FDOT 2004
Cross Section
Workshop
Presented at:
Florida Local Users Group Conference
May 30 – June 1, 2007
Tampa, FL
By:
Denise Broom
Earth Tech
[email protected]
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Overview
• Introduction
• What’s New in V8 and FDOT2004
• What’s New in FDOT2004 MR3
• Warnings/Helpful Hints
Chapter 2 – Getting Started
• Pre-requisites
• Create Cross Section File
ƒ Create/Edit Program
ƒ New Seed File
• Create New Project (Project Manager)
• Draw Pattern Lines
Chapter 3 – Existing Ground
• Generating Cross Sections
Chapter 4 – Ancillary Features
• Introduction
• Accessing Ancillary Features
• Dialog Options
Chapter 5 – Create Shapes
• Introduction
• Automated Superelevation (AutoShape Input File
Maker)
ƒ Superelevation Preferences
ƒ General Considerations
• Superelevation Autoshape Builder
• Superelevation Shape Manager Tools
• Shape Analyst Tool
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• Shape Profiler
Chapter 6 – Proposed Cross Sections
• Additional Ground Work
ƒ D&C Manager
ƒ Adhoc Attributes
• Proposed Cross Sections
• Typical Section Generator
ƒ Typicals
ƒ Descriptions (Help Files)
Chapter 7 – Borehole Navigator
• Introduction
• Workflow
• Accessing Preferences
• Plan Preferences
• Profile Preferences
• Cross Section Preferences
Chapter 8 – Earthwork
• Introduction
• Earthwork Dialog Box
Chapter 9 – Cross Section Sheets
• Introduction
• Cross Section Sheet Composition Tool
Chapter 10 – Cross Section Reports
• Introduction
• Workflow
• Custom Header
• Accessing Cross Section Reports
• DTM Proposed 3D
• Multi-Line
• Profile Grade
• Seeding
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Chapter 1
Overview
Introduction
This workshop is designed to give users hands-on instruction through the process of creating
cross sections using MicroStation V8 (Version 08.05.02.56) and GEOPAK 2004 (Version
08.08.02.07). The versions are important. Many of the functions required for the criteria to
work correctly are not present in earlier versions. The students will create cross sections and
reports using the new criteria developed for FDOT.
What’s New in V8 and FDOT2004
Brand new criteria is being delivered for the Typical Section Generator and Drainage. There
are now 17 typical sections to choose from. Besides the new criteria, there are a limited
number of files that are being delivered. Many of the criteria files from V7, such as sidewalk
and curb, will not be delivered. The criteria files that are included are mainly drainage criteria
files. Input files are being provided as examples only to help users to update personal files.
You can still use input files. However, the users will be responsible for updating to the
FDOT2004 standards.
All define variables are now in one file (variables.x). This was done for ease of maintenance.
There are also new variables called Editable Re-definable Variables (ERV’s). These new
variables can be modified to represent different values with the same variable name in the
same run.
The criteria are now more graphically aware than ever. It looks for elements in the design files
to determine what it needs to draw. When elements are not present in the design files, then the
criteria doesn’t draw those elements in cross section view. The way the criteria find the
elements is by ddb features or attribute tags. This makes it very important to use the Design &
Computation Manager. Along with attribute tags the criteria is also looking for adhoc attributes
on the elements. It is highly recommended to read the help documentation provided with the
typical sections. The documentation clearly explains what the criteria is searching for and how
to set elements accordingly.
There are now warnings placed in your cross sections to help the user. For example, if there is
not enough existing ground, the criteria will draw the existing ground straight out and place a
warning label at the point the new line starts. There is also a warning for designers to check
driveway design when the slopes exceed the maximum slopes per the standard index.
There is a new cross section seed file. This new seed file is set up with models. The idea is to
keep all components of a cross section run together in the same file. Only one person should
be using those files at any given time and it makes checking out all the files necessary to run
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cross sections easier. The models included are Rdxsrd, Xsshrd, Pattrd, and Rdxsrd_shg. The
naming convention of the models is the same as the previous dgn file names. Please note that
this new seed file is being provided to help take advantage of the new model enhancement of
V8.
With the new criteria and enhancements provided in GEOPAK 2004, both new construction and
resurfacing are supported in the same cross section run. There are several new typical
sections provided.
What’s New with FDOT Maintenance Release 3
Urban Ditch
Criteria has been added that will draw a ditch between the curb/shoulder and the sidewalk.
This criteria is triggered from an adhoc placed on the Back of Sidewalk line.
Sidewalks
The sidewalk criteria has been rewritten. The sidewalk features are now controlled through
adhocs placed on the Back of Sidewalk line placed in plan view.
Berms
Criteria has been added that will draw berms. It is triggered from a plan graphic placed in the
design file and features are controlled with adhocs.
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Driveways
The driveway criteria has been rewritten. It is triggered from the driveway line placed at the
back of the driveway and is controlled by adhocs. It has been designed with 4 “pads” each with
independent adhocs to control width, slopes, and depths. A profile can also be used to control
the back elevations of pads 1 & 2. These enhancements should allow for complete control of
the driveways.
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Median Lines
The median criteria has been enhanced. Median lines MUST be used in all divided sections.
This allows for more control of how the medians are drawn. If the median line is not present,
the criteria will treat each pavement independently. Additional adhocs have been added along
with the type of median used for more control of the median features.
Special Ditch Profile Lines
Ditch Profile Lines designate a special ditch profile that the criteria needs to draw to. (This is
not new to MR3.)
Match Lines
Match lines, or side road tie down lines, tell the criteria where the asphalt work stops on side
roads. When the criteria encounters these lines, it will stop and draw straight up or down to
existing ground. The line can also be drawn with the D&C using the item SRTD. (This is not
new to MR3.)
Proposed Edge of Pavement Lines
Adhocs attributes associated with this line tells the criteria which shape cluster to tie with
widening. An example of this would be a left turn lane in a median where the proposed edge of
pavement is closer to the opposite roadway. There are also adhocs which, when assigned, tell
the criteria to slope the pavement from the edge of the last shape to the proposed edge of
pavement line to tie to a profile.
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Plan Graphic Overrides
New concept introduced to allow more control through plan graphics. These lines will override
the redefinable variables when encountered in the design file. These overrides will also allow
for the ability to taper these features. Note: The tapering ability will only function with GEOPAK
2004 version 08.08.
Special Applications
There are now 2 applications that can be run from the D&C Manager that will create a report of
all the adhoc attributes found in a file, plan view or cross section view.
Warnings/Helpful Hints
GEOPAK does not recognize models when searching DGN files. (ie. Pattern lines,
Design files)
The first DGN file of the dgn variables specified must exist or the program will not draw
cross section elements.
You must always have an even number of edges of pavement or the program will not
draw cross section elements. This applies to existing and proposed.
If you are rerunning sections over and over again and realize the drawing of the
elements at each run is getting noticeably slower, minimize MicroStation and bring it
back up.
When running cross sections, there will be a pause when it gets to the ddb file. This is
OK. GEOPAK is loading the ddb in the background and checking the symbology of
every item against the level library.
Read the Help files provided with the typicals.
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Chapter 2
Getting Started
Pre-requisites
Before cross sections can be run there a few files that must be gathered first.
• GEOPAK coordinate geometry database (gpk file) with the horizontal alignment
• TIN file, Site Model, or Site Object (The Site Model or Object is created using
GEOPAK Site and stored in the GEOPAK Site project file (gsf).
• Pattern lines file (This can be a separate file or model in the same file.)
**Note: These files are being provided with the workshop dataset.
Create Cross Section File (rdxsrd01.dgn)
To insure that the correct seed file is
used, use the Create/Edit program to
create the cross section file. The
Create/Edit program has been totally
re-written for FDOT2004. It works
inside or outside of MicroStation. It
can now create projects (directory
structure) and files. The groups of
files have also been changed. There
is no longer a group for cross section
files. The files are included with the
roadway files. This is due to the
elimination of criteria files and the new
seed file with models.
**Note: This file is being provided with
the workshop dataset.
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Create New Project (Project Manager)
The new criteria may only be accessed through the typical section generator within the Project
Manager. A project needs to be created. It is beneficial to set up the working alignment before
going any further.
<Exercise 1>
Draw Pattern Lines
Pattern lines are used to tell GEOPAK where to cut existing ground cross sections. The Draw
Patterns tool may be accessed through the Project Manager, the GEOPAK Road tool frame, or
from the drop down menu Applications/GEOPAK Road/Cross Sections/Draw Patterns by
Station Range.
Six methods are supported for drawing the pattern lines:
• Increment – starts at the beginning station, and draws a pattern line at the given
increment.
• Even – draws pattern lines at stations divisible by the given value.
• Once – draws a pattern line at a given station.
• Critical Points Horizontal – draws a pattern line at each of the critical point (i.e. POT, PC,
PT, etc.) within a chain.
• Critical Points Vertical – Draws a pattern line at each VPC and VPT in addition to the sag
and crest station of vertical curves based on the profile defined in the dialog.
• Superelevation Transitions - The current design file is scanned for Superelevation shapes
created with the specified chain. A pattern line is drawn at the beginning and end of each
Superelevation shape, ignoring the beginning and ending station fields in the dialog. Note
the Superelevation shapes cannot be in a reference file.
The pattern lines are drawn into the current MicroStation design file and are a visual
representation of the where the cross sections will be cut. The user can use the MicroStation
Place Smartline or Place Line command to draw additional pattern lines at any user defined
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location. In addition, MicroStation commands can be utilized to modify pattern lines drawn via
the dialog to lengthen, shorten, delete, copy, move, etc.
**Note: This should be completed before the existing ground cross sections are generated.
<Exercise 2>
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Chapter 3 Existing Ground
Generating Cross Sections
The Draw Cross Sections tool can be accessed by selecting Applications > GEOPAK ROAD >
Cross Sections > Draw Cross Sections from Surfaces. It can also be invoked from Project
Manager by clicking Existing Ground Cross Sections or by selecting Draw Cross Sections from
Surfaces from the GEOPAK ROAD tool frame.
Once the pattern lines have been drawn, the cross sections can be generated. Note the Job
Number must be defined in order to populate the Chain list. Once the Chain is defined, the
dialog unghosts.
The dialog contains a menu bar with three listings:
Standard file utilities to load, or save settings, plus a dialog exit option.
File
Options to Cut, Copy and Paste rows in the surfaces list box. Also, save
Edit
and restore settings in the RSC file or clear list of all surfaces.
User-defined options on how the software handles the redrawing of cross
Update
sections.
Options:
Three Update Options are supported, along with a Query option:
When this option is activated, any existing ground lines
Delete Existing
Elements and Redraw previously drawn with this tool are deleted and new ground
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lines are drawn.
Delete Non-modified
Elements and Redraw
Draw on Top of
Existing
Query
When this option is activated, any existing ground lines
previously drawn with this tool are deleted and new ground
lines are drawn.
When this option is activated, any previously drawn ground
lines are ignored and a new set is drawn, resulting in two sets
of ground lines.
When activated, the user is prompted each time Draw is
clicked.
Two tabs on the dialog support the input data required to draw cross sections:
XS Cells Defines the location of cross sections utilizing either pattern by station or pattern
by design. In addition, the scale and spacing are defined on within this tab.
Surfaces Define the surfaces utilized for drawing cross sections. Note multiple surfaces
may be drawn in a single processing. Source data includes GEOPAK TIN files,
Site Models, or Site Objects.
On the XS Cells tab, the Pattern group box has three choices:
Pattern by Utilizes Begin and End Station values in addition to an Increment/Even option
Station
and Left and Right Offset fields to determine cross section location. This works
well when no sections are needed that are at odd stations, skewed or kinked
relative to the Chain.
Pattern by This method utilizes graphical representation and draws one cross section for
DGN
each line or line string of the specified parameters. Those parameters include
Design File which is the name of the file that contains the lines and line strings
in addition to their associated symbology.
No user input is required, as this option draws ground lines only for cross
In
Existing
section cells which were previously drawn. Therefore, no other pattern
requirements are needed.
