

 Best Practices for Creating a Civil iModel 

Note: Make sure to attach the bridge file to the Default (3D) model in the project container file.