OpenTower Designer
Communication Tower Design Software
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What Is OpenTower Designer?
OpenTower Designer is communication tower design software that allows you to leverage a comprehensive library of panel types and ancillary equipment that enable quick creation of the structure. Automatically generate loads for any number of directions with user-defined topographic configurations and quickly perform design checks. Create reports with virtually any output – from structure data to loading analysis results to design capacities for members and bolts.
OpenTower Designer is a purpose-built solution for telecommunication tower analysis and design that allows you to leverage a comprehensive library of panel types and ancillary equipment that enable quick creation of the structure. Automatically generate loads for any number of directions with user-defined topographic configurations and quickly perform design checks. Create reports with virtually any output – from structure data to loading analysis results to design capacities for members and bolts.With OpenTower Designer you can efficiently design and model towers, such as lattice towers and guyed masts, as well as equipment like antennas, mounts, and linear appurtenances. When designing in accordance with U.S., Euro, or Australian design standards, you will save time and complete projects faster through automatic scenario creation by combining geometric layers, equipment grouping, and loading criteria. You can also create a physical model by applying hierarchical modification layers with revision history on top of the base geometry using built-in business logic.
![Icon of a folder with a smaller folder behind it, both depicted in a simple, monochrome line art style, representing structural projects. | Bentley Systems | Infrastructure Engineering Software Company Icon of a folder with a smaller folder behind it, both depicted in a simple, monochrome line art style, representing structural projects.](https://www.bentley.com/wp-content/uploads/data-extraction-icon.webp)
Configure Bracing Libraries
Create customizable XML libraries. Configure an XML file to create your own customized libraries for panel bracing, torque arms, and even truss legs. You may also use built-in bracing types that can be extended and configured externally.
Create Realistic Graphics & Models
Use a modern graphical environment to get a realistic visualization of the model. Discrete and linear appurtenances are drawn to scale on your 3D tower model. Visualize precise positioning of the equipment, including feed lines at any elevation and linear attachments.
Customize Equipment Libraries
Customize the robust equipment library, which includes antenna, dish, TME, feedlines, and attachments equipment from all major manufacturers using built-in capabilities.
Design Connections
Define member connections with various bolt patterns, including pre-defined bolt configurations. Automatically consider the effects of connections on member design calculations and check connection efficiencies.
Define External Loading
Define cluster formation of linear ancillaries as well as miscellaneous ancillaries including resistance ancillaries. Use options like ATTACH command to define load distribution criteria from an equipment to the tower.
![OpenBuildings Designer Time and Cost Icon | Bentley Systems | Infrastructure Engineering Software Company OpenBuildings Designer Time and Cost Icon](https://www.bentley.com/wp-content/uploads/building-obd-bim-software-demo-icon-time-cost.png)
Design Tower Foundations
Design tower foundations (U.S., Euro, and Australian code) for tower legs and guy support points, including pad-pier, drilled pier, guy anchor foundations and mat foundations. Automatically design foundations for the most critical load cases for different criteria and review the foundation rating.
Choose the OpenTower Product that works best for you
OpenTower iQ
Real-Time Intelligence
Includes:
Automated mount analysis
Automated data reconciliation & validation
Legacy data digitization
As-built vs as-designed
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OpenTower Mount Analysis
Analyze & Design Realistic 3D Graphics
Includes:
Generate sector frames, platforms, T-arms, and more
Auto-generate loadings and load combinations
Leverage intuitive mount modification tools
Create professional mount-specific reports
OpenTower Designer
Efficiently Design & Model Towers
Includes:
Design towers, connections, and foundations
Create realistic graphics with precision
Configure and customize libraries
Perform advanced analysis
OpenTower Designer Features
- Self Supported
-
Self-Supported
3-Sided & 4-Sided
- Member checks (TIA-222 Rev F, G, H)
- Brace connection checks (bolted, welded; failure mechanisms checked: bolt shear, block shear, member and plate bearing)
- Leg splice connection checks (flange, shear sleeve, splice; components checked: plates, bolts, welds, stiffeners)
- Base plate anchor bolt checks (steel checks)
- Foundation checks (mat slab, pad and pier, drilled pier)
- Guyed Masts
-
Guyed Masts
3-Sided & 4-Sided
- Member checks (TIA-222 Rev F, G, H)
- Member connection checks (Connection types: bolted, welded; failure mechanisms checked: bolt shear, member block shear, member and plate bearing)
- Guy wire checks
- Guy wire attachment checks (types: wing, bat-ear, dog-ear, channel, pull-offs)
- Anchor bolt checks
- Leg splice connection checks (Connection types: flange, shear sleeve, splice; components checked: plates, bolts, welds, stiffeners)
- Foundation checks (pad and pier, guy anchor foundation)
- Monopoles
-
Monopoles
Tapered, Stepped & Hybrid
- Pole checks (TIA-222 Rev F, G, H)
- Bolted splice connection checks (Components checked: plates, bolts, welds, stiffeners)
- Base plate checks (components checked: anchor bolt steel, stiffener plates, stiffener welds)
- Foundation checks (Mat slab, drilled pier)
![OpenTower Designer screen image | Bentley Systems | Infrastructure Engineering Software Company OpenTower Designer screen image](https://www.bentley.com/wp-content/uploads/screen-structuralanalysis-opentower-designer-700x552.png)
Self-Supported
3-Sided & 4-Sided
- Member checks (TIA-222 Rev F, G, H)
- Brace connection checks (bolted, welded; failure mechanisms checked: bolt shear, block shear, member and plate bearing)
- Leg splice connection checks (flange, shear sleeve, splice; components checked: plates, bolts, welds, stiffeners)
- Base plate anchor bolt checks (steel checks)
- Foundation checks (mat slab, pad and pier, drilled pier)