Only
<Exercise 3>
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Chapter 4
Ancillary Features
Introduction
The placement of existing underground utilities onto cross section sheets has been simplified
by the use of an interactive dialog called Draw Ancillary Features. This dialog interacts with a
selected utility design file that contains elements with the correct symbology or features that
represent various types of utilities. It will search for specific utilities, measure the horizontal
distance from a controlling baseline and plot a user defined symbol or cell at a specified depth
of cover, based on a tin file. If the existing underground utility design file contained chains and
related profiles for those chains, then exact elevations could be plotted.
ACCESSING DRAW ANCILLARY FEATURES
From MicroStation, select Applications > GEOPAK Road > Cross Sections >Draw Ancillary
Features --or—
From the Road toolbox pick the Draw Ancillary Features button.
Figure 3-16: Road Toolbox – Draw Ancillary Features
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Draw Ancillary Features Dialog Options
FILE OPTIONS
Load
Save
Save As
Exit
Hint
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Loads a previously saved settings file (.afd).
Saves the dialog settings into a settings file (.afd).
Saves the dialog settings into a new settings file (.afd).
Closes the dialog.
At the time of this writing, the Edit and Update Options do not function. These
options have been added as placeholders for future enhancements.
Job
Required to identify the coordinate geometry database wherein the chain
for generating the desired offsets of the utility is stored.
Chain
Alignment used to generate the cross section or profile cell.
The subsequent specifications of station ranges and left/right offsets are
computed relative to this chain when pattern by station is utilized. If pattern
by design is utilized, the intersection of each pattern line with the baseline
determines the station of the cross section.
View
Defines the type of view that the utilities will be plotted to; Profile or Cross
Section.
Label Scale
Utilized when the By Feature Display settings option is utilized. The
specified Label Scale is compared to the scale within the D&C Item and the
text is adjusted based on the ratio between these two scales. Note this
option is only utilized if the text setting in the D&C Manager is set to scale,
not fixed.
Station Limits When the Chain field at the top of the dialog is populated, its beginning and
ending station are displayed in the Station Limits group box. The defaults
may be utilized if the entire profile is drawn. However, manually entering
stations or clicking Set Station and graphically identifying a location is
supported. In the case of cross sections, the stations are determined by the
pattern lines and the correct stations are not necessarily displayed.
Draw
Draws / updates the ancillary data.
LIST BOX
Each ancillary feature to be drawn must be added to the list box. This is accomplished via the
action icons on the right side of the dialog. Required information is the definition of offset,
elevation and display settings.
Add Element Set
Adds the ancillary information to the list box.
Modify Element Set
Modifies the currently selected ancillary item in the list box.
Delete Element Set
Deletes the currently selected ancillary item in the list box.
Draw
Disables/Enables the drawing of the profile on the profile cell.
INTERSECTING ELEMENTS
The Intersecting Elements section of the dialog is where the user defines how the horizontal
(offset) and vertical (elevation) parameters for the ancillary feature will be computed.
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HORIZONTAL PARAMETERS
A variety of data sources exist to define the horizontal location of the desired ancillary feature.
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Chain
COGO chain stored in the GPK file defined at the top of the
dialog. The location of the chain is used to determine the
horizontal location of the ancillary feature.
Survey Chain
Survey chain stored in the GPK file defined at the top of the
dialog. The location of the chain is used to determine the
horizontal location of the ancillary feature.
Level Symbology
Scans the specified design file and uses any element of the
specified symbology if it crosses the profile or cross section
cell. The location of the element is used to determine the
horizontal location of the ancillary feature.
Feature
Scans the specified design file and uses any element of the
specified D&C feature symbology if it crosses the profile or
cross section cell. The location of the element is used to
determine the horizontal location of the ancillary feature.
Vertical parameters
A variety of data sources exist to define the vertical location of the desired ancillary feature.
Survey Chain
Profile
Extract Elevation
Vertical Offset
Elevation will be determined from the specified Survey Chain.
Elevation will be determined from
the specified profile.
Enable this toggle and then select on of the
following data sources:
TIN
Elevation will be determined from the tin
file at the horizontal location of the ancillary feature.
Level Symbology
Scans the limits of the profile or
cross section cell and uses any element of the specified
symbology. The elevation is then determined from this
element at the horizontal location of the ancillary feature.
Feature
Scans the limits of the profile or
cross section cell and uses any element of the specified D&C
feature symbology. The elevation is then determined from
this element at the horizontal location of the ancillary feature.
This offset is applied to the elevation after it is determined
from one of the sources detailed above.
DISPLAY SETTINGS
Three options are supported for displaying the ancillary features.
Cell
Cell Name
Symbology
Cell drawn to represent the ancillary feature.
Activating this toggle and specifying the symbology will
override the graphical symbology of the given cell.
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Scale
Scale used for cell placement.
Apply Vertical Exaggeration Activating this toggle and setting the scale will distort the cell.
Justification
A variety of standard justifications are supported.
SYMBOL
Symbol
Symbology
Justification
Width
Height
Set the desired symbol from a standard pictorial list.
Specifying the symbology will set the graphical symbology of the
symbol.
A variety of standard justifications are supported.
Width of the symbol. If no height is given then this value will be used
for both the height and the width.
Enable the toggle and specify the height of the symbol. Setting a
value different from the width will result in distortion of the symbol.
TEXT
Sample
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Double-clicking on the sample graphic will access the Text
Symbology dialog. This dialog allows the user to set the symbology
of the text to be placed as well as any desired offsets.
Angle
Label
Text can be rotated by setting the angle.
Any desired text string can be inserted and used.
Picking this icon will display several intrinsic variables than can be
used in the creation of the label. These intrinsic variables (e.g.
Station, Offset, Elevation, etc.) must be encompassed by brackets
{}.
Hint
FDOT has developed two .AFD files that contain typical ancillary features, existing
and proposed, based on FDOT standard features. The two files, fdot2004_e.afd
and fdot2004_p.afd, are located in the FDOT2004\GEOPAK\bin folder. To utilize
one of these files, select File > Load from the Draw Ancillary Features dialog and
navigate to this folder.
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Chapter 5 Create Shapes
Introduction
Shapes are used by GEOPAK to determine the proposed cross slopes of the cross sections.
**Note: For today’s workshop we are running cross sections in Shapeless mode. The following
information is provided as a reference.
GEOPAK supports a myriad of options for the definition of pavement on proposed cross
sections. They range from a single slope specification emanating from a baseline / profile on
each section, to a complicated multiple roadways, each with its own superelevation transitions.
The most basic is the project where no superelevation transitions are required, i.e., the roadway
slope for all pavement (if any) can be specified as a single value. In this case, the slope can be
defined with the proposed cross section processing and any additional superelevation work is
not required. Another option is the definition of superelevation when roadways are constant
widths without tapers, i.e., turn lanes, acceleration and deceleration lanes, etc. In these areas,
the automated superelevation can be utilized, based on a user-defined design speed and
considering the geometry of the specified roadway. After careful review of the data (in ASCII
format) and overriding the computed values, GEOPAK draws pavement representations as
complex shapes into a MicroStation 2D design file. A third option is the definition of
superelevation when roadways are not constant widths, i.e., gore areas, turn lanes,
acceleration and deceleration lanes, etc. In these areas, graphics elements within a
MicroStation 2D design file are utilized to create complex shapes which define the
superelevation transitions. A combination of these tools can be combined with a project, or
even within a single roadway. The shapeless mode is excellent for rural applications, low
volume city streets, frontage roads, etc., while the automated method quickly generates
automated shapes for more complex roadways. Any area which cannot be defined via the
automated method can be augmented by the graphical method.
AUTOMATED SUPERELEVATION (AUTOSHAPE INPUT FILE MAKER)
The Automated Superelevation tool can be accessed by selecting Applications > GEOPAK
ROAD > Cross Sections > Superelevation Shape Manager Tools. It can also be invoked from
Project Manager by clicking the Calculate Superelevation button or by selecting the Automated
Superelevation icon from the GEOPAK ROAD tool frame. The GEOPAK Superelevation
package enables the user to create, edit, and run an autoshape input file quickly, basing it on
an existing COGO alignment. A rich set of preferences is available which gives the user
complete control over every aspect of the standardization of the superelevation design process.
AASHTO Method V is available as a default, along with the ability to employ user-defined
lookup tables both for e (superelevation rate) and for runoff length. User-defined equations
may also be entered to compute these values. A thorough set of options is available for
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resolving the superelevation conflicts of Reverse Curves, Compound Curves, Broken Back
Curves, and Short Curves.
GEOPAK calculates superelevation transition locations for any alignment stored into the
coordinate geometry database. The main superelevation dialog is simple and straightforward,
allowing the user to select which preference file is to be used for the current session, as well as
enabling the entry of the typical section lane configuration in the simple engineering terms of
Number of Lanes, Lane Widths, Median Width (if any), and Cross Slope. More complex lane
configurations may be represented as needed. Upon computation of the superelevation
parameters (cross slopes and stationing), the information is stored in an ASCII file, where the
user may review and modify the transitions, if desired. After reviewing the information, the
ASCII file is executed from the Autoshape Builder to generate superelevation shapes.
Job
Chain
Begin Station
Coordinate geometry database containing the desired chains and profiles.
GEOPAK baseline chain dictating the horizontal geometry for which
superelevation transitions are calculated. This chain is also called the
Shape Cluster Baseline in the Auto Shape input file.
When the chain is defined, GEOPAK populates the Begin Station with the
default beginning of the chain. To compute superelevation for part of a
chain, adjust the station.
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End Station
Design Speed
Preference File
e selection L
selection
Facility
Left / Right tabs
Create Input File
Generate
Superelevation
Transitions
Profile
Tie
Offsets
% Slope
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When the chain is defined, GEOPAK populates the End Station with the
default beginning of the chain. To compute superelevation for part of a
chain, adjust the station.
Design speed that determines what Design Speed is to be used either in
the tables or equations for e and length computations.
The Preferences File combo box selects which Preference File is to be
used for this computation. The various Preferences Files which are
available in the combo box are determined by what files have the .sep file
extension in the Preference Files Path on the User Directories dialog.
When it is set, the available e and length Selection combo boxes are filled
in according to the csv file names as specified in the Preferences File.
Those combo boxes determine which table within the .csv file will be used
for computation.
Facility determines whether the roadway cross section is to be divided or
undivided. This option determines two things. For the dialog box, it
determines whether or not the values Profile, Tie (Offset or PGL), and or
the Tie or PGL values may be different. If they are different then two
shape clusters are to be generated, which usually is required for a median.
The state of the Facility option button also determines which Preference is
used as found on the Distribution tab of the Preferences dialog.
The area enclosed in the Left / Right tabs are for the determination of
values specific to shape clusters.
NOTE: The right and left tabs contain data pertaining to each lane within
each roadway. If the Facility is undivided, then the left tab is for the left
lane(s) while the right tab is for the right lane(s). If the Facility is divided,
then the right tab is for the entire right roadway, while the left tab is for the
left roadway.
ASCII file wherein GEOPAK creates the autoshape input file. DO NOT
include the extension, as GEOPAK adds .inp to the field.
Commence automatic superelevation calculations
GEOPAK profile defined as the Shape Cluster Profile in the Auto Shape
input file.
Offset - Horizontal distance from the Profile (PGL) to the Chain. PGL
Chain - Chain stored in the gpk file that the shapes will be computed from.
This chain does not require a profile be stored with it as the defined profile
will be applied to this chain.
Offsets define the dimension of the shape (usually a lane) by two offset
distances from the baseline. Note that tapers are not supported. Offset
distances are negative if measured to the left. . Each lane must have the
same offset on the left as the left adjacent lane and must have the same
offset on the right as the right adjacent lane (no gaps in offsets).
Computation may not proceed if this condition is not met.
Cross slope of each shape in normal crown in percent format. A negative
sign denotes the roadway going downward, while emanating away from
the PGL. A Normal Crown section of 2.0% would, therefore, be entered as
–2.0. Lane offset values are entered in terms of master units, i.e., feet or
meters.
