Switching Between Bridge Type

[TrevN]

Currently when you switch between a Steel Plate or Precast Concrete bridge any work done in either scenario is lost if you switch between the two options.

This is incredibly annoying when you have worked out your pier setting out and arrangements, for the client to then change their mind of the type of structure they want.

Can we have a switch where we can "lock" the arrangement and the only thing that changes is the bridge type and not the setting out.

[ara.ashikian]

We will soon be exposing in the rolling sand box a very nice workflow enhancement wherein you can configure a bridge to your liking and then save that bridge configuration to a library.  This saved configuration will include the components that you used for abutments, piers, foundations (and soon, girders).  This also includes the parameters for these components.  Later on, on a different bridge, instead of going through all the steps of changing the default bridge to a custom configuration, you will be able to simply pick a bridge configuration from your library and your current bridge will be updated. It will preserve the location and number of piers in your current bridge.

Another recent improvement is the ability to use completely custom girder sections and to assign the material and texture type when the girder is selected.  

With the above two enhancements, you could for instance, create a bridge model with precast AASHTO I girders in the first and last approach spans and say, composite steel box girders for the main spans.  You might also have selected and configured specific piers, foundations and abutments.  On your next bridge, either before or after you place the piers at the desired locations, you can update the bridge with the one from the library.  

That said, to your point, it would also make sense to add the ability to lock certain parts of bridges as the design progresses.

-Ara

PM InfraWorks 360 / Bridges

Autodesk