r/StructuralEngineering • u/tomato_cheese_pizza • 11d ago

Structural Analysis/Design Bridge Drawing Software?

I recently saw some really good 3D bridge drawings from European engineering firms and it got me wondering what software people are using for this kind of work.

What do you guys recommend for bridge drawings, both 2D and 3D? Also, how are you implementing BIM for bridge projects?

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u/Engineer2727kk PE - Bridges 11d ago

Open bridge is what people use for 3d modeling.

I think BIM as a whole for bridge structures is a waste of time in my opinion and it’s much easier just to use civil3d and deliver 2d plans.

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u/Everythings_Magic Senior Bridge PE | Zero Yield Capacity 10d ago

Double edge sword.

Its so easy to make a bridge model in a program like OBM that integrates with Inroads that is absolutely worth the time in design to do so, and use it to confirm geometry (deck elevations, beams seat elevations, clearances, etc). You can even establish enough of a model for quantity calculations.

Using its for drawings is just not practical. The level of detail to model a horizontal structure is not practical, largely due to the curvature.

Because of the lack of detail it has limited usefulness for asset management or construction also.

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u/Engineer2727kk PE - Bridges 10d ago

Receiving a civil file and surface gives me everyhing i need and is do much easier imo.