Dependent /
Independent
Edit buttons:
Add Delete
Modify
Quick Entry
(second to bottom
tool to the right of
the list box)
One dependent shape, which is based on the profile, is required for each
cluster. Other shapes are drawn not based on the profile, but on adjoining
lanes, and are independent. For example, turn lanes are drawn abutting
next to the mainline roadway, so they are independent. However, a lane
based on the profile for its initial elevation, such as one of the through
lanes, is profile dependent.
Add – populate the fields and click Add.
To delete a line, highlight the desired line, then click the Delete. To
modify a line, highlight the desired line, click once on the value to be
modified. The value will be placed in an edit mode. Change the value
then hit enter or tab out of the field.
Enables the user to populate the shape cluster list boxes quickly while
entering the data using engineering terminology.
If Offset values have been entered that create a gap between lanes, the
Rectify Lanes
(bottom tool to the Rectify Lanes option removes this gap. Click Rectify Lanes and the
right of the list
values will be modified so that any gaps are removed.
box)
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Selection of the Generate Superelevation Transitions button performs the actual
superelevation computations. Three things happen at this point.
• First, the superelevation
transitions as computed by
GEOPAK are written to the
Autoshape Input File specified
by the user (in the Create Input
File field).
• Second, the log file is written.
• Finally, the Autoshape Input
File is loaded into the text
editor running within
MicroStation. This Autoshape
Input File Editor has an icon at
the top that allows the
Autoshape Input File to be run.
Autoshape Input files can also
be run from the Autoshape
Builder.
EXAMPLE - AUTO SHAPE ASCII INPUT FILE
/* Superelevation Settings and Parameters:
Project Name: c:\data\geo\road1\road1.prj
User:
c:\data\geo\road1\projdbs\john
Run Name:
mainline
Unit System is english.
Created input file "shapes.inp".
Created activity log file "shapes.log".
Created on Thu, Sep 14, 2000 at 20:49.
Using Preference File "english"
Using e Selection of "4% e max".
Using Length Selection of "all cases"
Using Design Speed of 50.000000.
*/
auto shape
job number = 101
auto shape set
shape cluster baseline = MAINLINE
shape cluster profile = MAINLINE
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shape cluster tie
= 0.0000
independent shape
chain / offset
MAINLINE -24.0000
MAINLINE -12.0000
filler line station / slope
285+00.000000 -2.0000
309+86.769099 -2.0000
310+82.975995 -2.9000 /* Spiral ML-1B, Curve ML-1 */
322+09.788913 -2.9000 /* Curve ML-1, Spiral ML-1A */
323+05.995809 -2.0000
330+39.791738 -2.0000
auto shape set
shape cluster baseline = MAINLINE
shape cluster profile = MAINLINE
shape cluster tie
= 0.0000
dependent shape
chain / offset
MAINLINE -12.0000
MAINLINE 0.0000
filler line station / slope
285+00.000000 -2.0000
309+86.769099 -2.0000
310+82.975995 -2.9000 /* Spiral ML-1B, Curve ML-1 */
322+09.788913 -2.9000 /* Curve ML-1, Spiral ML-1A */
323+05.995809 -2.0000
330+39.791738 -2.0000
auto shape set
shape cluster baseline = MAINLINE
shape cluster profile = MAINLINE
shape cluster tie
= 0.0000
dependent shape
chain / offset
MAINLINE 0.0000
MAINLINE 12.0000
filler line station / slope
285+00.000000 -2.0000
305+59.182892 -2.0000
310+82.975995 2.9000 /* Spiral ML-1B, Curve ML-1 */
322+09.788913 2.9000 /* Curve ML-1, Spiral ML-1A */
327+33.582016 -2.0000
332+70.560969 -2.0000
Plot Parameters
Dependent Shape
lv = 63
27
co = 6
lc = 0
wt = 2
Dependent Text
lv = 63
co = 6
Independent Shape
lv = 63
co = 1
lc = 0
wt = 2
Independent Text
lv = 63
co = 1
Write shapes into dgn = C:\data\geo\road1\Pat-shp.dgn
Automated Superelevation Preferences
A rich set of preferences is available which gives the user complete control over every aspect
of the standardization of the superelevation design process. AASHTO Method 5 is available as
a default, along with the ability to employ user-defined lookup tables both for e (superelevation
rate) and for runoff length. User-defined equations may also be entered to compute these
values. A thorough set of options is available for resolving the superelevation conflicts of
Reverse Curves, Compound Curves, Broken Back Curves, and Short Curves.
The Preferences Dialog can be opened from the Automated Superelevation dialog by selecting
Preferences from the File menu.
The dialog consists of a simple menu bar containing File utilities, four shortcut icons (also for
File utilities) and a variety of tabs. As each tab is selected, the dialog dynamically changes to
reflect the selection. The small left and right arrows to the right of the tabs scroll to display the
tabs. Each press of one of the arrows moves the tabs one position.
Generally speaking, the left-to-right progression of the tabs matches closely with the order of
processing which GEOPAK goes through when computing superelevation. Therefore, the
detailed descriptions of the various items under each tab are presented within the following
discussion of the Superelevation Computation Process.
Note
28
FDOT has two predefined preference files available to their users – one for rural
conditions and one for urban projects. Select the appropriate file per project. For a
typical project the preferences will need to be modified based on project conditions.
If so, copy the appropriate SEP file to the project directory and modify as needed.
Outlined below is each tab and typical adjustments that will be made for each type of
project.
e Tab
The first step in the process is the computation of e for each curve. Regardless of the manner
of computation, e computation is based on the curvature of each curve and the Design Speed.
This option determines which method GEOPAK uses to
E Method:
Radius Table
compute e. The available methods are AASHTO Method 5,
AASHTO Method 5
Radius Table, and Equation.
Equation
When Methodology is AASHTO Method 5 or Radius Table,
Table name
this field contains the name of the csv file in which to find the
tables. Generally, no path should be given in the file name
since these are controlled by Environmental Variables and/or
user control in the Superelevation Computation dialog. If a
path is specified along with the csv file name, that path will be
used regardless of other methods of setting the path such as
Environmental Variables. If Methodology is Equation, the
text field is the location where the equation is entered.
Pressing the Files button opens the dialog, wherein the
desired file may be selected. Pressing the Edit button opens
the editor specified in the environmental variable
GPK_SUPER_EDITOR and should normally be set to Excel
or some type of spreadsheet application.
Specifies how GEOPAK is to interpolate between Design
Speed Interpolation:
Linear
Speed columns if the user selects a Design Speed which is
Closest Entry
not found in the table. Speed Interpolation applies to both the
AASHTO Method 5 table and Radius Table for e
Conservative Entry
computation,
29
Radius Interpolation:
Linear
Closest Entry
Conservative Entry
Radius Interpolation only applies to the Radius Table option.
This interpolation option button specifies how GEOPAK is to
interpolate between Radius Rows if the given Radius does not
have a corresponding row with an exact match in the table.
Note
E Rounding
Increment
For rural conditions, the default is fine. For
urban, the Radius Interpolation should be set
to Conservative entry.
Applies to e regardless of how it is computed. . This is simply
rounding to the nearest evenly divisible number of the
rounding value. For example, if e-rounding were set to 0.25,
and e as it is computed from a table comes out to be 3.789,
the value would be rounded to 3.75, which is evenly divisible
by 0.25. Set a value of 0.00 to disable the rounding of e.
Runoff Length Tab
The second step in the process of computing Superelevation transitions is the computation of
Unadjusted Length, which is the Runoff Length as if the roadway had two lanes only. (Adjusted
Length is the true Runoff Length, adjusted for the true roadway width.) In all methods of
computation of Unadjusted Length, the computation is based on the rounded e value for each
curve.
If one or both sides of a curve (ahead and/or back) have a spiral, no length computations need
to be made for the part with a spiral since the length of transition is dictated by the length of the
spiral. Within the Spiral Distribution group box, the user has the option to determine how spiral
lengths are matched to Superelevation Transition lengths.
If the option is set to Spiral Length = Runoff Length, the Runoff Length is the same as the
spiral length. Runoff begins with the TS or CS and ends at the SC or the ST. Tangent Runout
falls on the adjacent tangent, outside of the spiral. If the option is set to Spiral Length =
Runoff Length + Tangent Runout, Runoff and Tangent Runout lengths are set such that the
Total Transition Length equals the spiral length, and the Tangent Runout falls on the spiral.
30
The remainder of the items on the Runoff Length tab page have to do with Unadjusted Length
computation for circular curves in which either the back, ahead, or both sides of the curve are
not spirals.
Runoff
Length
Method
All methods for computation of Length use e and Design Speed as the
primary inputs. The Length Method option button determines which
method GEOPAK will used to compute the Unadjusted Length. The
supported methods are e Table, Relative Gradient Table, and
Equation, each of which is detailed following the explanation of the
dialog items.
Table Name
When the Method is AASHTO Method 5 or Radius Table, this field
contains the name of the csv file in which to find the tables. Generally,
no path should be given in the file name since these are controlled by
Environmental Variables and/or user control in the Superelevation
Computation dialog. If a path is specified along with the csv file name,
that path will be used regardless of other methods of setting the path
such as Environmental Variables. If Methodology is Equation, the text
field is the location where the equation is entered. Pressing the Files
button opens the dialog, wherein the desired file may be selected.
Pressing the Edit button opens the editor specified in the
environmental variable GPK_SUPER_EDITOR and should normally be
set to Excel or some type of spreadsheet application.
Speed
Specifies how to interpolate between Design Speed columns if the user
Interpolation: selects a Design Speed which is not found in the table. Speed
Interpolation is applicable to e Table and Relative Gradient Table.
E
Specifies how to interpolate between e Rows if the given e value does
Interpolation: not have a corresponding row in the table. e Interpolation applies only
to e Table.
Linear
Closest
Entry
Conservative
Entry
Linear Interpolation causes GEOPAK to perform a straight-line
interpolation between the two possible values.
Closest Entry forces the computed value to equal a value found in the
table. Which value to select is determined by how close the indexed
number is to either of the two choices. For example, if radius equals
1150, but the closest values available in the table are 1200 and 1000, e
would be computed based on the 1200 radius row because 1150 is
closer to 1200 than it is to 1000.
Conservative Entry forces the computed value to equal the more
conservative of the index values. As an example, if Design Speeds of
60 and 70 are available, and a user enters a Design Speed of 62, the
actual value would be set to 70 because it is more conservative than
60. For Design Speed, Conservative Entry causes the value to be
adjusted upward. For radius, it causes the value to be adjusted to the
higher radius. For e (indexing to compute length), Conservative Entry
31
causes the higher e-value to be used.
Width Basis:
Nominal
Lane Width
Actual Lane
With
Width Basis is used by GEOPAK to determine how to compute
Unadjusted Length if the inside lane has a width differing from Nominal
Lane Width.
As an example let us consider a Typical Section with four lanes and no
median. The inside two lanes are ten feet wide and the outside two
lanes are fourteen feet wide, while the Nominal Lane Width is twelve
feet.
If Width Basis option is set to Nominal Lane Width, and the value read
from the table (or equation) is 35, no change is made to that value.
If Width Basis option is set to Actual Lane Width, and the value read
from the table (or equation) is 35, that value is multiplied by 12 over 10,
resulting in an Unadjusted Length of 42.
Note
Consider
Half Lane If
Width <
For rural projects the default values do not need modified.
For urban projects, the Nominal Lane Width should be set
for each project..
It is common that five or seven lane roadway sections have the crown
point in the center of the middle lane. In order to model this correctly,
that middle lane must be represented as two lanes, each being half the
true lane width.
Several options which adjust the runoff length must have an accurate
count of the number of lanes. By modeling a five lane section with six
lanes, this count is not correct.
This situation is resolved by specifying a width below which a lane is
counted as a half lane. In this way, the five lane section modeled by
four full lanes and two half lanes is correctly considered by GEOPAK to
have five lanes.
As an example, if the center turn lane of a roadway were 16 feet wide,
the left and right halves of the center turn lane would each be 8 feet. If
the Consider Half Lane if Width < text field were set to 8 (or 9 or any
number greater than or equal to 8), those two lanes would be
considered together as one lane for the purpose of counting lanes in
preparation for making the Runoff Length Adjustment.
