SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler and the Open BIM Infrastructure Workflow
Author: Dr.-Ing. Martin Siffling, SOFiSTiK AG Nuremberg
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Work completely parametrically from design to execution – using parametric modelling of axis-based infrastructure structures in Autodesk® Revit.®
Since the product launch in the autumn of 2018, the SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler (SBIM) has become an integral part of BIM projects and is frequently used by planners, construction companies and clients. Thanks to the intensive collaboration between the SOFiSKiK development team and the software company’s customers, many functions have been added over the past five years that improve and facilitate planning work and significantly support the BIM process in infrastructure construction. With the developments of the last two years, users can handle the execution planning of concrete structures in infrastructure construction, including prestressing, almost entirely digitally and parametrically.
The SBiM in the context of an Open BIM infrastructure workflow
Alignment axes primarily determine infrastructure projects. Adapted to the alignment and the terrain, additional engineering structures such as bridges, underpasses, tunnels, retaining walls, and many more are necessary. The basis of engineering planning is the common axis and inventory data. During construction, especially for concrete structures, it is essential to record the required reinforcement and prestressing in the 3D model and to generate steel lists or execution plans. This model data is fed back into a large coordination model and into the BIM process. Continuous updating of the model data forms the basis for a digital twin, an essential source for the operation and the entire structure life cycle.
The SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler can import and export digital information and is fully integrated into the Open BIM workflow.
Bridge Geometry Modelling
An engineering structure is designed and developed as a digital model based on the alignment, standard cross-sections, terrain, clearance profiles, and other components. The SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler offers two extensive modelling tools with which cross-sections along an axis are extruded to form a superstructure volume, and substructures are placed on the axis. Variables and other parameters can be integrated, resulting in a fully parametric model that can be adapted and updated quickly and easily. This enables users to incorporate changes in the planning process and use completed projects for new and similar projects using the full parametrics. This allows future planning work to be significantly accelerated.
Reinforcement Generation – Rebar Modeler
Creating the associated reinforcement layouts for concrete structures following static and structural requirements is necessary as part of the design. Curved infrastructure projects often result in more complex and variable reinforcement shapes if the formwork edges are used as a reference. The SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler offers a simple and parametric solution for creating these complex bending shapes in a 3D reinforcement model. For example, cross-section variables can be adopted for the geometry of bending shapes. The 3D reinforcements can be exchanged and applied to other projects using extensive copy, export and import functions.
Modelling of tendons – Tendon Modeler (New from version 2025)
In the case of prestressed concrete bridges, the precise geometric modelling of the tendons is a complex task. Special design rules and boundary conditions must be met here. The anchoring areas, in particular, are very complex. The Tendon Modeler supports the user in modelling by combining several tendons into fully parametrically defined groups using one or more attributes. By changing the parameters, the tendons can be quickly changed and adapted.
Drawings
In addition to digital models, 2D plans are also required for design and execution planning. The SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler offers extensive functions, with cross-sections, top views, and developed longitudinal sections that can be easily created. These views and sections can then be dimensioned using additional functions. Labelling transition curves is also possible without any problems. All labels can be modified afterwards, and the label style can be set to suit the user. With SOFiSTiK Reinforcement, complex reinforcement layouts are assigned to a drawing and positioned, generating a steel list. The plugin’s specific functions, such as the “Overwrite” function, play an important role by simplifying complex layouts in 2D bending shapes and adapting them to the user’s wishes. The steel lists are placed on the drawing or provided as a digital list in ABS format and shared with the fabricator.
What’s next
The constructive collaboration with users, their experience from many SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler projects and the positive feedback reinforce SOFiSTiK’s belief that this product offers added value for its customers in the BIM infrastructure process. With the release of SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler version 2025, the gap has now been closed regarding being able to carry out complete digital 3D planning for concrete structures right up to implementation as BIM planning. This is both motivation and aspiration to make further improvements and additions. SOFiSTiK looks forward to constructive feedback, primarily reports on experiences from reinforcement and tendons.
Summary
The SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler is an application on the Autodesk® Revit® platform for parametric modelling of bridges and infrastructure structures, 3D reinforcement placements and 3D tendon geometries. Axis, routing and terrain data from other applications can be imported and processed further. The final structure model is exported in IFC format and can be fully integrated into an Open BIM process. All modelling functions of the SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler have extensive copy, export and import functions. This makes it possible to draw on the experience and models from previous projects and thus handle new projects faster and more economically.
