# Stiffeners \[SIG] Two types of stiffeners can be modeled for Steel I-Girder Bridges: In OpenBrIM, transverse stiffeners can be modeled in both 3D and as FEM if the related definitions are completed. According to the object definitions, users can either generate the FEM and account for the transverse stiffeners as weight loads and as structural elements (stiffness included) or apply only the weight load on the structure by making the related definitions under **Construction → Superstructure Construction → Girder Erection (Partial) / Girder/Cross-Frame Erection (Complete)** with associated parameters. The available parameters for such definitions are: In both spreadsheets, Girder/Cross-Frame Erection (Complete) and Girder Erection (Partial): * **Splice Load** \[Include/Ignore] * **Stiffener/Gusset Plate Load** \[Include/Ignore] Longitudinal stiffeners in OpenBrIM do not have a finite element model (FEM); however, they can be modeled to enhance the 3D representation and used for design and code checks. The weight loads of these elements can be applied to the structure if the related definitions are completed. If the weight loads of these elements need to be applied to the bridge model, several parameters are available in the spreadsheet under **Construction → Superstructure Construction → Girder Erection (Partial) / Girder/Cross-Frame Erection (Complete)**. By setting the relevant parameters to 'Include' or 'Ignore,' the weight loads of the modeled connection elements can either be applied or excluded. The available parameters for such definitions are: In both spreadsheets, Girder/Cross-Frame Erection (Complete) and Girder Erection (Partial): * **Splice Load** \[Include/Ignore] * **Stiffener/Gusset Plate Load** \[Include/Ignore] For a detailed description of these objects, please refer to the object documentation. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.openbrim.org/templates/steel-i-girder-bridge-workflow/superstructure-sig/stiffeners-sig.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.