About Parametric Bridge and Tunnel Components

Autodesk InfraWorks supports the use of parametric bridge and tunnel component parts and assemblies, as well as parametric road decorations for component roads and bridges. You can find these parametric parts and decorations in the Parametric Models tab of the Style Palette. For further customization, you can create new parametric models in Inventor.

Sample Parametric Bridge Components

You can download sample parametric bridge component models to get started, or use any of the default parametric content that is shipped with InfraWorks by double clicking the style in the Style Palette Parametric models tab, then clicking the 'View in Explorer' button.

Recommended Workflow

The creation of parametric bridge components for use in InfraWorks does requires the use of Autodesk Inventor or Autodesk Revit. It is recommended that the creator of the parts, assemblies, or families also adds the parametric components to InfraWorks and validates them before sharing the resulting parametric bridge or tunnel component models with other users of InfraWorks. Parametric bridge and tunnel components should be shared between InfraWorks users by exporting them from the Style Palette, rather than the .IPT, .IAM, or .RFA formats. See To share parametric components.

1. Create a parametric model that represents a bridge or tunnel component, such as a pier, girder, abutment, deck, foundation, or tunnel cross-section.

2. Inventor Only: Be sure to specify which dimensions to expose to Autodesk InfraWorks and mark them as "Key" in the Inventor Parameters window. All parameters marked as 'Key' can be viewed and modified in InfraWorks are called key dimensions.

3. In Autodesk InfraWorks: Open the Style Palette and go to the Parametric Models tab. See Style Palette.

4. To add a new style, click at the bottom of the Style Palette. The Define New Parametric Models window will appear. Click and then select the desired model file from your browser. See: To add parametric bridge and tunnel components to the Style Palette.

5. Configure the Model Details, Part Sizes, and UI Appearance. See To modify parametric bridge and tunnel components.

6. If any further modifications to the original .IPT, .IAM, or .RFA file are required, click the Refresh button button to update the style as well as the each instance of the part found in the model. See Check for Updates

7. When the parametric bridge component model satisfies your project needs in Autodesk InfraWorks, export the style catalog to your local or network system, in STYLES.JSON format. See To share parametric bridge and tunnel components.

8. You can now import the style catalog into any other InfraWorks model using conventional means of data share, such as email, network share, portable hard drives, or online services.

   Note: If a user of Autodesk InfraWorks adds a custom parametric bridge or tunnel component to the Style Palette, once that model is synced to the cloud, any members of that design group can also access the custom parametric bridge or tunnel component by downloading a local copy of the cloud model.