Bridge Object Data Form

The bridge object definition is the main component of CSiBridge. The following is included in the bridge object definition:

Bridge spans.
User discretization points, including their skews, may be assigned along each span.
Deck section properties are assigned to each span.
Parametric deck section variations may be assigned to each span.
Abutments, including their skews, are assigned at each end of the bridge.
Bent, including their skews, are assigned at each bent location.
Hinges, including their skews, may be assigned along each span.
Diaphragms, including their skews, may be assigned along each span.
Superelevation may be assigned.
Prestress tendons may be assigned.
Girder rebar
Bridge staged construction groups may be assigned.
Point, Line, Area, and Temperature loads.

Anytime the bridge object definition is modified, the linked model must be updated for the changes to appear in the CSiBridge object-based model.

Use the Bridge Object Data form to define the bridge spans and their vertical and horizontal alignments and assemble the various components comprising the bridge (e.g., the abutments, bents, tendons). At least a bridge layout line and a deck section must be defined before the Bridge Object Data form can be accessed.

Bridge Object Name edit box. Use the default name or specify a new name for the bridge object.
Layout Line Name drop-down list. Choose a previously defined layout line for which the span is being defined. The individual spans of the bridge can be defined relative to different layout lines, if necessary.
Coordinate System drop-down list. Displays the coordinate system to be used in defining the bridge. Use the drop-down list to select a coordinate system other than global if one has been defined (see Define Coordinate Systems/Grids for more information about defining a coordinate system).
Units drop-down list. Use the displayed units or select new units from the drop-down list.
Define Bridge Spans. Choose the option "By Station: or "By Length" to define bridge spans.
- Span Label edit box. Use this edit box to specify the span label used to identify the span.
- Start Station edit box. Use this edit box to specify the start station of the bridge in current units. This edit box is only available for the first span.
- Length edit box. Use this edit box to specify the length of the current span. This edit box is only available for the "By Length" option.
- End Station edit box. Use this edit box to specify the end station of the current span. This edit box is only available for the "By Station" option.
- Start Support and End Support text boxes. The information-only text boxes show the assigned support properties of the current span.

Make the appropriate entries in the above edit boxes then use the Add, Modify, or Delete buttons to complete the definitions.

The above edit boxes are only available for the General bridge object. For a segmental bridge, the span data will be specified by clicking the Modify button to access the Segmental Bridge Span Assembly form.

Modify/Show Assignments Display Area
- Spans. Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Bridge Object Span Assignments form. Use that form to review the deck section and any variations defined for each span of the named bridge object.
- User Discretization Points. Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Bridge Object Discretization Points Assignments form. Use that form to add discretization points to selected bridge spans. Adding/specifying points can be useful when displaying bridge forces.
- Parametric deck section variations may be assigned to each span.
- Abutments. Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Bridge Object Abutment Assignments form. Use that form to review, and if necessary modify, the abutment property and bearing.
- Bent. Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Bridge Object Bent Assignments form. Use that form to review, and if necessary modify, the bent property, bearing, and if applicable horizontal and vertical offsets.
- In-Span Cross Diaphragms. Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Bridge Object Diaphragm Assignments form. Use that form to add diaphragms to the bridge model.
- In-Span Hinges (Expansion Jts). Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Bridge Object Hinge Assignments form. Use that form to access the Bridge Object Hinge Assignment Data form and review, and if necessary modify, the hinge property, distance and bearing.
- Superelevation. Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Bridge Object SuperElevation Definition form. Use that form to specify the superelevation for the selected layout line.
- Prestress Tendons. Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Define Prestress Tendons form. Click the Add New Tendon button, or highlight an existing tendon definition and click the Add Copy of Tendon or Modify/Show Tendon button, to access the Bridge Tendon Data form. Use that form to define the tendon, including the vertical and horizontal layout or click the associated Quick Start buttons to select template alignments.
- Girder Rebar. Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Bridge Girders Reinforcement Layout form. Use that form to specify the rebar layout for use by the bridge superstructure design and load rating.
- Staged Construction Groups. Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Bridge Construction Group Definition form. Use that form to specify groups for staged construction analysis.
- Point Load Assigns. Click this item to display the Point Load Assignments {Bridge Object} form. Use the form to assign point loads to a load pattern.
- Line Load Assigns. Click this item to display the Line Load Assignments {Bridge Object} form. Use the form to assign line loads to a load pattern.
- Area Load Assigns. Click this item to display the Area Load Assignments {Bridge Object} form. Use the form to assign area loads to a load pattern.
- Temperature Load Assigns. Highlight this item and click the Modify/Show button to access the Assign Bridge Temperature Loads form. Use that form to assign uniform temperature or previously defined temperature gradient load patterns to the bridge model.
Bridge Object Plan View (X-Y Projection) display area. An X-Y view of the bridge alignment is displayed in this area of the form. Move the cursor across the view and the coordinates of the cursor appear in the X and Y display boxes to the right of the view. By default, the bridge layout line is displayed in black, the bridge spans are displayed in red, and the bridge abutments, bent and hinges are displayed in green, dark blue and light blue, respectively.
Show Enlarged Sketch button. Click this button to display the Bridge Object Plan View Display form. Use that form to review a graphical display of the bridge model.
Lock to Prevent Updating the Linked Model check box. Check this box to prevent the bridge object from being updated, cleared or unlinked using either the Update command or the Auto Update option. This is particularly useful if you have made custom modifications to the lined bridge model that you want to protect. Simply uncheck this box if you want to update the linked model in the future.