Runoff
Rounding
The value in Length Rounding Increment applies to Unadjusted Runoff
Length regardless of how it is computed. See the Overview section for
an explanation of rounding.
Tangent Runout Tab
32
Tangent Runout is the distance from a Cross Slope of Normal Crown to a Cross Slope of zero
as depicted here:
Three methods are available to compute Tangent Runout Length: By Relative Gradient,
Fixed Distance, or Equation.
When the Tangent Runout Distance option is set to By Relative Gradient, the Tangent
Runout Distance is computed as the result of applying the Relative Gradient of the Runoff to
the Tangent Runout.
When the Tangent Runout Distance option is set to Fixed Distance, a text field is revealed to
the right which contains the numeric value for the distance. With this option, Tangent Runout
Length is set to a certain distance without regard to the Relative Gradient of the Runoff. This
will cause a discontinuity in the Relative Gradient at the zero slope point.
When computing Tangent Runout Distance by Equation, intrinsic variables are available to
assist in developing the needed equation.
After the Tangent Runout has been computed (regardless of the method), Total Length
Rounding is applied if specified as something other than zero in the Total Length Rounding text
field.
33
If rounding takes place and the Tangent Runout Distance option is set to By Relative Gradient,
the length change caused by the rounding is applied evenly to both Runoff and Tangent Runout
such that the Relative Gradient remains the same over both portions of the transition.
If the Tangent Runout Distance option is set to Fixed Distance or Equation, the length change
is applied entirely to the Runoff portion so that the Tangent Runout distance remains
unchanged.
Adjust Factors Tab
Two options are supported for Basing the Adjust Factor:
Total Number of Lanes (default option) - The multilane adjust factor is determined by the
total number of lanes across the entire roadway.
Number of Lanes Rotated - Compliant to AASHTO 2001 Standards. The multilane adjust
factor is determined by number of lanes being rotated on one side of each roadbed.
On the left side of each text field is a toggle. For a given lane number, if the toggle is turned off,
Non-Adjustment Factor adjustment is used. If the toggle is turned on, the Adjustment Factor in
the text field is used.
Length Adjustment is a modification of the two-lane length (unadjusted length) according to the
true width of the roadway. If Adjustment Factor is used, the length is adjusted by applying a
multiplier according to the number of lanes. If Non-Adjustment Factor is used, the length is
adjusted by dividing the total roadway width by the Nominal Lane Width without consideration
of the number of lanes.
Distribution Tab
After Adjusted Lengths have been computed for non-spiraled ends of circular curves, the
transition is distributed over the curve and its adjacent tangents and stationing is computed
relative to the PC and PT. The amount of the transition which falls on the tangent is termed
Percent on Tangent. Options are provided to base that percentage on Total Length or on
Runoff Length.
34
The Distribute Over option controls whether GEOPAK applies the % on Tangent value to
Runoff Length or Total Transition Length. If set to Runoff Length Only, the distribution
percentage is applied to the Runoff Length. If set to Tangent Runout + Runoff Length, the
distribution percentage applies to the Total Transition Length.
The % on Tangent fields determines the percentage of the distribution which is to be located
on the tangent leading up to (or trailing) the curve.
Note
For rural roadways, 80% on tangent is desired, but can be as little as 50% if
necessary. For rural divided roads, the low side can be set to either Match High
Side Full Super Station or Distribution.
For urban roadways, 80% on tangent is desired, but can be as little as 50% if
necessary. For urban divided roads, its desirable to set the low side to Match High
Side Full Super Station.
Rotation Tab
The Elevation Transition (Profile) has options for Linear or Parabolic. If the option is set to
Parabolic, the Transition ID option on the Superelevation Computation dialog is unghosted.
With that option, it is possible to specify Transition ID’s other than Linear.
If the Elevation Transition (Profile) option is set to Linear, the Transition ID on the
Computation dialog is not available and all transitions must be linear.
Outside Lane Rotation has two options: Rotate to Match Inside Lanes and Independent
Rotation. When the option is set to Independent Rotation, all transition stations begin and
end at the same station, regardless of Normal Cross Slope. If the Typical Section has Broken
Back Normal Crown, this means that the cross slope remains broken throughout the transition
until Full Super is achieved, at which point the cross slope is continuous.
When the option is set to Rotate to Match Inside Lanes and the Typical Section has Broken
Back Normal Crown, the lanes of lesser cross slope do not begin transitioning until the lanes
with greater cross slope come up to match. In other words, as soon as possible within the
transition, the cross slope is unbroken.
35
The Axis of Rotation option only applies to two lane roadways. The two options are Rotate
About Centerline and Rotate About Inside Edge.
When the option is set to Rotate About Centerline, the rotation point is at the grade point as
illustrated by the icon.
When the option is set to Rotate About Inside Edge, the rotation point is at the edge of
pavement. For curves to the right, the rotation point is at the right edge of pavement. For
curves to the left, it is on the left edge of pavement.
Note
For FDOT projects, the defaults on the Rotation tab are desirable.
Superelevation Transition Conflict Resolution
Superelevation Transition Conflicts occur when the stationing of the superelevation transitions
of two adjacent curves overlap, or when the fully superelevated station range on one curve is
too short.
When curve conflicts occur, GEOPAK attempts to resolve them by adjusting relative gradients,
distribution percentages or e values, depending on the applicable preferences.
Before writing the autoshape input file, GEOPAK scans the filler line stationing created by prior
processes in the superelevation flowchart for conflicts. Four types of conflicts are scanned for:
Reverse Curves, Broken Back Curves, Compound Curves, and Short Curves.
The Reverse Curve conflict occurs when two adjacent curves which deflect in opposite
directions have transitions which overlap, or which have a short section of full Normal Crown
between them.
The Broken Back conflict occurs when two adjacent curves which deflect in the same direction
have transitions which overlap, or which have a short section of full Normal Crown between
them.
The Compound Curve conflict happens when two curves deflecting in the same direction have
no intermediate tangent, resulting in a PCC shared between them.
The three previous Curve Conflicts have to do with two adjacent curves. The final Conflict of
the four, Short Curve, has to do with only one curve. It is the case in which the length of the
fully superelevated segment of the curve is too short.
It sometimes happens that two superelevation conflicts may happen on the same or adjacent
curves. Therefore, when double conflicts occur, GEOPAK prioritizes them as which takes
precedence, as follows:
1. Reverse Curves
2. Broken Back Curves
3. Compound Curves
3. Short Curves
This means, for example, that if there is a choice to be made as to whether to fix the Reverse
Curve situation or the Broken Back Curve, Reverse Curves are fixed.
Reverse Curves Tab
36
Reverse Curves occur when two adjacent curves which deflect in opposite directions have
superelevation transitions which overlap or are in close proximity. Two levels of conflict are
defined for Reverse Curves: Critical and Supercritical. The determining factors for defining a
conflict as Critical or Supercritical are both based on the Length of Normal Crown existing
between the two transitions. (Note that overlapping transitions may be considered to have a
negative Length of Normal Crown.)
The distinction, then, between Critical and Supercritical has to do with how the conflict is
handled. If the conflict is Critical, adjustments are made so that the Minimum Normal Crown
Length is maintained. If the conflict is Supercritical, the transitions of the two curves are
merged and Normal Crown never occurs between the conflicting curves. When GEOPAK
checks for this conflict, it first checks to see if the Length of Normal Crown violates the
Supercritical threshold. If it does not, GEOPAK then checks the Critical threshold. This means
that if the value for Maintain Minimum Length is less than or equal to Supercritical Length, no
conflict would ever be handled as Critical. Also note that either value may be negative,
although this is ill-advised for Maintain Minimum Length.
37
Compound Curves Tab
The dialog contains settings for two types of conflicts in which two adjacent curves deflect in the
same direction. “Compound Curves” are when two curves deflect in the same direction and
have no intermediate tangent section, but instead share a common station, the PCC. “Broken
Back Curves” occur when two curves deflect in the same direction and have an intermediate
tangent section which is short enough that the superelevation transitions of the two curves
overlap or nearly overlap.
The length of the transition is determined by one of the options detailed in the table below.
38
By
Averaging
Both
Relative
Gradients
The Relative Gradients of the two conflicting transitions are
averaged to result in the new Relative Gradient and Transition
Length. The End Full Super Station of the first curve and Begin Full
Super Station of the second curve are determined by positioning the
transition according to the Length Distribution At PCC option.
By Using
Relative
Gradient of
Sharper
Curve
The Relative Gradient of the sharper of the two curves (as it is
before adjustment) is the Relative Gradient used to determine the
Transition Length. The End Full Super Station of the first curve and
Begin Full Super Station of the second curve are determined by
positioning the transition according to the Length Distribution At PCC
option.
By Using
Relative
Gradient Of
Flatter Curve
The Relative Gradient of the flatter of the two curves (as it is before
adjustment) is the Relative Gradient used to determine the
Transition Length. The End Full Super Station of the first curve and
Begin Full Super Station of the second curve are determined by
positioning the transition according to the Length Distribution At PCC
option.
By Using
The End Full Super Station of the first curve and the Begin Full
Unadjusted
FS Station
To FS
Station
Super Station of the second curve are unchanged from their values
before adjustment. The Transition Length and Relative Gradient are
set from the original Full Super stations. The Length Distribution at
PCC option is not considered.
Three of the four Determine Transition Length options involve the adjustment of the Full
Super Stations of the two curves. These three options allow the placement of the transition
with respect to the PCC to be controlled via Length Distribution at PCC, which has five
options. Three of the five, By Degree Of Curvature, By Radius, and By e split the ratio of
distribution on each curve according to the ratio of degrees of curvature, radius, or e or each
curve. The Evenly option causes the transition length to be half on the first curve and half on
the second curve. By Percentage On Sharper Curve allows control of the distribution by
entering a percentage to be applied regardless of the ratios of various attributes of each curve.
Broken Back Curve conflicts occur when two curves which are adjacent within a chain and
deflect in the same direction have superelevation transitions which overlap or are in close
proximity. Two levels of conflict are defined for Broken Back Curves: Maintain Minimum
Normal Crown, and Maintain Minimum Reverse Crown.
Short Curves Tab
The Short Curve conflict occurs when the length of the fully superelevated portion of the curve
is shorter than the desired minimum. This is not a conflict between two adjacent curves as the
other conflict types, but is instead an undesirable situation occurring on a single curve. The
conflict can be understood better with the following depiction:
39
If a curve is in the Short Curve state, three methods of Treatment are supported, as detailed in
the table below.
The End Normal Crown Stations and Relative Gradients of the two
Truncate e
transitions of the curve are held constant. The e-value is reduced
sufficiently that the new Full Super Length equals Maintain Minimum
Length.
Slide
Transitions,
Hold Relative
Gradient
The Normal Crown and Full Super stations of both transitions of the
curve are moved outward from the PI of the curve by the same
amount such that the Relative Gradient does not change and the Full
Super Length equals Maintain Minimum Length.
Change Full
Super
Stations,
Change
Relative
Gradient
The Full Super stations are moved outward from the PI of the curve
by the same amount such that the Full Super Length equals
Maintain Minimum Length. The Normal Crown stations do not
change. Therefore, the Relative Gradients become steeper.
General Superelevation Considerations
Broken back curves should be avoided. If an engineer runs into this situation, FDOT does
not have standards in place. It is the engineer’s responsibility to calculate the correct
values and choose the correct options for the preference tab for compound curves.
Try to allow sufficient length of tangent between reverse curves for adequate superelevation
transition. This suitable tangent length should be determined as follows:
1. 80% of the transition for each curve should be located on the tangent.
2. The suitable tangent length is the sum of the two 80% distances, or greater.
3. Where alignment constraints dictate a less than desirable tangent length between
curves, an adjustment of the 80/20 superelevation transition treatment is allowed (where
up to 50% of the transition may be placed on the curve).
40
Avoid compound curves. When they are necessary, the radius of the flatter curve should
not be more than 50% greater than the sharper curve.
For small deflection angles, curves should be lengthened to avoid the appearance of a kink.