![A computer screen displays a complex software interface for OpenTower Designer, featuring multiple tables, dropdown menus, and a visual diagram on the right side. | Bentley Systems | Infrastructure Engineering Software Company A computer screen displays a complex software interface for OpenTower Designer, featuring multiple tables, dropdown menus, and a visual diagram on the right side.](https://www.bentley.com/wp-content/uploads/design-connections-600x325-1.png)
Guyed Masts
3-Sided & 4-Sided
- Member checks (TIA-222 Rev F, G, H)
- Member connection checks (Connection types: bolted, welded; failure mechanisms checked: bolt shear, member block shear, member and plate bearing)
- Guy wire checks
- Guy wire attachment checks (types: wing, bat-ear, dog-ear, channel, pull-offs)
- Anchor bolt checks
- Leg splice connection checks (Connection types: flange, shear sleeve, splice; components checked: plates, bolts, welds, stiffeners)
- Foundation checks (pad and pier, guy anchor foundation)
![A computer screen displays the OpenTower Designer interface with a 3D model and design parameters. An additional window shows custom tower details and section properties. | Bentley Systems | Infrastructure Engineering Software Company A computer screen displays the OpenTower Designer interface with a 3D model and design parameters. An additional window shows custom tower details and section properties.](https://www.bentley.com/wp-content/uploads/use-built-up-section-catalog-for-telecom-towers-600x324-1.png)
Monopoles
Tapered, Stepped & Hybrid
- Pole checks (TIA-222 Rev F, G, H)
- Bolted splice connection checks (Components checked: plates, bolts, welds, stiffeners)
- Base plate checks (components checked: anchor bolt steel, stiffener plates, stiffener welds)
- Foundation checks (Mat slab, drilled pier)
OpenTower Designer
If you are looking to improve efficiency on your next tower project, you are in the right place. With OpenTower Designer, you can efficiently design and model towers, such as lattice towers and guyed masts, as well as equipment like antennas, mounts, and linear appurtenances.
Efficiently
design
& model
towers
Featured User Stories
Genesys International
Digital Twins Increase Tower Inspection Accuracy
The team enabled smart inventory management of their telecom infrastructure.
Tower Engineering
Optimize Workflows
Minimizing time and maximizing profits is at the heart of OpenTower. Learn about the incredible ROI from Tower Engineering Professionals, Inc.
Johnson Broderick Engineering, LLC.
Experience the Visual, Virtual Difference
Discover how OpenTower Designer revolutionizes tower analysis with precise graphical representations and integrated solutions for optimal efficiency.
Resources
FAQs
OpenTower Designer is a purpose-built solution for telecommunication tower analysis and design that captures real-life workflows, including tower modification, multiple scenario evaluations, foundation checks, and connection designs. It connects to equipment databases to automatically generate wind and seismic loadings, analyze the structure, and produce custom reports. The application’s advanced graphics show a realistic view of the tower, including 3D rendering of equipment and feedlines.
Here are some FREE OpenTower learning resources/webinars available at our eStore. You can also find a lot of resources at OpenTower.com.
If you want to receive tailored training or attend an OpenTower Designer course, Bentley offers extra training and mentoring services. You can choose from tailor-made training, on-demand learning, consulting services, mentoring and more. Access all the learning you need here.
OpenTower Designer offers:
- Powerful graphics and 3D visualizations that suit your workflow
- Standard and custom section profile catalogs making your model easy to maintain
- Layered geometry
- Scenario management
- Built-in foundation design
- Seismic analysis
- Linear appurtenances arrangement module
- Interoperability with many applications
- Import tnxTower or Risa Tower models
- Interoperability with STAAD.Pro and other Bentley products for design, detailing, and drawing generations
- Safe software FME integration
- Preconfigure integration with ProjectWise
The price of OpenTower Designer varies per region. While there are various types of licensing available, a common choice is the 12-month practitioner license offered through Bentley’s eStore. When you purchase through the eStore, you get a Virtuoso Subscription which means you get both the software AND the training, expert services, and custom mentoring you need to get started quickly.
Intel Core i7 or similar
Operating System
Windows 10 x 64
RAM
16 GB minimum, 32 GB recommended
Available Languages
English
For the most up-to-date system requirements, visit Bentley Communities.
Licensing and Subscription options
Choose What is Right for You
One-year license with training
Virtuoso Subscription – A popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses
Get access to software that comes with training – fast! Bentley’s eStore, Virtuosity, offers a convenient way to lease a 12-month license of Bentley software for a low, upfront cost. Every online purchase through Virtuosity comes as a Virtuoso Subscription that includes training and auto-renewals.
With no contract required, it’s easy to get started quickly.
One-time purchase with support
Perpetual License with SELECT
A perpetual license of Bentley software is a one-time purchase, with a yearly maintenance subscription, called SELECT. This includes 24/7/365 technical support, learning resources, and the ability to exchange licenses for other software once a year. With SELECT, you will benefit from:
- License pooling, so you can access your software from multiple computers.
- Access additional Bentley software with Term Licenses, which allow you to pay for what you use without the upfront cost of purchasing a perpetual license.
Annual renewal quotes are delivered directly to your inbox, and our experienced Renewal Representatives are available to answer your questions and guide you through any changes you’d like to make.
Enterprise Organizations
We’ve got your back
For larger organizations with in-depth requirements, we offer plans to provide global pricing and access to our comprehensive portfolio of solutions and success plan services. Contact us about how to get access to software, global best practices, implementation services, training, and technical support to help your organization realize its full potential while addressing your unique needs.