Markus Nöldgen

BIM in Bridge
and Infrastructure
Design
Digital Building Models with NX,
3D Design, Data Integration,
Data Exchange and FE Simulation

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BIM in Bridge and Infrastructure Design

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Markus Nöldgen

BIM in Bridge and Infrastructure

Design
Digital Building Models with NX, 3D Design,
Data Integration, Data Exchange
and FE Simulation

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Markus Nöldgen
Fachbereich Bauingenieurwesen
Technische Hochschule Köln
Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Translation from the German language edition: BIM im Brücken- und Ingenieurbau by Markus Nöldgen,
© Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature 2021. Published by Springer
Fachmedien Wiesbaden. All Rights Reserved.

ISBN 978-3-658-36800-5 ISBN 978-3-658-36801-2 (eBook)

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-36801-2

Springer Vieweg
© Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, part of Springer Nature 2022
This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is
concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction
on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic
adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed.
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not
imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and
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The publisher, the authors, and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed
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Planning: Frieder Kumm

This Springer Vieweg imprint is published by the registered company Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH part of
Springer Nature.
The registered company address is: Abraham-Lincoln-Str. 46, 65189 Wiesbaden, Germany

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Preface

The book at hand is adressed to students, structural draftsmen and structural engineers who
are involved in the design of structures in the course of roads and railways with a focus on
Building Information Modelling (BIM).

With the object-oriented 3D-Design the geometric and semantic model of the structural
components becomes a fundamental part of the digital processes within BIM and the
associated cooperative planning activities.
It replaces the traditional document- and drawing-based planning method. Drawings, bills of
materials and quantities as well as subsequent FE-Simulations are derived from the object-
oriented structural components while they are associatively linked, so that changes in the
model are automatically updated in those linked derivatives.

The 3D-Model can be enriched with semantic data in the following planning process so that the
information can be used in further planning and execution processes to enhance planning qualities,
transparency and efficiency of processes over the lifecycle of the building. Thereby a virtual
building is created and used as a digital twin.

The digitally linked cooperation of all stakeholders which are involved in the project is a key
challenge of today´s and future projects. Neutral and long-term available data exchange standards
are of high importance (OPEN BIM). The modeler (BIM author) is hence expected to provide his
informed 3D-Model in adequate formats and selected sets, such as ifc-standards for a model-based
coordination or even for “design to design” purposes.

This textbook was developed at the Cologne University of applied sciences for future structural
engineers with a focus on the structural design of bridges, tunnels and related structures in the
course of roads and railways. I would like to thank Niclas Ochsenfeld, Johanna Klein and Daniela
Schirmag for their assistance, especially in setting up the examples with the latest version of the
CAD-Software and the translation of the figures and tables in this book.

Finally I would like to encourage the readers of this book to work out structures using this new
method of component-based design as it leads to digital innovations in the traditional structural
engineering design and the subsequent execution and maintenance of the building ove r the whole
life-cycle. I look forward to your feedback on this book and the achievements of the method in the
future.

Cologne, January 2022

Markus Nöldgen

V
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 Table of contents

1 Introduction and Outline ..................................................................................................................... 1

2 3D- Modeling of B rid ge - and Engi neer ing Struct ures with NX: Introductory Examples .......................... 3

2.1 NX-terms ................................................................................................................................................ 3

2.2 Introductory ecamples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures ........................... 8

Exa mple 1: Bridg e pier with base plate .............................................................................................. 8

Exa mple 2: Brid ge deck orientated on a spline ................................................................................ 18

Example 3: Brid ge deck along several g uide curves ........................................................................ 35

Exa mple 4: Connect a sheet pile wall and a base to the construction with constraining
conditions ........................................................................................................................................... 49

Examp le 5: Drawing derivation of a bridge deck ............................................................................. 58

2.3 Some important general features and notes about NX ....................................................................... 69

3 Project exam p le: Tw o-spa n bridg e .............................

..............................................
.......................... 71

3.0 Overview and objectives...................................................................................................................... 71

3.11nteg ratin g the dig ital t errain model ................................................................................................... 74

3.2 Integ rating existing infrastructure ....................................................................................................... 77

3.3 Integ rating 2.5-D Rout ing into the 3D Environ ment.. .......................................................................... 81

3.4 Background know ledg e: Creat e components object-oriented as a 3D model .................................... 88

3.5 Create site setup as simpli fied envelope geometry ............................................................................. 91

3.6 3D design of the b ridge superstructure alo ng the alig nment .............................................................. 92

3.7 3D design of substruc tures associative to superstructure and terrain ................................................ 97

3.8 Background Knowledge: Level of Detail/Development, Level of lnformation............................................... 1OO

3.9 Integ rate information into the 30 design ..................................................................................................................104

3.10 Reuse Pa rts, Part Libra ry and Part Family........................................................................................ 115

3.11 Collision checks and geometric testing on the model ..................................................................... 120

VII
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VIII Table of contents

3.12 Associat ive measurements and storag

storagee of important bridg
bridgee parameters in the 3D model. ........... 122

3.13 Drawing derivation .. ........................................................................................................................ 125

3.14 Const ruction sequence as arrangements (static) and in sequences (dynamic) .. ............................. 128

3.15 Data exchange in neutral format with Industry Foundation classes IFC.. ........................................ 131

4 BIM2FEM
BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulat ion in Concrete Bridg
Bridgee Const ruction ...................................... 138
138

4.0 Overview and objectives .................................................................................................................... 138

4.1 Construct ion of an isog

isogeomet
eomet ric associa ti ve computational model. ................................................. 142

eneration with volume elements ........................................................................................... 151

4.2 Mesh ggeneration

4.3 3D system, restraints and load input ................... .............................................................................. 154

4.4 Stress-based and internal forces-based evaluation and design ......................................................... 159

4.5 Example 2: Skew plate with post-tensioning ........................................................ ............................. 162

5 List of sources .................................................................................................................................. 167

6 List of Fig
Fig ures .................................................................................................................................. 169

7 Subject in dex .................................................................................................................................. 174

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1 Introduction and Outline

This textbook provides the technical and methodical background for the object-oriented 3D-
Modeling of structures in the course of roads and railways, such as bridges and tunnels. There are
several 3D-CAD Systems used at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences today. For the
modeling of alignment-based and route-bound structures the software Siemens NX, Version 1953,
is used to work out the examples within this book to explain the fundamental logic and techniques
step-by-step.

After a brief explanation of terms and definitions which are relevant for the understanding of
the 3D-design for bridge structures the method to work out professional strutural 3D-models
for bridges is explained step-by-step along five examples enriched by background
information (chapter 2). Selected examples are available in the e-learning-space for a self-
assessed learning, checks and controls. Within the NX part navigator the individual steps can be
traced or checked using the history-based mode in NX on the basis of the so-called "sequence of
time stamps".

In the next chapter 3 a comprehensive 3D-Model of a bridge structures is set up and

explained in detail with all relevant background information on the techniques and
methodologies in the BIM process. The enrichment of semantic data is shown and explained
as well as the combination with parameters, linked data and processes, such as combination
with masses. The example is simplified so that it can be worked out at least in the most
important parts in a self-assesed learning setting with selected tasks in this textbook.

ShortURL Files and Videos: sn.pub/Z58leU

In mechanical engineering drawings and simulations are derived from the 3D-Model for many
years already so that these options are refered to in this textbook with the focus on design-
embedded-simulations for bridge structures. The technique of isogeometric modeling and a
linked finite-element-simulation is shown in chapter 4 to outline the potential for future
applications.

© Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, part of Springer Nature 2022 1

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2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX:
Introductory Examples

In this chapter, the basic methodology and associated design or modeling techniques required for a
3D structural model are described step by step using five selected examples, with important notes
and brief explanations. First, some recurring terms are explained, which are fundamental for
understanding. Finally, some important general functions and shortcuts in NX are listed, which
facilitate working with the 3D model.

2.1 NX-terms

In 3D modeling with NX, the civil engineer encounters many unfamiliar terms that must first be
explained. The terms originated in the field of aerospace engineering and were written in English.
The following terms represent a selection to facilitate the entry into the 3D-CAx world for civil
engineers. Further terms can be looked up in extensive basic works and in the NX help [6], [8], [9].

Assembly (group)

The assembly does usually not contain a design, but

arranges and connects the designed components with each
other. Subordinate components reference the assembly.
Since assemblies, just like components, are created in the
file form “.prt”, it makes sense to give them names
describing their function, e.g. AS_Substructure, so that they
can be distinguished from the other components in the file
structure even outside the software. The assembly can be
easily distinguished from the components by its symbol in
the Assembly Navigator. The main assembly can be usefully
supplemented by further sub-assemblies.

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4 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Component

In an assembly (here in the picture the subassembly "AS

Bridge deck"), individual components can now be created
or existing

→Reuse Parts can be added in which

the geometry is then generated.

In an assembly (here in the picture the subassembly "AS

Bridge deck"), individual components can now be created
or existing →Reuse Parts can be added in which the
geometry is then generated.
Component files contain parts (called →Parts in NX),
which are created there by sketches, parameters and
commands or directly by finished bodies. The red tick
next to the symbol means that the entire component
is currently displayed. The individual components can
be related to each other via so-called →Assembly
Constraints or via so-called →Wavelinks.

part

Part describes the designed component in its

geometry and the associated data. The part is stored
in a component. The construction usually takes place
via →Sketches, →Elements, →Expressions and
→Wavelinks. Furthermore, 3D dimensions as well as
→Attributes can be assigned to the part and saved
here.

A part can be activated by double-clicking to create

links to other parts in the context or opened
individually in the context menu (right mouse button
RMB) "Open in Window". Then only this part is shown
isolated and is available for editing without changing
the geometry of other parts.

In the parts navigator, see picture top right, the

design steps in the model history can be edited
either in their actually executed sequence (the
timestamp) or (bottom right) the model objects can be
edited (solids) directly (in the context menu of the Part
Navigator, deactivate RMB Timestamp Order or select
symbol field).

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2.1 NX-terms 5

Sketch

Parametric 2D sketches form the basis for the design of line-guided structures with NX. Basic
shapes of the superstructure or abutments are first designed in 2D and then extruded along guiding
lines to form bodies. The difference to CAD drawing is that the geometry "drawn" in 2D is
generated by → Expressions (parameters, marked by p...=...) and geometric constraints
(parallelism, right angle, etc.).

Important advice: All NX commands can be quickly searched and called via the Command Finder in
the menu bar. There is always a short description attached. For example, the sketch and other
related useful commands can also be found quickly.

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6 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Wavelinks (Wave-Geometrie-Linker)

Wavelinks are used to link geometry, objects or reference elements from another component so
that they are available as a reference for designing a new part. This creates an associative copy,
which means that the link changes with it when the original part is changed in the other
component.

Links can be made any number of times and between any components. However, to avoid circular
references and contradictions, they should always refer to one source and be chosen very carefully.
They can be controlled in the assembly navigator under "Dependency" or via the dependency
browser.

Expressions

Expressions are variables that are freely defined by the user or automatically generated by the
program during construction. The variables are stored in the active component and can b e used at
any time to control the geometry. You can assign the expressions to parameters, link them logically
and edit them in an editor (-> Tools/Expressions) or via an Excel interface.

assembly constraints

Assembly Constraints establish the positional relationships

between individual components in an assembly. By fixing,
one of the two parts positioned to each other can be fixed
in its original position. Constraints such as parallel,
distance, touch, ... are available.

Assembly constraints can be defined in an assembly

between the components present there. Entire sub-
assemblies can be positioned in a higher-level assembly
according to the same principle.

Reuse Object

Reuse Object can be 2D sketches, 3D parts or user-defined form elements (UDF - User Defined Feature,
UDO - User Defined Object). In addition to the parts available there (standard parts, such as bolts and
nuts), any parts can be modelled and stored there.

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2.1 NX-terms 7

Reference-Sets Auswahlfilter für geladene Objekte

The reference set is a collection of objects of a part under a name. When a Reference Set is selected
only these objects of a component are loaded. The default settings are:

Entire Part Load all objects of a construction

Modell Load 3D geometry only, but no reference/auxiliary objects
Empty Load no objects

User-defined Reference Sets can be set up in the user standards:

Tab Menu Bar → File → Utilities → Customer Defaults → Assemblies →Site Standards
→ Reference Sets

Layer

A total of 256 layers are available.

In object-oriented modeling, solid bodies can only be moved as a whole on layers. This means that the
outer edges of a body cannot be arranged on different layers as is usual in a 2D CAD drawing. A possible
reasonable layer arrangement can be [8]:

Category Description Layer

01_Bodies Extrusions, sweeps, volumes 1-20
02_Sketches Parametric sketches 21-40
03_Curves Splines, explicit curves 41-60
04_References Reference planes and vectors 61-80
05_Drawings Basic views, sections, lists 81-100
06_Frames Frames for printing 256

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8 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and

engineering structures

There are two different strategies to build a 3D model: Top-Down and Bottom-Up as well as
hybrids of both. In the bottom-up strategy, constructions are assembled from finished parts. This
strategy is useful, for example, in mechanical engineering, where machines are assembled from
existing standardized parts (springs, screws, cylinders, levers, handles, ...).

For bridge construction, a top-down strategy is suitable, in which the design of the individual
construction (parts) is created starting from guide curves and guide sketches (gradient, bridge
cross-section(s)) as well as from important reference positions and boundary conditions
(construction axes with stationing, terrain,...). This does not create a single project file in NX, but a
mutually referenced structure of individual files, the so-called assembly structure.

"The Wave-Geometry-Linker is a technology for a structured top-down approach to product

design and development. Wave Geometry Linker can be used to create and control geometric
dependencies across the component of an assembly. This offers great advantages in the
development of complex products" [7], such as bridges. This will first be demonstrated by means of
simple examples. The indicated time requirement refers to a processing of the respective example
parallel to the text with NX.

Example 1: Bridge pier with base plate

Overview: (Time required about 2h)

ShortURL Video:
sn.pub/Z58leU
I. Generate an assembly structure with empty
component files
II. Generate a parametetric control file
III. Linking of the control sketch with the component files
IV. Modeling of the components
V. Analysis of the linked relationships

Single steps:

I. Generate an assembly structure with

empty component files

1. Generate a new model file (blank)

File Name → AS Substructure Axis 20

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 9

2. Change to Modeling

Tab menu bar → Application → Modeling (Ctrl-M)

Assemblies

3. Generating the empty component files

3.1 Activate the assembly tab

menu bar → Assemblies

3.2 Creating the empty component files

Assemblies → New Component → OK →

Save file → File name → Control Substructure

Axis 20, File name → Baseplate Axis 20, File

name → Pier Axis 20

Important advice: Names of components can only be assigned once in an assembly structure.
Therefore, it is important to use clear descriptions, for instance: “Construction part Axis 20”

3.3 Fixing the generated components

Tab Assemblies → Position Assembly Constraints

Type → Fix

Explanation: The components are initially freely

movable in space. The fixation is set in the
assembly as constraints, so that the component
is stationary within this assembly.

II. Generate a parametric control file

1. Edit control file as a separate part

Select component control with RMB → Open in Window

Explanation: When starting to use NX, it is strongly recommended to edit individual components
in this mode, as this is the only way to ensure that no other components are changed as well.

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10 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

2. Create a sketch on the x-y-plane of the control component

Tab Home → Sketch

Important advice: A sketch always needs a reference

plane, a reference axis and a reference origin. If nothing
special is selected here, the sketch is generated in the x-y
plane, referred to the x-direction at the point 0/0/0.
There are numerous functions available for sketch
generation, the comprehensive explanation of which
would make the introductory example very confusing.
Therefore, only one possible way is described here. More
detailed information on the individual functions can be
found in Example 2 or in [6]. Many functions can be used
intuitively after the first introduction.

Important advice: The construction unit in NX is basically

"mm".

Create floor plan for the baseplate in the sketch:

Home → Curve → Rectangle → Catch Sketch

origin → Input Width 10800 mm and Height 9000
mm as well as Angle 90°.

Create floor plan for the pier in the sketch:

Home → Rectangle → Catch Sketch origin → Input Width5600 mm and Hight 3000 mm as well as
Angle 90°.

Home → Arc → Catch start and end point

→ Input Radius 1500 mm and Confirmation of the
side on which the arc should lie by selecting.

With RMB on dimension line Add expressions dimensions are created as parameter "pxy=value".

Important advice: Very often, several objects (points, lines, surfaces,

volumes) lie on top of each other in a 3D model. The snap mode is
equipped with a so-called "Quick-Pick", which allows to select the
desired object specifically in a table. To do this, the mouse pointer
must be on the object for a moment (1-3 seconds), then a table
appears on Selection.

You leave the sketch environment with

Tab Home → Finish Sketch.

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 11

3. Move the Sketch to layer 21

Tab View → Move to Layer

Important advice: The selection is made either by selecting the sketch in the parts navigator or in
the view. Deselect again (toolbar with red circle).

Important advice: The layer setting is quickly available under

Menu → Format → Layer Settings

or with the Shortcut Ctrl-L accessible, to control visibilities and locks.

4. Parametric design using expressions

The parameters of the sketch can be accessed under

Tools → Expressions

New parameters that control the design can be entered here, e.g. for the baseplate thickness and
pier height:

Type → Number, Lenght

Name → Base_Thickness

Formula → 2000

Creating the following parameters:

Name Formula Units Type

Base_Thickness 2000 mm Number (Lenght)
Pier_Height 8500 mm Number (Lenght)
Pier_Inclination 5 degrees Number (Angle)

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12 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Important advice: The created expressions can

be viewed and modified in the Part Navigator in
short form or in the tabular form in the
Expression Editor. You thus control the entire
construction.

Important advice: If the expressions are to be

used outside the controller in functions of other
components, they must be defined as interpart
expressions.

The expression Pier_Inclination is to be used in a function in the component pier axis 20. To do this,
the control is first closed and the component Pier Axis 20 is switched active as the "target part" by
double-clicking.

Control → Close Window

Pier Axis 20 activate by double-clicking

Tools → Expressions → Actions → Create/Edit Interpart Expression

Source Part → Select Control → Source Expressions → Select Pier_Inclination → OK

Now the control can be opened again to continue the processing.

Control → Open in Window

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 13

5. Datum Coordinate System (available)

Tab Home → Datum CSYS Type → Dyn.

Reference → WCS

6. Datum Plane for bottom edge of the baseplate

Tab Home → Datum Plane Type → At Distance

Planare Reference → XY-Plane in the WCS

Distance → Base_Thickness

Reserve Direction → down

Settings → Associative (set hook)

7. Datum Plane for top edge of the pier

Distanze → Pier_Height

Important advice: The construction can now be

controlled parametrically; here the bottom edge
of the baseplate or top edge of the pier defined
by the planes. Double-click and edit user
expressions in the part navigator moves the
plane.

8. Moving the reference objects to layer 61

Tab View → Move to Layer (Datums)

9. Save and switch to the assembly structure by

"close window”

10. Switch layer visible

Tab View → Layer Settings → Switch layers 21 and 61 visible

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14 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

III. Linking of the control sketch with the component files

11. Set Baseplate Axis 20 as active part

Double-click on Baseplate Axis 20

12. Wave Geometry-Linker

Tab Assemblies → Wave Geometrie-Linker Type → Sketch

Select the sketch

13. Wave Geometry-Linker

Tab Assemblies → Wave Geometrie-Linker Type → Datum

Select the bottom datum plane

14. Set Pier Axis 20 as active part

15. Wave Geometry-Linker

Type → Sketch

Select the sketch

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 15

16. Wave Geometry-Linker

Type → Datum

Select the top datum plane

17. Set AS Substructure Axis 20 as active part

Important advice: All the required elements of the skeleton structure are now linked in the
components and you can start modeling the individual components. For this purpose, the control
can be switched to Empty with RMT Replace Reference Set, since it is no longer needed. This
prevents the wrong objects from being selected ("picked") by mistake.

IV. Modeling of the components baseplate

18. Set Baseplate Axis 20 as active part

RMB on Baseplate Axis 20 → Open in Window (Shortcut Ctrl-F: Zoom All)

19. Move the linked elements to corresponding layers

Linked sketch → Layer 21 (Shortcut Ctrl-L)

Linked datum plane → Layer 61

20. Extrude the linked rectangle

Tab Home → Base Extrude

Section → Select Curve

Important advice: To do this, switch to Single Curve so that only the outer edges of the baseplate
are selected.

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16 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Start → Value, 0 mm

End → Until Selected, Select bottom plane

This ensures that extrusion always proceeds to the connected reference plane, even when
parameters are adjusted.

21. Close window and change Reference-Sets of the components

Reference Sets are set to "Entire part" by default. To ensure that only the final product, i.e. the body,
is displayed in the component after the solid has been completed, the Reference Sets are changed to
MODEL.
→ RMB on Baseplate Axis 20 → Replace Reference Set → MODEL

Pier

Proceed in the same way as in steps 1.-5. for the baseplate.

In addition, an arrow tapering upwards is to be carried out to explain the functionality of the form
elements in NX. Already extruded bodies can be modified by a Boolean operation. For this purpose,
the Pier_Inclination expression for the pier inclination is used.

1. Design the inclines pier

Tab Home → Base → Draft

Type → Edge

Specify Vector → Zc

Angle → Formula → Pier_Inclination

Select Edge → Curves of the pier in the sketch

Important advice: The two components, baseplate and pier, will later be produced monolithically
and could therefore still be linked and united there in a new component to be created, if required.

Memo: Modeling several components in one component is strongly discouraged, since the
model becomes unusable for later evaluation (costs, time sequence, simulation, drawing
derivation...)! Each component should contain only one part!

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 17

V. Make changes and analysis of linked relationships

1. Make changes and model update

The design in NX is parametric and procedural. This means that each step can also be edited
afterwards, with the design automatically adapting to the change.

The design can be edited via the design steps of the part navigator of each component and via the
user expressions of the control. When a parameter is changed, the change is automatically applied to
all other parts.

If necessary, the model must be updated.

Menu → Tools → Update → Interpart Update → Update all

2. Interpart Link Browser

Tab Assemblies → Interpart Link Browser

3. Relations Browser

Tab Assemblies → Relations Browser

4. Removing the associativity

An existing relationship (associativity) can be removed by calling the command again in the parts
navigator and deactivating the associativity there.

Control Questions:

What is meant by top-down modeling?

How can top-down modeling be implemented in NX?

How can cross-component relationships be implemented and analyzed?

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18 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Example 2: Bridge deck orientated on a spline

Overview: (Time required about 4h); ShortURL Video: sn.pub/Z58leU

I.
Generate an assembly structure
with empty component files
II. Generate the control file including
guide curve, axis of the building,
datum plane and control sketch
III. Linking the control sketch with the
component (Bridge deck)
IV. Modeling of the bridge deck
construction
V.
Single steps:

I. Generate an assembly structure with empty component files

Similar to example 1.

Methodology background: The control can

control both the superstructure and the
abutments, since both constructions follow the
route ge- ometrically. To avoid wave- links from a
central control file being routed over several
levels, the control file can be copied and pasted
into the abutment subassembly where it is
needed as a control part. Since a component
name can never be assigned twice, it is unique
that it is the same control file. Only AS Bridge
deck is required for the example.

II. Generate the control file including guide curve, axis of the building, datum plane and
control sketch

Guide curve from given coordinates

1. Change to Modeling (from Gateway to Modeling)

Tab Application → Modeling (Shortcut: Ctrl-M)

2. Guide curve from given coordinates

RMB Control → Open in Window

File → Import → Points from File

Select folder where the file was saved. Several formats are available.

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 19

The file with three coordinates shown below must be created and saved beforehand, e.g. in the
editor as a text file.

Important advice:
Since coordinates often originate from third parties, the
format must be observed or formatted before reading in as
shown in the figure. Unit mm, sequence x y z with spaces.
Separation by point, not comma. Additional tools are
available for complete routings (e.g. LandXML-Integrator)
[13].

The points are saved in a group that can be opened in the

part navigator.