(Curves should be at least 500 ft. long for a central angle of 5° and the minimum
increased 100 ft. for each 1° decrease in the central angle (900 ft. for a 1° central angle).
(PPM Section 2.8.1.1)
Rule of thumb, use the largest radius for the curve as is possible.
Superelevation transition is 80/20 (tangent/curve), but up to 50% of the transition can be on
the curve in special situations.
Minimum length of transition (for emax=0.10) is 100’ per PPM Table 2.9.3.
Minimum length of transition (for emax=0.05) is 50’ for design speed under 40 mph and 75’
for design speed of 40 mph or greater per PPM Table 2.9.4.
Superelevation Autoshape Builder
The Autoshape Builder is NOT accessible from Project Manager but can be invoked by
selecting Applications > GEOPAK ROAD > Cross Sections > Superelevation Shape Manager
Tools or by selecting it from the GEOPAK ROAD tool frame.
Once the shape input file (fname.inp) has been created and reviewed, the designer can run the
input file to place the superelevation shapes into the specified graphics file. To use the
interactive method to define roadway superelevation (in a .dgn file) the designer selects the
Autoshape Builder from the Superelevation Shape Manager Tools tool bar (or alternately
from this same tool within the Text Editor as described above).
Autoshape Input File
Display Only
Override Input File
Level Symbology
Name of .inp file (shapes.inp) created by the Automated
superelevation generation containing the transitions.
Create the shapes in “Display Only” mode. That is, they are not
written to the design file and a view Update operation eliminates them,
as does zoom in, etc.
This option is used to override the Plot Parameters settings in the
Superelevation Shapes input file.
41
The shapes are placed in a 2D graphics file on level 63 by default. The plot parameters can be
modified in the input file with a text editor prior to building the shapes into the graphics file or
with the User > Symbologies pull down on the Automated Superelevation dialog.
SUPERELEVATION SHAPE MANAGER TOOLS
The Superelevation Shape Manager Tools can be invoked by selecting Applications >
GEOPAK ROAD > Cross Sections > Superelevation Shape Manager Tools or by selecting it
from the GEOPAK ROAD tool frame.
The tools in the Superelevation Shape Manager Tools toolbox are detailed below.
Automated Superelevation - performs the actual calculations and stores the
results in an ASCII file, known as the autoshape input file.
Autoshape Builder - processes the autoshape input file and draws
corresponding complex shapes in the specified 2D design file.
Shape Maker - graphical method of drawing irregular superelevation shapes.
This method is utilized for gore areas, turn lanes, etc.
Shape Analyst - provides information on any point within a GEOPAK
superelevation shape.
Shape Profiler - provides profile information based on user-define increments
intersecting a GEOPAK superelevation shape.
Shape Editor - dynamically change parameters on a previously created shape.
This includes filler line stationing, dynamic moving of shapes, etc.
Shape Selector - highlights or selects shapes based on a wide range of user
queries or filters.
Shape Properties - provides information on any GEOPAK superelevation shape.
In addition, this shape information can be modified on individual shapes of
selections of shapes.
Shape to DTM - provides the option to store a DTM Dat file from the
superelevation shapes. In addition, it can plot the calculated elevations into the
design file at a user specified interval.
SHAPE ANALYST TOOL
The Shape Analyst tool is extremely useful, as it provides information on any point within a
GEOPAK superelevation shape.
42
Before using this tool, the Job Number must be selected. Upon selecting a Job Number, a
Chain must be selected that the shapes are defined relative to. If Display Only is enabled,
information like elevation and a flow arrow are drawn to the view, but they are not written as
elements to the active MicroStation file.
When the Cross Section toggle is not activated and a data point is issued within a shape, the
elevation of the data point and a flow arrow are displayed. When the toggle is activated, a
dashed line is placed through the data point, radial to the shaped cluster baseline. In addition
to the elevation and flow arrow placed at the data point, elevations are displayed where the
cross section line intersects any superelevation shape and cross slopes are labeled for each
shape.
The By Sta/Offset button causes the current Station / Offset value to be projected back onto the
shape cluster baseline and the elevation of the projected point is displayed. This option can be
manual entry only and requires no data point on the screen.
The DP button works within a superelevation shape whose X, Y coordinates are utilized to
compute station / offset from the specified shape cluster baseline, which is subsequently
utilized in conjunction with the shape to compute the various slopes and elevations. After the
DP button is clicked, numerous data points can be placed. It is not necessary to click the DP
button again. Each corresponding station / offset is displayed along with the associated output
information.
The Dynamic button activates the dynamic mode. As the cursor moves across the screen, any
momentary pause places the elevation and flow arrow in the MicroStation file and computes
and displays the analysis information.
The Extrapolate Fixed Slope toggle is another option supported in the Shape Analyst tool. The
option is utilized when the data point, dynamic point or station / offset is outside of the shape.
When the option is not activated, the data point is projected back to the shape's chain. The
elevations at the edges of the shape are displayed and the slope of the outside shape is
projected to the data point. When the toggle is enabled, the user defined slope is projected
from the outer most shape to the data point to determine an elevation.
43
SHAPE PROFILER
The Shape Profiler tool computes elevations along any GEOPAK Shape or MicroStation
element at a user specified interval. The element can be inside or outside of the shapes.
The Job field can be populated by key in or using the Select… button. After selecting a GPK
file, click Identify Shape and data point on any shape along the desired Chain. Set the From
Station and To Station fields by keying in values or using DP.
Even should be selected when it is desired to have the elevations compute at the even station
values. Increment will allow the elevations to be computed starting at the From Station, then
adding the increment value to that station. Intersect is used with an element to compute
elevations at all locations that the element intersects the shape(s).
The Elevation Along toggle can be set to Shape or Element. When set to Shape, elevations
will be computed based on the Even/Increment value along both longitudinal edges of the
shape. When set to Element the elevations are computed along the element based on the
Even/Increment/Intersect toggle.
Continuous Extrapolation allows the user to identify multiple longitudinal elements outside of
the shape area and compute elevations by a user defined Slope and one of three methods:
Radial to Baseline, Radial From Element, or Radial to Element.
44
Chapter 6 Proposed Cross Sections
Additional Ground Work
Due to the additional functions built into the criteria, there are a few things to check in the
design files.
• Double check the files for even numbers of edges of pavement.
• Make sure there is a Median Line drawn into all medians.
• Check for Special Ditch Lines in areas where special ditch profiles have been defined.
• Check design elements for required attribute tags and adhoc attribute tags.
If any of these things is not correct, the resulting cross section will not be as expecting. The
help documentation can help guide the user to achieving the desired results. The help on each
typical section can easily be accessed in the Typical Section Generator by clicking on the
description button.
<Exercise 4>
Proposed Cross Sections
When the Proposed Cross Sections button in the Road Project Manager is clicked, the Select
Run dialog is displayed. An existing run may be selected or new run may be started. When
complete, click the OK, which closes the Select Run dialog and opens the proposed cross
sections dialog.
**Note: This dialog cannot be accessed outside of the Project Manager.
The left side of the dialog contains the list of categories required to process proposed cross
sections. When each category is selected, the dialog changes to reflect the requirement of
each category. For example, when Plot Parameters is selected, the dialog changes to reflect
the various plot parameters and text as depicted on the following diagrams.
45
When XS DGN File is selected from the list box, the dialog dynamically changes as depicted
below. XS DGN File defines the MicroStation file wherein the original ground cross sections
are located as well as the location for the proposed cross sections.
When Pattern is selected, the dialog changes as illustrated below.
Three dialogs (Pattern, Existing Ground, and Shapes) support a toggle to Use Working
Alignment Definition. For example, in the Pattern dialog, if the toggle is not active, the user
must supply all pattern information.
However, if the toggle is active when one of these three categories is selected, the data
information part of the dialog is ghosted and the required information is utilized from the current
working alignment definitions. If the toggle is activated, and the required information is not
stored within the current working alignment, an Alert message is displayed.
46
When the Shapes parameter is selected, the dialog is displayed as depicted below.
Three Shape definition options are supported:
All shape elements within the specified file are utilized.
All in DGN
Only those shapes that match the specified search parameters are utilized.
By Search
Criteria
No shapes are utilized, hence, there is no field for a shapes file name or
Shapeless
files button. This option will be used with the first exercise to produce
existing shoulders and pavement on the existing cross sections.
When the Shape Clusters parameter is selected, the dialog dynamically changes as depicted
below (there should not be any definitions within the dialog upon the initial invoking of this
parameter):
47
The user may Add, Delete, or Modify any specified shape cluster. When the Scan button is
clicked, GEOPAK scans the design file and search criteria specified in the Shapes dialog and
list all matching clusters. In the instance of shapeless criteria, the user must define each
cluster by utilizing the Select button or typing in the Chain, Tie/PGL and Profile associated
with this shape; then click the Add button.
48
After a cluster has been defined and highlighted, the Typical and Thick buttons in the upper
right corner are unghosted. (The Typical button will be discussed later in this chapter) The
Thick button invokes a separate dialog to assign different pavement thicknesses and different
symbology to different roadways. For example, in the dialog below, you can see we’ve
assigned a pavement thickness to the Roadway defined by Chain Mainline. After the
information has been defined, simply close the Pavement Thickness Plot Parameters dialog,
as it does not need to be open in order to process.
The Side Slope Condtions section of the Shape Cluster option defines on which side of the
shape cluster the criteria will be applied. The user can choose Side Slope LT, Side Slope
RT, Side Slope LT/RT or Offset Minus/Plus Side Slope LT/RT. Certain conditions such as
49
Station > 50+00, or Median Width <= 7.2 can be set up to apply the side slope information if
those conditions are met. For each Side Slope condition, criteria files are added based upon
the type of features to be drawn in the cross sections.
The Define DGN Variables option allows the user to define how to locate MicroStation
elements used by the criteria files. Define DGN Variables can be determined from the element
symbology, or from the symbology and attributes assigned in the D&C Manager database.
Variables that are previously defined in the criteria will show up in the list. If the Select button
is unghosted, variables remain undefined and must be defined before processing the sections.
Click Select to see a list of undefined variables assign a value, then click Add.
50
Define Variables enable the user to enter job specific values for certain variables. (i.e.
pavement thickness, ditch width, backslope, etc.) The user can select the variable from the list,
then enter the new value and click the Modify button.
Redefinable Variables are variables that can be redefined when certain criteria are met. It
could be said these variables can be changed “on the fly.” There is a brief description of the
variable along with what the variable has been set to in the bottom pane of the dialog box. To
edit these variables highlight the variable to be changed, and click Edit, or double click on the
51
variable in the Variable list. The following dialog box appears.
Modify the statement, or add to it by copying the if – then statement and modifying. Choose
Save when done. This will save the file in the project directory.
52
Plot Parameters enables the user to determine how the data from the superelevation shapes
are going to appear. XS Lines determine the symbology of the pavement surface. Text plots
various pieces of text relating to the cross section. The elevation of the PGL of each shape
cluster is automatically plotted. Enable the Line Text toggle to define this symbology for the
PGL text. The Plot group box enables the user to control different aspects relating to the cross
sections and criteria files as detailed below.
Pavement Thickness draws the bottom of shaped pavement for all clusters. If the Thick
button was utilized in the shape clusters dialog, this should be disabled.
Fill Gaps Between Clusters draws a line between two shape clusters if the criteria does not fill
between them.
Transition Definition defines the use of parabolic superelevation transitions.
Intersect Between Clusters extends or trims elements in a median to create a finished, clean
appearance.
Process Clusters as Indicated forces the criteria to process the clusters as they are listed in
the Shape Clusters dialog. If this option is turned off, the clusters are processed left to right.
Remove Skew Effect forces GEOPAK to correct itself back to the pattern line if a skewed
element is encountered in the processing of the criteria files.
Process Only Sections With Existing Ground - If only one group (color) is indicated in the
input file for the existing ground in each run, the program loads into memory only the ground
lines of the specified color, and processes only those sections. The time reduction may vary
depending on the specific conditions of the job and type of machine.
