Bentley Bridge Calculation Softwares: Why There Are Many and How They Work Together

 

Bentley Systems provides several bridge calculation softwares instead of a single all-in-one solution. For many engineers, this raises a natural question:

Why does Bentley offer multiple bridge softwares, how are they different, and how do they work together in real bridge projects?

This article gives a clear, engineering-focused explanation of Bentley’s bridge software ecosystem, the role of each tool, how licensing works, and whether this multiplicity is a commercial strategy or a technical necessity.

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Why Bridge Engineering Cannot Rely on a Single Software

Bridge engineering is one of the most complex fields in structural engineering. Unlike buildings, bridges involve:

• Moving traffic loads and lane definitions

• Curved and skewed geometries

• Time-dependent material behavior

• Construction staging and erection sequences

• Long spans and nonlinear structural behavior

• Integration with roads, railways, and terrain

Trying to solve all of these problems efficiently with a single calculation engine would result in:

• Extremely complex software

• Long learning curves

• Poor productivity for small and medium projects

For this reason, Bentley separates bridge workflows into specialized but interconnected softwares, each optimized for a specific engineering task.

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Overview of Bentley Bridge Calculation Softwares

Bentley’s bridge tools together cover the entire bridge lifecycle: modeling, analysis, design, construction simulation, and detailing.

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1. OpenBridge Modeler – Bridge Geometry and BIM Modeling

OpenBridge Modeler is dedicated to bridge geometry and parametric modeling.
Its main purpose is to create accurate 3D bridge models aligned with roadway and railway geometry.

It focuses on:

• Bridge layout and geometry

• Alignment with transportation corridors

• BIM and visualization

It is not intended for advanced structural analysis.

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2. OpenBridge Designer – Central Bridge Design Environment

OpenBridge Designer acts as the core bridge design platform.
It brings together modeling, analysis, and code-based design in a single environment.

It is typically used for:

• Standard bridge analysis

• Code-based design checks

• Coordinating modeling and calculation tools

For many projects, OpenBridge Designer alone is sufficient.

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3. LEAP Bridge Concrete – Concrete Bridge Design Calculations

LEAP Bridge Concrete is optimized for concrete bridge design, especially:

• Slab bridges

• Girder bridges

• Prestressed concrete bridges

Its strength lies in design efficiency and code compliance rather than advanced nonlinear simulation.

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4. LEAP Bridge Steel – Steel Bridge Design Calculations

LEAP Bridge Steel provides similar functionality for steel bridges, focusing on:

• Steel girder design

• Code checks

• Structural evaluation

It is designed for routine and moderately complex steel bridge projects.

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5. RM Bridge – Advanced Bridge Analysis and Construction Staging

RM Bridge is Bentley’s advanced bridge calculation engine.
It is used when projects require more than standard design checks.

RM Bridge supports:

• Detailed finite element modeling

• Construction stage simulation

• Prestressing and time-dependent effects

• Dynamic and seismic analysis

This software is essential for bridges where construction sequencing significantly affects structural behavior.

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6. RM Bridge Advanced and Enterprise – High-Complexity Bridges

RM Bridge Advanced and Enterprise extend RM Bridge capabilities for:

• Nonlinear analysis

• Time-history simulations

• High-speed rail bridges

• Long-span bridges

• Cable-stayed and suspension bridges

These versions are used on major and technically demanding infrastructure projects.

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7. ProStructures – Detailing and Construction Deliverables

ProStructures focuses on detailing and constructability, allowing engineers to:

• Create reinforcement detailing

• Produce steel fabrication drawings

• Prepare construction-ready outputs

It transforms analytical models into buildable designs.

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How Bentley Bridge Softwares Work Together

Bentley’s tools are designed to function as an ecosystem, not as isolated applications.

A typical workflow looks like this:

1. Geometry and layout are created in OpenBridge Modeler

2. Design and standard calculations are performed in OpenBridge Designer using LEAP tools

3. Advanced analysis and construction staging are handled in RM Bridge or RM Bridge Advanced

4. Detailed drawings and fabrication data are produced with ProStructures

This modular workflow allows engineers to apply the right level of complexity only when needed.

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Do You Need to Pay for All Bentley Bridge Softwares?

Short answer: No

You do not need to buy all Bentley bridge softwares to design bridges effectively.

Bentley uses a modular licensing system, meaning:

• Each major software is licensed separately

• Some tools are bundled inside larger products

• Advanced analysis tools are optional additions

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Does One License Give Access to Everything?

❌ No single license unlocks all Bentley bridge softwares

However:

• OpenBridge Designer already includes multiple capabilities, covering many projects

• RM Bridge Advanced or Enterprise is added only when advanced analysis is required

• ProStructures is added only if detailing deliverables are needed

Most engineers do not require all tools.

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Is This a Commercial Strategy or a Technical Necessity?

This is a critical question.

The honest answer:

👉 It is primarily a technical necessity, not a sales tactic.

Here’s why:

1. Engineering Complexity Varies Greatly

A small highway overpass and a long-span cable-stayed bridge:

• do not need the same solvers

• do not need the same nonlinear modeling

• do not need the same construction simulation

Forcing all users into one ultra-complex software would:

• reduce productivity

• increase cost

• discourage adoption

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2. Advanced Analysis Requires Different Engines

Nonlinear finite element analysis, time-history dynamics, and staged construction require:

• different numerical methods

• heavier computation

• specialized validation

These cannot be efficiently embedded into a lightweight design tool.

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3. Different Teams, Different Roles

On real projects:

• geometry is handled by modelers

• design checks by structural engineers

• advanced simulations by specialists

• detailing by drafting teams

Bentley’s approach reflects real engineering workflows.

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What Does a Typical Engineer Actually Need?

• Most bridge engineers: OpenBridge Designer

• Advanced or special bridges: Add RM Bridge Advanced

• Major long-span bridges: RM Bridge Enterprise

• Detailed construction drawings: Add ProStructures

You are not expected to buy everything.

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How to Choose the Right Bentley Bridge Software

Choose based on:

• Bridge type and span

• Project complexity

• Required analysis depth

• Construction staging importance

• Deliverable requirements

This approach minimizes cost while maximizing efficiency.

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Final Thoughts

Bentley offers multiple bridge calculation softwares because bridge engineering itself is multi-layered and technically demanding. Each tool addresses a specific engineering need, and together they form a complete, scalable, and professional bridge design ecosystem.

Understanding how these softwares work together allows engineers to:

• choose the right tools

• reduce unnecessary cost

• improve productivity

• deliver safer bridge designs