A curve is now to be generated from the specified

coordinates, which is straight in plan view and described by
a cubic parabola in elevation (route). Splines are suitable for
this purpose, as they are polynomials of order n with a very
good fit to any curved geometries.

Curce → Studio Spline

Type → Through Points

Point Location →
Select points in the desired
order

Parameterization →
Degree n of the polynomial
(here 3)

Important advice: So that the guide curve can be exchanged for another
one later, it is copied associatively first. The further construction is then
guided by the copy and not by the original curve.

3. Copy curve associatively

Menu → Insert → Associative Copy → Extract Geometry Type →

Composite Curve

Select the curve (spline)

Settings → Associative

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 20 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

4. Generate the axis of the building by projecting the

spline into the plane

Curve → Project Curve

Curve or Points to Project → Select Associative Copy

(Composite Curve)

Object to Project to → Specify Plane → XC YC (select by

drop down)

Projection Direction → Specify Vector → -ZC (select by drop down)

Change the route

Explanation: From now on, this action can be performed at any

time during the design, i.e. even during the advanced design
phase. Provided that the construction as a whole has been
linked in a meaningful way, all dependent construction parts are
automatically adjusted with the change.

1. Do the procedure of step 2 for the adjacent new coordinates

It is helpful here to hide the points of the first group via

Part Navigator → Groups → Group “Route_road.txt” → Point

x3 RMB → Hide

The new spline is now written as the last command in the

model history. To be able to insert a command into an earlier
command, you have to move it forward, in front of the
insertion timestamp, see red arrow.

2. Replace Spline (7)

Using Drag&Drop, Spline (7) is moved in front of the Composite

Curve (5) (see arrow).

The sequential number of the command (the time stamp) is automatically changed from (7) to (2).

3. Exchange Curve

Double-click on the Composite Curve command in the Part Navigator to call it up again

Curve → Select Curve → Deselect All → deselect curve

Select Curve → select Spline (2)

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 21

With "Ok" the curve in the Composite Curve command is exchanged and
the construction based on it is reassigned, i.e. in this example the
projected curve is changed to the shape bent in plan.
Of course, the process can be reversed at any time and the construction
can be reassigned to the original Spline (1)..

Important advice: Move each spline onto a different layer to avoid catching the wrong one
afterwards. Old Route_road: Layer 52, New Road_route 42.

Generate datum planes

Explanation: Bridge structures are tied to routes and follow a continuous stationing in local x-
direction along the structure axis. The main axes and planes of the bridge must therefore be
connected to the projected spline lying in the x-y plane. The bridge axes 10, 20 and 30 of a two-
span system with distances of 32.5 m and the stationing 0+115 for axis 10 on the struct ure axis are
now to be carried out.

1. Generate datum plane of axis 10

Tab Home → Construction → Datum Plane

Type → On Curve

Curve → select Projected

Curve

Location → Arc Length

(Pay attention to arrow direction local x, if necessary change by
double-click!)

Arc Length → 115000 [mm] Orientation on Curve →

Normal to Path

Settings → Associative

2. Generate datum planes of axis 20 and 30

Analog for arc length 147500 respectively 180000 [mm].

3. Generate datum axis

Tab Home → Construction → Datum Axis

Type → On Curve Vector

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22 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Curve → select Projected Cure

Position → Arc Length (115000 selected, since the

sketch is to be stored here later on)

Arc Length → 115000 [mm]

Oriantation on Curve → Normal

Settings → Associative

4. Adjust datum coordinate system (CSYS)

If the reference coordinate system has not

already been created automatically:
Tab Home → Construction → Datum CSYS

(Drop-Down) Type → Dyn.

Referenz-CSYS → WCS (Work Coordinate System)

Menu → Format → WCS → Set WCS on Absolute

Changes to the already inserted coordinate system can

be made by double-clicking on it.

5. Rename, group and move reference elements to

layer 61

Explanation: For clarity in the model history of the Part

Navigator, it is useful to group and rename the
reference elements.

Mark all shape elements that are to be grouped in the

Part Navigator.

RMB → Feature Group

Feature Group Name → „ Main axes and planes“

Part Navigator → Feature Group „Mais axes and

planes“ → Select datum plane and again LMB →
Rename:
„Axis 10“

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 23

Generate a sketch

Explanation: A sketch for the bridge deck needs

• Placement surface (datum plane with plane orientation parallel to z-axis - convention in
bridge construction - perpendicular stirrups [2],[3]).
• Reference direction (reference axis as horizontal reference due to formwork orientation)
• fixed positioning (on the gradient, because the deckis guided along the route)

1. Create the Sketch

Tab Home → Sketch Type → On Path

Path → Weg auswählen (Important!: Select Composite Curve,

not the spline of the route)

Position → Arc Length Arc

Lenght → 115000

Orientation → Parallel to Vector +ZC

Select Horizontal Reference → datum axis (Reverse direction if

necessary, if sketch is not in desired direction.)

Ok

Finish Sketch

Advice: If the structure is longer, it is better to generate two or more sketches for the later sweep
(see S.), e.g. in each main axis.

2. Edit Sketch (with Rollback)

Select sketch in Part Navigator with RMB → Edit with Rollback

Two coordinate systems are displayed in the sketch plane, the WCS set up
beforehand and the local coordinate axes of the sketch plane T and N.

Check whether sketch is correctly aligned and, if necessary → Reattach

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24 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

3. Intersection of the guide curve with the sketch

Tab Home → Include → More → Intersection Point

Curve to Intersect → Composite Curve

Explanation: Intersection defines the starting point of the cross-section sketch in the sketch plane
and ensures that the cross-section is guided along the curve.

4. Roughly sketch cross section

A simple cross-sectional
sketch is chosen to keep
the example clear and to
better explain the basic
techniques.

First, you can sketch the

cross-section with lines very roughly. Here, the number of subsequent edges should be correct and
their direction.

Tab Home → Curve → Line

Advice: Set snap only to endpoint and intersection if you want to be sure that only objects defined
in this way are snapped.

5. Precisely define cross section by parameters and constraints

Tab Home → Solve → Rapid Dimension

References → Snap start point and end point of the dimension

Method → select Horizontal

or Vertical or…

The constraint creates a

parameter which is
automatically defined with
p... as expression (see
Example 1).

Dimensions as constraints can further be:

Angular dimensioning (selected here for cross slope), linear, radial and circumferential
dimensioning.

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 25

Explanation: In addition to the dimensions, geometric constraints are available:

Important advice: The sketch must be fully defined, only then it will keep its shape and relative
position during the sweep along the guide curve! The information is in the footer in the sketch
mode.

Lines that are only used for the sketch construction, but
are not to be extruded later, can be converted into
auxiliary lines using RMB → Convert to Reference

Advice: Guides can be displayed differently for the sake

of clarity:

Linie markieren → RMB Edit Display → Select Line Color or Style (Shortcut: Ctrl-J)

Optimization possibilities of the sketch:

Rename important expressions:

e. g. „road_edge_thickness“
instead of „p30“

Identical parameters such

as road edge thickness are
to be made dependent on
each other via expressions
(road_edge_thickness =
250.0 and p21 =
road_edge_thickness).

Finish sketch

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26 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

6. Associative copy of the sketch

The sketch is now to be copied to axis 20 with its

dependencies:

Tab Home → Pattern Feature

Feature to Pattern → select SKETCH_000

Reference Point → select Intersection Point with spline

Pattern Definition → Along → Method Offset

Path → select Composite Curve Position → Arc Length

Pitch By → 32500 mm

Pattern Method → Variational

Settings → Output → Copy Features

Settings → Expressions → Link to Original

Important advice: The Pattern element function does not

allow positioning that depends on two curves. Therefore,
it must still be moved and aligned afterwards.

Create the insertion point of the sketch on the route (spline)

and orientate it in z-direction:

Tab Curve → Point

Type → Intersection Point

Curve, Surface, or Plane → datum plane axis 20

Curve to Intersect With → Composite Curve

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 27

Move the intersection point in front of the sketch in the Part Navigator

Part Navigator →SKETCH_000_0 RMB → Edit with Rollback

Tab Home → Reattach → Change Plane Location from Arc Length to → Through Point → select

point

Plane Orientation → Normal to Vector

Specify Vector → Face/Plane Normal → select datum plane axis 20 → Ok

Finish Sketch

Explanation: The copy as pattern element references the parameters of the master sketch. In
contrast to the simple copy (Ctrl-C + Ctrl-V), no new parameters are created, so that the parameter
space remains small and controllable. Pattern elements therefore get the same number as the
master sketch with the addition _0 to show the dependency. If parameters in the master sketch
change, the parameters of the other sketches are automatically changed as well.

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28 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

7. Adjust the parameters of the sketch

The web height parameter of the copied cross-section sketch is to be adjusted to 3000mm above
axis 20. A new printout is created for this purpose. Furthermore, the control is still opened in
window.

Part Navigator → SKETCH_000 → Edit with Rollback

Tools → Expressions

Type → Number

Name → web_hight_axis_20

Formula → 3000 [mm] → Ok

The newly created expression is now reassigned to the ridge height parameter of the copied cross -
section sketch in axis 20.

RMB on dimensioning web height → Edit Annotation → Formula p93 → new expression
web_hight_axis_20

Finish sketch

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 29

8. Save sketch as reuseable object externally

Explanation: The same sketch should now be inserted in axis 30 as in axis 10. This could be done
with the same procedure as under 6. via a pattern element. Here, however, a second way is to be
shown as an example, in which the sketch with its parameters is first saved in a user-defined library
and then imported from there and inserted in axis 30.

Control still open in window

Part Navigator → SKETCH_000 RMB →

Show Dimensions

Tab Tools → Reuse Library → More →

Define Reusable Object

Type → 2D Section

Object → Select sketch including all

associated dimensions with window

Anchor → Specify insertion point (here

intersection with curve)

Folder View → 2D Section Library Metric

or select your own folder

Name → individual name

Important advice: A separate library for 2D reuse parts is created in the user standards:

File → Utilities → Customer Defaults

Gateway → Reuse Library → General

Native Folder → create Windows path to own folder

Native NX → activate Display Reuse Library

arrange libraries by native folder → check the path

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30 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Important advice: Changes in the user standards will only take effect after restarting NX!

9. Insert the sketch as a reusable object in axis 30

Create a sketch origin in axis 30 on the path as an intersection with the reference plane:

Tab Curve → Point

Type → Intersection Point

Curve, Surface, or Plane → select datum plane axis 30

Curve to Interselect With → select Composite Curve → Ok

Create sketch at this intersection

Tab Home → Sketch

Type → On Path

Path → select Composite Curve

Plane Location → Location → Through Point

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 31

Specify Point → select intersection point (Snap!)

Orientation → Parallel to Vector

Specify Vector → select Zc

Sketch Orientation → Select Horizontal Reference → datum axis → Ok

Check whether the sketch is oriented correctly, otherwise reverse the direction of Zc or the
reference axis under Reattach if necessary.

Insert the sketch as a reusable object

Reuse Library → select folder

Element selection → Cross-section single web plate beam

RMB → Insert

Insertion point is proposed → Accept or change

Check if the sketch was inserted correctly!

Important Advice: The inserted sketch is coherent and definite, but

as a reuse part it has lost the reference to the curve. Therefore, two
constraints (x- and y-connection) are missing in the sketch.

Restore connection to the intersection with the route

Make Coinzident → Insertion point with intersection point sketch

with sketch plane

Move sketches to layer 21, reference objects to layer 61, curves to layer 41

III. Linking the control sketch with the component (Bridge deck)

Construction deck → Make Work Part

Important advice: When linking, you have to be very careful about what is linked. Various selection
filters are available in NX for this purpose (see following figure).

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32 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

1. Linking of the sketches

If you want to extrude the entire sketch cross-section into a solid, it usually makes sense to link it in
one step as connected curves, rather than single curve by single curve. For this purpose, the
selection Connected Curves should be made.

Menu → Insert → Associative Copy → Wave Geometrie Linker

Type → Composite Curve

Select Curve → select the curve → Apply

Alternatively, you can also use type → Sketch

Sketch → select
(repeat for the other two sketches)

2. Linking of the guide curve

It is essential to ensure that the spline of the composite curve, i.e. the associative copy of the route,
is linked and not the route itself. For this purpose, the following settings should be made: Select
Infer Curves.

Menu → Insert → Associative Copy → Wave Geometrie Linker

Composite Curve → Infer Curve → select the Composite Curve (3) with the help of Quick Pick →
Ok

IV. Modeling of the bridge deck construction

1. Extrude the deck along the route over three cross sections

Construction deck → Open in Window

Move all linked elements to layer 99 to prevent multiple links later (show layer 99 again if
necessary).

Surface → Base → Swept

Select Curve → Sketch 1

Specify Origin Curve → select vertical flange limit (see following figure)

Add New Section

Select Curve → Sketch 2

Specify Origin Curve → select vertical flange limit

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 33

Add New Section

Select Curve → Querschnitt 3 (Fenster)

Specify Origin Curve → select vertical flange limit

Guides → Select Curve → linked Composite Curve

Section Options → Interpolation → Linear

Important advice: Activate “Preserve Shape”

2. Check of the extruded object

Part Navigator RMB → deselect “Timestamp Order” → Solid Body “Swept (8)” (see picture)

Explanation: For the extrusion of a bridge cross-section, the variant shown represents only one of
several possibilities. Depending on the task, other commands may be more suitable, e.g. for
widenings in the ground plan, haunches of the webs or crossing areas, other extrusion techniques
are required. A representation is not possible within the framework of a simple example. Examples
and explanations can be found in [10] and [8].

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34 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Control quastions:

How must the guide curve be generated in the controller so that a subsequent exchange of the
curve can be carried out?

Explain and compare the possibilities of copying a parametric sketch cross-section! Which condition
must be absolutely fulfilled for a parametric sketch? Give reasons!

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 35

Example 3: Bridge deck along several guide curves

Overview: (Time required about 6h)

I. Creating the assembly

structure with empty
components
II. Generation of the control
file with guide curves
(gradient, road edges,
structure axis, changeable
lower edge of structure,
reference planes and a
control sketch
III. Modeling the design of the
bridge deck (component)
along several guiding lines

Single steps:

I. Creating the assembly structure with

empty components

Proceed as in Example 1.

II. Generation of the control file with guide curves (gradient, road edges, structure axis,
changeable lower edge of structure, reference planes and a control sketch

Assembly Navigator → Control RMB → Open in Window

Construct guide curves

1. Switch to modeling part (from gateway to modeling)

Application → Modeling (Shortcut: Ctrl-M)

2. Edit datum coordinatesystem (CSYS)

Double-click on the Datum Coordinate System

Datum CSYS Type → Dyn.

Reference CSYS → WCS (Work Coordinate System) → ok

Menu → Format → WCS → Set WCS to Absolute

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36 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

3. Construct curve as an arc in the x-y plane (axis)

Curve → Arc/Circle

Type → Arc/Circle from Center

Center Point → Select origin of the Datum

Coordinate System

Through Point → End Option → Radius

Size → Radius 20000 mm

Support Plane → Select Plane →

XC-YC-Ebene

Limits → Start Limit → Angle 0 gon; End Limit → Value 63.7 gon

4. Construct a route based on the arc section with the help of a start and end elevation

Explanation: As in an elevation plan, individual elevations are specified at individual stations (here
starting point of the arc section +10m and end point +13m), which are then connected to form a
route. The slope should be linear (straight line). Thus, the course of the path here corresponds to
a cylinder section; in general, however, the path cannot be represented analytically, so that it must
be described by an approximation curve anyway. Therefore, a spline is used here as well. The
spline is to be constructed and not calculated! First, an auxiliary construction is built for this
purpose.

Line at starting point in z-direction

with 10m height

Curve → Line

Start Option → snap point

End → End Option → Along ZC

Limits → Start Limit → At Point →

Distance 0; End Limit → Value →

Distance 10000 mm

Analog for line at endpoint in z-direction with 13m height

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 37

Spline between start and end point in z-direction with constant slope

Explanation: The spline should have a constant slope in the plan view of the route and in t he
elevation starting from the two end points of the lines as supporting points. The spline is to be
determined only by the two points and the end tangents. For this purpose, the end tangents are
constructed first.

Tangent of the arc section at the beginning

Tab Home → Construction → Datum Axis

Type → On Curve Vector

Select Curve → select arc segment

Location on Curve → Arc Length → 0 mm

Orientation on Curve → Tangent

Tangent of the arc segment at the end

analogously

Construct plane from two lines Initial height

and tangent

Tab Home → Construction → Datum Plane

Type → Two Lines

First Line → Select perpendicular at the beginning of the arc

Second Line → Select the corresponding datum axis

Construct plane from two lines end height and end tangent analogously

Line with straight slope as initial tangent for the spline

Tab Curve → Line

Start Point → snap the starting point of the arc segment

End → End Option → At Angle

Select Object → datum axis

Angle → (Slope 3m on length 20m) -9.549 gon

Support Plane → Specify Plane → select new datum plane

Construct line with positive straight line slope as end tangent for the spline analogously

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38 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Construct spline with support points and tangents at the

beginning and end

Curve → Studio Spline

Type → Through Points (select start and end point with

snap function)

Constraints → Continuity Type Tangent (G1)

Specify Tangent → open Vector Dialog

Type → Two Points (select line start and end point of

tangents)

Similarly, select vector for end point as constraint, double-

click on point in 1st block, define tangent, reverse tangent
direction if necessary.

Parameterization → Degree 3

Explanation: The spline was constructed with only two

known support points and the end tangents. The
approximation is to be tested by means of a projection
of this spline into the x-y plane and comparison with the
arc segment.

Deviation checking spline and arc segment in the x-y

plane

Tab Curve → Project Curve

Curves or Points to Project → select spline
Object to Project To → Specify Plane → Inferred →
select x-y-plane

Projection Direction → Specify Vector → select -ZC

Analysis → Deviation Gauge

Objects to Compare → select arc segment → select

Projected Curve

Measurement Definition Plane → Specify Plane →

Zc (I. e. x-y plane)

Set Needle Scale and maximum value suitably

The deviation in this case, as shown in the picture, is a maximum of 1.75mm and is greatest in the
center. The agreement is best where the definition (endpoints and end tangents) are defined and is
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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 39

The third-order cubic progression already achieves a good approximation. If you increase the
degree, the result is not much better. The accuracy can only be further increased by one or more
intermediate points.

5. Design structure axis for guiding an arc-shaped bottom

edge of the cross section based on the circular arc
section

Explanation: The roadway axis and the structure axis are

often not congruent. The underside of the structure is
aligned with the structure axis, while the carriageway axis
determines the upper course of the carriageway surface. In
this example, the bottom edge is to be curved. The structure
axis deviates by 1.5m radially from the roadway axis at the
starting point and is congruent at the end.

Line with distance 1.5m perpendicular to the axis of the

carriageway at the beginning of the arc segment

Tab Curve → Line

Start Point → Inferred → snap the starting point of the arc

segment

End → End Option → Normal

Select Object → select arc segment

Limits → End Limit → Distance → 1500 mm

Model spline of the building axis

Tab Curve → Studio Spline

Type → Through Points (select start and end point with snap
function)

Constraints → Continity Type Tangent (G1)

Specify Tangent → select the datum axis at the beginning of

the arc segment

Analog select datum for end point as constraint

Parameterization → Degree 3

Drawing Plane → Zc

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40 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Edit View (Object Display): Change color, change linetype

Provide spline with name "Construction_axis" in Part Navigator

Design spline of the arc-shaped lower cross-section guide

Create start height (8000 mm) and end height (11000

mm) of the structure lower edge guide by lines
analogous to step 4. Assign color for differentiation.

Construct Studio Spline between start and end point

with start and end tangents analogous to step 4. Assign
color.

Construct bow stitch

Curve → Line

Start Option → Point → Point Dialog

Type → Point on Curve/Edge Construction_axis

Location on Curve → %Arc Length → 50%

End → End Option → Along Zc

Limits → End Limit → Value → Distance → 10300 mm

Tab Curve → Arc/Circle

Type → Three Point Arc

Start Option → Start height; End Option → End height; Mid Option → bow stich height

Important advice: Of course, the arc has a

constant radius and therefore no longer
follows the building axis in plan whose radii
are variable due to the offset of 1.5 m at the
beginning. For this reason, the correct course
of the arch in the elevation must be adapted
to the plan projection of the building axis. For
this purpose, a surface is extruded from the
building axis in the Z-direction as an auxiliary
construction onto which the circular arc can
then be projected.

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 41

Tab Home → Extrude

Section → Select Curve →

Construction_axis

Direction → Specify Vector → Zc

Limits → End → 15000 mm

Tab Curve → Project Curve

Curves or Points to Project → select arc

Objects to Project To → select Extrude

Projection Direction → Along Face

Normal
deselect plane if necessary

Now the lower guide in arc form lies exactly in

the projection of the building axis in the z-
direction.

The two guide curves of the cross section are

now completely constructed. All other lines can
be moved to layer 11 and hidden.

The picture shows the result: roadway and

structure axis in plan view as well as the two
guiding lines of the top side (gradient) and
bottom side ("arc") in space.

Now, at the beginning and end of the bridge, a

different transverse profile to the roadway axis
is to be generated. This is created with the help
of individual lines perpendicular to the roadway
axis in plan.

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42 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

6. Set datum axis

Tab Home → Construction → Datum Axis, Type → On Curve Vector

Curve → select road axis, Location on Curve → Location → %Arc Length → 0

Orientation on Curve → Orientation → Normal

Similarly, create a second reference axis at the end of the road axis.

7. Construct cross sections with saddle slopes at the beginning and the end

Cross section at the beginning

Tab Curve → Line

Start Option → Inferred → snap point at the beginning of the road axis

End → End Option → At Angle

Select Object → select a horizontal datum axis at starting point

Angle → -3.333 gon

Support Plane → select a datum plane perpendicular to the road axis

Limits → End Limit → Distance 6000 mm

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 43

Tab Curve → Line

Start Option → Inferred → snap point at the beginning of the road axis

End → End Option → At Angle

Select Object → select a horizontal datum axis at starting point

Angle → 203.3 gon

Support Plane → select a datum plane perpendicular to the road axis

Limits → End Limit → Distance 3000 mm

Cross section at the end

Tab Curve → Line

Start Option → Inferred → snap point at the beginning of the road axis

End → End Option → At Angle

Select Object → select a horizontal datum axis at starting point

Angle → -3.333 gon

Support Plane → select a datum plane perpendicular to the road axis

Limits → End Limit → Distance 4500 mm

Tab Curve → Line

Start Option → Inferred → snap point at the beginning of the road axis

End → End Option → At Angle

Select Object → select a horizontal datum axis at starting point

Angle → 203.3 gon

Support Plane → select a datum plane perpendicular to the road axis

Limits → End Limit → Distance 4500 mm

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44 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

8. Create lane table from cross profiles and road axis

Tab Surface → Swept

Sections → select line

cross profile start

Add New Section

→ select line
associated cross profile
end

Guides (max. 3) →
select road axis

Repeat the procedure for

the other side

In the next step, a cross-section sketch is placed at the starting point of the bridge and connected to
the two guidance lines and the edges of the newly created roadway panel.

9. Create cross section sketch and copy it to the end of the bridge deck

The cross section sketch shown in the figure is generated analogously to the procedure in Example
2. In contrast to Example 2, four guidance lines (route, lower edge and the edges of the roadway
panel) are now intersected with the sketch plane and integrated in the cross section sketch.
Otherwise, the procedure is identical. As a construction, an arc is constructed through the two
intersection points with the edges of the carriageway and the intersection point with the lower
edge of the construction in the sketch.

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 45

A parameter definition is not required. The cross section is guided by the guide curves alone, which
are connected by two straight lines as well as an arc from intersection point to intersection point.
This makes it easy to copy the sketch using the Copy and Paste functions.

