Introduction

SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler is a Revit plug-in for infrastructure projects like bridges. The main purpose is to create parametrized 3D bridge models using alignment parameters and generic families in Autodesk® Revit®. You can create a bridge axis using alignment parameters and define so-called placements (points of interest).

Bridge components are modelled along an axis between placements using parameterized bridge profiles. You can place the substructure element at the placement and connect it. Additional bridge equipment elements, such as parapets and railings, can be created as well. Automatic generation of cross sections, top view, longitudinal section representation and elevation points help in further detailing and documentation of the structure.

The model is fully parametric, which is useful for modeling complex structures and updating the entire model in case of modification.

SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler tool supports a BIM concept, where 3D model is a data source for planning and construction.

Functionalities at a glance

  • Creates 3D Bridge Axis using alignment information or imported data from external files (e.g. LandXML format)

  • Creates bridge superstructure components using parametric profiles and axis geometry

  • Creates multi girder bridge components according to given layout

  • Creates bridge substructure components using generic families

  • Creates bridge component array along an axis according to given layout

  • Creates bridge equipment elements, like parapets and railings

  • Creates Digital Terrain Model

  • Fully parametric for axis, superstructures, substructures, parapets and railings.

  • Automatic generation of section views with dimensions and top view with alignment information

  • Automatic generation of longitudinal section representation with vertical alignment information

  • Creates curved dimensions for axis and bridge edges

  • Creates annotations of axis chainage

  • Creates table with elevation points

  • Alternatively creates a 3D solid model from a SOFiSTiK bridge project database

  • Creates user defined tendons.

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What’s new in SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler 2023

  • Support of non-tangent axis. Alignment entities with angle at start, support of polycurves and support of PlanFeature (Feature Line)

  • Infrastructure-specific dimensioning commands: Point and Curve Dimension, Element Dimension, etc.

  • Connection to Dynamo and dedicated Dynamo Nodes for open modelling.

  • Enhanced Cross Member command with special variables

  • Enhanced Superstructure (Repeater) command with offset, void cut, template override and measurement types

  • New Component Properties are added: Length, Projected Length, Chord Length, Projected Chord Length, Volume

  • New context Menu commands in Infra Browser are added

Interface

After installation of SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler an additional ribbon tab “SOFiSTiK Bridge” with the related tools and controls will appear.

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Holding the cursor over a tool on the ribbon a tooltip is displayed. The tooltip provides a brief description of the tool. While the tooltip is visible, you can press F1 to open the help that gives more information.

Workflow

SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler provides two workflows for creation of bridge geometry.

Axis-based Model:

  1. Create a bridge axis using horizontal and vertical alignment parameters.

  2. Define placements and their orientation along this axis.

  3. In case of variable cross sections, define variables along bridge axis.

  4. Create bridge superstructure along this axis using parametrized bridge cross section profile. Connect the axis variables to the bridge cross section profile.

  5. Create Substructure elements at placement’s position using adaptive families.

  6. Create Bridge equipment like parapets and railings along given edges.

  7. Modify your structure if needed.

  8. Create sections, top views and longitudinal section representation using tools from ‘Shop Drawings’ palette.

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Import SOFiSTiK Model:

  1. Define a bridge geometry using SOFiPLUS or CADINP according to the CADB concept. A database file (*.CDB) will be created.

  2. Save and close your SOFiSTiK project.

  3. Open Revit and click on ‘SOFiSTiK Model’ icon in SOFiSTiK Bridge ribbon tab.

  4. Select database file(*.CDB) containing the SOFiSTiK Bridge model, choose additional settings and confirm with OK.

  5. Using SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler and Revit functionalities, you can continue on modeling the structure and prepare the drawings and further documentation.

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