Bridge bearing tips

As of bridge modeler version 12, users may specify different girder-bearing properties at each bent and abutment. Overwrite options are located under 'BrIM' > 'Bridge Object' > 'Abutments' and 'Bents'.

The bridge modeler locates bearing links directly below the girder web. To model a different bearing layout, delete the links automatically created, then manually create links as desired. When girder design should not have bearings, create a bearing with zero stiffness along each DOF, then assign that element to simulate the absence of a bearing.

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In version 12, you can use different bearing properties for each girder at a given bent or abutment. In the BrIM > Bridge Object definition, under Abutments or Bents, there are overwrite options that allow you to control the bearing at each girder.

As of version 12.0.2 of the program, bridge modeler always places bearing links directly below each web and it is not possible to change this within the parametric bridge model definition. To model a different bearing layout, you would need to make these changes manually, outside of the bridge modeler. You would need to delete the links at the bearing location created by the bridge modeler and then recreate these links manually. (In some special cases, you can create a bearing property with zero stiffness in each DOF, and use that for the girders that have no bearings. This way, no modifications are needed outside the Bridge Modeler.)