The sketch is now to be copied to the end of the bridge:

Part Navigator → RMB on the sketch → Copy (alternatively: Ctrl-C)

Menu → Edit → Paste (alternatively: Ctrl-V)

Methods → Datum References Specify New Datum

References → New Parent → Rail for Intersection Point → snap the four splines

Apply

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46 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

III. Modeling the design of the bridge deck (component) along several guiding lines

Explanation: In contrast to the procedure in Example 2, it is sometimes not possible to extrude the
body directly for complex geometries with multiple guide curves. Instead, the individual surfaces
are extruded and then joined together to form a solid. For this purpose, the curves must be
constructed in such a way that the surfaces derived from them fit together exactly. NX works
internally here with a distance tolerance of 0.01 mm (common in aircraft and vehicle construction).
Depending on the data basis, it seems to make sense in practice to increase this distance tolerance
by a power of ten for bridge structures. This can be set either in the Extrude command individually
or even in the user standards for design in general.

Create associative Wavelinks

Four guide curves, the roadway panel as two individual surfaces and the two sketches are linked
associatively into the superstructure component, analogous to Example 2.

Extrude bridge underside as curved surface

Tab Home → Swept

Sections → select arc cross profile start

Add New Section

Sections → select arc cross profile end

Guides (max. 3) → select curve lower edge construction

Add New Guide

Select curve roadside

Add New Guide

Select curve of the other roadside

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 47

Extrude bridge end faces as flat finish surfaces

Tab Surface → More → Bounded Plane

Select curves from the start cross section

Tab Surface → More → Bounded Plane

Select curves from the end cross section

Assemble bride deck body from surfaces

Menu → Insert → Combine → Combine → scan all surfaces one after the other

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48 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Alternative procedure for extrusion:

For extrusion (called sweep for curved curves) along more than three and up to a maximum of
seven guide curves, variable/different extrusion can be used in NX. It should be noted that for this
NX function, the sketch to be extruded must be in the same file (component) as the extrusion
command. A linked copy of the sketch cannot be addressed. Either the sweep is performed in the
control file, as shown below, or the sketch is created in the design file, deviating from the
presented top-down principle.

Assembly Navigator → Control → Open in Window

Tab Surface → More → Variational Sweep

Section → select sketch

Limits → Start → %Arc Length → 0 → End → %Arc Length → 100

Control questions:

How can the shape of a spline be influenced?

Describe the different extrusion techniques for complex superstructure geometries with more than
three guide curves in your own words!

What are the differences between the three copy functions presented in examples 2 a nd 3? Where
do they make sense to use?

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 49

Example 4: Connect a sheet pile wall and a base to the construction with constraining
conditions

Overview: (Time required about 2h)

ShortURL Video: sn.pub/Z58leU

I. Loading a finished assembly

structure and supplement
component files
II. Generation of bodies in the new
component files
III. Creation of geometric
constraints between
assemblies and components

Single steps:

I. Loading a finished assembly

structure and supplement
component files

Start NX

Tab Home → Open → Select the folder in which Example 1

has been saved → Select main assembly → Options

Explanation: There are numerous options for loading in NX,

since very large amounts of data or memory-intensive
calculation processes occur in the background for larger
models. Therefore, especially with large models, you should
use the loading options to make processing easier:

Structure Only (recommended for large models)

Partially Load – Lightweight Display

Under Options you will find further settings, such as loading

only certain Reference Sets, e.g. only the finished bodies).

In the learning process, it is recommended that the models

always be loaded completely, i.e. select Scope → Option →
Fully Load!

The loading options are saved automatically.

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50 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Supplement component files

Explanation: Components are initially not geometrically positioned in NX, even if they already
contain geometry. Assembly constraints can be used to position them within the assembly during
insertion and also subsequently. This will be demonstrated using simple examples, an underwater
concrete base and a sheet pile box.

Assembly Navigator → Double-Klick on

AS Substructure Axis 20

Tab Assemblies →
New Component → OK

Save file → File name →

AS Excavation Support Axis 20

Explanation: The new assembly AS Excavation Support Axis 20 lies on the same plane as the
existing component baseplate and can be connected to it later using constraints.
But first of all, further components need to be created below the new assembly, which will be parts
of the excavation support.

Assembly Navigator → AS Excavation Support Axis 20 → RMB → Make Work Part

Tab Assemblies → New Component → OK

Save file → File name → Underwater Concrete Base Axis 20

Repeat procedure for Sheet Piling Box Axis 20

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 51

II. Generation of bodies in the new component files

1. Underwater Concrete Base

Explanation: The existing parameters foundation width and foundation depth should be taken from the
control file of the first Example. Therefore, they are first exported from the control file and afterwards
imported into the new components so that they are available there.

1.1 Createinterpart parameters from the control file

Assembly Navigator → Control Substructure Axis 20 → Open in Window

Tools → Expressions → Show: All Expressions

rename 9000 to Foundation_Thickness and

10800 to Foundation_Depth

Show: Named Expressions

Export Expressions → File Name: Expressions_Example_2

→ Ok

Assembly Navigator → AS Substructure Axis 20

Underwater Concrete Base Axis 20 → RMB → Open in Window

Tools → Expressions

Import Expressions → Select file

→ Ok

1.2 Create Underwater Concrete Base

Menu → Insert → Design Feature → Block

Type → Origin and Edge Lenghts

Origin → no selection

Dimensions → Lenght XC → Foundation_Depth, Width YC → Foundation_Thickness, Height ZC →

1750 mm → OK

Explanation: Without indicating a specific origin, the underwater concrete base is attached to the
reference coordinate system. The positioning is carried out later via assembly constraints.

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52 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

1.3 Create a sheet pile

Underwater Concrete Base Axis 20

→ RMB → Open Parent in
Window → AS Excavation Support
Axis 20→ Sheet Piling Box Axis 20
→ RMB → Open in Window

Tab Home → Sketch

Type → On Plane → draw sketch as in picture → Finish Sketch

Explanation: If nothing is defined, the sketch is

automatically created on the on the x-y plane at the
origin. The positioning is done later via assembly
constraints.

As a sketch, a typical sheet pile profile is created

in a simplified way.

The sketch is now extruded in z-direction and

gets a thickness of t=10mm.

Tab Home → Extrude

Select Curve → Select Sketch

Limits → Start → Value → Distance 0mm

End → Value→ -8000mm

Offset → Symmetric → 5mm

Settings → Sheet → Ok

Switch back to the higher-level assembly.

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 53

III. Creation of geometric constraints between assemblies and components

2. Position AS Excavation Support Axis

20

Select AS Substructure Axis 20

Assemblies → Assembly Constraints

Type → Parallel

Select two objects (see picture)

Important advice: First select the object that is to be moved.

Fixing the foundation slab in example 1 also ensures that the
foundation slab is not moved by the new constraints.

Explanation: The functions shown on the right are available

as assembly constraints. In principle, all objects may be
selected, i.e. surfaces, lines and points, depending on
whether they can be used in the function.

Assemblies → Assembly Constraints

Type → Distance

Select two objects: Upper edge of UW

concrete base and lower edge of the
foundation

Distance 0 mm

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54 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

In the Constraint Navigator the details of the constraints can be checked:

Explanation: The assembly AS Excavation Support Axis 20 was positioned at the previously fixed
component Underwater Concrete Base Axis 20 by two constraints. Visually, the underwater
concrete base is already in the correct position. However, the status column in the constraint
navigator shows by symbol whether the now connected assembly is fully constrained (filled circle)
or only partially constrained (partially filled circle). In this case, the symbol indicates that the
geometry is only partially constrained. The movements that are still possible can be displayed via
the degrees of freedom of movement.

Alternatively, you can check the movement

possibilities by trying to move the component.

Select AS Excavation Support Axis 20 → RMB →

Move…

A so-called "handle" coordinate system is

displayed, on which you can execute movements
with the mouse in the direction of the six degrees
of freedom in space. In this case, the assembly can
still be moved in the x-direction and rotated
around the Yc axis.

Thus, these two degrees of freedom must still be

fixed by constraints.

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 55

Assemblies → Assembly Constraints

Type → Distance

Select two objects: Oberkante UW-Betonsohle und

Unterkante Fundament jeweils in y-Richtung

Distance 0 mm

Assemblies → Assembly Constraints

Type → Distance

Select two objects: Lower edge of foundation and

Upper edge of UW concrete base in each case in y-direction on the opposite side

Abstand 0 mm

Advice: Other
constraints are possible,
resulting in a complete
constraint of the
construction group.

Control: If you release the fixation of the pier and the foundation plate by deselecting the green
check mark in the assembly constraints and move the components pier and foundation plate with
the handle, then the now completely constrained assembly AS Excavation Support Axis 20 moves
with it.

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56 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

3. Position sheet pile element within the sub-assembly AS Excavation Support Axis 20 via assembly
constraints

Activate sub-assembly AS Excavation

Support Axis 20 by double-klicking. This
ensures that the constraints are no
longer defined in the AS Substructure
Axis 20 but in the sub-assembly.

Only components from the subassembly

are still available (selectable) for
positioning. The other components are
displayed transparently for clarity.

Analogous to the procedure in step III.1,

the sheet pile element can now be
positioned in relation to the underwater
concrete base (see picture).

4. Adding further sheet pile elements

The sheet pile elements are standardized parts for production, which are now to be used in
multiple versions of the same length to enclose the box. The same component is therefore used
several times.

Assemblies → Pattern Component

Component to Pattern → Select Sheet Piling Box

Axis 20

Pattern Definition → Layout → Linear

Direction 1 → Specify Vector → Select Edge

Spacing → Count and Pitch

Count → 9

Pitch Distance → 1200 mm

Use Direction 2 → Specify Vector → Select Edge

(perpendicular to 1)

Spacing → Count and Pitch

Count → 2

Pitch Distance → 9320 mm → Ok

(reverse the direction of the vector if necessary)

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 57

The added sheet pile elements are actually copies of

the same source file, so they are displayed "packed"
by default. They can also be added in the assembly
navigator by RMB → Entpacken einzeln dargestellt
werden.

The identical names make it clear that the components

are exactly the same. If you want to change the length
afterwards, the change will affect all elements with the
same name (as in the procedure with a control file that
has been copied several times, see example 2).

The process is now repeated until the sheet pile box is enclosed. The slightly higher effort of this
structured input is the

- Very easy automatic modification of all installed parts

- Automatic quantity determination according to supplied parts
- Automatic further use of the parts in the BIM process (sampling, ordering, construction
process, etc.)

Control questions:

What is the purpose of assembly constraints?

Where are assembly constraints defined/stored and what is the impact of a multi-level hierarchical
structure?

Describe the process of positioning a part using assembly constraints.

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58 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Example 5: Drawing derivation of a bridge deck

General: After completion of the

design model, an associative drawing
can be created from this geometry.
Associative means that changes from
the design model are automatically
adopted in the drawing and
dimensions are adjusted. Changes to
the geometry in the drawing
environment, on the other hand, are
not possible because the models only
behave associatively in one direction.

ShortURL Video: sn.pub/Z58leU

Overview:
I. Creation of a drawing sheet
II. Creating base views and sections
III. Dimensioning of the drawing (length dimensioning, elevation, setting out points)
IV. Update the views
V. Creating a PDF file

Single steps:

I. Creation of a drawing sheet

1. Fully load assembly “AS Bridge Example 2”

2. Create new drawing sheet

File → New → Drawing → A3- Landscape

Name: AS Bridge Example 2_dwg1.prt

Folder: Save location like main assembly → Ok

Window „Populate Title Block“opens → close window

→ Window „Base View“opens → close window

Explanation: The drawing sheet is arranged above the assembly AS Bridge Example 2 and thus at
the top node of the tree structure. All subordinate assemblies and components (in th is case all!)
are thus associatively available and can be placed on the drawing. It can be seen here that
drawings derived directly from 3D models are not actually drawn lines, but rather sections or
overall representations of the objects.

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 59

Important advice: The drawing is saved as

dwg1.prt in the same folder where all other
assemblies and components are saved. The
assembly "AS Bridge Example 2" is
subordinated to the drawing. Therefore,
when opening a drawing, the entire
assembly is loaded as well.

3. Edit sheet frame and title block

The key combination Ctrl-L opens the "Layer settings" → Switch layers 256 and 255 active

3.1 Edit sheet frame

Tab Drafting Tools → Drawing Format

Borders and Zones → Width 5 mm

Centering and Orientation Marks

→ Horizontal → Left and Right Line
→ Vertical → Bottom and Top Line

Zones
→ Deactivate Markings and Labels → Ok

3.2 Fill in title block

Tab Drafting Tools → Drawing Format → Populate Title Block → Fill cell values one after
the other

If individual cell values remain locked → RMB to the title field → Edit Definition →
Deselect Lock Status for the cell

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60 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

II. Creating base views and sections

Advice: Aids used to create the construction (datum planes)

should not be displayed on the drawing. The visibility of the
respective parts can be controlled via Reference Set. It is
therefore recommended to set the Reference Set of the
"Control" part to "Empty". For all components that contain
bodies, the reference set should be set to "MODEL" so that
tools linked here are not referenced in the plan derivation.

4. Create view

Tab Home → View → Base View

Important advice: Different base views can be created on one

drawing sheet. It is possible to display the entire model on
the drawing, but it is also possible to select individual parts of
the model.

Dialog Options → select Base View (More) (see red circle)

Part → select AS Bridge Example 2

Model View → Model View to Use: Top

Scale → Ratio → 1:250

View Origin → Specify Location → place on drawing sheet

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 61

Projected View → Close

5. Make settings for the view

Double-click on the frame of the

generated base view

Settings → Base/Drawing → Label

→ Show View Label and Show
View Scale

Explanation: Here the settings for

this base view can be made. For
example, the line thickness and
color of the visible lines can be
changed, or hidden edges can be
displayed. At "General" the scale
can also be changed subsequently.

6. Create section

Tab Home → View → Section View

Parent View → select the frame of the base view

Cut position above hinge line

Specify Vector for Hinge Line → e. g. select via two points,

start and end point on vertical line in the middle of the
bridge (axis 20).

Reverse Cut Direction if necessary

Section Line Segments → Specify Location → select center

of the line

Explanation: This places the section over the hinge line axis
20, centered on the bridge cross section with a specified
viewing direction. The section has been created and can now
be moved to any position on the sheet.

Placement → Method → Inferred

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62 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Hide background

Double-click on the frame of the generated section→ „Settings“ → Section → Settings → Format
→ Show Backgound (deactivate)

Change Scale

Double-click on the frame of the generated section→ „Settings“ → Common → General →

Settings → Scale Ratio 1:100

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 63

Explanation: Drawings in any industry are strongly dependent on the respective applicable
standard basis, so that an industry-standard add-on module is required for drawing derivation. In
the following, therefore, an add-on tool to NX for the construction sector is used, which already
provides crosshatches, labeling types, line thicknesses and types, etc. for selection. (AEC Suite from
neoapps GmbH [13], here: AEC Drafting).

Change Crosshatch

Double-click on the Crosshatch→ Settings → Crosshatch Definition → AEC_Hatches → Pattern →

Reinforced Concrete → Distance 0,75 → Width0,18

Alignment of the section

AEC Drafting → View and Section Aligment

AEC View and Section Aligment → Select View → select generated section

Select start point → start point of bottom line

Select end point → end point of bottom line

Direction of Rotation Counterclockwise

III. Dimensioning of the drawing

8. Lengths dimensioning

Tab Home → Dimension → Rapid

Measurement → Method → Horizontal

References → Select First Object → starting point of the

line to be dimensioned

References → Select Second Object → ending point of the

line to be dimensioned

Origin → select position

Analogous procedure when creating vertical dimensions.

Customizing the label and dimension lines

AEC Drafting → Elevated mm

→ Cut Dimensions Extension Line

Select one after the other and drag window over created dimension.

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64 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

9. Elevation Numbers

Set AEC coordinate system

Switch to the “Modeling” application:

Tab Application → Modeling (Shortcut: Ctrl-M) →

double-click on assembly "AS Bridge Example 2”

Open Control in window

AEC Suite → AEC Coordinatesystem

Select Coordinatesystem → Datum Coordinate

System

Object-Name: „Coordinatesystem_Example_5“

Switch to the "Drawing" application:

Control → RMB → Open Parent in Window → AS Bridge Example 2_dwg1 →

Shortcut Ctrl-SHIFT-D

AEC set elevation numbers - view

AEC Drafting → AEC Elevation Numbers → Create

Select Component → Control →

„Coordinatesystem_Example_5“ is displayed

Select view/section → select view

Construction Unit → Millimeter

Elevation-Symbol → Top View

Text size → 3.5

SelectPointCaption → Select line start and end points in

the view

AEC set elevation numbers - section

AEC Drafting → AEC Elevation Numbers → Create

Select Component → Control → „Coordinatesystem_Example_5“ is displayed

Select view/section → select section

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 65

Elevation-Symbol → Raw

Select relative Elevation REFERENCE Point → position of spline in section

Set elevation numbers one after the other by selecting line start and end points.

10. Setting out Points

AEC Drafting → Setting out Points → select AEC Coordinatesystem → select view

Specify position for the Setting-out Points Tabular-Note

Please enter the header for the tabular note → Construction Setting-out Points

Add a new Setting-out Point to the list

AdditionalPointCaption → SOP

SettingOutPointNumberCaption → 1

Select Object → Select the start and end points of the lines one after the other in the view.

By confirming the "Ok"-key, the x, y, and z coordinates of the building stakeout are written into a
table.

11. Chainage

Switch to the “Modeling” application:

Shortcut Ctrl-M → double-click on assembly "AS Bridge Example 2”→ open Control in window

(If necessary, define AEC Coordinatesystem again)

AEC Suite → Chainage → select AEC Coordinatensystem

(If necessary, actvate “Use current work part”.)

Select 2D-Axis (Spline) → Select spline in floor plan

Chainage Parameter → activate „Set only ONE Chainage“

SINGLE Chainage Parameter → Select point on datum axis → via Point Dialog: Select intersection of
datum planes with spline in floor plan (remove Additional Texts if necessary).

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66 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Make layer visible → Shortcut Ctrl-L → set layer 202-204 active

The "Chainage"-command must be repeated for each

stationing.

Advice: For each stationing a Feature Group is created,

which contains the corresponding plane and a line normal
to the path (see Part Navigator).

Switch to the "Drawing" application:

Control → RMB → Open Parent in Window → AS Bridge

Example 2_dwg1 → Shortcut Ctrl-SHIFT-D

Control → RMB → Replace Reference Set → select

CHAINAGE

Important: The visibility of individual objects in the

drawing environment can be controlled via reference sets,
among other things. When creating stationing, the
reference set CHAINAGE is created automatically. User-
defined reference sets can also be created and used, but
the procedure is not described in detail here.

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2.2 Introductory examples: Top-down modeling for bridge and engineering structures 67

Make layer visible in view

Tab Home → View → Layer Visible in View → select view → set 202 and 203 visible

12. Slope dimension

AEC Drafting
→ Slope Dimension
→ Select view/section
→ Move the start and end
points of the line to be
dimensioned one after the
other.
(move dimension number if
necessary)

IV. Update the views

Important: The basic views and sections derived from the design are associative to the design
model. If changes are made to the design, these are adopted in the basic views and sections after
the update.

In addition, the drawing sheet shows that the drawing is not up to date (Sheet "Sheet 1" Work (Out
of Date)). This is also visible in the Part Navigator.

An update is made via:

Tab Home → View → Update Views → select views

V. Creating an PDF file

File → Export → PDF… Destination → select folder

Confirm with "OK”

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68 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Control questions:

How to create a drawing of an existing model?

Where should the drawing be placed within the assembly structure? Reason?

Explain the difference between a conventional 2D drawing and a "drawing" derived from the 3D
model! What are the advantages and what are the requirements?

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2.3 Some important general features and notes about NX 69

2.3 Some important general features and notes about NX

Overview of selected functions during editing:

• Differentiation between working part and display part (opened in separate window)
• Shift key to deselect individual bodies/shape elements
• Working unit and thus input in mm
• reation and editing of parametrics: Menu - Tools - = Expressions or Ctrl- E as well as user
expressions in the parts navigator
• Display object names: Menu - Preferences - Visualization - View - Decorations - Names and
Borders - Show Object Names
• Update: Menu - Tools - Delay and Update - Update Model
• Measure: Menu – Analysis – Measure
• Angle entries refer to vertical axis (i.e. +90° or -90°) usually as degree measure
• Menu - Information - Costum Menu Bar - Shortcut Keys
• Crosshairs: Menu - Preferences - Selection - Cursor - Checkmark at Show Crosshairs
• Open a file with options (useful for large models): All components/(AS-)structure only or
minimal/partial/full loading with lightweight display

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70 2 3D Modeling of Bridge- and Engineering Structures with NX: Introductory Examples

Selected Shortcuts:

Crtl+M Modeling
Crtl-Shift-D Drafting
Crtl-F View Fit
Crtl-I Information Object
Crtl-J Edit Object Display
Crtl-B Hide
Crtl-W Show/Hide
Crtl-L Layer Settings
Crtl-E Expressions
Crtl-Shift-U Show all parts
Crtl-T Move Object
X Extrude
F5 Refresh
Shift+LMT Cancel Selection
Hold right Mouse Keyd Changing e.g. the wire frame model to shaped with edges
Orient View-Isometric End
Orient View-Trimetric Home
Orient View-Top Ctrl-Shift-T
Orient View-Front Ctrl-Shift-F
Orient View-Right Ctrl-Shift-R

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3 Project example: Two-span bridge

3.0 Overview and objectives

Based on the examples in Chapter 2, this chapter explains the 3D design procedure based on a
typical project, see Figure 1.

In addition to 3D design, the assignment of information such as material, object properties and
3D measurements in the model, the geometric collision control of components from different
trades, the generation of part families, the IFC export and the options for construction phase
display are also demonstrated. The main aim of this project example is to illustrate the
relationships between the new construction methods, parametrics, the assignment of
information and the derivation of drawings from the model, as the central basis for Building
Information Modeling. At the end of the chapter, two practical examples are presented for
illustration.

The chapter can be worked on in self-study with initial basic knowledge from chapter 2. The
explanations and illustrations of the following subchapters provide the structure and the essential
intermediate steps of the process and deal with the most important background information. At
the end of the subchapters, the corresponding exercise sub-task for self-studies in NX is printed.

Figure 1: Two-span bridge, learning example for 3D design in object planning

© Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, part of Springer Nature 2022 71

M. Nöldgen, BIM in Bridge and Infrastructure @seismicisolation
Design, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-36801-2_3
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72 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

Integration into the BIM process

The essential difference to today's practice in the project process is that with Building In formation
Modeling a model-driven process replaces or extends the document-driven process.

Depending on the type and scope of the project, approx. 5-20 different specific models are
generated, integrated and further processed during the planning process, including, for example,
the digital terrain model, city model, subsoil model, traffic facility model, building model,
simulation model (structural, wind, earthquake depending on the task), construction process
model, construction site equipment model, cost calculation model,.... [1], [12]

The specific models are created and updated by the respective project participants, building on
each other, and geometrically and content-wise compared at contractually agreed data transfer
times (data drops). [17] This consolidation and coordination serves the purpose of quality
assurance (consistency, gap closure, error prevention). The projects in bridge construction and
civil engineering are usually exchanged with open/neutral data formats (OPEN) among all project
participants (BIG BIM) via a common data environment (CDE - Common Data Environment or
BIM-Server). This new type of model-based collaboration is thus referred to as BIG OPEN BIM.

Figure 2 shows important specialist models and players in the BIM process, clearly visualised using
a data hub, for model-driven BIM in bridge construction and civil engineering.

Figure 2: Data hub for a model-driven BIM in bridge construction with important models and actors in object
planning

In addition to these actors who create specialist models, there are other project participants who
take on important roles, tasks and responsibilities, in particular the client/building owner, project
manager, BIM manager, ... as well as authorities and experts who are given access to the data and
specialist models via a targeted role and rights matrix in the common data environment. This
creates a high level of transparency for all project participants.