Drainage allows the option to draw drainage features in the cross section from a drainage gdf
file and DGN file.
Once all the options have been filled out, go to Files.
Under Files, the options are Run, Save Settings, Export... and Exit. To process the cross
sections, click the Run button, which invokes the Process Cross Section dialog. Save Settings
simply saves the current settings to the run. When the File > Export option is selected, the
user may save the dialog information in an ASCII input file for review or subsequent processing.
The File > Exit option enables the user to exit the Proposed Cross Sections dialog box. The
software also prompts the user with an Alert box if the settings should be saved before exiting.
Clicking the Yes button saves the current dialog settings, No does not save the settings, but
both buttons exit to the Project Manager.
53
When File > Run is chosen, the dialog below appears.
The output can be displayed on the Screen Only, or written to a Log File and displayed to the
screen. The Pause On Each Section option enables the user to view each section as it is
drawn. Criteria View displays each step in the criteria file. This is primarily for debugging
purposes.
One of the most powerful and flexible features of GEOPAK is the use of criteria in generating
proposed cross sections. Within criteria, design conditions can be evaluated and complicated
design decisions executed in response to these design conditions. The flexibility of criteria
allows the designer to make the design as basic or as complex as the project requires.
Numerous baselines can interrelate as ditches and medians are drawn between roadways and
ramps. Sophisticated drainage details can also be drawn with criteria. The list is endless.
Cross section criteria are used to draw cross section features outside of the mosaic of
superelevation shapes typically representing pavement. Operationally, the software constructs
the cross section features derived from the mosaic of shapes first. Then, the software
constructs the remaining portions of the cross section through the application of criteria
emanating out from the outer edges of the mosaic of shapes.
Typical Section Generator
The Typical Button opens the Typical Section Generator. This application allows users to apply
specific criteria files from a standardized library to specific typical sections, thereby foregoing
the need to pick and choose which criteria files are needed. There are 17 typical sections
supplied with the FDOT2004 Software. Once a typical is applied the program copies the
required criteria files from the FDOT2004 directory to the project directory for the user. It also
fills out the rest of the Proposed Cross Sections Dialog box. This includes the side slopes and
all the 3 types of variables.
Note the button labeled Typical.
54
When the Typical button is pressed, the Typical Section Generator dialog appears as
depicted below.
The user must simply select the typical section from the left then click Apply. You can apply
the typical to the entire length of the alignment or only a portion of the alignment by changing
55
the Apply to Whole Chain toggle to Apply to Station Range and specifying a beginning and
ending station for the typical.
Documentation files are available for each typical section that explains what the typical does
and identifies variables that need to be set. The files are accessed from within the Typical
dialog by pressing the Description button. Below is a sample of one of the documentation
files.
When the Apply button is pressed, the Typical Sections dialog closes, returning the user to the
Project Manager - Shape Cluster dialog. GEOPAK has inserted the Side Slope Conditions with
the apppropriate criteria and set the variables in the rest of the dialog.
56
<Exercise 5>
<Exercise 6>
57
Chapter 7
Borehole Navigator
Introduction
GEOPAK GeoTechnical toolset supports a wide variety of tools for the input, storage, review
and editing of soils boring data. Subsurface TINs of the various materials can be created, for
subsequent drawing onto cross sections or profiles. The actual borings may be drawn in plan
view, placed on cross sections, profiles or drawn into 3D as soils columns.
GeoTechnical tools has several main functions:
Storage of boring data for easy review and manipulation
Drawing of borings onto plan view
Drawing of borings onto profiles
Drawing of borings onto cross sections
Drawing of borings into a 3D file
Generation of subsurface TINs
The manipulation of data is accomplished from the Borehole Navigator (main dialog).
Boreholes can be added, modified or deleted. Material layers can also be manipulated.
Standard Penetration Test data is also supported.
Workflow
Before borehole information can be populated, a borehole project must be created via the File
> New option. The default file extension for a borehole project file is .GTD. Once the file is
created a dialog is opened that prompts for project specific information – the GPK file for the
project and a ground tin model name.
Once the project is created, borehole information can be input via several methods.
Borehole data can be imported from a Borelog32 file
Borehole data can be imported from CSV files
Borehole data can be imported via pre-2004 Edition ancillary input files
Boreholes can be input one at a time via the Add Borehole tool
58
After one or more boreholes are stored in the project file, they can be drawn to any context –
plan, profile, cross section or 3D. In addition, subsurface models can be generated of any
layer.
Accessing Preferences
Clicking GEOPAK Road > Utilities > GeoTechnical invokes the Borehole Navigator tool shown
to the right.
59
The Preferences are accessed from the File pulldown in the upper left portion of the dialog.
The GeoTechnical Preferences control the graphic display of the borehole data in plan, 3D,
cross section, and profile views. The settings may be saved (*.gtp) to serve as a standard
setup for subsequent projects.
In larger organizations, the GeoTechnical Preference file may be set up and administered by a
single person or group of people such as a CAD support group in the same manner as the
existing Design & Computation Manager databases.
Note
FDOT has a .GTP file available for your use in the FDOT2004\geopak\bin folder.
The file is called geotech2004.gtp.
As each option is selected, the right side of the GeoTechnical Preferences dialog changes to
reflect the selection.
When the Descriptions option is selected, the dialog dynamically changes to reflect the
selection.
60
Two group boxes are supported within the Descriptions option: Borehole Types and Material
Names. GEOPAK supports an unlimited number of Borehole Types. When the fifth entry is
added, scroll bars are automatically displayed for ease of viewing. Three action buttons are
supported, as detailed in the table below.
Add
Populate the edit field at the bottom of the group box, then click Add.
Modify Highlight the line to be modified and GEOPAK populates the edit field.
Change the edit field, then click Modify.
Delete Highlight the line, then click Delete. An Alert message prompts the user for
deletion. Clicking OK deletes the Borehole Type, clicking Cancel closes the
Alert message, but does not delete the type.
GEOPAK supports an unlimited number of Material Names / Numbers. When the fifth entry is
added, scroll bars are automatically displayed for ease of viewing. To utilize a Material
Number, activate the toggle to the left of Material Number. An optional Material Color can be
utilized by activating the toggle to the left of Material Color and then selecting the desired color.
The color is displayed in the list box. If the Material Color is not activated when a Material is
added, N/A is displayed in the list box. The color is utilized when drawing the soil strata when
visualized as a column in 3D and when the fill option (rather than material pattern) is utilized
when drawing boreholes on cross sections and profiles.
The Borehole Types stored within the Descriptions Preferences are reflected throughout the
GeoTechnical tools and can only be added within the Description Preferences. In the graphic
below, the first four Borehole Types are stored:
DEFAULT
TEST
SAMPLE
BORE
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Selecting the Add Borehole tool, from the Borehole Navigator will display the Types as they are
stored in the preferences. These are accessed by selecting the pull down next to the Type field.
The DEFAULT type is where boreholes that do not have a matching “type” are plotted to. There
should be a Borehole Type in the preferences for every borehole type you may encounter. If
not, they will be plotted with “default” symbology.
62
There are three basic sections within the preferences other than Descriptions. These are Plan,
Profile, and Cross Sections. The preferences for each of these provide a means by which every
aspect of the material plotting can be controlled and set to the desired symbology.
Plan Preferences
The Plan options define the placement of borings onto plan view drawings. When the Plan option is
selected, the dialog dynamically changes to reflect the selection, as depicted below.
Only one option is supported on the Plan dialog, Draw Borehole in Plan View. When activated,
all plan related options in the list box are unghosted, so the user can set up all preferences
required to draw soils borings in the plan view. When not active, borings cannot be drawn in
plan view.
In order to select the Cell / Symbol option, the Draw Borehole in Plan View toggle in the Plan
option must be activated. When selected, the dialog depicted below opens. This dialog
reflects the Symbol option for drawing.
63
In order to select the Label option, the Draw Borehole in Plan View toggle in the Plan option
must be activated. When selected, the dialog depicted below opens.
In order to place labels and unghost the dialog, the Place Plan Labels toggle in the upper left
corner must be activated. The dialog is divided into two sections: label parameters and the
Delimiter group box. Six Components can be labeled for each boring. To place a label,
activate the toggle to the left of the Component. In the sample above, three Components will
be labeled: Borehole Name, Station, and Offset. When all offsets are set to zero, the Borehole
Label Origin is located at the origin of the borehole cell or symbol.
Profile Preferences
The Profiles options define the placement of borings onto profile drawings. When the Profiles option is
selected, the dialog dynamically changes to reflect the selection.
64
When the Column Label option is selected, the dialog dynamically changes to reflect the
selection, as depicted below.
Six Components can be labeled for each boring. To place a label, activate the toggle to the left
of the Component. In the dialog above, four Components will be labeled: Borehole Name,
Station, Offset, and Elevation.
Define the label symbology which controls the text level, color, weight, size, justification and
font for all active components. The label is drawn as a graphic group for ease in manipulation
in the plan view file.
The individual material types may be represented with pattern cells when the columns are
drawn into profile view. In order to draw the patterns, the Place Material Patterns toggle in the
upper left corner must be active.
When the Material Pattern option is selected, the dialog dynamically changes to reflect the
selection, as depicted below.
When using the cell option, manually enter the desired Cell Library or select via the File button.
65
Note
If the library is stored on a central server and mounted by the users with various
drive designations, do not include the path and drive. Simply include the cell library
within the users' MS_CELLLIST.
Select the desired cell by clicking Select and highlighting the cell. The cell is displayed in the
box to the right. If the cell is manually entered and cannot be found in the cell library, a
message is displayed in the cell display box indicating the cell is not found. Include the Scale
used at creation, as the scale of the profile is utilized for plotting scale at time of drawing. The
element symbology at time of cell creation is utilized.
Selection of the cell library should automatically attach this cell library to the active design file
so that the Pattern Cells may be displayed in the preview box when selected from the cell
library or the List Box.
The Cell Library field supports the MicroStation Cell Configuration Variable whereby the user
could express the cell Library List such as:
·
MS_CELLLIST = $c:\geotechnical\test.cel
·
MS_CELLLIST > $c:\geotechnical\spec.cel
The Material Label parameters define the material label location and the symbology of the
label. When the Material Label option is selected, the dialog dynamically changes to reflect the
selection, as depicted below.
In order to place material labels, the Place Material Labels toggle in the upper left corner must
be active. The dialog is divided into two sections: label parameters and the Delimiter group
box. Five Components can be labeled for each material. To place a label, activate the toggle
to the left of the Component.
66
The 0 Hr. / 24 Hr. Water Elevation Label includes text for the Water Elevation and/or a cell or
symbol representation. When the O Hr. Water Elev. option is selected, the dialog dynamically
changes to reflect the selection, as depicted below.
Refusal includes text for the Refusal and/or a cell or symbol representation. When the Refusal
option is selected, the dialog dynamically changes to reflect the selection, as depicted below.
67
The SPT Count Label includes text and delimiter options. When the STP Label option is
selected, the dialog dynamically changes to reflect the selection, as depicted below.
Cross Section Preferences
The Cross Section options define the placement of borings onto cross section drawings. When
the Cross Section option is selected, the dialog dynamically changes to reflect the selection, as
depicted below.
Only one option is supported on the Cross Section dialog, Draw Borehole in Cross Section
View. When activated, all cross section related options in the list box are unghosted, so the
user can set up all preferences required to draw soils borings in the cross section view. When
not active, borings cannot be drawn in cross section view.
The Cross Section preferences are identical to the Profile preferences because the bore hole
information to be displayed is identical.
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Chapter 8
Earthwork
Introduction
GEOPAK forms graphical earthwork shapes in a (MicroStation) cross section design file to
represent the end areas used to calculate volumes by the end-area method. These shapes are
created when the designer processes an earthwork run in which the existing ground, finished
grade, base, etc. are identified by level, color, weight and type.
Earthwork Dialog Box
When Earthwork in the Road Project Manager is clicked, the Select Run dialog is displayed.
An existing run may be selected or new run may be started. When complete, click OK, which
closes the Select Run dialog and opens the earthwork dialog.
