The Update command creates the CSiBridge object-based model from the parametric bridge object definition. If an object based model of the bridge object already exists, it is overwritten when the new object-based model is crated. The new object-based model includes all of the latest changes to the bridge object definition. Spine models, area object models and solid object models can be created when the model is updated. The type of object based model created from the bridge object definition can be switched at any time. Note that the Auto Update Linked Bridge Objects command on the Bridge menu is a toggle that causes the bridge model to be automatically updated every time a change is made to the bridge object definition.
Use the Bridge > Update > Update command, or in the Bridge Wizard highlight the Update Linked Model item and click the Update Linked Model button, to display the Update Bridge Structural Model form and create an object-based model based on the various definitions within Bridge Modeler.
Bridge Object drop-down list. Select the Bridge Object definition to be updated.
Action drop-down list. Choose the appropriate action:
Clear and Create Linked Model option. This deletes all model objects previously created from the Bridge Object, if any, and then creates a new linked model. CSiBridge will update the model as a spine, area-object, or solid-object model, depending on the option chosen below. Any user modifications on previously generated model objects will not be preserved.
Update Linked Model option. When performed for the first time on the selected Bridge Object, this operation is the same as Clear and Create Linked Model described above. When the linked model was previously updated, CSiBridge will preserve user modifications on the previously generated objects, such as property modifiers, local axes, additional loads, etc., whenever possible. This can only occur when the generated object (joint, frame, shell, solid, link) is regenerated in the exact same location as before, and the user modification does not conflict with changes made to the bridge object parametric definition. User modifications would typically have been made using commands on the Advanced tab.
Clear All from Linked Model option. This deletes all model objects previously created from the bridge object. The bridge object itself is not affected and can be updated at a later time to create a new linked model. Alternatively, the bridge object can be deleted if it is no longer needed.
Convert to Unlinked Model option. CAUTION! This is a one-way action that disconnects all model objects previously generated from the bridge object, but does not delete them. The bridge object itself is not affected and can be updated at a later time to create a new linked model. If that is done, the generated objects could conflict with the unlinked model objects, so this should be done with care. Once the model is unlinked, you can select the individual objects comprising the model and use the Advanced commands to edit them (Edit and Draw), make assignments (Assign and Assign Load), or modify lanes, vehicles classes (Loads commands), and so on. Note that bridge display, design, and rating are not available for an unlinked model unless the bridge object is updated again to create a new linked model. Alternatively, the bridge object can be deleted if it is no longer needed. .
Modify/Show Selected Bridge Object button. Click this button to display the Bridge Object Data form and modify the bridge definition.
Structural Model Options
Update as Spine Model Using Frame Objects option. This option creates the model using frame objects for the superstructure.
Update as Area Object Model option. This option creates the model using area objects for the superstructure.
Preferred Maximum Submesh Size edit box. Use this option and associated edit box to specify the automatic area element mesh for analysis. This option allows area objects to be divided into smaller elements for analysis, but bridge section cuts used for display and design will be based on the Maximum Segment Length for Deck Spans.
Mesh Slab at Critical Steel I-Girder Locations check box. Check this box to allow slab area objects to be subdivided at the girder staggered-diaphragm connections, girder staggered splices, and girder section-transition locations. Local girder section cuts will also be created at these critical locations. This option is used for advanced steel I-girder bridge design and rating and is only available for steel I-girder bridges when the girder webs are modeled as area objects
Update as Solid Object Model option. This option creates the model using solid objects for the superstructure.
Preferred Maximum Submesh Size edit box. Use this option and associated edit box to specify the automatic solid element mesh for analysis. This option allows solid objects to be divided into smaller elements for analysis, but bridge section cuts used for display and design will be based on the Maximum Segment Length for Deck Spans
Discretization Information
Maximum Segment Length for Deck Spans edit box. Use this edit box to specify the maximum length of the frame objects, area objects, or solid objects in the deck spans in the resulting object-based model.
Maximum Segment Length for Bent Cap Beams edit box. Use this edit box to specify the maximum length of the frame objects, area objects, or solid objects in the bent cap beams in the resulting object-based model.
Maximum Segment Length for Bent Columns edit box. Use this edit box to specify the maximum length of the frame objects, area objects, or solid objects in the bent columns in the resulting object-based model.
See Also