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3.0 Overview and objectives 73

Process in this BIM project example (overview):

In this project example, the focus is on the 3D building model as the central model on the data hub.
This is done in individual steps that correspond to the book chapters:

3.1 As a basis for the planning, the digital terrain model (DTM) is first integrated and
thereby itself extended to a 3D body (object).
3.2 In the next step, an existing road is imported via coordinates, extended with a
cross-section profile to form a 3D road surface and intersected with the body of the
terrain model. Lines are imported from a 2D drawing (dwg-file) and built up into 3D
objects.
3.3 A new route is then imported via coordinates and cross sections, extruded to form a
surface and automatically intersected with the existing terrain body. Cuts and
embankments are created as independent volume bodies (objects) and can be
measured automatically.
Thus, the environment and boundary conditions of the building model have been integrated into the
3D environment as objects, so that the actual building design can be started.
3.4 First of all, some theoretical backgrounds of the parametric, object-oriented generation
of components are explained.
3.5 In the first step, a site setup with a simplified geometry is modeled.
3.6 Based on the route and the kilometrage, the superstructure of the bridge structure
is now constructed as a 3D object.
3.7 Subsequently, the substructures are created and thereby associatively connected
to the superstructure and the terrain.
3.8 With the same approach, the building models differ in their planning depth
depending on the planning phase. Therefore, it is explained how the planning depth
can be defined by the level of geometry and the level of information in object
planning.
3.9 The 3D geometry is already provided with semantic data during model creation. User-
defined data on material, exposure class, etc. is assigned to the individual components
and construction sections.
3.10 Many standard parts in civil engineering can be prepared as part families and used
again and again. The planning of structures can thus be designed very efficiently.
3.11 Building models can quickly become quite complex, so that a geometric collision check
or an investigation into the accuracy of the geometry is essential.
3.12 As a basis for cost calculation and tendering, important measurements in the model
are automatically measured and stored as associative attributes for further use on the
data hub.
3.13 The construction drawings are automatically derived from sections in the 3D model
and therefore require some new considerations and approaches. The most
important innovations are shown.
3.14 The construction process can be visualized by arrangements and sequences in
individual steps by assembling the individual components in the 3D model.

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3.1 Integrating the digital terrain model

The digital terrain model (DTM) of the existing structure is provided by the surveyor at the
beginning of a project and forms the basis for the subsequent planning of traffic facilities and
structures. It consists of spatial coordinates that are recorded in ETRS89/UTM or in the Gauss-
Kruger position reference system. The coordinates are connected to form mesh-like triangular
areas. The distance between the points depends on the topography. In case of strong changes and
jumps (inner-city area) a close-meshed net is needed, in the rural area a coarser net is often
sufficient as shown in the following figure.

Figure 3: Digital terrain model (DTM): survey points (left) and triangular mesh (right)

The triangulation of the points is usually done with the help of a mapping software [1]. In addition,
breaklines (slope line, terrain jumps) and boundary lines (edges of the area) can be defined as
constraining lines for the triangulation.

Figure 4: Point cloud without (left) and with (right) constrained lines for slope lines.

With the Delaunay triangulation method, points are connected to form triangles in such a way that
no other points are contained within the circle on which the three triangle points are located
(circumcircle condition). Thereby, in the mathematical sense, the smallest interior angles

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3.1 Integrate the digital terrain model 75

is maximized over all triangles. This method is also used, for example, to generate finite element
meshes.

Digital terrain model requirements for data exchange:

For 3D structural modelling, the DTM is to be integrated into the 3D construction model. The digital
format must contain at least the node coordinates, a node identification number and the triangular
surfaces with a unique assignment of the surface to the nodes. The LandXML format [1], for
example, is suitable as a digital transfer format.

Further processing of the DTM:

The DTM data in LandXML format must be interpreted correctly by the CAD software. For this
purpose, an import interface is necessary that transfers the points and surfaces to the CAD
program. The area to be imported should be sensibly limited to the building size in order to avoid
unnecessarily long calculation times of the CAD software, which can enormously complicate the
design work.

Finally, the generation of a solid from the triangulated surface is required there, so that excavation
and removal areas as well as excavated earth and fill for the structure and the new terrain
modeling can be determined automatically later. Furthermore, it is possible to use the terrain
surface later as a constraint, for example for the ground plan and height of the foundations, if
necessary even as an associative reference.

Figure 5: DTM as a triangulated surface imported into NX and extended to the solid by extrusion of the edges
in z-direction

The DTM is stored as an independent part (.prt) and can thus be inserted into any assembly group
structure. Each DTM has a translation point in the ETRS89/UTM or Gauss-Krüger position reference
system at which it is inserted in the 3D model.

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Exercise for chapter 3.1 Create a DTM by coordinates in NX to a solid:

Create a terrain body in NX using these coordinates, extruded in the global z-direction, up to z=0.

Item no. x y z
1 10000,000 10000,000 10000,000
2 300000,000 300000,000 15000,000
3 300000,000 70000,000 16200,000
4 300000,000 150000,000 16000,000
5 300000,000 210000,000 14500,000
6 30000,000 15000,000 11000,000
7 80000,000 20000,000 12000,000
8 150000,000 15000,000 13200,000
9 210000,000 15000,000 14000,000
10 290000,000 20000,000 14100,000
11 20000,000 45000,000 11000,000
12 20000,000 90000,000 11800,000
13 15000,000 145000,000 12500,000
14 15000,000 220000,000 13000,000
15 15000,000 290000,000 13200,000
16 50000,000 50000,000 12200,000
17 50000,000 120000,000 14000,000
18 50000,000 190000,000 15000,000
19 50000,000 230000,000 13200,000
20 130000,000 130000,000 13000,000
21 130000,000 50000,000 14200,000
22 130000,000 180000,000 14000,000
23 130000,000 240000,000 15000,000
24 135000,000 300000,000 15400,000
25 180000,000 60000,000 12500,000
26 180000,000 140000,000 13700,000
27 180000,000 210000,000 15000,000
28 180000,000 280000,000 14500,000
29 240000,000 60000,000 15000,000
30 240000,000 120000,000 15500,000
31 240000,000 190000,000 16000,000
32 240000,000 250000,000 15700,000
33 240000,000 290000,000 16200,000

Visual inspection: Figure 5. control

value: volume approx.: 1.107∙106m³.

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3.2 Integrating existing infrastructure 77

3.2 Integrating existing infrastructure

Alignment from the traffic facility planning

In addition to the digital terrain model, existing traffic routes, lines, structures and foundations are
required in their ground plan and elevation so that all boundary conditions and constraint points
for the new structure are represented in context and are available. Existing traffic facilities must
be recorded at least in a simplified way in their spatial position and clearance profile, e.g. as
envelopes. In the project, a motorway route is to be constructed from existing routing parameters
and intersected with the terrain.

Import 2.5D alignment

For the simplified 3D modelling of existing traffic routes, the alignment parameters or alternativly
coordinates of the route are required at sufficiently close intervals, as well as the transverse
profiles at significant positions. The second approach is chosen here, as it is more in line with the
BIM idea of a uniform data source. A spline function is generated from the coordinates of the path.
The axis is generated by projecting the route into the x-y plane.

Figure 6: Route (top) and associated (road) axis as a projection of the route in the x-y plane (bottom), planes
are defined at defined kilometrage perpendicular to the axis. A reference axis for the alignment of the cross-
section is also defined perpendicular to the axis.

Create a sketch of the simplified road cross-section

The road cross-section is aligned along the route, so that the spline curve of the route must first be
intersected with a vertical sketch plane to generate the cross-section (see Chapter 2, Example 2).
The sketch can now be created parametrically on this plane, from the intersection point with the
spline. At this intersection point, the transverse profile is guided by the curve as a parametric
sketch. A horizontal reference axis is required so that the cross section slopes can be defined with
respect to this reference. The following figure shows an example of a sketch of a road cross-
section.

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78 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

Sketch on level:
road profile
Horizontal Route
reference
vector

Building axis

Figure 7: Sketch of the road cross-section with clearance gauge and embankments positioned on the sketch
plane and guided at the intersection point with the route along the curve (spline); horizontal reference vector
as reference for defining the cross slope

Extrude road surface along route and intersect with terrain

To create the road profile, the sketch is extruded along the route. This creates a (surface) body
which can be extended to a volume body by specifying a thickness at a distance from the surface.
The following figure shows the extruded surface.

Figure 8: Extrude (sweep along line) of the road cross-section with slopes along the route as a guiding curve
(spline).

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3.2 Integrate existing infrastructure 79

The generation of the clearance gauge of the traffic routes can be carried out in the same way as in
the previous step, whereby now only the curves of the sketch associated with the clearance gauge
profile are extruded.

The surface body of the existing motorway is intersected with the DTM so that two bodies are
created. If desired, the excavation body can be automatically measured and provided with
attributes (see also Chapter 3.12).

Figure 9: left: Road profile intersected with DTM, right: excavated body with volume analysis

Integrate and create additional 2D as-built parts

2D data, e. g. from dwg files, can be integrated into the 3D model. They are imported at the
translation point in the x-y plane and, if necessary, transformed into the design scale [mm]. Usually,
the 2D ground plan lines can be prepared as bases for sketches or taken over directly and extruded
to 3D bodies. The following figure shows a foundation that is extruded from a 2D ground plan in
the 3D environment and positioned in height using a parametric target, e.g. 3 m below ground
level, thickness 2 m.

Figure 10: left: 2D ground plan in dwg format imported into NX, right: foundation extruded and connected to
terrain associatively via a distance dimension of 3 m in z-direction

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Exercise for chapter 3.2: Integrating existing traffic routes

Construct the existing road from the given coordinates with the given standard cross-section of a
motorway and a slope gradient of 1:2. The cross slope of the carriageway for drainage shall be
4.5%. The clearance profile has a height of 4.7m in the z-direction.

Item no. x y z
1 20000,000 260000,000 9200,000
2 60000,000 210000,000 6800,000
3 180000,000 120000,000 8400,000
4 300000,000 90000,000 10800,000

Visual inspection and control volume see Figure 9.

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3.3 Integrating 2.5-D Routing into the 3D Environment 81

3.3 Integrating 2.5-D Routing into the 3D Environment

The routing of new traffic routes takes place in the course of planning traffic facilities according to
dynamic, topographic and numerous other aspects, such as drainage. With the exception of special
bridge types (incremental launching gantries, large bridges), the bridge structures therefore follow
the traffic route and therefore very often have a spatially curved complex geometry.

The carriageway surface is clearly described by the alignment as a composition of the construction
axis in the plan and the gradient in the elevation plan and the two carriageway edges, so that the
curved geometry with widenings and narrowings as well as the transverse slope of the carriageway
with one-sided or two-sided gradients (roof slope) can be recorded by the three guide curves in
space. In addition, the transverse profile describes the position and shape of the drainage troughs
and lateral slopes, etc.

In the construction of road bridges, this surface of the carriageway is adopted exactly so that only a
replaceable carriageway surface as a protective and wear layer loads the lightweight supporting
structure. The formation of a straight bridge surface with a larger structure for the transverse slope
can usually be ruled out for weight reasons.

In the course of traffic facility planning, the guide curves are usually constructed in a 2.5D
environment by means of the three-panel projection [1]. In the ground plan, the road axis is first
defined by a sequence of straight lines and curves, which are described as circular arcs with a
radius in sections. The radii are limited depending on the speed and the speed of travel. Transition
arcs are arranged between the two elements to avoid abrupt changes in curvature (see Figure 12).
For this purpose, clothoids are usually used as transition curves, see Figure 11.

Figure 11: Clothoid with input variables

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Characteristic clothoid equation 𝐴2 = 𝑙𝑥 ∙ 𝑅𝑥

AKlothoid parameters
lx Length of the clothoid section Rx

Radius of the clothoid section

The axis is provided with a so-called "stationing", whereby a kilometre specification in the
development direction defines important stations (transitions between straight line - clothoid - arc)
along the local x-axis. The notation of a station is in the form km 0+150 or km 3+225. Each axis thus
requires a starting point and a development direction.

The points on the curve are determined by Fresnel's integrals, which are not closed solvable:

𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙 𝑙2
𝑥 = ∫0 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑦 = ∫0 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛
2∙𝑅2 2∙𝑅2

If the clothoid is divided into curve sections of length dl, the points on the clothoid can be
determined approximately as a function of the tangent angle τi.

𝑙𝑖2
𝜏𝑖 =
2 ∙ 𝐴2

The points can be approximated using the following series approach, which is used when
converting routing parameters to 2D coordinates in preparation for 3D integration in the structure
model [13].

𝜏𝑖2 𝜏𝑖4 𝜏𝑖6 𝜏𝑖8 𝜏𝑖10

𝑥𝑖 = 𝑙𝑖 ∙ (1 − + − + − )
10 216 9.360 685.440 76.204.800
3 5 7 9 11
𝜏𝑖 𝜏𝑖 𝜏𝑖 𝜏𝑖 𝜏𝑖 𝜏𝑖
𝑦𝑖 = 𝑙𝑖 ∙ ( − + − + − )
3 42 1.320 75.600 6.894.720 918.086.400

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3.3 Integrating 2.5-D Routing into the 3D Environment 83

Figure 12: Common sequences of geometry elements in traffic route construction

Starting from the station, the heights are assigned in relation to NHN. The elevation progression
usually consists of straight lines, which are connected to parabolas or circular arcs by rounding out
hilltops or troughs. This is referred to as 2.5D planning, since the development of the heights is
based on the stationing and is displayed in 2D along this route.

The elevation plan thus represents a de facto longitudinal section along the carriageway axis
(route). This means that the longitudinal section along the carriageway axis is also of central
importance in bridge design.

The actual curve that results from the roadway axis together with the station-wise assigned heights
in 3D is mathematically complex and is captured in CAD systems by a proximity function that
traverses the defined coordinates.

Figure 13: Spatial curve (3D route), composed of the axis in the site plan and the gradient in the elevation
plan Zi

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84 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

As a rule, splines are used as approximation curves in CAD systems. A distinction is made between
splines that are described by individual control points (technical splines, since the exact positions
of the control points on the curve are specified here) and splines that are described by control
points that lie outside the curve (designer splines, since the shape is influenced here by "tugging"
on the curve).

The 3D model is based on these splines, so that the quality of the model depends significantly on
the quality of the splines. Therefore, it is worthwhile to take a short, descriptive excursion to the
mathematical basics.

A spline is mathematically a section-wise defined, polynomial or exponential in- terpolation

function with degree n, whose 1st + 2nd derivatives are continuous in the grid points.

Example of a third degree plane polynomial spline in the x-z plane, between points i and i-1:

𝑧𝑝,𝑖 = 𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑖 ∙ (𝑥 − 𝑥𝑖−1 ) + 𝑐𝑖 ∙ (𝑥 − 𝑥𝑖−1 )2 + 𝑑𝑖 ∙ (𝑥 − 𝑥𝑖−1 )3

The first and second derivatives must be continuous at the

base:

𝑧𝑝,𝑖 ´ = 𝑏𝑖 + 2 ∙ 𝑐𝑖 ∙ (𝑥 − 𝑥𝑖−1 ) + 3 ∙ 𝑑𝑖 ∙ (𝑥 − 𝑥𝑖−1 )2

𝑧𝑝,𝑖 ´ = 2 ∙ 𝑐𝑖 + 6 ∙ 𝑑𝑖 ∙ (𝑥 − 𝑥𝑖−1 )

It becomes clear that with increasing degree n of the polynomial, more unknowns have to be
determined. Boundary conditions are necessary for the determination of the unknowns. These can
be defined by support points, tangents and curvatures in the end points.

In the construction of splines, the selection of suitable boundary and transition conditions is of
primary importance. There must be

- sufficiently many interpolation points (but not more!) with a

- sufficient degree of the polynomial under consideration of
- Boundary and transition conditions (e.g. initial slope) can

be defined.

The generation of the leading splines is the decisive first step of a construction, because the
whole geometry is built on these space curves! The accuracy should be checked by
comparative measurements (see chapter 3.11).

If splines meet each other, e.g. when different alignment elements are placed next to each other,
in crossing areas or at coupling points of tendons, the transition condition must be defined
precisely. In principle, there are three possibilities which differ in the curvature progression at the
transition (represented in Figure 14 by curvature combs which visualize the curvature value at the
point).

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3.3 Integrating 2.5-D Routing into the 3D Environment 85

Designa Description Graphical representation with curvature combs

tion

G0 Dense

Kinks at transitions
are clearly visible

G1 Tangent-
continuous

G2 Curvature-
continuous

Figure 14: Types of transitions between two splines

Further notes on the geometric verification of a spline can be found in chapter 3.11. A very detailed
consideration of splines with numerous special cases and freeform surfaces based on them can be
found in [10].

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86 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

Based on the guide curves and cross sections, the road surface of the new route is constructed
analogous to the procedure in Chapter 3.2. If alternating cuts and fills are to be constructed in 3D
for the mass determination, it may be useful to fictitiously close the road cross-section and to
superimpose the volume constructed in this way on the DTM volume using Boolean operations, see
Figure 15.

Figure 15: Cuts and fills, generated by a fictitious road cross-section closed to a solid (left), which was
intersected with the DTM solid by Boolean operations (here: subtraction).

Control Questions:
What is the difference between Technical Splines and Desinger Splines?
How is a spline defined mathematically?
How can the transition between two splines be formed?

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3.3 Integrating 2.5-D Routing into the 3D Environment 87

Exercise for chapter 3.3: Integrating 2.5D Routing into the 3D Environment
Construct the new route using the determination coordinate, the given cross profile and a cross
slope of 3% as well as a slope inclination of 1:1.5 (downwards or upwards). Create the fill and
ablation bodies of the roadway. The roadway is interrupted between stations 0+129.614 and
0+235.145. The structure is constructed between these stations (see chapter 3.5 f ).

Path:

Item no. x y z
1 10000.000 10000.000 8500.000
2 130000.000 180000.000 16000.000
3 300000.000 300000.000 12000.000

Construction stationing along the axis:

Axis 10: 0+151,523 km

Axis 20: 0+183,509 km (field length field 1: 31,986m)

Axis 30: 0+214,240 km (field length field 2: 30,731m)

Cross-section:

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3.4 Background knowledge: Create components object-oriented as a 3D model

In principle, there are two types of geometry description in component-oriented CAD. The first, so-
called explicit method, is based on finished bodies described according to the boundary
representation method (B-Rep for short) or by triangulated surfaces (tessellated surface model).
The explicit description is usually found when exporting to visualization, print, and exchange
formats, such as .jt, .stl, .ifc, vrml, and so on.
In contrast, components in implicit procedures are either constructed as so-called production
models from individual sketches, parameters and commands (procedural approach) or from
primitive bodies, such as cylinders, spheres, cones or cuboids, which are assembled using
Boolean operations such as unite, intersect or subtract (Constructive Solid Geometry, or CSG for
short). The basis of design for bridge and engineering structures is often 2D sketches that are
extruded along curves in space to form solids. Each construction step is recorded in the sequence
(historically) and can be retraced at any time, moved to a different place in the sequence and even
edited.

Figure 16 provides an overview:

Object Oriented
Modeling (OOM)
Component-oriented
Computer Aided Design
(CAD)

Explicit procedures Implicit procedures

"End product" is Hybrid forms Design steps are
described described

Boundary
Tessellated Linkage model Production
Surface Model
surface model Constructive models
Half-edge
polygonal. Solid Geometry Translation,
model,
Surfaces (CSG) rotation or
Boundary
Linking CAD interpolation of
Representation
primitive 2D sketches
(BRep)
volumes along a guide

Figure 16a: Geometry descriptions in component-oriented CAD, overview

An explicit parametric geometry is only the end product of an implicit procedure, but the
construction steps are not stored in their sequence (historically). In the explicit procedure only
the end product is visible and usable.
Some CAD applications offer both methods individually and in combination. This allows models to
be designed "hybrid" using the advantages of both methods.

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3.4 Background knowledge: Create components object-oriented as a 3D model 89

Linkage model Parameters

: Production models
Constructive Solid
l,b,h Translation, rotation
Geometry (CSG)
Derived or interpolation of 2D
Linking CAD primitive
variable: sketches along a guide
volumes
R=b/2

Tessellated surface
model, reduced Boundary Surface Model
dimensions, body only Half-edge model, surface
detectable by orientation, boundary
additional information representation (BRep)

Tendon-
depart

Figure 16b: Geometry descriptions in component-oriented CAD using the example of a bridge pier

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Component-oriented CAD for line-guided geometry in bridge construction and civil

engineering

The most important prerequisite for line-guided curved geometries are free-form curves
(splines), which, however, are not available in every CAD kernel! The CAD application NX used
here is based on the so-called ParaSolid kernel, which can map splines and thus free-form
surfaces.
Furthermore, procedural techniques in combination with Boolean operations (CSG) are usually
required to properly represent the various cross-sectional shapes and connections.
Implicit methods, in which the construction steps are recorded in the so-called "history mode",
i.e. in their sequence, are much more flexible in the case of changes, but also require much
greater care and a higher effort in the selection of the construction steps. With each change of
the construction all single operations are recalculated, which can lead to a considerable increase of
the computing time. Delayed updates can remedy this, however. The sequence is recorded in NX
by so-called "time stamps" (see Fig. 17). The finished product (body) can be displayed by hiding the

order of the time stamps.

Figure 17: History-based design with sequence of time stamps (model history) in NX

Extrusion techniques

Bodies, especially in bridge construction and civil engineering, are usually produced by extrusion of
1D or 2D geometry (curves, sketches). In principle, the following extrusion techniques are available:

Figure 18: Extrusion techniques in 3D CAD

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3.5 Create site setup as simplified envelope geometry 91

3.5 Create site setup as simplified envelope geometry

In the case of site equipment, or BE for short, the outer shell of the essential components can be
usefully integrated in the 3D model, since spatial dependencies can be directly taken into account
in the technical planning of the BE and the structure with these 3D objects, see also [1]. This
facilitates the work, controllability and clarity of processes. Kinematic modules (assembly
arrangements and sequences, see chapter 3.15) can also be used to simulate movement
sequences, such as the slewing of the crane boom. The technical test can also be performed
statically by integrating slewing radii as transparent envelopes in the model, as Figure 19 shows. In
the automotive industry, complete production plants are simulated virtually with special
kinematics applications. The following figure shows the 3D model of the project with simple
geometric envelopes for the construction containers, storage areas and crane set-up with slewing
range.

Figure 19: Site setup with simplified representation of the enveloping bodies. Crane with slewing range as
transparent enveloping body.

The positioning of the bodies can either be tied to the terrain, existing routes or the structure by
assembly constraints or be freely positioned. See also tutorial 4.

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3.6 3D design of the bridge superstructure along the alignment

The central step of the 3D structural design is the construction of the superstructure along the
guide curve(s). The generation of the spatial guide curve(s) is usually done as spline(s), as already
explained in detail in chapter 3.3. It is important to note that not the spline directly, but an
associative copy of the spline is used for the now starting bridge construction, so that a change of
the route can be easily carried out afterwards. The construction then adapts automatically. The
introductory examples two and three show step by step the procedure for the construction of a
bridge superstructure which, as is common today, follows the route and thus geometrically
represents a complex body of spline curves and freeform surfaces.

This procedure is now applied analogously here in the project for a two-bar slab beam cross-
section. First, a sketch of the superstructure is generated starting from the intersection point of the
gradient with the sketch plane (insertion point or threading). To determine the sketch, parameters
such as length and angle dimensions are introduced or geometric constraints such as right angle,
parallelism or the coincidence of certain points are defined. As many parameters as necessary must
be introduced so that the sketch geometry is unambiguously and completely determined. In this
way, the cross-section retains its desired shape even with any spatial guidance along curves.

In the project example, a double-webbed plate beam is defined with 3% transverse slope and 2%
counter-slope in the area of the right cap, vertical alignment of the cross-section along the route
and decisive parameters of web height, cantilever length, etc., see the following figure and exercise
example at the end of this chapter.

Figure 20: Cross-section sketch for the superstructure of a two-strut plate beam.