The left side of the dialog contains the list of parameters required to compute earthwork. When
each parameter is selected, the dialog changes the key-in fields to reflect the selection. For
example, when EW Shapes is selected, the dialog changes as illustrated below.
69
XS DGN File
In XS DGN File the user can specify the file name in which to find the cross-sections.
Tolerance specifies the maximum distances between two elements (in a cross section) to be
considered as adjoining. Vertical Search Distance specifies the distance above and below the
cross-section to look for elements pertaining to that cross-section. Baseline specifies the
GEOPAK COGO chain the cross-sections are based from. Begin/End Station specifies the
beginning and ending stations to perform the earthwork calculations.
Soil Types
70
The Soil Types dialog requires the user to define the symbology and shrinkage/swell factors to
be used.
Existing
Ground
Identifies the surface of the existing ground. This classification is required to
calculate earthwork. It also defines the default excavation material.
The user must first select the Class of the soil type.
• Proposed Finish Grade
o Surface of the proposed roadway. This classification is required to
calculate earthwork and defines the default fill material.
• Existing Suitable
o Material between excavation limits that is to be removed only when it
encroaches on the proposed design. For example, if the proposed design
is in fill, therefore above the existing suitable, it is not removed.
• Existing Unsuitable
o Material between excavation limits that is to be removed in all
circumstances.
• Proposed Undercut
o Proposed layers that are not part of the finish grade, i.e. pavement layers,
shoulder layers.
• Excavation Limit
o Pairs of vertical lines drawn in the cross-sections to demarcate the limits of
removal for any existing suitable or unsuitable material.
Once the Classification is chosen, a Soil Type, the element symbology of the material, and the
shrinkage/swell factors need to be entered. A Classification, except Existing Ground, can be
listed multiple times. The Soil Type determines how the cut and fill are calculated. For
example, a user creates an earthwork run with a classification of Existing Ground with a soil
type of Existing, classification of Proposed Finish Grade with a soil type of Suitable_Grading,
and a classification of Proposed Undercut with a soil type of Pavement. The output from the
run would look as follows.
Material Name End Areas Unadjusted Adjusted Mult Mass
Station Volumes Volumes Factor Ordinate
(square (cubic (cubic
ft)
ft)
ft)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------287+00
SUITABLE_GRADING
Excavation 0.00 0
0 1.00
Fill 12.32 336 336 1.00 2887
EXISTING
Excavation 25.88 654 654 1.00
Fill 0.00 0
0 1.00 3541
In the same example, if both classifications of Existing Ground and Proposed Finish Grade had
the soil type of Suitable_Grading, then the output would look as follows.
Material Name End Areas Unadjusted Adjusted Mult Mass
71
Station
Volumes Volumes Factor Ordinate
(square (cubic (cubic
ft) ft)
ft)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------287+00
SUITABLE_GRADING
Excavation 25.88 654 654 1.00
Fill 12.32 336 336 1.00 3541
As can be seen from the above examples, when the soil types for the Existing Ground and
Proposed Finish Grade classifications were named differently, both soil types appeared in the
output. When the soil types for the Existing Ground and Proposed Finish Grade classifications
were named the same, the quantities for each classification were combined into one soil type.
By paying close attention to the soil types, the user can specify when material can be re-used
and exactly where a specific soil type should be placed.
Once the Classification and Soil Type are chosen, the user can select the Element Symbology
to define that particular Soil Type and the Multiplication Factors for the Soil Type. The Match
button can be used to select the Element Symbology. Once the Match button is selected, the
user can select the elements in the MicroStation view. The symbology of that element will be
added to the symbology list used to define the Soil Type.
EW Shapes
EW Shapes enables the earthwork shapes to be drawn and the associated symbology. The
colors of the earthwork shapes can be stratified, so that cut and fill or each soil type are
different.
72
Output Format
Output Format enables the user to specify which items to show in the earthwork report.
With this command, any combination of the three classifications of excavation volumes can be
formulated. For example, if the user desires to combine all three into an earthwork listing of
simply cut and fill, press the < or > arrows until the desired option is displayed. Options include:
• Common Exc, Subgrade Exc, Subsoil Exc, and Fill
• Excavation (Common and Subgrade), Subsoil Exc, and Fill
• Excavation (Common and Subsoil), Subgrade Exc, and Fill
• Excavation (Subgrade and Subsoil), Common Exc, and Fill
• Excavation (all types) and Fill
Add/Sub Vol
Add/Sub Volumes allows the user to enter volumes to be added or subtracted from the total
earthwork calculated from the available sections. The user can specify whether to add
excavation or fill, the soil type, the station, and the volume to be added.
73
Centroid Adjustment
Earthwork volumes are calculated by averaging end areas and then multiplying these averaged
areas by the distance between two successive cross sections as measured along the baseline.
If the bulk of the cross section areas are located predominantly to either the left or the right of
the baseline, as in a detour, an error occurs in the volume calculations for all non-tangential
portions of the baseline. This error can be negligible or substantial depending on the degree of
baseline curvature as well as the degree to which cross section areas are offset about the
baseline. These types of errors can be optionally accounted for via specification of the
Centroid Adjustment.
Skip Areas
Skip Areas enable the user to specify an area (i.e. bridge exception) in which to not calculate
earthwork volumes.
74
Sheet Quantities
Sheet Quantities allows a user to write an earthwork quantity file to be used when plotting the
cross-section sheets.
The name of the ASCII file can be chosen or entered. The user then selects the columns in
which to place the quantity, the number of decimal places, the total column width, the soil type,
the earthwork operation, and the type of quantity. This information is written to the ASCII file,
and can be used to plot the quantities on the cross-section sheets.
From the Files menu, the Run option processes all parameters that have been set in the
Earthwork dialog box. The Save Settings option saves all information in the Earthwork dialog.
The Export option saves the parameters in the Earthwork dialog box as an ASCII input file.
The Exit option exits the Earthwork dialog.
After all necessary information has been entered, the user has two options. The preferred
method of running the earthwork is to select the Run option. The following dialog appears and
the user may proceed by entering a log file name, choosing the Pause On Each Section option
and then clicking Apply. The second method is to export the information as an ASCII input file,
then use the Process Cross Sections tool.
75
The earthwork quantities are written to the bottom of the log file and can be reviewed in any
standard ASCII text editor.
<Exercise 7>
76
Chapter 9
Cross Section Sheets
Introduction
The GEOPAK sheet layout component provides an automated tool to draw cross section data
in a format suitable for producing hard-copy cross section construction drawings. The input
includes specifying sheet layout parameters as well as the graphic design file where the cross
sections were originally created by GEOPAK. The output is a MicroStation design file of the
cross sections. Each cross section is displayed as a reference file and labels such as baseline,
station, offsets and elevation are added. There are several advantages to using sheet input:
• The cross sections will be sorted in numeric order for the specified baseline.
• The cross sections will be spaced closer together.
• The original cross section file is left intact and any modifications to the cross sections will be
automatically displayed in the sheet file due to the use of reference files.
• The cross sections are placed into "sheet format" according to user specified criteria.
The parameters for each sheet are defined in a Sheet Library. In order to lay out sheets, a
Sheet Library must be attached to the current session. The name of the currently attached
Sheet Library is shown in the title bar. Sheet Libraries have an extension of xssl. An unlimited
number of different sheets can be stored within one library. When the user begins the sheet
process, he selects the desired sheet layout from the attached library, which loads the
associated parameters.
If a different Sheet Library is needed, it can be attached via the menu items File > Sheet Library
> Attach. Detailed information on the set-up of the Sheet Library can be found in the online
help section entitled "Sheet Library Set-up."
Cross Section Sheet Layout Tool
77
The Cross Section Sheet tool can be accessed by selecting Applications > GEOPAK ROAD >
Cross Sections > Cross Section Sheet Composition. It can also be invoked from Project
Manager by clicking the Cross Section Sheets button or by selecting the Cross Section Sheet
Composition icon from the GEOPAK ROAD tool frame.
FILE > SHEET LIBRARY
TOOL
New
Attach
Save
Save As
DESCRIPTION
Create a new Sheet Library.
Attach a Sheet Library.
Saves a Sheet Library.
Save a Sheet Library as a new name.
TOOL
New
Delete
Copy
Update
DESCRIPTION
Create a new Sheet in a Sheet Library.
Delete a Sheet in a Sheet Library.
Copy a Sheet in a Sheet Library.
Update a Sheet in a Sheet Library.
FILE > SHEET
FILE > LOAD V7 INPUT FILE
This option gives the user the ability to load an ASCII input file that was created in previous
versions of GEOPAK.
FILE > SAVE SETTINGS
Saves all dialog settings in Project Manager.
FILE > LAYOUT SHEETS
Layout cross sections into sheet format.
FILE > EXIT
Exit the Cross Section Sheet Composition application.
CROSS SECTION SHEETS DIALOG
The left side of the dialog contains the list of parameters required to lay out cross sections on
sheets. When each parameter is selected, the dialog changes as do the key-in fields to reflect
the selected parameter.
78
XS DGN File – Tells the software where to locate the cross sections. The Chain and stationing
will be filled out automatically with the working alignment settings. By default, the software will
find all elements within the confines of the cross section cell.
79
Sheet DGN File - Specifies which file the cross section sheets will be placed in. Also allows you
to set the horizontal and vertical scale at which they are to be laid out and the coordinate
location in the MicroStation Design file at which the sheets will be placed.
Sheet Dimensions/Cell – Sheet Dimensions defines the Sheet Height and Sheet Width to be
used for the cross section sheet. When Place Sheet Cell is toggled on, the application will
place a sheet border cell from the specified cell library. A scale can be applied and the sheet
cells can be placed as Shared Cells. Sheet Offset from Cell Origin is the X and Y offset from
the sheet border cell origin.
There are two options for Sheet Cell Placement. The sheet border cell can be placed in the
sheet file with the cross section reference files as shown above. It can also be placed once in a
reference file then the sheet cell file is attached to the file that contains the cross section
reference files as many times as it is needed.
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XS Search Criteria – Indicates the search criteria (symbology) for the data to be used as input
to the sheet layout software. If you need to look farther than that (i.e. outside of the cell), you
can the Lower and Upper Range Limit values to extend beyond the cell limits.
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Sheet Stack Orientation – Determines whether you want the sheets to be stacked vertically or
horizontally. Also allows you to set the maximum number of sheets you want placed per
column in the file as well as the Horizontal and Vertical spacing between sheets.
Sheet Stack Columns – Determines whether you want a single stack or a double stack of cross
sections per sheet. Baseline X Offset defines the distance from the left-hand edge of the sheet
to the zero offset position (i.e. baseline) of the cross sections. If you select Double Stack, you
can give an offset value which is the distance of the second stack from the left hand edge of the
sheet.
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Margins and Spacing – Cross Section Clip Limits defines the clipping limits from the left hand
edge of the sheet. To the left of the Left Clip X Offset remains clear space and to the right of
the Right Clip X Offset remains clear space. All minimum spacing requirements as well as the
maximum allowable vertical size of any cross section is also set here.
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Station Labels – Allows you to define the station label locations and plot parameters.
Offset Labels – Allows you to define the offset label positions, increments and plot parameters.
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Elevation Labels – Allows you to control the elevation label locations, increment and plot
parameters. Add Top Elevation Label - Activating this toggle adds another elevation label
above the current labels placed within the elevation labels parameters. If two sets of elevations
labels are placed (one on each side of the section), the top elevation is added to both.
Add Bottom Elevation Label - Activating this toggle adds another elevation label below the
single label placed within the elevation labels parameters. If two sets of elevations labels are
placed (one on each side of the section), the bottom elevation is added to both.
Earthwork Quantity Labels – The user can define the ASCII file that contains the earthwork
quantity information, as well as set the symbology and location of the earthwork quantity labels.
This will use the information gathered during the earthwork run to place the earthwork quantity
labels on the cross section sheets.
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Sheet Labels – Allows the placement of numerous labels. There are three sets of labels that
can be placed where the labels change from sheet to sheet. These labels include Sheet
Number, Begin Station, and End Station. Any number of custom labels can also be placed.
