VDOT Structure and Bridge CADD Manual - Appendix D: Tables - Part 10 - Appendix D

Sep 12, 2026

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Appendix D provides instructions for creating and managing tables within OpenBridge Modeler (OBM) for the VDOT Structure and Bridge CADD CADD workflow. It specifies using embedded or linked Microsoft Excel table objects rather than drawing tables in OBM, outlines the insertion steps and required OBM sheet levels, and describes how zoom and re-embedding affect display accuracy. The appendix compares linked vs embedded table tradeoffs across updates, file management, consistency, performance, editing, portability, and size, then lists a preliminary set of standard table templates.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

APPENDIX D: TABLES

D.1 GENERAL

D.1.1 PROCEDURE

D.1.2 LINKED VS. EMBEDDED TABLES

D.2 TABLE TEMPLATES

Appendix D VDOT STRUCTURE AND BRIDGE CADD MANUAL PART 10 Tables Part 10 – Appendix D VDOT STRUCTURE AND BRIDGE CADD MANUAL 27Apr2026 APPENDIX D: TABLES D.1 GENERAL All tables within OpenBridge Modeler (OBM) shall be created as embedded or linked Microsoft Excel files, rather than drawn using separate lines and text within OBM. Use the provided “Table Templates.xlsx” file for all standard tables used in sheet development. These templates are preformatted with the correct fonts and dimension settings to align with OBM sheet standards. Table titles shall use Calibri, size 23, and all remaining text shall use Calibri, size 14. D.1.1 PROCEDURE 1. To insert a table into OBM first create the table in Excel using the provided templates. Then select (highlight) all cells that should be copied into OBM and either right-click and select copy or use the shortcut CTRL-C on the keyboard. 2. Inside the OBM Sheet Model, the current level should be set to SB_Annotation_Object or SB Annotation Text. 3. After selecting the correct level use the shortcut CTRL-V on the keyboard or select Paste from Home-Selection-Paste. A Paste Ole Object tool window will appear. The user should select Paste as: Embedded or Link and Method: By Size. The scale should be set to 1.0. Note: The copied cells will be placed in the drawing as shown in the spreadsheet. When editing an embedded spreadsheet be sure to set the zoom back to 100% and close the file with the desired window/tab open. Otherwise, the table will not display the desired information at the correct size. In addition, ifa table is accidentally resized in the drawing, it may need to be re-embedded or linked to establish the correct size. 4. This will automatically place the table inside the OBM sheet at the correct size and format which is controlled by the Excel spreadsheet. In addition, when using the Embedded VDOT Structure and Bridge CADD Manual D-1 function, should the user need to edit the spreadsheet directly it is permanently linked to the drawing file and can be accessed by double clicking the table in the OBM model. This opens a new Excel file containing all of the formulas and data from the original Excel file. If the user pastes the spreadsheet using the Link function, the original spreadsheet and data are preserved. 5. If a linked file is externally updated (updated without the DGN file being open), then open the Utilities library, click on OLE, then Update Links to update the tables in OBM. Note: If tables from a shared Excel file are placed separately using the Embedded function this will create two separate Excel files, e.g. data will have to be updated in each separate file when changed. For these situations it is recommended to use the Link function and tie all tables back to the original spreadsheet where changes can be input once. D.1.2 LINKED VS. EMBEDDED TABLES Tables are frequently used within OpenBridge Modeler (OBM) to present quantities, reinforcing schedules, and other tabular data. Users may choose to either link tables directly from Microsoft Excel or embed them within the DGN file. Both methods are supported; however, each carries distinct advantages and limitations depending on the project phase and file management needs. The table below summarizes the key differences to help users determine the most appropriate approach for their workflow. Category Linking Tables Embedding Tables | Data Updates | Automatically updates when the Excel file changes. | Static—must be manually reembedded if the source changes. | | --- | --- | --- | | File Management | Depends on external file path; links can break if the file is moved or renamed. | Self-contained within the DGN;
no link dependencies. | | Consistency | Maintains uniform data across multiple | Each table is independent and | | Across Sheets | drawings using one master file. | must be updated separately. | | Performance | Slightly slower load times due to live connection to exte

FAQs

How should tables be created in OpenBridge Modeler (OBM)?

Create all tables as embedded or linked Microsoft Excel files. Do not draw tables using separate lines and text within OBM; use the provided Table Templates.xlsx for standard tables.

What are the basic steps to insert an Excel table into OBM?

First build the table in Excel using the provided templates, copy the required cells, set the OBM Sheet Model level to SB_Annotation_Object or SB Annotation Text, then paste as an Embedded or Link OLE object using Method: By Size and scale 1.0.

When should linked tables be used instead of embedded tables?

Use linked tables during active design and coordination when updates are frequent, since they automatically update when the Excel source changes. Use embedded tables for final plans and submittals where stability is essential, because embedded tables are static and must be manually re-embedded if the source changes.

Sep 12, 2026

Upload by Aria