The most important thing about the definition of the parameters in the master sketch is the
geometric accuracy of the sketch, i.e. that as many parameters as necessary are defined, but
not more (overdefined) and especially not less (underdefined), otherwise an undesired
distortion of the cross-section results during extrusion or the extrusion cannot be carried out
at all due to self-cutting.

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3.6 3D design of the bridge superstructure along the alignment 93

In the next step, the main axes of the bridge are generated as vertical planes (orthogonal or with
crossing angle) along the projected curve (plan axis of the gradient or route). In practice, stationing
is defined to determine the exact position of the main axes along the route, see
Chapter 3.3. the stationing of the structure is usually done within the stationing of the line as line
kilometre in the notation 0+151 ,235 km.

The sketch, the main planes and the route are now linked associatively in a new component in
which the actual solid body of the superstructure is to be generated and saved. The body is
extruded along the guide curve starting from the parametric cross-section sketch and trimmed at
the defined planes. Due to the curvature of the curve and the shape and orientation of the cross-
section, a geometrically complex spatial solid is created, whose edges are generated by splines and
whose surfaces are generated by free-form surfaces between these splines. No polygonal
approximation is performed, as in triangular meshing of geodesic surface meshes or FE simulations.

Figure 21: Solid body of the superstructure generated from the extrusion of the linked cross-section sketch
along the route, bounded by the "trimming" at the planes at the end of the superstructure.

For bridge structures (and road-bound engineering structures in general), the performance of
the CAD kernel is of crucial importance. Only if splines with high accuracy and extrusions
with great flexibility in the generation functions are available in space can bridge structures
be adequately represented in their actual geometry.

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Changes in the planning process

Particularly in the preliminary design and draft, it can happen more frequently that the route
changes, e.g. due to adaptation of the traffic route system planning. The 3D model can be
structured from the outset in such a way that these often serious changes can be carried out very
efficiently. In the project example, the gradient is changed, see Figure 22. For this purpose, the
entire construction must be associatively linked to an associative copy of the base curves and not
to the curve itself (step-by-step instructions for this in Tutorial 2, Chapter 2).

Another essential prerequisite for the automatic adaptation of 3D models in case of changes is
the linking between the components. In the top-down strategy used in all examples, the links
(wave links) must always be set in a unique and consistent direction. Wave links are ideally
defined from the control file to the components where geometry is created. Geometry or
references that are already linked should not be linked in opposite directions in order to avoid
back and forth dependencies or circular references. Likewise, the original geometry should
always be linked and never a link already created from it.

If these structures have been consistently adhered to, then the entire construction
automatically changes completely when the basic curve is exchanged in the "Associative Copy"
command.

Figure 22: The design can be "reassigned" from one lead curve to another if it is structured consistently
with the top-down strategy.

In the following, further important techniques are presented which are generally required for
bridge and civil engineering works:

Roadway widening

Roadway widenings can be captured by multiple guide curves on the road surface. This requires a
variable extrusion technique (sweep and loft in combination) that allows a parametric sketch to be
extruded on multiple guide lines. Figure 23 below shows an example with three guide curves
intersected into the sketch and linked so that the extrusion of the sketch is guided thereon. The
technique is explained step by step in Example 3 on a simple superstructure.

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3.6 3D design of the bridge superstructure along the alignment 95

Figure 23: left: Roadway widening guided with three guide curves (splines), alignment (red) and both roadway
edges (blue); right: the substructure is created independently of the top by varying the cross-section sketches,
Image: Schüßler-Plan, 2015

Web coves

The lower edge of webs and hollow boxes is often variable (haunched, linear or curved). In this
case an additional guide curve is required for the lower edge of the bar. For the construction of the
guide curves step by step see also tutorial example 3 in chapter 2. A possible addition to this is the
use of further secondary cross sections, if necessary also as copies of the guide sketch with
modification of the parameters. An example with an arched lower edge is shown with the bridge in
the cantilever structure in Figure 24 below.

Figure 24: left: Three guidance lines (two in the roadway panel, one at the lower edge of the box girder and
two cross-sections with different parameters for extrusion; right: Visualization of the result.

Bridge structures in the crossing area of several train paths

For structures in intersections of traffic routes, the connection of several bridge cross-sections
must be designed. On the one hand, the road surface must be integrated here, which results from
the traffic planning and must ensure the drainage through a roof slope with ridges and fillets as
well as the driving dynamics. On the other hand, the supporting structure determines the
underside with its cross-sectional height and design as well as the connections. This leads to
spatially very complex shapes, which can usually only be constructed by joining individual freeform
surfaces. Introductory example 3 in chapter 2 shows the basic procedure step by step. Through the
orientation of the planes to the axis any crossing angles can be constructed.

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96 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

Exercise for 3D design of the superstructure along guide curves

Design the superstructure of the bridge as a two-span plate girder with caps, protection, railings
and drainage according to the following sketch, guided by the gradient from Chapter 3.3 and its
projection curve in the x-y plane.

Construction stationing on the route:

Axis 10: 0+151,523 km

Axis 20: 0+183,509 km (field length field 1: 31,986m)

Axis 30: 0+214,240 km (field length field 2: 30,731m)

End cross members centred on axes 10 and 30, horizontal end cross member-UK
Width as superstructure, thickness 1.0m, height: web- lower+0.30m in web axis

Bridge equipment: Drainage, railings, protective equipment, roadway structure to be taken from
drawing (see above) and constructed.

Check: Figures 20, 21 and 28 (for guardrail, guardrail and caps)

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3.7 3D design of substructures associative to superstructure and terrain 97

3.7 3D design of substructures associative to superstructure and terrain

As a rule, the abutments follow the route on the top side in exactly the same way as the
superstructure and other guide curves of the road layout (carriageway edges), so that they can be
designed in the same way as the superstructure. The parametric sketch can be extended to include
the parameters required for the abutments.

For a better overview and selection, meaningful groups (Select lines → RMT → new sketch group)
are formed within the sketch, which can then be individually controlled for linking and extrusion.

Figure 25: Sketch, with groups for "WING WALL LEFT" marked in Graphics Window and Parts Navigator

Additional layers are inserted to allow the sweep of each group

to be trimmed at the beginning and end of each wall. It is
recommended to create one component for each wall or wall
section to be produced individually, separated by the
construction joints. On the one hand, this maintains an overview
of the quite complex geometry of the abutment. On the other
hand, the automated evaluation of the masses and sequences
with the individual components and the further detailing in the
course of the execution planning is possible.

Theoretically, the foundations and piers could also be

designed in the same way based on a guide sketch. However,
this would result in the foundation edges being curved. This
kind of construction and execution is unusual, so that here a
new model is built up analogous to the example 1 and then
positioned in relation to the bridge via assembly constraints,
see example 4.

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98 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

Figure 26 shows the entire bridge structure consisting of superstructure and substructures
including a shallow foundation.

Figure 26: Finished bridge structure with guiding lines, main levels, superstructure and substructures

To adapt to the existing topography, the terrain and the construction of the substructures can now
be linked in new assemblies in order to construct the excavation bodies there. For this purp ose, the
excavation depth, the circumferential working space and the slope angle must be defined from the
foundation base area and extruded to form a body. The actual excavation body results from
Boolean subtraction of the newly constructed body from the terrain volume.

Figure 27: left: Excavated earth body abutment axis 30 after subtraction from the terrain body; right: terrain
after backfilling

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3.7 3D design of substructures associative to superstructure and terrain 99

Exercise for 3D design of substructures associative to superstructure and terrain

Add the abutments in axes 10 and 30 as a PTS element and design a pier slab in axis 20 including
the foundation using the following information:

Bearing gap 400 mm in the web axis

Pillar in axis 20: (see Tutorial 1)

Alignment tangential to axis 20, width as bar spacing (outer edge), thickness 1.30m, height ≥ 8.0m,
foundation flat with thickness 1.75m and overhang 1.75m circumferential.

Axis 10 and 30 abutments: (installation of a finished assembly as a template file)

After the template assembly "Abutment" has been copied to the reuse library, a new assembly
Control_Retrofit must be created, here the insertion points can be created. Finally, the abutment is
positioned at the insertion points.

Including the template assembly in the reuse library

Copy template folder with assemblies of the reuse part to project folder Add RMT to reuse library
Library management library
Insertion points
The entire assembly can be precisely positioned on the end cross members using two points and
constraints.
These points are to be created in the control_abutment.
For this purpose, the edges of the string side of the cross
beam are copied associatively into the control (wave link).
Then an auxiliary line can be drawn between the two edges
(dotted line).
The positions of the insertion points depend on the
template assembly: for the template "abutment", the
points are 2250 mm from the outer edge of the cross
members.
Fixing the superstructure
Before the abutment is inserted, the entire superstructure should be completely fixed by a constraint.
Inserting the PTS abutment (PTS= Product Template Studio, template)
The PTS element is a self-contained assembly and is therefore copied to the Substructure assembly
(RMT in Reuse Library to the Main Assembly Add Copy to Assembly Close Template Explorer).
Positioning the PTS abutment
Finally, the abutment must be moved to the correct position and its dimensions adjusted. To do this,
you can edit the reusable components (RMT on BG_abutment).
The bearing axis and the bearing points can be transferred to the auxiliary construction here.
The assembly constraints are used to position the abutment correctly.

The reusable components allow control of the parameters of the template assembly, such as setting a
bearing gap or wall thicknesses.

Control option: Figure 25.

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100 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

3.8 Background Knowledge: Level of Detail/Development, Level of Information

The construction of the bridge caps, the carriageway and the drainage is based on the same
principle as the superstructure. The cross-section sketch is supplemented.

Figure 28: Superstructure with caps, guard and guardrail simplified as envelope, LoD 200

In the example, only the envelopes for the railings and guards were designed in a simplified
manner. Depending on the project requirements and the progressive specification in the planning
phases, the components can be designed in increasing detail as required. It should be noted,
however, that any subsequent division of components leads to a change in the model and must be
followed up very carefully so that references and assignments are not lost.

Level of Detail (LoD), describes the detailing or elaboration of the model during planning and
execution. A distinction is made between the level of detail of the geometry (Level of Geometry,
LoG) and the level of detail of the information (Level of Information, LoI), which can be considered
and defined separately. The level of detail is defined project-specifically in the employer
information requirements (EIR), cf. [4, 17] and thus defines the service to be provided. It is usually
specified in levels from 100 to 500. A possible, non-exhaustive list for bridge structures for selected
LoDs is described below.

• LoG 200: Preliminary planning in variants:

o Rough model of the superstructure with bearing axles, bridge equipment as
envelope body
o Substructures simplified in geometry, foundations and equipment as enveloping
bodies
o Terrain and decisive boundary conditions (existing) in the ground plan (2D)

Additions to the representation of building aids, construction phase representations for sp ecial
construction procedures or 3D conflicts or boundary conditions in the existing building can be
useful in individual cases.

• LoG 300: draft preferred variant:

o Detailed model of the superstructure with essential recesses (e.g. for transition
constructions) as well as simplified design of prestressing in the 3D body (cladding
tube).
o Detailed model of the substructures with relevant through and dummy joints,
notches, decisive construction joints (e.g. wing wall, chamber wall...)
o Railings and guards with uprights and posts, transition constructions and bearings
in simplified representation but geometrically fitted in 3D.
Model

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3.8 Background Knowledge: Level of Detail/Development, Level of Information 101

o Drainage in simplified representation but exact position and routing

o DTM as 3D volume, essential existing roads with clearance profiles
o Excavated earth and earth fill in the construction area as solid bodies
o Longitudinal section, decisive cross-sections, leading details, top and bottom view,
3D views (Important: with regard to the opportunities and limitations of model-
based planning, i.e.: coherent ("real") sections, usually without section depth, but
more, associative sections, increasingly 3D sections and views, see Chapter 3.13)

Additions to the representation of construction aids, construction phase representations are to be

agreed sensibly in individual cases. The construction should be subdivided into individual
components in such a way that a quantity determination in the level of detail is reasonably possible
(if necessary already rule-based).

• LoG 400: Execution planning model for execution on site: Like LoD 300 plus.
o Recesses in the shell components, bearing bases, ...
o Joint band constructions, exact position and size definition of the installation parts
o Stakeout planning
o Detailed plan derivation suitable for the construction site, taking into account the
potentials and limits of 3D design (2D and increasingly 3D representations on plans
with dimensioning)

An addition of details on installation parts, workshop details, construction sequences, etc. should
be determined on a case-by-case basis.

General note: There is still a LoD 500, which is comparable to an as-built planning, i.e. it
documents the finally executed status including the used product information in detail.

Important: The level of detail determines the effort that is provided by the object planner for a
certain service phase! It must be defined contractually before the start of the work, project -
specifically and clearly in the EIR.

Figure 29: Example LOD300, post-tensioning geometrically simplified (cladding tube)

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102 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

Level of Information, describes the enrichment of the objects with semantic information
(alternative terms: properties, attributes), see also Chapter 3.9. The requirements for the
information to be integrated in the model at a certain point in time currently vary greatly from
project to project, so that no listing and assignment to levels is made here. The specification is
usually made in the client information requirements in the form of an attachment or database,
since the compilation of all properties can be very extensive.

In addition to the naming convention and the exact notation of the attributes, the type
(string, floating point number, number...) and the units to be used must also be precisely
specified in advance.

In order to avoid input errors and to keep the data source of the attributes consistent, it is
recommended to use databases or other digital sources for the assignment of attributes. This
database-supported assignment (so-called sampling or attribution) also has the advantage that
the attributes can be checked for assignment, completeness, errors, contradictions, etc. across
the board when merging and coordinating several models.

Note: In addition to the definition of the level of detail adopted here, other definitions of
information and maturity levels of a model can be found in various sources, such as the model
detail level (MDG). However, the definitions always contain a division into levels separated by
geometry and information. The definitions of these requirements are made in the EIR and are
thus usually project-specific. The description given here is exemplary and only serves to
provide an illustrative explanation of the principle and the terms.

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3.8 Background knowledge: Level of Detail/Development, Level of Information 103

Level of Detail/Development exercise

Construct the prestressing for the existing superstructure cross-section from Chapter 3.6 using the
given start, end, high, low and inflection points in a detail level LoD300.

zp
zp

Prestressing: 8 tendons per web with 15 strands of 150 mm² each, St 1570/1770 in subsequent bond,
position zp measured from lower web at position x and stationing on the axis:

Axis 10 ξ=0: zp=1.144m (at x=0m, stationing 0+151 .523)

Field 1 ξ=0.4: zp=0.165m (at x=12.79m, stationing 0+164. 313)

Turning point ξ=0.9: zp=1.144m (at x=24.00m), stationing 0+182. 293).

1
Support ξ=1.0: zp=1.535m (at x=31.99m), stationing 0+183.509)

turning point 2 ξ=0.9: zp=1.144m (at x=39.64m), stationing 0+184 .617)

Field 2 ξ=0.4: zp=0.165m (at x=44.30m), stationing 0+201 .948)

Axis 30 ξ=0: zp=1.144m (at x=62.72m), stationing 0+214 .240)

Assumption: cladding tube diameter 90mm.

Control: Figure 29

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3.9 Integrate information into the 3D design

Non-geometric information such as material, strength classes, position in the structure, etc. can
be assigned to objects as properties (alternative designations: characteristics, attributes). This
assignment of information creates a meaning (in construction informatics this is referred to as
semantics) that can be very useful in the complex contexts of a construction project. For example,
the addition of the information "Material: Concrete C30/37" to an abutment part enables the later
automatic assignment of the component to a trade or to an item of the bill of quantities or to a
certain maintenance type and frequency in the operation of the bridge.

The assignment of semantic data to geometric objects can be very helpful in the further
processing of the project, since connections can be established and automated, e.g. for cost
calculation. Furthermore, the assignment of attributes allows the use of schema filters for
the targeted selection of components: Example: Show all components with the attribute
"concrete component".

Some basic information can already be usefully integrated in the CAD environment. In particular,
the following should be mentioned here (not exhaustive):

Material Concrete, steel, wood, aluminum, ...

Material grade Strength class, alloy, ...
Ambient conditions Exposure classes, ...
Measurements Volume, weight, surface
and much more....

Superordinate relationships
Position in the structure Axis, station, superstructure (if separate)
Associated drawings For example reinforcement drawings that are not derived
directly from the model. The master model concept
automatically connects the derived plans with the objects.
Component category according to construction book
Component class according to construction book
Creator, inspector, release instance
…
The semantic data has the following forms:
Designation NX Ref. General Entry Unit
String String Value
Date Date Time, day
Integer Integer Value Note/set unit!
Number Real Value Note/set unit!
Truth value Boolean True/False
Enum Enum (list)

The information consists of a title (attribute name) and the value. They can usually be additionally
assigned to categories/classes.

Important: When assigning the attributes, check in advance which specifications have been made in the
EIR for this! Naming conventions and units must be observed.

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How is the information assigned to the objects?

Properties can be assigned in many different places in NX: Component, Part, Solid, Shape Element,
Reference Set properties, etc. The following three options are recommended, assuming that only one
solid is created per component and thus the "part" contains exactly one solid:

 Part-specific data such as material,

exposure class or processor can best be
assigned directly to a part as an
attribute.
 General data, such as bridge type or
structure class, can in principle also be
assigned to superordinate subassemblies
(and thus to several components by
inheritance).
 Additional information can also be
assigned later in another external
software application.

The assignment of individual information to

objects can be carried out in NX as follows:

Assembly navigator → select desired

component as active part → RMT
→ Properties → Attributes

Explanation: Some system attributes, such as volume, weight or material are already fixed for each
part. New user-defined attributes can be created under New (marked red). Optionally, a new
parent category (e.g. "Environmental conditions") can be created. The title (e.g. "Exposure Class")
corresponds to the name of the attribute, the data type can be selected (e.g. as a string), the value
can be entered (e.g. "XC4") or linked to an existing parameter or to a new parameter to be created.
Link to expression opens the dialog Expressions (for the link see tutorial 1).

In addition to the simple input of the exposure class XC4 as text, a far-reaching pre-figuration can
be done by attribute templates, so that a drop-down menu can be selected sensibly and efficiently.
The generation of attribute templates is therefore explained in this chapter in the further course.

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106 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

How can you assign a building material to an object?

Menu → Tools → Materials → Assign Material Type →

Select Body

List of materials → Local materials

Explanation: Civil engineering materials are not available by default in NX.

Therefore, a material must first be created:

New Material → Generate Name

→ C30/37

Categorization → Category → Concretes Properties

→ Enter mass density, 2.5 t/m³

Important note: Numerous additional properties can be stored for each

material, e.g. for the subsequent FE calculation. The storage as "local
materials" is not recommended for a very detailed
This is no longer useful when entering the material properties or when entering a large number of
different materials. In this case, it is recommended to create a new material database, which will
not be discussed in detail here.

Where can I see the already defined data?

In the assembly navigator, the attributes can be made visible by adding them to the attribute
columns.

Assembly Navigator → RMT → Columns → Configure → Search Attribute or enter name in the
search field below.

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3.9 Data Integration in 3D Design 107

An Excel export of the part attributes is possible directly from the properties window with the
setting Interaction method "Mass processing".

If the data is still to be processed in NX in the spreadsheet, a different procedure is recommended.

Several Excel tables are integrated in each .prt file, which are stored internally. They can be called
up as follows:

Tools → Utilities → Spreadsheet opens such an Excel

file integrated in NX.

Tab → ADD-INS → Extract Attr

creates a table sheet in the component on which all attributes of the component are extracted.
These attributes can also be updated with the object in the associated table, as long as this is not
saved outside the CAD application.

If you select the top assembly node (main assembly) as the active part and execute the same
command, all the attributes of the assembly and all the components below it (all) are listed in
relation to their object and are ready for further processing in the spreadsheet.

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What automation options are available for the inputs?

Attribute Templates:

For editing purposes, it is useful to define and save certain recurring attribute catalogs (in .XML file
format). These catalogs can then be loaded in each part and also filled with attribute values at a
later time.

Create attribute template catalog:

Menu → File → Utilities → Attribute Templates Template →

Catalog

Enter the desired attributes, then export and save.

Important note: Note data type! (e.g.: Data type

"Number", here also note unit e.g. meter)

Import Attribute Template Catalog:

File → Utilities → Attribute Templates Actions

→ Load Catalog

Properties: Set all check marks

Confirm with Apply

The loaded catalog is now available for all parts.

Important note: Only by entering values or strings and

confirming them in the respective part is the attribute (and
only this, not the entire catalog) saved. If you leave the
part file, the catalog is removed again and must be
reloaded so that further attributes can be sampled if
necessary. If you cannot name the attribute yet, but want
to save it in the attribute list of a part for a later time, you
can enter a placeholder
"-" and then change it later. To do this, however, the check mark
"Lock attribute after saving" can be deactivated.

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3.9 Data integration in 3D design 109

You can set the attribute templates in

such a way that a list of values appears as
a drop-down menu. It is also possible to
select several values via an index list, as is
useful for the exposure class.

Menu → File → Utilities →

Attribute Templates

Templates →

Catalog

Definition → Category → Durability Title

→ Exposure Classes

Data type → String

Constraint Type → List

Value list → Enter values; one below the

other in lines

Select default value

In the part properties you can now select

the new catalog and find a dropdown
menu for selection under exposure
classes.

If you check "Allow multiple values" after

the first selection, you can add further
exposure classes. The values are listed
numerically one after the other.

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Excursus: Linking attributes and expressions with simple arithmetic operations

Example: Quantity determination for concrete, reinforcing steel

Definition (see also NX vocabulary in chapter 5)

Attributes

serve the sampling of parts or components, i.e. the assignment of properties (semantic data)

Expressions

These are variables/parameters of various types and characteristics that are assigned, for example,
by measurements of lengths, areas or volumes, by dimensions of lengths, angles or user-defined by
specifying numbers, character strings or mathematical operations and functions. The unit
assignment, e.g. kg/m³, must be taken into account.

1. Define attributes

In this example, a template for quantity takeoff is created under Utilities/Attribute Templates. The
concrete volume is to be measured directly in the part, the reinforcement ratio is to be selected by
the engineer from a list (creation of the list as described above, see following figure) and t he
reinforcement quantity is to result as a multiplication of both.

The catalog is saved and transferred to all parts of the construction by "Apply".

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3.9 Data integration in 3D design 111

2. Create expressions
a. Concrete volume by measurement

The concrete volume is measured (Menu → Analysis → Body measurement) and saved
associatively in the part. This automatically generates an expression (variable) with a defined
name. In the picture you can see that the body measurement no. 23 for the bridge superstr ucture
has generated the expressions p14 to p17, where p15 corresponds to the searched (gross) concrete
volume. The variable p15 is now occupied and can continue to be used as an expression.

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112 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

b. Assign reinforcement by selecting from list and referencing as attribute

The degree of reinforcement must be created as a user-defined expression (variable): First,

a value is selected from the list in the part attribute Degree of Reinforcement.

Then a new user-defined expression is created in Tools/Expressions, in which "Number" and the
correct unit of the variable value, in this case "kg/m³", are first defined as settings and then the
value 80kg/m³, previously selected in the attributes, is linked to the expression via Reference
attribute. The picture shows that the variable p26 was assigned for the new expression
“reinforcement ratio”.

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3.9 Data integration in 3D design 113

c. Determine reinforcement quantity as a simple arithmetic operation

For the reinforcement quantity, another user-defined expression is now generated, which results
from a calculation operation. For this, the type must be set to "number" and the unit must again be
correctly set to "kg". As a formula, the arithmetic operation can be combined with the two
previously described under a. and b. generated expressions.

Finally, the new expression REIN is linked to the attribute Bewehrung in the part attributes. The
following picture shows the expression connection.

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114 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

d. Control:

By changing the reinforcement ratio from 80 to 120 kg/m³, you can check whether the built -up
relationship of the attributes and expressions including the calculation operations changes
automatically. It is important to confirm the change of the reinforcement ratio by applying.

Important note: The last example shows the functionality, but also the limits that are inherent in
the operations of the CAD-based attribute input. The user must decide whether the effort of an
automatic operation in CAD is worthwhile or whether the attributes are linked and calculated
externally, e.g. with the help of a spreadsheet program.

