The Project UI is your workspace for viewing, editing, and analyzing bridge models. It consists of several key areas: the top bar, left sidebar, graphics window, and data window.
Project UI layout
Top Bar
The top bar provides quick access to project actions and settings.
View logs from the last analysis run and see if anything changed since then
Clear FEA Results
Delete local analysis results from your browser to free up disk space
Manage Local FEA Results
View all analysis results stored on your machine
Add to Verification Profile
Include project in automated testing that runs with each OpenBrIM release
Creating and opening projects
Library Updates
When library updates are available, a notification button appears automatically. Click it to update your template objects.
Before updating: Library updates may change 3D, FEM, and Spec Check behavior. They might add inputs or modify existing ones. Do not update if your project has been submitted to an agency unless you need new features. Enterprise customers should consult release notes in Slack and contact OpenBrIM support first.
Left Sidebar
The left sidebar provides access to all project views and settings.
Option
Description
Model
3D parametric model visualization
FEA
Finite element analysis model
CAD
2D CAD drawings
Docs
Documents and reports
Project Site
Set project local origin on the map and view alignments. The local origin defines the reference point for computing X-Y-Z coordinates.
Users
Manage project access permissions
Revisions
Access revision history and snapshots
Source Code
Edit ParamML source (advanced users)
Help
Open documentation site
Switching between views
Documents View
The Documents view displays:
Parametric reports - Dynamic reports that update based on project inputs (available after compilation)
Uploaded files - PDFs, images, and other files with options to view, download, share, and digitally sign
Documents view
Upload files by dragging and dropping or using the Upload File button. Create folders for organization.
Performance Controls
Control compilation behavior for large models using the toolbar at the top center of the graphics window.
Pause/FEM/Detailing controls
Save and Compile Timers
Click the clock icon to customize save and compile timers.
Timer
Default
Description
Save
10 seconds
Waits after last change before saving to cloud. Resets if you make another change.
Compile
5 seconds
Waits after last modification before starting parametric computation. Resets if you make another change.
Timer configuration
Save Status Indicators
Icon
Status
Cloud
All data saved
Spinner
Unsaved data - do not close browser
OpenBrIM automatically saves every 2 minutes regardless of timer settings to prevent data loss.
Toggle Controls
Control
Function
Pause
Disable auto-refresh. Data saves but model doesn't update. Click Play when ready to recalculate.
FEM
Toggle finite element calculations (mesh, etc.). 3D view remains active when disabled.
Detailing
Toggle detailed elements (reinforcement, bolts, holes). Keep disabled during analysis for faster compilation.
Using Pause mode
Data Window
The data window is where you enter project parameters. It consists of the tree view and spreadsheet.
Tree View
Each tree item represents a library object. Templates organize objects following the bridge engineering workflow: alignment → geometry → analysis → design → reports.
Different templates show different tree structures based on bridge type. For example, Tub Girder templates include cross-frames and bottom flange stiffeners not found in I Girder templates.
Spreadsheet
OpenBrIM uses familiar Excel-style spreadsheets for data entry.
Feature
Description
Info icon
Opens documentation for the selected object
Cell actions
Right-click or use three-dot menu for copy, paste, parametric values
Fill handle
Drag cell corner to copy values to adjacent cells
Arrow keys/Tab
Navigate between cells
Header actions
Filter, sort, and adjust decimal places
Undo
Reverse last entry
Copying cell values
Resize the data window by dragging the Data bar. Resize the tree view by dragging its border.
Adjusting data window layout
3D Model View
The 3D view displays your parametric bridge model with interactive controls.
3D Model view
Mouse Controls
Action
Control
Zoom
Scroll wheel
Rotate
Hold left mouse button and drag
Pan
Hold scroll wheel and drag
Zoom to object
Click object, then click Zoom Extents
Rotating the model
After zooming to a specific object, rotation will center around that object.
View Tools
Tool
Function
Zoom Extents
Fit all objects in view
Objects list
Show/hide individual objects
View cube
Set camera to specific direction
Settings
Access 3D view options
3D View Settings
Setting
Description
Clipping Plane
Create section cuts through the model
Roadway Surface
Show/hide roadway (displays alignment as line when hidden)
Measure Distance
Measure between selected objects
Section cut using clipping plane
Object Actions
Click on any 3D object to access:
Icon
Action
Eye
Isolate, hide, or show object
Opacity
Adjust transparency
Spreadsheet
Open related parameters
Delete
Remove from project
Isolating and hiding objects
Finite Element Model View
The FEA view displays the analytical model used for structural analysis.
