Sections

This section defines cross-sectional shapes for pier caps, columns, piles, cross-frames, and barriers.

Navigation: Properties > Sections

For detailed parameter explanations, see the Sections Reference.

Steps

Step 1: Navigate to Sections

Navigate to Properties > Sections in the tree view.

Navigate to Sections

Step 2: Import Pier Cap Mid Section

Click the three-dots icon on the first cell under Name and select Import Section.

Select OpenBrIM Bridge Objects > Basic Sections > Basic Shapes > Rectangle.

Enter the following dimensions:

• Width: 96 in
• Depth: 96 in

Click Import and rename as PierCapRec_Mid. Assign material as Fc_4ksi.

Step 3: Import Pier Cap Taper Section

Repeat the import process for another rectangle:

• Width: 96 in
• Depth: 48 in

Rename as PierCapRec_Taper. Assign material as Fc_4ksi.

Step 4: Import Pier Column Section

Import another rectangle:

• Width: 80 in
• Depth: 80 in

Rename as PierColumnRec. Assign material as Fc_4ksi.

Step 5: Import Circular Pier Column Section

Import a circular section:

• Radius: 21 in

Rename as PierColumnCircle. Assign material as Fc_4ksi.

Circular Section

Step 6: Import Pile Section

Import another circular section:

• Radius: 20 in

Rename as PileCircle. Assign material as Fc_4ksi.

Step 7: Import Cross-Frame Section

Import from OpenBrIM Bridge Objects > AISC Steel Shape Database > L Type > AISCL8X8X3/4.

Assign material as A709_50.

L Section

Step 8: Create Rigid Section

Add a new row and create RigidSection for rigid connections.

Assign material as RigidMaterial.

Rigid Section

Step 9: Import Barrier Section

Import from OpenBrIM Bridge Objects > Barrier Sections > F Shape Barrier > F Shape.

Assign material as FcCube_NoStiffness.

Barrier Section

Verification

After completing these steps, the section definitions should match the view shown below.

Completed Sections

To view the entire procedure explained on this page, please watch the recorded video below.

Properties Section

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Section Rebar Detailing

For substructure design, rebar detailing can be defined within each section using the Section Editor.

PierCapRec_Mid Rebar Detailing

1. Click the three-dots icon on PierCapRec_Mid and select Section Editor
2. Click the + icon and select Rebar
3. Add top rebar row: 14 rebars, Profile: ASTMA615No9, Material: A615_60
4. Add bottom rebar row: 9 rebars, Profile: ASTMA615No8, Material: A615_60
5. Use Points Spreadsheet to set exact rebar coordinates

Section Editor

Add Rebar

Rebar Properties

Section-Rebar definition

PierCapRec_Taper Rebar Detailing

1. Open Section Editor for PierCapRec_Taper
2. Add 7 rows of 2 rebars at the top (Profile: ASTMA615No9)
3. Add 1 row of 9 rebars at the bottom (Profile: ASTMA615No8)

Taper Section Editor

Taper Rebars

PierColumnRec Rebar Detailing

1. Open Section Editor for PierColumnRec
2. Add top and bottom rows: 10 rebars each (Profile: ASTMA615No9)
3. Add side rows: 7 rebars each (Profile: ASTMA615No9)

Column Rebars

Quick Tip: Section Properties

OpenBrIM automatically calculates section properties when Compute Properties from Shape Parameters is set to Yes:

• Area, Shear Area Y/Z
• Inertia Y/Z
• Torsion Constant

Use the lock icon to view computed properties used in FEA.

Properties Lock

Quick Tip: Section Editor Features

The Section Editor supports:

• Polygon: Draw custom shapes by clicking coordinates
• Template: Import standard shapes (rectangle, circle, I-beam, etc.)
• Rebar: Add reinforcement layouts (line or circular)
• Tendon: Add prestressing tendons

Use Points Spreadsheet to precisely define coordinates for any element.