For this purpose, as previously described, the direct Excel integration in NX is available. Tools →

Spreadsheet

Excel Menu → Add-Ins → Attr. Extract

The add-ins integrated in Excel allow object-specific data to be used and processed directly from
NX. Another example of this is the parametrically controlled part families through the spreadsheet
calculation, which are explained in more detail in the following chapter.

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3.10 Reuse Parts, Part Library and Part Family

An essential advantage of the parametric design of 3D objects is their reusability with simultaneous
adaptability to new boundary conditions. Particularly in strongly rule-based civil engineering,
certain components, starting from the cross-section type of the superstructure up to the railings
and bearing types, occur again and again in a similar form. In the following, some possibilities are
shown how to reuse components or sketches already at the beginning of the work with 3D models:

• Reusing a component
• Creating a reusable part in a part library
• Creating a so-called parts family

All functions do not require programming or additional modules to the CAD software. In addition,
there are numerous other possibilities for building increasingly complex reusable parts, which
sometimes require programming or additional modules.

Reuse 3D part

Each part is stored separately as a component in its own file, in the

same folder as the parent assembly. However, the file can be copied
and added to another assembly structure. Any links from the "old"
assembly will be broken, but can be replaced by new links.

Home → Assemblies → Add

The component is inserted either at an insertion point (absolute or

freely defined origin) or according to constraints in relation to
already existing construction. See Chapter 2, Tutorial 4.

The elastomer plain bearing shown here, which was constructed

parametrically on the basis of the sketch (Figure 30) and built up
into an extruded body (Figure 31), is to serve as an example.

Figure 30: Sketch of an arrangement of

two elastomeric bearings

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 116 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

*MERGEF ORMAT

Figure 31: Bearing, simplified (LoD300) as extruded body

This object type can now be positioned, aligned, and matched to the existing parts or
references in an assembly as desired using assembly constraints. To do this, first ana- logically
link the top face of the abutment bench and the bottom face of the end crossmember into the
newly added elastomeric bearing component using the Wave Geometry Linker to Example 2.
The linkers must be moved in timestamp order before the command (extrusion of the bearing)
in which they are to be inserted. Then the top and bottom surfaces of the bearings in the
command are reassigned to the linked surfaces. This accurately and associatively matches the
bearings to the existing bridge structure and reestablishes the broken links (Figure 32).

Figure 32: Elastomeric bearings adaptively positioned and fitted in the bearing gap

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3.10 Reuse Parts, Part Library and Part Family 117

Component libraries

It often makes sense to save recurring floor plan

sketches and components as templates in order
to download them from a library. Ideally, they
are modeled parametrically in such a way that
they can be easily edited and adapted to the new
project. These components are stored in a library
as reusable parts either as a 2D sketch, as an
independent part or as an independent form
element (UDF - User Defined Feature). In the
example on the right, a new library named
"Reuse Parts Bridges" has been created.

First of all, a new library must be created in which the user can store his own reusable parts.

File → Utilities → User Standards → Gateway → Reuse Library

General → Reuse library → Configuration file → Windows → Specify path where to save and
name library

Native NX → checkbox for reuse library should be displayed

Arrange libraries by native folder → enter name|path here as above

2D sketches as reusable parts

Many components of engineering structures are designed on the basis of standardized reference
drawings. These recurring sketches can be generated and saved in the library. The procedure is
described in detail in Chapter 2, Introductory Example 2.

Furthermore, 3D parts, such as the bearing described above, can also be saved as reusable parts
and called up again.

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Part families

Part families are parameterized object types in which important topological and geometric
properties are captured in an object type via a few parameters. A list (table) then regulates the
variation possibilities of the parameters.

Particularly in the case of supplied parts and components with standardized modifications, such as
bridge girders or bored piles, it is advisable to create part families via which all modifications can
be easily recorded and edited.

Create part family

Model the desired part, here a simplified spherical bearing:

1. Create user expressions with the essential parameters, in this case width and length of the
upper sliding plate Bgl and Lgl, width and length of the lower plate Bu and Lu as well as the
total height of the bearing H. Default values are assigned, see Figure 33.
2. Define form elements in such a way that they result in the 3D construction depending on
the five parameters.

Figure 33: Design of a simplified spherical bearing movable on all sides with five parameters stored as user
expressions, see Parts Navigator

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3.10 Reuse Parts, Part Library and Part Family 119

Create part family

Menu → Tools → Part families

3. Double-click to select expressions and use them to

copy them to selected columns
4. Shape elements such as sliding layer or guide buttons,
which are to be switched on and off later, can also be
copied to selected columns by double-clicking (not
used here in the example).
5. Select the family storage directory under Settings
6. Switch to "Edit spreadsheet" (Excel opens from NX
and takes over all expressions and attributes)

Define variations of the part

Enter desired variations of the parameters in Excel in tabular

form, here bearing variants with increasing load level KGa-1 to
-30 of a spherical bearing

7. The first row is created automatically because it was

entered as Default Values via the expressions, the
remaining rows are entered in Excel
8. Define DB_PART_No (as assignment, metadata) and
OS_Part_Name by text input.

Change variation

9. Place the cursor in the

desired line
10. Add-Ins → Part Family →
Apply Values starts
change calculations that
may take a moment.
During this time, Excel
becomes slightly smaller
and the changed design
becomes visible.
11. Note: The Excel file is not
saved separately, but
directly in the part. This
ensures associativity
and enables control.

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3.11 Collision checks and geometric testing on the model

In the BIM process, a distinction is made between specialist models (traffic facilities,
structures, equipment, etc.), which are created by a planner and are superimposed and
compared for coordination purposes at certain points in the planning process, and
coordination models. Since the specialist planners usually work in different CAD systems
(OpenBIM), the exchange takes place in a multi-CAD coordination model. For this purpose, a
uniform data format must be de- fined for the project that all planning participants can
generate and exchange. In the construction industry, the IFC standard is used nationally and
internationally for this purpose. Details on this can be found in [12] and in Chapter 3.15. In the
case of civil engineering structures, it is usually the responsibility of the object planner to
integrate the other specialist models into his building model, so that a multi-CAD coordination
model may not be necessary here.

In the control of 3D CAD, a distinction can therefore be made between control within a CAD
environment, which is presented briefly below for NX. On the other hand, there is control in the
multi-CAD environment, which is not the subject of this textbook, see [12].

Collision check of the building model:

Menu → Assemblies → Clearence → Clearance Browser → New Set.

Figure 34: Collision check for penetrations of bodies, here drainage pipe penetrates abutment wall -
missing penetration must be added.

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3.11 Collision checks and geometric testing on the model 121

Geometric testing (deviations, accuracy)

In NX, extensive and precise deviation measurements can be made between objects. The following
example shows a check of the building axis, which as a guide curve has a significant influence on
the accuracy of the 3D model. In the routing, an arc of a circle with a fixed radius R=1200 m was
specified. The gradient should be a constant straight line with a gradient of 0.9%. This results
geometrically in an inclined cylinder section.

In the design, the circular arc was first constructed with a total of six elevation points over the
length of 422 m. The gradient was constructed as a second degree spline with these six support
points and then projected back into the x-y plane in order to be able to make a comparison with
the circular arc in the plane.

The accuracy can be checked with the aid of a deviation measurement. The deviations
between the projected spline and the arc are displayed as needles in the x-y plane. The
settings can be found in Figure 35.

Figure 35: Deviation measurement in NX between a circular arc and a projected spline of second degree
with three support points

The maximum deviation in this case is less than 1 mm in the plane. Using the comb needles, the
ordinate of the deviation can be visualized.

If a 1st degree spline is used, instead of the fairly well approximated spline, a polygon course
results, which, as expected, has large deviations of a maximum of 1041 mm. In this simple example,
the deviation corresponds to the distance between chord and arc and becomes larger the greater
the distance between the support points is selected (compare geometric approximation in the
FEM, h-adaptation).

An increase of the polynomial degree of the spline (p-adaptation) leads to a further improvement
up to degree 3. If the degree is increased further, no further improvement in accuracy is achieved.

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122 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

A note on representation:

An "optical" deviation analysis is usually not useful in 3D

CAD programs, since the visualized curve can deviate
from the actual position. An example is shown in Figure
36, where the two components are apparently clearly
separated by a gap, but the analysis shows a distance of
0. Zooming in close is therefore generally not a suitable
means of geometric inspection, since the result
depends on the visualization accuracy set in the CAD
software. Only measurements provide information
about the actual distance.

Figure 36: An optical deviation alone is not a suitable means of accuracy testing, as this measurement shows

3.12 Associative measurements and storage of important bridge parameters in

the 3D model

The higher effort for the generation of a 3D model is mainly justified by

• improved quality assurance with seamless 3D planning,

• the automatic updating of changes due to the associativity of the objects under-
each other and the derived drawings and
• the automatic acquisition, storage and further processing of important data and
measurements.

The quantity determination can be done automatically on the finished designed body by
measurements. These measurements can be saved as associative expressions and adapt
immediately or with a simple update in case of changes. The following figure shows the three
excavation bodies of the model with the corresponding volume in m³.

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3.12 Associative measurements and storage of important bridge parameters in the 3D model 123

Figure 37: View from below of the excavated bodies (coloured brown) under the existing site with the part
attributes for measuring the volume, each in m³.

Special quantities that have to be measured

according to certain rules can be generated by
copying the required components and
intersecting them or similar. As an example
serves here the bridge area, which is measured
rule-based between the railings and the end
support lines. For this purpose, all required
elements were linked into a new part and
intersected there in such a way that the bridge
area results rule-conform. The area results
exactly as in the example before from a
measurement, which is recorded associatively
and stored as a fixed attribute expression. The
attribute can be used as desired internally in
NX, e.g. on the drawing derivation, or
externally in the calculation or documentation
software.

As a further example for measurements of important structure parameters, the determination of the
geo-metric constraint point is presented. The minimum clear distance between the lower surface of
the bridge superstructure and the clearance of the bridged cross-section, can be constructed and
measured as a volume body. By assigning a minimum value to the mi- nimal distance, a simple
control mechanism can be established to provide a warning when the minimum value is violated.

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124 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

Figure 38: Space between the upper surface of the clearance profile and the lower surface of the bridge
superstructure (in this case inclined slab).

Analysis → Measure

Object → Select surface clearance gauge

Object set → Select lower surface superstructure

Select vector Zc

Result filter → Distance → Areas

Associative measurement → Set check mark

New request → Enter name

Type → Test limit

Impact level → Warning

Definition method → one-sided comparison

Select expression → Example: ≥ 100 mm

Explanation: A warning is displayed if the defined rule is violated (distance smaller than 100 mm).
The saved expression is stored in the active assembly/component as a dimension and can be called
up and edited in the parts navigator.

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3.13 Drawing derivation 125

3.13 Drawing derivation

Technical drawings are derived directly from the 3D model by defining a section plane and the
viewing direction. The drawing references a model file and is updated when the model is changed.
The references are based on a so-called master model concept, in which files that contain
geometry (3D model file, .prt) are referred to as master models and all derived formats that do not
contain geometry (simulation files, .fem or drawing files, .dwg) are referred to as non-master files.
The following Figure 39 illustrates the principle:

Master model Drawing

Assembly FE simulation

Figure 39: Master Model Concept. The master model contains geometry, derived non-geometric data in
drawing, simulation and assembly structure reference the model and can be updated when the model is
changed.

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126 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

In the assembly structure, a drawing is assigned to the top

node, the main assembly, in the rule. This means that all
components are available for drawing derivation, since they
are arranged below it. In the example of the assembly
structure on the right, the drawing
Bruecke_Enwurf_Grundriss is above the top node of the
assembly structure.

You should make sure that the Reference Sets of all

components are set to MODEL and not to WHOLE PART, as
described in the introductory examples, so that only solids
and no aids such as lines or reference planes are placed on
the drawing.

Drawings are generated starting from a basic view by defining further sectional views in the basic
view (see Chapter 2, Implementation Example 5). The components referenced by the drawing can
be selected individually or as a whole. Only the selected components can be displayed.

The number of sections and the position of the sectional view are arbitrary. In addition to the 2D
sectional view, any isometric representation from the 3D model can also be placed on 2D
drawings, which can significantly improve the visualization even in the 2D representation of the
structure on a drawing. This potential should definitely be used.

Dimensions and texts are usually automatically generated associatively on the 2D drawing. This
means that the plan derivation can be automatically updated when the model is changed (unidi-
rectional associativity).

Manual post-processing of associatively derived drawings should be avoided, as these drawings

have to be manually adjusted in case of changes. For each technical discipline (mechanical
engineering, shipbuilding, construction) there are very different, extensive sets of rules. Therefore,
in order to edit the drawings, supplementary modules are used that allow for standard-compliant,
speedy and associative dimensioning and labeling on the drawing (see Chapter 2, Introductory
Example 5). [13]

In bridge construction and civil engineering, longitudinal sections are to be generated in

particular along the route, which represent a development of the structure in the (local) x-
(global)-z-plane. This "section" is generated by a sufficient number of individual support points at
suitable intervals along the route. Furthermore, elevation contours and stationing for the
measurement of important structure coordinates in the course of the routing are to be included,
see Figure 40.

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3.13 Drawing derivation 127

Figure 40: Section of a longitudinal section derived from the 3D model in NX

Another advantage of the drawing derivation is that many sections can be generated from the
model with little effort. This should be exploited and time-consuming post-processing of individual
sections should be avoided in favor of associativity. A depth of cut can be set in principle, but only
makes sense where the curvature is small. In Figure 40, for example, the bearings are not shown
because they are offset from the building axis and would therefore not be shown in the bearing
gap in the longitudinal section, but correctly offset in position.
It becomes clear that 3D modelling leads to a paradigm shift in the creation of drawings:

Preference is given to more (associative) sections in which all changes in the 3D model can be
tracked associatively. This technique replaces the current practice, which operates with as few
fictitious or elaborately post-processed sections as possible.

In addition to 2D sectional views, it makes sense to increasingly use 3D views and 3D details in
the drawing derivation, which are supplemented by spatial dimensions. Particularly for building
views in the design or for geometrically more complex details in the implementation planning
(e.g. joint band course), the 3D representations can effectively depict the information necessary
for construction.
Simple digital exchange formats, e.g. in .ifc or .jt format, are increasingly used on mobile devices in
production and on the construction site. Here, the user can exploit the possibilities of the 3D model
for spatial visualization, spatial dimensioning and fading in and out of entire component (groups)!

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128 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

3.14 Construction sequence as arrangements (static) and in sequences

(dynamic)

Represent the construction process in individual arrangements (statically)

Build phases can be created by user-defined arrangements of individual assemblies and parts. An
arrangement is created and saved in the top assembly. Now individual components and assemblies
can be suppressed for this new arrangement (build phase) if they are not yet manufactured in the
build phase. This does not change the assembly structure as a whole, but only saves a defined
configuration.

Create arrangement:

Assembly navigator → Select superior assembly bridge → RMT → Arrangements

→ Edit → New → Assign name, e.g. construction phase 5

Suppress components in arrangement:

Assembly navigator → Select component → RMT → Suppression Controlling

parent component → Bridge

Arrangements → Select construction phase 5

Status → e.g. Always suppressed (part/module symbol is highlighted in blue in this arrangement, see
Figure 41)

Figure 41: Construction phase 5 as user-defined arrangement of components and assemblies

In this way, components are assembled to create a construction phase in the form of an
arrangement.

Important note: There must always be a standard arrangement: Arrangement 1 as 1st arrangement,
where no part is suppressed (final state).

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3.14 Construction sequence as arrangements (static) and in sequences (dynamic) 129

Dynamically represent construction sequence in sequences, check kinematics

To animate the construction phases in a construction sequence, individual components can be

brought into a sequence in combination with arrangements. In the process, paths can also be
traced cinematically in order to identify geometric or production-related points of conflict. Of
course, the sequencing also serves to visualize the construction process.

Assemblies → Sequence Assembly

Sequence → New

In the sequence navigator, all components that have already been constructed in the current
construction phase (displayed for the sequence) are offered as pre-assembled components.

Figure 42: In a sequence, all available (non-suppressed) components are offered within a build phase
(arrangement), which can be dismantled in a user-controlled sequence and reassembled in a reverse run

Pre-assembled means that the construction sequence is always created by dismantling the
arrangement of a construction phase backwards! In order to let the building process run in the
right order afterwards, there is a backward run (construction) in addition to the forward run
(dismantling). The reason is that you always start from a finished construction and disassemble it
into its components in a certain order.

The individual columns show the step in the dismantling order. Furthermore, you can specify a time
and cost of the step, add a description, and control the duration (of the later anima tion).

Furthermore, camera positions can be inserted and kinematics can be generated. The kinematics can
be used, for example, to simulate the movement of lifting equipment, e.g. the slewing movement of
a crane at a certain outreach for checking the crane position in terms of construction technology.
More complex processes can also be tested here, as collisions can be reported or slewing ranges can
also be displayed in 3D as a spatial cloud.

Below are some screenshots of a sequence of the sample bridge.

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130 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

Left: Initial situation; right: excavation of excavation pits, excavation areas and crane installation

Left: Construction of abutment west; Right: Construction of abutment east; Right: Installation of bearings

Left: Superstructure fabrication and prestressing; Right: Fabrication of caps and abutment chamber wall

Left: Production of road cross-section connection; Right: Backfilling of terrain

Figure 43: Exemplary representation of important construction phases from the sequence of the construction
process

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3.15 Data Exchange in Neutral Format with Industry Foundation Classes 131

3.15 Data exchange in neutral format with Industry Foundation classes

IFC

Introduction

In model-based data use in the project, the exchange of entire models with geometry, position
reference and properties is essential. The client and many participants do not work in the CAD
environment, but access the model-based data in the process with different applications. The
suitably prepared data transfer of the model for collaboration with others (interoperability)
therefore plays an essential role in the BIM process!

The data transfer formats are generally differentiated according to

native (manufacturer-specific) vs. neutral (manufacturer-independent)

closed (structure not freely available) vs. open (structure freely available)
non-standardized vs. standardized

In the BIM process, data exchange with other project participants and data management over
the life cycle is carried out with native and neutral data formats. In civil engineering, the
neutral standardized IFC format is available for this purpose.

Overview of IFC development:

The IFC data schema is developed internationally for the construction industry and is regulated in
Germany in DIN EN ISO 16739.

The development status is described by the consecutive number. The IFC2x3 status is widely used
today and represents essential component types, components and structures in building
construction in a structured manner.

In bridge construction and civil engineering, basic structures are continuously built up starting with
the ICF4.1 status. For the data exchange of basic data in bridge and civil engineering further open
formats are used cityGML, landXML, etc..

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132 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

IFC - Overview: Component-oriented data schema

The component (object) is at the center of object-oriented modeling and is identified via the
IFCRoot (root). This contains, among other things, the GUID Globally Unique Identifier. A total of
over 1000 IFC classes describe the geometry, the properties, the position reference in the building
and the assignments, e.g. to standardized component types.

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3.15 Data Exchange in Neutral Format with Industry Foundation Classes 133

IFC in bridges and civil engineering

Engineering structures are line-guided, so that the objects are linked to a reference line
(IFCAlignmentCurve) and not, as in building construction, to planes and positioned relative to them
(IFCLinearPlacement). The line reference is integrated in the data schema with IFC4.1.

Building types, component types and components are extended in IFC4.2 for bridge and
engineering structures so that the objects and information are structured uniformly and are easier
to use in the process. If an assignment of this development status of the IFC is not (yet) possible in
the software, components can be assigned according to meaning or defined quite generally as
IFCBuildingElementProxy.

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134 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

Subset of the model: IFC schema filter

For the exchange of models in the BIM process, different information is required for the various
BIM use cases. It is often sufficient to exchange a subset of the IFC standard, the so-called Model
View Definition, or MVD for short, which is usually specified in the project schedule. The parties
involved in the data exchange, exchange contents, purpose, etc. are regulated in the so -called
Information Delivery Manual (IDM) or in the descriptions of the digital delivery items of the
employer information requirements (EIR). Typical subsets of the IFC4 are shown in green in the
following figure:

The reference view only includes the classes that are necessary for an exchange of the model for
checking and coordination purposes. In IFC2x3, this is listed under the addition cv - coordination
view.

The Design Transfer View includes a larger number of classes for exchange with other BIM authors
who load the IFC data model into their CAD software, for example, in order to continue working
with it. This data exchange for further use and elaboration of IFC models also requires a targeted
preparation of the model and a structured "mapping" of IFC classes so that the tools of the CAD
software used are also addressed.

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3.15 Data Exchange in Neutral Format with Industry Foundation Classes 135

IFC - Mapping and IFC - Export

For the export of a model in IFC format, various presettings of layers, visibilities of objects and
reference sets usually have to be made in CAD first, in order to be able to select the objects and
properties specifically for the transfer.

Furthermore, the ifc classes must be correctly assigned to the parts so that they can be recognized
in other software tools and edited with the correct tools. When using reusable parts and families,
i.e. parametric object types, the assignments can be stored as templates (templates for selection).
The assignment is also referred to as ifc mapping:

Finally, the version of the IFC required for the replacement scenario and, if necessary, the IFC
schema filter (MVD) must be selected.

Important note: There are basically several sources of error in the data exchange of entire models,
which depends on the default settings of the author, the software used, the interface selected and the
software of other parties involved. An "error-free" or "gapless" data exchange is only possible through
thorough testing (proof of concept) before the start of the project with all parties involved in the data
exchange and their individual software application. Independent certification of the software for ifc
export and ifc import can also be helpful here.
Note: Even when importing an ifc model into a foreign software, new IFC classes with empty entries may
be added to the model, which were not present during mapping or export!

The assignment of IFC class entries to the parts (objects) in NX is done analogously to Chapter 3.9
"Integrating information in the 3D model". The entries are assigned to the parts as properties in
individual cases or with the help of attribute template catalogs. The assignment is thus made by a
predefined naming of the part attribute, which is then converted into the IFC class during export.
The following table shows a selection of the part attributes that are transferred as IFC class entries
via the export function. The currently supported classes can be found in the help.

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136 3 Project example: Two-span bridge

IfcElementClassification part attribute Classification type created in IFC file

IfcBeam IFCBEAM
IfcBeamStandardCase IFCBEAMSTANDARDCASE (if IFC4 export)
IfcChimney IFCHIMNEY (if IFC4 export)
IfcColumn IFCCOLUMN
IfcColumnStandardCase IFCCOLUMNSTANDARDCASE (if IFC4 export)
IfcCovering IFCCOVERING
IfcCurtainWall IFCCURTAINWALL

Important note: If the part attribute is not created in this way, a part will be exported as
IfcBuildingElementProxy during ifcExport.

Attribute assignment and inheritance structure of attributes in NX:

Attributes are usually assigned to parts and thus automatically to the components in which they
are contained. Furthermore, attributes can also be assigned to sub-assemblies and then inherited
by all subordinate components. Attributes of the main assembly (topmost BG node are not
inherited, however.

Attributes assigned to shape elements and solids are not exported. They are only used int ernally in
the parametric model.
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3.15 Data Exchange in Neutral Format with Industry Foundation Classes 137

IFC Export in NX

 All components that are to be transferred:

Show and set Reference Set to Model, in
Export Setting select options Displayed Part
Whole Part or select specific objects via
Selected Objects.

 All components that should not be

transferred References Set Empty, hide or
do not load.

 Always assign properties to the part, see IFC

Mapping with NX.

 Attributes can be filtered by category and

excluded from transmission.

 All part attributes and components are

transferred. Solid attributes are not.

 Part attributes assigned to subassemblies

are inherited by all underlying components.

 Partial attributes of the topmost BG_node

are not transferred.

 Geometry is transferred tessellated.

Tessellation tolerances are adjustable via
side tolerance and angle tolerance.

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge
Construction

4.0 Overview and objectives

For the structural analysis and design of bridges and civil engineering structures, a simplified FE
engineering model is usually generated independently of the design, whereby engineering
simplifications are made in order to keep the effort low and at the same time to adequately
capture all relevant inputs and effects. The actual geometry with its curvature, longitudinal and
transverse inclination as well as transverse systems and component connections are often
neglected or idealized by substitute measures (additional forces and moments as well as kinematic
couplings or similar). This results in a second structural model in addition to the design model,
which is not associative to the design model. Changes have to be processed twice, geometric
comparison is more difficult and the current status is often not consistent. This procedure is not
BIM-compliant, so that a new approach is presented below, in which the design and the
calculation model are based on the same initial geometry.

In mechanical engineering, for example, the integration of FE simulations into the design process
has been used for years. The so-called isogeometric design (the term Design Embedded Simulation
is used in English) is understood as the continuous process of a three-dimensional CAD model from
the design to the FE calculation. The cooperation between the planning participants is thus
ensured, since the planning is based on a single associative and thus change- and optimization-
friendly 3D model. Here, for example, a master model concept is used, which has already been
explained in detail in the topic of drawing derivation in the previous chapter.

This BIM-compatible approach can be transferred to civil engineering, as shown below. Figure 44
shows the continuous process of an isogeometric design from the design model to the FEM
calculation for a bridge structure. Due to the associativity of the models with each other,
component optimizations and modifications can be carried out quickly and easily, without any loss
of inputs already made in the model.

© Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, part of Springer Nature 2022 138

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Figure 44: BIM-compliant, isogeometric design and dimensioning of a prestressed concrete bridge

Definition: Associative models in static and dynamic structural analysis (generally linear-elastic
structural analysis for bridge design) are derived directly from the 3D construction and are thus
linked geometrically and in terms of data information with the structural model. They can be
maintained and updated throughout the entire life cycle.

This results in the following main requirements:

1. A calculation model must be geometrically derived from the design model. Derivation here
means that the original object contains the geometry completely and only individual
functions that are not required (recesses, slots, etc.) are suppressed or supplemented
(bearing points, load lines).
2. Static and geometric boundary and transition conditions (joints, couplings, joints,
loads) are to be assigned to the calculation model, since they belong to the FE
simulation and do not represent geometry. They are also not assigned to the FE mesh
to be generated later!
3. The FE mesh is generated in the derived geometry of the computational model. It should
always be possible to regenerate it so that both the geometry and the boundary
conditions in the computational model can be adapted in the event of changes in the
various development stages over the life cycle. The FE mesh must automatically recognize
the geometry and the boundary conditions as constraints and generate kno- ten there.
4. Semantic data required for the FE model (concrete quality, exposure class,
environmental conditions, time of production, normative bases, damage, repair,...) are
assigned to the object in the design and are thus also available in the calculation
model.

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140 4.0 Overview and objectives

5. The calculation models are linked to the design over the entire life cycle, since they
are based on the same object and are updated with the development status.

With these main requirements, an associativity between design and calculation is

established, which allows an integrated (and thus BIM-compatible) simulation of the structure
on the virtual model. The technique used here is the master model technology, in which the
FE simulation is superordinate to the master model (calculation model) and thus always
contains all the current information, see Figure 39.

In the following chapter this approach is applied to bridge structures. For this purpose, the special
requirements resulting from the (pre)dimensioning of (prestressed) concrete bridges according to
the current state of the art in Germany, which have to be taken into account in such a simulation,
are recorded first.

1. The structure calculation is linear-elastic for all load cases.

2. Volume elements with tetrahedron geometry and a quadratic displacement approach
are chosen because they can reasonably adapt to the doubly curved geometry, which is
highly articulated in cross section. With 1. a spatial (local) stress distribution results.
3. The design is carried out for the ultimate limit state (LCS) and to a large extent also for
the serviceability limit state (HSL) in the cracked state on the basis of (cross-section-
related) internal forces.
4. The effect of the prestressing is locally variable over the tendon length, taking into
account time-independent and time-dependent prestressing force losses.

The approach presented below represents a possible process that fulfills the aforementioned
requirements. Currently, several software applications are still necessary to perform this process,
which means that associativity cannot yet be fully achieved. However, this step can be
implemented in software terms, as can be easily seen from the individual steps:

Within the 3D CAD (in this case Siemens NX) a calculation model is created, which contains the
solid bodies from the design model and the tendons as information and is supplemented by
constraint points and constraint lines, which are necessary for the static calculation. Subsequently,
the FE meshing is carried out in NX Nastran. The element mesh is exported to the con struction-
specific FE application InfoCAD using node and element information, see Figure 45. The load case
generation and combinatorics, the structural analysis and the design of the bridge structure in
accordance with the standards are carried out in InfoCAD, since an analysis based on internal
forces and thus appropriate to the material can be carried out automatically and in a practical
manner.

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 141

Figure 45: Generation and porting of mesh information within isogeometric design in NX, mesh
generation in NX NASTRAN and construction-specific FE modeling in InfoCAD

In Chapters 4.1-4.4, the procedure is explained in detail using the example of a prestressed plate
beam structure over three spans. This is followed by another example of a skew-angled prestressed
slab (Chapter 4.5). The same system applies to both examples:

1. Construction of an isogeometric calculation model derived from the design with

consideration of the geometric and static boundary conditions
2. Mesh generation with volume elements with quadratic displacement approach, input
of bearing and load cases and calculation
3. Evaluation of the stresses and the integration objects, which trace back the volume
element stresses to internal forces for the material-specific design

Important note: In steps 1 and 2 it is also possible to select a different engineering model. For
example, the FE model can also consist of shells and/or spatial beam elements that are derived
directly from the geometry. However, since this usually requires further post-processing (e.g.
coupling of the system axes) and the associated model formation has already been documented in
detail, e.g. [15] and [16], these techniques are not pursued further here.

Future Development: In Step 2, the sequence should be changed in the future so that all
restraints and loads in the computational model can be applied directly to the solid surfaces,
curves, and points so that they are completely independent of the mesh. This approach will
allow easy adaptation to changes and optimizations, making the BIM2FEM process effective.

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142 4.1 Construction of an isogeometric, associative computational model

4.1 Construction of an isogeometric associative computational model

The bridge structure was designed using the CAD application Siemens NX. Figure 46 shows the
designed structure with existing structural equipment. To derive a computational model for the
superstructure, which is structurally separated from the substructures by bearings , only
longitudinal and transverse girders, the tendons and the bearings are required, see Fig. 47.

Figure 46: Construction model with existing building equipment

Figure 47: Derivation of the calculation model for the superstructure

For the idealization of the model, the required geometry is linked into a new component of the
assembly, thus maintaining associativity with the design model. In this component "Calculation
model" the necessary processing steps for the creation of the geometrical boundary conditions are
carried out. The necessary constraint lines and constraint points are generated here.

The purpose of constraint lines and constraint points is to arrange nodes of the mesh exactly at
these points during mesh generation. Therefore, they are defined taking into account the model
formation of the FE structure model as follows:

• Support points (for exact positioning of fixed supports),

• Limitation of the calculated lanes (for the later exact application of the ver-
traffic load areas),
• Main axes of the cross beams (for bay-by-bay load application),

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 143

• Guide points of the tendons (at least start and end points as well as high, low and turning
points - the edge distances of the splines should have been checked at every point using
the analysis function already during the design phase! See chapter 3.11),
• Guidance and section lines for integration and design objects that are used in the FE-
evaluation for the determination of internal forces from the element stresses and
• Guidance lines of the protective device (for load application).

For lines projected onto the solid (cf. Figure 48 and Figure 49) the intersection with the surface (cf.
Figure 50) is important, otherwise no nodes will be generated on this line during the subsequent
meshing.

Figure 48: 2D curves of the actual (horizontal!) lane widths for the application of the traffic load model
separated by lane projected onto the 3D solid surface of the 3D CAD model

Figure 49: Intersection curve from surface and plane for creating the constraint lines at the main axes of
the cross beams for the bay-by-bay application of the live load

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144 4.1 Construction of an isogeometric, associative computational model

Figure 50: Intersection of the surface with the projected curves generates constrained lines for mesh
generation

Figure 51 shows the volume surface intersected with the constraint lines.

Figure 51: Boundary of the calculated lanes, main axes of the cross members, guiding lines of the
protective device

The constraint points are taken into account in the calculation model by creating center points of
the bearings, which are later defined as grid points in NX NASTRAN. Furthermore, the bisector of
the web undersides is introduced as a constraint line in order to align the design objects with it
later, see Figure 52.

Figure 52: Support points and bisectors of the web bottoms as guidance lines for design objects

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 145

The function "section view" can be used to define the position of the tendons in the longitudinal
system. The position of the high, low and inflection points of the tendons are directly defined in the
section view in the curved system by connecting to the guide curve. The main difference between
the tendons in 3D and 2D design is that the tendons are no longer guided in a straight line but
adapt to the actual course of the curvature by connecting to the guide curve. The tendons are not
entered bundled as a fictitious tendon but are individually designed parametrically in their true
position in the web.

Figure 53: Determining the heights of the tendons using section views in the 3D model

It is important that the guide points (high, low and turning points) are constructed explicitly and
exactly as points so that they can be used as support points for the splines. The spline then runs
exactly through these determination points, as required. In case of straight tendons in certain
areas, tangential transitions to curved areas must be created. In this case, the spline may have to
be split and constructed to the required shape by means of transition conditions, see Figure 14.
The edge distance to the outer edge of the concrete can be checked automatically at any point by
means of distance measurements, see Chapter 3.11.

Figure 54: Guidance points of the tendons: high, low and inflection points as support points for the
spatial spline function

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146 4.1 Construction of an isogeometric, associative computational model

Integration and design objects for the dimensional reduction of the element stresses to cross-
sectional internal forces

For a material-appropriate design of concrete components, it is indispensable to trace the local

element stresses back to global, cross-section-related internal forces. Line-guided sections with
integration function [14] or design objects [18] are suitable for this purpose. For this purpose, the
engineer must first derive specific sections from the 3D model on which a design is to be carried
out later.

Procedure:

With the help of the "Section view" function, design sections are generated from the true
geometry, which can be imported into the construction-specific FE application as a cross-section
for the creation of integrating and design objects. The sections are arranged in global z-direction as
usual in bridge construction.

To create a section in the z-direction, create a plane on the projected gradient (marked orange in
Fig. 55) that is normal to the path.

Figure 55: Creating the reference plane for the integration and design object

The section is then created on the basis of this plane. In the "Section view" command, the
previously created layer is now selected, whereby the section is automatically created.

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 147

Figure 56: Creating a section view for the integration and design object

After creating the section, it is displayed in the assembly navigator. Using the right mouse button,
you can now create a copy of the section curves. These splines are used to export the section into a
dxf file, which can then be imported into InfoCAD and converted into a design cross-section.

Figure 57: Creating a copy of the cutting curves

It is important to align the view of the generated section parallel to the section plane, otherwise
the cross-section will be distorted. Alignment is performed as shown in Figure 58 using the "Align
view to plane" function.

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148 4.1 Construction of an isogeometric, associative computational model

Figure 58: Align section view to plane

This view must now be saved in a newly created model view and used in the export as the
"selected view".

Figure 59: Saving in newly created model view

The position of the design objects is defined in the calculation model as they will be required later
for the verifications. The surface of the solid is to be divided at the generated sections in order to
be able to precisely position the design objects in the external structural FEM on the basis of the
nodes in the subsequently generated mesh and the guidance lines.

Figure 60: Position of all design objects in the longitudinal system

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 149

The design objects were placed at the following locations:

x1 = 0.00 m (both axis cross beam and gate plate beam) x2 = 8.80 m

(low point tendons ≙ ξ ≈ 0.4).

x3 = 10.00 m (ξ = 0.5)

x4 = 14.00 m (ξ = 0.7)

x5 = 18.20 m (inflection point tendons ≙ ξ ≈ 0.9).

x6 = 20.00 m (both axis cross beam and gating plate beam) x7 = 21.80 m

(inflection point tendons ≙ ξ ≈ 0.1).

x8 = 27.50 m (ξ = 0.3)

x9 = 30.00 m (ξ = 0.4)

x10 = 32.50 m (ξ = 0.5)

x11 = 35.00 m (ξ = 0.6)

x12 = 37.50 m (ξ = 0.7)

x13 = 43.20 m (inflection point tendons ≙ ξ ≈ 0.9).

x14 = 45.00 m (both axis cross beam and gating plate beam) x15 = 46.80 m

(inflection point tendons ≙ ξ ≈ 0.1).

x16 = 51.00 m (ξ = 0.3)

x17 = 55.00 m (ξ = 0.5)

x18 = 56.20 m (low point tendons ≙ ξ ≈ 0.6).

x19 = 65.00 m (both the axis of the cross girder and the cut of the plate girder)

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150 4.1 Construction of an isogeometric, associative computational model

Overview of the structure of a computational model:

NX- structure of a computational model

Linking the solid (e.g. suppress recess or generate Refrence Sets) with a new component
“computational model” (associative with the construction model)

Linking the designed tendons in the component “computational model”

Combine Objects (e.g. side and cross members)

Creation of constraint lines and points

 Bearing points (for exact positioning of fixed positions)

 Limitation of the calculated lanes (for the later precise application
of the traffic load surfaces)
 Guidance lines for positioning the tandem loads Intersection
 Main axes of the cross beams (for field load application) with surfaces
 Guidance points of the tendons (Start and end points as well
as high, low and turning points)
 Guidance lines for design objects and
 Guidance lines of the protective device (for load application)

Creation of design objects via section views

 dxf-Export (Export spline as multiple line for polygonal cross-section)

Network generation Section 4.2, calculation and dimensioning Section 4.3 and 4.4

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 151

4.2 Mesh generation with volume elements

After completion of the calculation model, the meshing for the finite element calculation can be
carried out. To do this, the application is switched from design mode to NX Advanced Simulation
and a component of the design is selected (calculation model), to which the FE mesh will later
refer. In this way, the calculation model and FE model are directly linked (master model concept).
In addition to the FEM file, a superordinate simulation file (.sim) is generated, which contains the
FE mesh, loads and bearing boundary conditions as well as results. Since the embedded solution NX
Nastran does not contain sufficient pre- and post-processing components for bridge construction,
the actual simulation is carried out externally in a construction-specific FE application and
therefore only the mesh is generated and exported initially. This break in the continuous process is
to be closed in the future by intersection coordination, in particular in order to effectively use th e
economic advantages of the Design Em- bedded Simulation.

In principle, tetrahedron, pentahedron and hexahedron elements can be used as 3D elements. In

addition, a distinction is made between linear and quadratic element approaches without and with
subknots between the geometric corner points. For the element selection, a sufficiently fine
discretization (h-approach) or a high-quality element approach (p-approach), as e.g. in [14], has to
be considered.

If the computational model is derived directly from the design, the h-approach with
tetrahedron elements is usually preferred, since the triangular surfaces of the tetrahedra allow
a better fit to the double-curved and often highly articulated geometry. It is recommended
that at least two tetrahedral elements with a quadratic displacement approach are arranged
over the component thickness for each area in order to achieve sufficient accuracy for the
stresses derived from this.

Figure 61: Left: four-node tetrahedron element in NX NASTRAN for defining the geometric mesh nodes
and elements; Right: ten-node tetrahedron element with quadratic displacement approach for static
structure simulation in InfoCAD

In principle, simplified reference examples should be used to check whether the volume elements
used in the software reproduce the deformations and stresses as expected.

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152 4.2 Mesh generation with volume elements

To create a connected mesh, it is necessary to unite the individual solids (longitudinal and
transverse beams) already in the calculation model. Otherwise, separate FE meshes are generated
for longitudinal and transverse beams, which cannot be connected afterwards, see Figure 62.

Figure 62: left: faulty, non-contiguous mesh; right: contiguous mesh at the unified solid

So that the surface loads can be applied to the curved volume separately according to lane, the
surface is divided in the calculation model. The division now acts as geometric boundary conditions
during mesh generation, so that nodes are created here in the 3D tetrahedral mesh. Single, line or
area loads that do not directly act on or terminate at the node are distributed proportionally to the
neighboring nodes in the FE calculation. Thus, the load application becomes blurred. (For examples
see [15]).

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 153

InfoCAD - FE calculation

Define cross-section type (volume or shell)

1. Insert all nodes in tabular form

2. Insert volume elements in tabular form (also possible in partial steps, e.g. for construction
stages)
3. Insert area elements in tabular form (separately according to partial areas for structuring)

Insert prestressing via node coordinates as support points in table (separately for each tendon)

Rotate model 180° around x- or y-axis (z-direction NX ↑ ≠ z-direction InfoCAD ↓)

Import design objects

1. Define cross-section type polygon
2. Import in "mm
3. Alignment in y-z plane
4. Regeneration of the cross-section lines
5. Shift the cross section so that the center of gravity is on the insertion point
6. Define reinforcement layer(s)

Orienting fixed positions in the global z-direction

Load input, support, system definition as well as calculation and design Chap. 4.3 and 4.4

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154 4.3 3D system, restraints and load input

4.3 3D system, restraints and load input

Modeling

System stiffnesses

The system consists of tetrahedral volume elements that are sufficiently finely discretized. The
bending deformation and the essential design stresses/intersections shall always be checked
and compared with a suitable equivalent system.

Since the cross-section is prestressed in the longitudinal direction, there is no need to reduce the
stiffness of the elements.

Boundary conditions - Bearings

When positioning the fixed supports, it must be ensured that they are aligned tangen tially to the
curvature of the bridge due to the selected bearing (tangential bearing). The fixed supports are
therefore aligned perpendicular to the respective main axis, which represents a straight line in the
transverse direction (cf. Figure 63). This straight line in the mesh results from the previously
defined constraint line of the main axis. The alignment in z-direction is done to the global
coordinate system.

Figure 63: Tangential bearing of the locally defined fixed positions

Bearing stiffnesses

In particular for statically indeterminate systems, the elastic compliance must be determined taking
into account all load-bearing components and the foundation soil and the variation must be
covered realistically by upper and lower limit values. This applies to all specified degrees of
clearance at the bearing. Relevant information can be found, for example, in [16].

In principle, a planar support would be preferable to an idealized point support in the FEM in order
to avoid singularities, but it is usually only justifiable in terms of effort if the course of the local
stresses at the support is required for the verifications.

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 155

Load input

Area loads on the bridge surface

Expansion loads are applied in areas for cap and roadway areas.

The live loads are applied to the cross-section according to the following figure (load model 1
according to DIN EN 1992-1-2: 2014)

Figure 64: Arrangement of loads in load model 1

The area load is applied to the entire curved surface in the z-projection direction. The individual
load pairs are placed on the lanes in such a way that they are detected in the FE mesh. Only loads
that are completely on the surface of the volume or in the volume itself are considered.

Figure 65: Uniformly distributed load (UDL) on one lane in bay 1

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156 4.3 3D system, restraints and load input

Material properties

The spatial continuum is calculated in a simplified way with the building material concrete. The
(composite) effect of the "slack" reinforcing steel (geometric proportion in the cross-section usually
≤ 2%) is neglected, as is common practice, and is only taken into account in the internal forces -
based design.

The effect of the prestressing is determined by static boundary conditions (see Prestressing).

Material properties of concrete

The modulus of elasticity as mean secant modulus E cm and the Poisson's ratio μ=0.2 for the non-
cracked state according to DIN EN 1992-1-1, 3.1.3 are used as time-independent properties. The
value αT=1∙10-5 is defined as the linear coefficient of thermal expansion.

The time-dependent properties recorded are concrete creep under continuous load stress and
volume reduction due to autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage.

Prestressing:

The prestressing is constructed as a geometric object (curve in 3D). In general, it is a space curve
that cannot be captured by an analytical function, but is approximated by a spline function, for
example. If the tendon position has been determined in advance by means of a simplified parabolic
course in the plane, a sufficient number of support points in x-z coordinates on the parabola should
be determined, which can then be specified as support points on the actual spatial spline in the 3D
model. (See calculation model, chapter 4.1)

The effect of the prestressing is captured by static boundary conditions. The prestressing force P
acts along the local x-direction of the tendon in space. Depending on the type of prestressing, time-
invariant losses due to slip and friction are recorded depending on the location xv along the
tendon. For this, the data from the tendon approval must be taken into account.

The tendons pass through the volume elements and are assigned there from the entry point to the
exit point. This results in a resulting load vector which is applied to the element as an external load.
The actual stressing force is thus applied in the volume element, taking into account the time -
invariant losses.

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 157

Input of design objects for the design of concrete components in GZT and GZG

For the material-specific design of prestressed concrete, stresses must be traced back to internal
forces. Since only stresses are determined in the solid element, it is necessary to use design ob jects
to determine internal forces. In a defined section, the local element stresses are integrated to
internal forces at a defined reference point. It makes sense to select the centroid of the partial
cross-section for the integration, since the resulting internal forces can then be compared with the
internal forces of simplified calculation models without conversion. For the design in the GZT, the
choice of the reference point is irrelevant, since the internal forces are related to the position of
the reinforcing steel.

In NX, the sections are aligned in the global z-direction, as is usual in bridge construction. Due to
the longitudinal slope of the superstructure, this results in (usually very small) deviations between
the component axis and the cross-section. The section in global z-direction generated in the
calculation model is higher than the perpendicular section to the inclined bottom edge.

In this example, measurement objects are placed at a total of 19 design-relevant points in the
longitudinal system (see Chapter 4.2). These run over a length of 1.0 m each, with 10 equidistant
sections per metre. In InfoCAD, design objects can only be guided along a straight line and not
along a curved line. For this reason, a node point is constructed in NX at a distance of 50 cm before
and after the design point on the curved line, in order to generate the best possible approximation
to the curvature.

Figure 66 shows the location of all design-relevant design objects for the overall cross-section and
for the governing main girder 3 (colored green) in the 3D solid model.

Total cross section

Gate Total cross section

Figure 66: Position of the design objects in the 3D solid model

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158 4.3 3D system, restraints and load input

Error source cross-section jumps:

In the gate to the cross girder, a cross-section jump occurs in the longitudinal direction of the
bridge. Since the design object is derived from the geometrically exact design and is now placed in
the FE mesh on the basis of a triangulated surface, a looping section occurs in the approach. The
values in this section are unusable because they are calculated from the partial stresses of the
cross girder, see Figure 67. Possible solutions: curved guidance line or placement of an additional
design object that is realigned in the section.

Figure 67: Design object of the plate beam in longitudinal direction intersects the cross beam

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4.4 Stress-based and internal forces-based evaluation and design

Design on the basis of internal forces

The design in reinforced and prestressed concrete construction is usually carried out on the
cracked cross-section on the basis of linear-elastically determined internal forces. With the
help of the design objects, the control design can also be carried out fully automatically on
the basis of the 3D model according to DIN EN 1992-2.

This also applies to the stress verifications that are to be performed in the cracked state. It should
be noted that the stresses on the cross-section are calculated back from the internal forces and
thus, as quasi averaged values, no longer correspond exactly to the volume element stresses, see
Figure 68 below.

Local Note Stresses on

3D model Internal forces Dimensioning
voltages object the cross
section
≠

Figure 68: Determination of cross-sectional stresses from the 3D volume model as a basis for the stress
checks on the cracked cross-section in the course of design

The comparison of the stresses and internal forces with a simplified system commonly used in
practice shows deviations between 0.5-5 % for the design-relevant points. On closer examination,
these relatively small deviations are essentially due to the simplifications made. For example, the
simplified system was modeled without curvature. As a substitute, the curvature was recorded by a
fictitious load approach according to [11].

Furthermore, in addition to the expected design-relevant internal forces, “new” internal forces
occur that are due to the 3D FE modeling. For example, the actual inclination is recorded in the 3D
model, which is neglected in the simplified system, so that (minor) normal forces occur here, which
play a subordinate role in the design.

Nevertheless, it is essential to point out at this point that the requirements for the control and
engineering evaluation and interpretation of the results increase significantly with 3D modelling.
Comparison tests with simple systems and checks of essential parameters should always be carried
out. The documentation must be structured and complete. Information on this can be found in
[15].

Preliminary investigations based on stresses

For a preliminary design of a prestressed cross-section in the course of design identification and
optimization, it is conceivable for prestressed concrete structures to initially work exclusively with
transverse section stresses in order to carry out a component pre-dimensioning as a design
embedded simulation on the basis of a decompression check and by considering the deformations.
The step of generating design objects, which is currently still relatively time-consuming due to the
lack of automation, is no longer necessary and the process comes very close to a design embedded
simulation in mechanical engineering.

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160 4.4 Stress-based and section size-based evaluation and design

When verifying decompression via stresses on the solid under the quasi-permanent action
combination, the normal stresses σx are considered in the longitudinal direction of the system ,
along the tendon paths in the 3D model.

To do this, the 3D tetrahedral elements must be aligned so that the x-direction follows the
curvature and is parallel to the longitudinal slope. The following steps are necessary for
alignment:

• Selecting the volume elements field by field

• Rotate the coordinate system of the cutting forces
• "x and y" direction (approximated to gradient to represent longitudinal slope)
• "y-radial" direction (at arc center of radius R = 250 m, to avoid curvature in base
crack)

Thus, the coordinate system of the stresses in the 3D tetrahedral elements is oriented in such a
way that the x- direction in the longitudinal direction of the structure changes with the curvature
and the z- direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal slope, see Figure 69.

Figure 69: Aligned coordinate systems of the individual 3D tetrahedral elements

The verification of decompression is performed by evaluating the stresses σx ≤ 0 (top or bottom,

depending on the position of the tendons). Analogously, the check for the transverse direction is
performed with the allowable limit values of the tensile stresses.

The following Table 1 compares the procedure for preliminary design based on volumetric element
stresses with the complete global structural design based on internal forces.

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 161

Table 1: Stress-based preliminary design and internal forces-based approval structural analysis based on
the isogeometric 3D model

Complete global design on the cracked

Pre-dimensioning via volume element stresses
cross-section based on internal forces on
the design object
- Detection in the CCT
Decompression (state I) σc,xx < 0 Decompression (state I and II)
- Concrete compressive stresses
- Steel tensile stresses
Deformations (state I) Deformations (state I and II)
- Initial crack formation/minimum reinforcement
- Crack width (state I and II)
Skewed principal tensile stresses σc > 0 ≤ Skewed principal tensile stresses σc > 0 ≤
fctk,0.05 fctk,0.05

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162 4.5 Example 2: Oblique plate with post-tensioning

4.5 Example 2: Oblique plate with post-tensioning

Another standard case in bridge construction is the skew angle at the crossing of two traffic routes.
In addition to the curvature, this results in skew intesection of the bearing axes, which with
increasing obliquity leads to a change in the load-bearing behaviour from uniaxial tensioning in the
longitudinal direction (crossing angle 90°) to biaxial tensioning in the longitudinal and transverse
directions (angle between 30° and 75°). Although the ratio of dead weight to bending stiffness of
the plates is unfavourable, the production is simple and inexpensive. In particular, when such
bridges have larger spans, prestressing is provided, which significantly affects the biaxial load -
bearing behavior. With the described methodology of a simulation, which is derived directly from
the design model, even such geometrically and in load transfer quite complex structures can be
simulated without additional measures or techniques, as the following example shows:

Figure 70: Completed skewed post-tensioned bridge structure

Figure 71: Derived section for the structure design of the skew-angled post-tensioned bridge in NX

Procedure analogous to chapter 4.1-4.4

1. Development of an isogeometric calculation model derived from the design with

consideration of the geometric and static boundary conditions
2. Mesh generation with volume elements with quadratic approach and calculation
3. Evaluation of the stresses and the integration objects, which trace back the volume
element stresses to internal forces for the material-specific design

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1. Isogeometric calculation model

The tendons are arranged in a fan shape towards the edges in plan. In the elevation, the tendons
are led upwards towards the re-entrant corner to counteract the twisting moments of the slab
from permanent loads, as shown in the section of tendon 3 (SG3).

Figure 72: Position of the tendons in the inclined slab in the design model and in the drawing. "Raised"
tendon guidance in the re-entrant corner to reduce the torsional moments (circled in red), design points
A-E

Figure 73: left: Top view with live load areas, right: Bottom view with bearing points of the calculation
model

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164 4.5 Example 2: Oblique plate with post-tensioning

2. Mesh generation with volume elements

Analogous to 6.2.

3. Evaluation of the stresses and the integration objects

Decompression proof on the basis of element stresses

The reinforcement is laid parallel to the edges in the longitudinal direction (direction of travel).
Thus, the checks must be performed in this local direction and in the transverse direction (y-
direction). The element stresses on which the design is based must be considered in this local
direction so that the element coordinate systems and also the design objects are rotated in this
direction, cf. chapter 4.4. Design objects must also be arranged along the cross girders of the
support area in order to design the cross girder beam in its local x-direction along the support axis.

Figure 74: Course of the tendons (turquoise) in the slab and alignment of the cut size system (stressing
system) parallel to the direction of travel

Figure 75: Position of the auxiliary planes for the determination of the design objects (in reinforcement
direction or longitudinal direction) of the cross beams in the bottom view

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4 BIM2FEM - Design Embedded Simulation in Concrete Bridge Construction 165

The decompression check is performed using the stresses in the x-direction. All stresses σx > 0 are
represented by isosurfaces in the volume with an adjusted step size (see legend in the figure). With
the exception of the load introduction areas of the stressing points (singularity due to a punctual,
infinitely small load introduction area) and the tapered cantilever slabs without prestressing, no
tensile stresses occur in the component. The check in the longitudinal direction is therefore
fulfilled. The allowable edge tensile stresses are also complied with in the transverse direction. It is
important that the stresses considered are related to the node so that actual edge stresses are
considered and not the stresses at the element center of gravity.

Figure 76: Tensile stresses in the longitudinal direction in the quasi-permanent design situation

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166 4.5 Example 2: Oblique plate with post-tensioning

Design in reinforcement direction at design points A, B, C

The reinforcement is designed in the cracked state, i.e. exclusively with internal forces from the
design objects in the reinforcement direction (longitudinal direction) parallel to the edges of the
carriageway. The system of internal forces is automatically transformed by the arrangement of the
design objects in the direction of reinforcement.

In the area of the cross girders, the design objects are also arranged parallel to the edge, since here
the reinforcement is guided in the longitudinal direction of the cross girders.

Design of the reentrant corner (design point E) with biaxial stress state

In the area of the recessed corner, a two-dimensional stress state with increasing torsional
moments on the top and bottom side of the slab develops with increasing obliquity. The
reinforcement direction parallel to the edges deviates significantly from the force flow. For an
economic utilization of the reinforcement as well as a reduction of the deformation in the
transition to the cracked state, an alignment of the main reinforcement on the basis of the
trajectories (out of the corner and perpendicular to it on the underside) is reasonable from an
angle of 15-20° between the main tensile trajectories and the reinforcement direction (Cf. Holst et
al. and Czerny [5]).

The angular deviation can be tracked using the stress trajectories in the solid elements and
used to determine the reinforcement direction.

Figure 77: Stress trajectories of the first principal stress in the volume elements

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5 List of sources

[1] Günthner, W.A.; Borrmann, A. (Eds.): Digitale Baustelle - innovativer Planen, effizienter Aus-
führen - Werkzeuge und Methoden für das Bauen im 21. Jahrhundert, 2011, Springer VDI
Verlag

[2] Kracke, E.-A.; Lodde, K.: Leitfaden Straßenbrücken - Entwurf, Baudurchführung, Erhaltung,
2011, Verlag Ernst & Sohn

[3] Mehlhorn, G. (Ed.): Handbuch Brücken - Entwerfen, Konstruieren, Berechnen, Bauen und
Erhaltung, 2010, Springer Verlag

[4] Egger, M.; Hausknecht, K.; Liebig, T.; Przybylo, J.: BIM-Leitfaden für Deutschland, Information
und Ratgeber, 2013, Forschungsprogramm Zukunft Bau des Bundesministeriums für Verkehr,
Building and Urban Development, reference 10.08.17.7 - 12.08

[5] R. Holst, K.-H. Holst: Bridges made of reinforced and prestressed concrete, design,
construction and calculation, 6th edition, 2013, Verlag Ernst & Sohn

[6] Schmid, Marcel: CAD mit NX 8, 2012, J. Schlembach Fachverlag

[7] Wünsch, Andreas; Vajna, Sanja (Eds.): NX 10 für Fortgeschrittene - kurz und bündig, 2015,
Springer Vieweg Publishing House, ISBN 978-3-658-09188-0

[8] Krieg, U.; Deubner, J.; Hanel, M.; Wiegand, : Konstruieren mit NX 8.5 - Volumenkörper, Bau-
gruppen und Zeichnungen, 2013, Hanser Verlag

[9] Wünsch, Andreas; Vajna, Sanja (Eds.): NX 10 für Einsteiger - kurz und bündig, 2015, Springer
Vieweg Verlag, ISBN 978-3-658-11112-0

[10] Hogger et al.: Das große Freiformflächen-Buch, 2014, HBB Engineering GmbH, ISBN 978-3-00-
046346-4.

[11] Wehnert-Brigdar, A.: On the load-bearing behaviour in plan view of curved composite
beams, Disserta- tion Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 2009.

[12] Borrmann, A.; König, M.; Koch, C.; Beetz, J. (Eds.): Building Information Modeling - Techno-
logische Grundlagen und industrielle Praxis, 2015, Springer Vieweg Verlag, ISBN 978-3-658-
05605-6

[13] neoapps GmbH: Manual for the AEC Suite, 2015

[14] Niggl, A. K.: Tragwerksanalyse am volumenorientierten Gesamtmodell - Ein Ansatz zur Ver-
besserung der computergestützten Zusammenarbeit im konstruktiven Ingenieurbau, Disser-
tation an der TU München, 2007

[15] Rombach, G.: Anwendung der Finiten-Elemente-Methode im Betonbau - Fehlerquellen und

ihre Vermeidung, 2nd edition, 2006, Verlag Ernst & Sohn

© Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, part of Springer Nature 2022 167

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 168 5 List of sources

[16] Rombach, G.A.: Problems in the calculation of reinforced concrete structures using three-
dimensional overall models, 2007, Beton- und Stahlbetonbau 102, pp. 207-214.

[17] BMVI: Stufenplan Digitales Planen und Bauen - Einführung moderner, IT-gestützter Prozesse
und Technologien bei Planung, Bau und Betrieb von Bauwerken, 2015, Federal Ministry of
Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI)

[18] InfoGraph GmbH: InfoCAD15 User Manual, Version 18.12.2015

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6 List of Figures

Figure 1: Two-span bridge, learning example for 3D design in object planning ................................. 71

Figure 2: Data hub for a model-driven BIM in bridge and Civil engineering with important
models and players ................................................................................................................................. 72

Figure 3: Digital terrain model (DTM): survey points (left) and triangular mesh (right) .................... 74

Figure 4: Point cloud without (left) and with (right) constrained lines for slope lines ....................... 74

Figure 5: DTM as a triangulated surface imported into NX and extended to the solid by
extrusion of the edges in z-direction ..................................................................................................... 75

Figure 6: Gradient (top) and corresponding projection in the x-y plane (bottom), planes
and reference axis are defined on the projected gradient (path). ..................................................... 77

Figure 7: Sketch of the road cross-section with clearance gauge and slopes positioned on the
sketch plane and "threaded" and guided at the intersection with the gradient (spline);
horizontal reference vector as reference for defining the cross slope................................................ 78

Figure 8: Extrude (sweep along line) of the road cross-section with slopes along
the route as a guiding curve (spline) ...................................................................................................... 78

Figure 9: left: road profile intersected with DTM, right: excavation body with
Volume analysis ....................................................................................................................................... 79

Figure 10: left: 2D ground plan in dwg format imported into NX, right: foundation extruded
and connected to terrain associatively via a distance dimension of 3 m in z-direction ..................... 79

Figure 11: Clothoid with input variables ........................................................................................ 81

Figure 12: Common sequences of geometry elements in traffic route construction ........................ 83

Figure 13: Gradient in 3D, composed of the route with stations in the site plan and
heights Zi .................................................................................................................................................. 83

Figure 14: Types of transitions between two splines ........................................................................... 85

Figure 15: Cuts and fills, generated by a fictitious road cross-section closed to a solid (left),
which was intersected with the DTM solid by Boolean operations (here: subtraction). ................... 86

Figure 16a: Geometry descriptions in component-oriented CAD, overview ..................................... 88

Figure 16b: Geometry descriptions in component-oriented CAD using the example

of of a bridge pier ................................................................................................................................... 89

Figure 17: History-based design with sequence of time stamps in NX ............................................... 90

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170 6 List of figures

Figure 18: Extrusion techniques in 3D CAD ........................................................................................... 90

Figure 19: Site setup with simplified representation of enveloping bodies.

Crane with slewing range as transparent enveloping body. ............................................................... 91

Figure 20: Cross-section sketch for the superstructure of a two-strut plate beam. ......................... 92

Figure 21: Solid body of the superstructure generated from the extrusion of the linked
cross-section sketch along the route, bounded by the "trimming" at the planes at the
end of the superstructure....................................................................................................................... 93

Figure 22: The design can be "reassigned" from one lead curve to another if it is structured
consistently with the top-down strategy. .............................................................................................. 94

Figure 23: left: Roadway widening guided with three guide curves (splines), gradient (red)
and both roadway edges (blue); right: the substructure is generated independently of the
top by varying the cross-section sketches, Image: Schüßler-Plan, 2015 ............................................. 95

Figure 24: left: Three guidance lines (two in the roadway panel, one in the lower edge
of the box girder and two cross-sections with different parameters for extrusion;
right: visualization of the result.............................................................................................................. 95

Figure 25: Sketch, with groups for "WING WALL LEFT" in Graphic Window and Part
Navigator. ................................................................................................................................................ 97

Figure 26: Finished bridge structure with guiding lines, main levels, superstructure and
substructures ........................................................................................................................................... 98

Figure 27: left: Excavated earth body abutment axis 30 after subtraction from the terrain body;
right: terrain after backfilling ................................................................................................................. 98

Figure 28: Superstructure with caps, guardrail and guardrail simplified as envelope,
LoD 200 .................................................................................................................................................. 100

Figure 29: Example LOD300, geometrically simplified (cladding tube) ............................................. 101

Figure 30: Sketch of an arrangement of two elastomeric bearings ................................................... 115

Figure 31: Bearing, simplified (LoD300) as extruded body ................................................................ 116

Figure 32: Elastomeric bearings adaptively positioned and fitted in the bearing gap ..................... 116

Figure 33: Design of a simplified spherical bearing movable on all sides with five parameters
stored as user expressions, see Parts Navigator ................................................................................. 118

Figure 34: Collision check for penetrations of bodies, here drainage pipe penetrates
abutment wall - missing penetration needs to be added. ................................................................. 120

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6 List of Figures 171

Figure 35: Deviation measurement in NX between a circular arc and a projected spline of
second degree with three interpolation points .................................................................................. 121

Figure 36: An optical deviation alone is not a suitable means of accuracy testing, as this
measurement shows ............................................................................................................................. 122

Figure 37: View from below of the excavated bodies (coloured brown) beneath the
existing site with the part attributes for measuring the volume, each in m³. .................................. 123

Figure 38: Space between upper surface of the clearance profile and the lower surface of
the bridge superstructure (in this case inclined slab). ....................................................................... 124

Figure 39: Master Model Concept. The master model contains geometry, derived
non-geometric data in drawing, simulation, assembly structure reference to the model
and can be updated when the model is changed ............................................................................... 125

Figure 40: Section of a longitudinal section derived from the 3D model in NX ................................ 127

Figure 41: Construction phase 5 as user-defined arrangement of components and

assemblies ............................................................................................................................................. 128

Figure 42: In a sequence, all available (non-suppressed) components are offered within
a build phase (arrangement), which can be dismantled in a user-controlled sequence and
eassembled in reverse run.................................................................................................................... 129

Figure 43: Exemplary representation of important construction phases from the sequence
of the construction process .................................................................................................................. 130

Figure 44: BIM-compliant, isogeometric design and dimensioning of a prestressed

concrete bridge ..................................................................................................................................... 139

Figure 45: Generation and porting of mesh information within isogeometric design in NX,
mesh generation in NX NASTRAN and construction-specific FE modeling in InfoCAD ..................... 141

Figure 46: Construction model with existing building equipment ..................................................... 142

Figure 47: Derivation of the calculation model for the superstructure ............................................ 142

Figure 48: 2D curves of the actual (horizontal!) lane widths for the lane separated
application of the traffic load model projected onto the 3D solid surface of the 3D CAD model ... 143

Figure 49: Intersection curve from surface and plane for creating the constraint lines
on the main axes of the cross beams for the bay-by-bay application of the live load ..................... 143

Figure 50: Intersection of the surface with the projected curves finally generated
the necessary constraining lines for network generation .................................................................. 144

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172 6 List of figures

Figure 51: Boundary of the calculated lanes, main axes of the cross members, guiding lines
of the protective device ........................................................................................................................ 144

Figure 52: Support points and bisectors of the web bottoms as guidance lines for
design objects ........................................................................................................................................ 144

Figure 53: Determining the heights of the tendons using section views
in the 3D model ..................................................................................................................................... 145

Figure 54: Guidance points of the tendons: high, low and inflection points as support points
for the spatial spline function............................................................................................................... 145

Figure 55: Creating the reference plane for the integration and design object ............................... 146

Figure 56: Creating a section view for the integration and design object ........................................ 147

Figure 57: Creating a copy of the section curves ................................................................................ 147

Figure 58: Align section view to plane ................................................................................................. 148

Figure 59: Saving in newly created model view .................................................................................. 148

Figure 60: Position of all design objects in the longitudinal system .................................................. 148

Figure 61: Left: four-node tetrahedron element in NX NASTRAN for defining the geometric
mesh nodes and elements; Right: ten-node tetrahedron element with quadratic
displacement approach for static structure simulation in InfoCAD ................................................... 151

Figure 62: left: faulty, non-contiguous mesh; right: contiguous mesh at the
unified solid ........................................................................................................................................... 152

Figure 63: Tangential bearing of the locally defined fixed positions ................................................. 154

Figure 64: Arrangement of loads in load model 1 .............................................................................. 155

Figure 65: Uniformly distributed load (UDL) on one lane in bay 1. ................................................... 155

Figure 66: Position of the design objects in the 3D solid model ........................................................ 157

Figure 67: Design object of the plate beam in longitudinal direction intersects the
Cross beam ............................................................................................................................................ 158

Figure 68: Determination of cross-sectional stresses from the 3D volume model as a basis
for the stress checks on the cracked cross-section in the course of the design ............................... 159

Figure 69: Aligned coordinate systems of the individual 3D tetrahedral elements ......................... 160

Figure 70: Completed skewed-angled post-tensioned bridge structure ........................................... 162

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6 List of Figures 173

Figure 71: Derived section for the structure design of the skew-angled post-tensioned
bridge in NX ........................................................................................................................................... 162

Figure 72: Position of the tendons in the inclined slab in the design model and in the drawing.
“Raised” tendon guidance in the re-entrant corner to reduce the torsional moments
(circled in red), design points A-E ......................................................................................................... 163

Figure 73: left: Top view with live load areas, right: Bottom view with bearing points of the
calculation model .................................................................................................................................. 163

Figure 74: Course of the tendons (turquoise) in the slab and allignment of the cut size system
(stressing system) parallel to the direction of travel .......................................................................... 164

Figure 75: Position of the auxiliary planes for the definition of the design objects
(in reinforcement direction or longitudinal direction) in the bottom view ...................................... 164

Figure 76: Tensile stresses in the longitudinal direction in the quasi-permanent

design situation ..................................................................................................................................... 165

Figure 77: Stress trajectories of the first principal stress in the solid elements ............................... 166

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7 Subject index

as-built ......................................................... 101 Calculation model ............................... 139, 142

Assembly structure ......................................... 8 – isogeometric ......................................... 142

Assembly .......................................................... 3 Collision check ............................................. 120

Alignment of built/existing traffic routes .... 77 Component .................................................. 4, 8

Associativity .......................... 17, 126, 127, 138 Component / Part library ................... 115, 117

Attribute template ...................................... 108 constraint ........................................................ 6

Attribute ...................................................... 105

Construction
Assembly constraint ................................. 6, 49
– isogeometric ......................................... 138

Construction model .................................... 142

Bill of quantities........................................... 104
Construction process .................................. 128
BIM2FEM ..................................................... 138
continuous .................................................... 84
Boolean operation......................................... 90
Coordination model .................................... 120
Boundary condition
Cost calculation ........................................... 104
– geometric ................................... 139, 152

– static ...................................................... 156

Data integration ......................................... 104
B-Rep,
Boundary Representation Method.. ............ 88 Decompression .................................. 160, 164

Building material ......................................... 106 Design ................................. 140, 146, 157, 159

Building model ......................................... 3, 120 – internal forces ............................... 140, 159

Building stakeout ........................................... 65 – stress-based ......................................... 159

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7 Subject index 175

Design Embedded Simulation ........... 138, 159 IFC, Industry Foundation Classes ... 120, 131 ff

Design object ............................................... 146 Infrastructure ................................................ 77

Design planning .......................................... 100 Integrate as-built parts ................................ 79

DTM, Digital Terrain Model ....... 74, 75, 79, 86 Integration object ....................................... 146

dwg format .................................................... 79 Isogeometric................................................ 142

Employer LandXML ................................................. 19, 75

information requirements (EIR) .........100, 104
Layer ................................................................ 7
Execution planning ...................................... 101

Expression/variable ................. 6, 11, 110, 111 Level of Detail .............................................. 100

Extrusion ..................15, 33, 48, 75, 90, 92, 93 Level of Development ................................. 100

Level of Information ................................... 100

Family ........................................................... 115 linear-elastic ....................................... 140, 159

FEM, Finite Element Method ...................... 138 LoD ............................................................... 100

Free-form surface ............................85, 90, 93 Lofting ............................................................ 90

Geometry description
Mass determination...................................... 86
– Explicit ..............................................88,132
Master Model Concept ............................... 125
– Imlicit ...............................................88,132
Material ........................................ 71, 104, 106
Guide curve ........................... 18, 35, 48, 81, 92
Material properties ..................................... 156

Measurement ............... 71, 104, 110, 121, 124

h-adaptation ................................................ 121
Mesh generation ........................141, 142, 151

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176 7 Subject Index

Metadata ..................................................... 119 Quantity Determination ..................... 101, 110

mobile device .............................................. 127

Reference Set.......................................... 7, 16
Multi-CAD model ......................................... 120
Rotation ......................................................... 90

Object planning ...................................... 71, 72 Route ........................................... 18, 77, 83, 86

Object type .................................................. 118

OpenBIM ...................................................... 120 Semantic data ............................................. 104

Semantics ................................................... 104

p-adaptation ................................................ 121 Sequences ..................................................... 91

Parameter ..............................................92, 110 Simulation ..................................................... 93

Parasolid ........................................................ 90 Simulation model ......................................... 72

Part family .................................................... 115 Site equipment .............................................. 91

Parts family ................................................. 118 Sketch constraint .............................. 5, 24, 25

Plan derivation ............................................ 126 Specialist model...................................72, 120

Planning process............................................ 94 Spline .......................................84, 92, 121, 156

– document-driven .................................... 72
Stakeout......................................................... 65
– model-driven .......................................... 72
Stress-based design ................................... 161
Procedure
Structural model ........................................ 138
– explicit ..................................................... 88
Sweep ....................................................48, 94
– implicits ................................................... 88

Process

– document-driven .................................... 72

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7 Subject index 177

Terrain model, DTM ................... 74, 75, 79, 86

Testing

– geometric .............................................. 120

Top-Down Modeling ...................................... 8

Triangle mesh .......................................... 74, 93

Triangulation ................................................. 74

Variable .................................................... 6, 110

Variant investigation .......................... 100, 102

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