These labels would be something that does not change from sheet to sheet such as Project
Number, Designer, etc. A list of labels can be created and each label can have it’s own
symbology. Location of the labels is controlled by the DP Origin and DP Label Justification
Point buttons. The DP Origin button locates the origin of the sheet cell and the DP Label
Justification Point button sets the X and Y Offset from the sheet cell origin for the placement of
the label.
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Digital InterPlot – Allows the creation of the Digital InterPlot Plot Set during the Layout Sheets
process. If Digital Interplot is not present, the settings are ghosted out.
GENERATING SHEETS
From the Files menu, the Layout Sheets option will process all parameters that have been set
in the Cross Section Sheets dialog box. There is also a Layout Sheets button on the main
dialog.
<Exercise 8>
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Chapter 10
Cross Section
Reports
Introduction
Workflow
The GEOPAK Cross Section Report Utility can extract up to many different reports from original
and design cross-sections. For each report generated, the user must set the parameters of the
existing and/or design cross sections. GEOPAK also provides an option to make custom
headers for each of the reports via the User pull down menu.
Accessing Cross Section Reports
The Cross Section Reports dialog can be accessed by selecting
Applications > GEOPAK ROAD > Cross Sections > Reports. It can also be
invoked from Project Manager by clicking the Reports & XS Quantities
button or by selecting Cross Section Reports from the GEOPAK ROAD tool
frame.
Custom Header
From the XS Report dialog, select User > Preferences. To activate the
individual fields simply toggle on the box next to the desired field. Once you
have completed the dialog box, the information will be saved as an .hdr file.
This allows for the creation of a separate header for each type of report.
The tolerance field determines the maximum gap allowed between cross
section elements.
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Clearing
The Clearing Report is useful for obtaining clearing and grubbing quantities. For each station,
GEOPAK will list the clearing distance on each side of the chain and the width of any
exception. You can obtain the results in the appropriate units. Toggle boxes for Cut Slope
Rounding, Additional Clearing in Cut and Fill, and Minimum Clearing Width are provided for
increased control over the output.
At the top of the dialog, the Job number and Chain are required. GEOPAK determines the
beginning and ending station within the MicroStation file and they are noted below the chain
and placed in the key-in areas.
The next section specifies the search criteria for the Existing Ground Line. The designer may
key in the required parameters, leaving the wide range of defaults where specific parameters
are not needed. The next section specifies the search parameters for the Proposed Finish
Grade. As with the Existing Ground Line, only enough parameters to uniquely identify the
Proposed Finish Grade are required.
Below the Proposed Finish Grade section are four optional features. These include:
Cut Slope Rounding - Since the graphical cross sections typically do not show slope
rounding, you can specify an additional clearing distance outside the linear slope stake
to account for cut slope rounding.
Additional Clearing in Cut - Horizontal distance added in a cut situation.
Additional Clearing in Fill - Horizontal distance added in a fill situation (as determined by the
element which ties to existing ground)
Minimum Clearing Width - If the computed minimum clearing width is less than the specified
value, the software will utilize the specified value.
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All values are in master units (i.e. feet or meters). GEOPAK’s application of the Cut Slope
Rounding, Additional Clearing in Fill and the Minimum Clearing Width can best be
explained utilizing the following illustration.
First, GEOPAK measures the vertical depth of the ditch at the tie down point. (D in the
illustration). That depth is then compared to the value specified in the Cut Slope Rounding
field in the dialog. The computed minimum clearing width in the two conditions is:
If the Cut Slope Rounding > Ditch Depth, then the computed minimum clearing width = the
Ditch Depth (D) + Additional Clearing in Cut value.
If the Cut Slope Rounding < Ditch Depth, then the computed minimum clearing width = Cut
Slope Rounding value + Additional Clearing in Cut value.
Now that we have the computed minimum clearing width, its value is compared to the
Minimum Clearing Width specified in the dialog. If the dialog value is more than the
computed value, then the dialog value is utilized. If the computed value is more than the dialog
value, then the computed value is utilized. As seen in the illustration the minimum clearing
width (W) is measured (horizontally) from the tie down point.
Subtotals are also supported for both Even and Incremental stationing. The increment is
defined in the Sub Every field, while the station of the first subtotal is defined in the First Sub
At field.
When the Except Width button is pressed, the dialog depicted below is invoked.
Fields are supported for Begin Station, End Station, and Exception Width. Simply type in the
values in the keyin fields at the bottom of the dialog and press the Add icon. The information is
then displayed in the list box. To delete a line, highlight the desired line, then press the Delete
icon. Standard File options are supported: Open, Save, Save As, and Exit. Utilizing these
file options, the user can store exception widths for recall in a subsequent session.
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When the Additional Distance for Clearing button is pushed, the dialog depicted below is
invoked.
Fields are supported for Begin Station, End Station, and Width. Simply type in the values in
the keyin fields at the bottom of the dialog and press the Add icon. The information is then
displayed in the list box. To delete a line, highlight the desired line, then press the Delete icon.
Standard File options are supported: Open, Save, Save As, and Exit. Utilizing these file
options, the user can store additional clearing widths by station ranges and side for recall in a
subsequent session.
An option for processing sections one at a time can be utilized by activating the Pause on
Each XS toggle at the bottom of the dialog. When activated, GEOPAK will process the first
section, display the cross section on the screen (within the limits of the cell), and display the
station in the Current Sta output field located at the top of the dialog. The elements specified
in the search criteria are also highlighted. To continue to the next cross section, simply press
the Apply button on the bottom of the dialog.
You identify the name of the ASCII report at the bottom of the dialog. The designer has the
option of keying in the file name, or upon selection of the File button, the Files dialog will
appear, allowing the designer to select the desired file. The file will be placed in the current
directory, unless a full path is specified. If the specified file name already exists, the file will be
overwritten with no warning message given.
When the dialog has been completed, simply select the Apply button to begin the report
generation.
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DTM Proposed 3D
GEOPAK locates specified proposed cross section elements and existing ground, and
generates an x, y, z file (GEOPAK .DAT file) of vertices for break lines suitable for use with
GEOPAK's Digital Terrain Modeling. Each cross section generates one break line. In the
hierarchy, the path follows (from left to right) existing ground until a proposed finish element is
intersected. The proposed path is followed until it ties back to an existing ground element.
At the top of the dialog, the Job number and Chain are required. GEOPAK determines the
beginning and ending station within the MicroStation file and they are noted below the chain
and placed in the key-in areas.
The next two sections specify the search criteria for the Existing Ground Line and Proposed
Finish Grade. The designer may key in the required parameters, leaving the wide range of
defaults where specific parameters are not needed.
At the bottom of the dialog, you can specify the name of the ASCII file to be generated. The
designer has the option of keying in the file name, or upon selection of the File button, the Files
dialog will appear, allowing the designer to select the desired file. The file will be placed in the
current directory, unless a full path is specified. If the specified file name already exists, the file
will be overwritten with no warning message given.
When the dialog has been completed, simply select the Apply button to begin the report
generation.
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Multi-Line
This report is useful in creating a GEN file for use by Construction personnel or exporting
templated cross sections to various data collector formats. Begin by entering the job number,
chain name and station limits. Next, enter the symbology for each surface to be traced. Once
all the parameters have been entered, the new cross section elements may be drawn to the
design file or you may choose the display only option. An ASCII text file will be generated.
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Profile Grade
The Profile Grade Report is one of the most versatile reports available. It prints existing
ground and design grade elevations and low point elevations for each cross section.
Additionally, this report has the ability to search either for the low points or any text string that
you specify and create horizontal and vertical alignments and store them directly into the .gpk.
Horizontal alignments created from this report will have no curves.
At the top of the dialog, the Job number and Chain are required. GEOPAK determines the
beginning and ending station within the MicroStation file and they are noted below the chain
and placed in the key-in areas.
The next two sections specify the search criteria for the Existing Ground Line and Proposed
Finish Grade. The designer may key in the required parameters, leaving the wide range of
defaults where specific parameters are not needed.
Three options are supported in the center of the dialog:
Criteria Elements
Search Text
Offset
When selected, the dialog dynamically changes to reflect the selected option. The Criteria
Elements option utilizes the graphic elements to determine the low point on the proposed finish
grade surface on the left and right side of the section. The Search Text option utilizes text
placed during the proposed cross section processing to generate a profile. The Offset option
creates a profile for any given chain and horizontal offset value.
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When the Criteria Elements option is selected, supported options in the lower part of the
dialog include:
Low Point Horizontal Alignment: The designer has the option to create a chain on either or
both sides at the low point by simply activating the toggle to the left of Store Horizontal
Alignment. The Beginning Point Number must be specified as GEOPAK will create a
series of POTs. No curves will be fit into the chain. An initial stationing of 0+00 will be
utilized. To indicate which chain is desired, simply activate the appropriate toggle next to
LT Chain or RT Chain, or if both are desired, activate both toggles, then specify the
name of the chain(s) to be generated. Note that the chain name should conform to
standard GEOPAK convention, i.e. 1-9 alpha numeric characters with no special
characters.
Low Point Vertical Alignment: The designer has the option to create a profile on either or
both sides at the low point by simply activating the toggle to the left of Store Vertical
Alignment. To indicate which profile is desired, simply activate the appropriate toggle
next to LT Profile or RT Profile, or if both are desired, activate both toggles, then specify
the name of the profiles(s) to be generated. Note that the profile names should conform
to standard GEOPAK convention, i.e. 1-9 alpha numeric characters with no special
characters. Two options (via a toggle) are available for stationing the profiles:
Station Design Alignment - The stationing of the Chain listed in the top of the dialog will be
utilized as the profile stationing. In this case, creation of the horizontal alignment is not
necessary.
Station Low Point Alignment - The stationing of the chain created from the Store Horizontal
alignment will be utilized. In this case, the Store Horizontal Alignment and appropriate
chain toggles must be activated, and the chain name must be keyed into the dialog box.
When the Search Text option is selected, the dialog changes as depicted in the fragment
below.
The Text grouping has a list box and edit fields. First, identify the text string located on the
cross section, in this case EOP, which is placed in the Store Text field. The Store Prof toggle
is active, therefore a profile named EOP1 will be generated. The stationing of the chain is
utilized, as the option button above is set to Sta Design Alignment. When the fields are
complete, press the Add icon, and the information is added to the list box.
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At the bottom of the dialog, specify the name of the ASCII file to be generated. The designer
has the option of keying in the file name, or upon selection of the File button, the Files dialog is
invoked, allowing the designer to select the desired file. The file is placed in the current
directory, unless a full path is specified. If the specified file name already exists, the file will be
overwritten with no warning message given.
Once the dialog has been populated, standard File utilities (Open, Save, Save As..) are
supported to save the dialog settings for subsequent use.
When the dialog has been completed, simply select the Apply button to begin the report
generation.
When the Offset option is selected, the dialog changes as depicted in the fragment below.
The Text grouping has a list box and edit fields. First, enter the Offset to be utilized for the
profile. The Store Prof field is the name of the profile to be created. The stationing of the
chain is utilized, as the option button above is set to Sta Design Alignment. When the fields
are complete, press the Add icon, and the information is added to the list box.
At the bottom of the dialog, specify the name of the ASCII file to be generated. The designer
has the option of keying in the file name, or upon selection of the File button, the Files dialog is
invoked, allowing the designer to select the desired file. The file is placed in the current
directory, unless a full path is specified. If the specified file name already exists, the file will be
overwritten with no warning message given.
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Seeding
For each station, the Seeding Report provides seeding slope distances right and left. Then
GEOPAK computes the average slope distance on each side, and uses the results to compute
seeding areas. Optional subtotals can also be requested. To invoke the report, press the
Seeding push button on the XS Reports dialog.
At the top of the dialog, the Job number and Chain are required. GEOPAK determines the
beginning and ending station within the MicroStation file and they are noted below the chain
and placed in the key-in areas.
The next two sections specify the search criteria for the Existing Ground Line and Proposed
Finish Grade. The designer may key in the required parameters, leaving the wide range of
defaults where specific parameters are not needed. The next section specifies the search
parameters for the Candidate Seeding Elements. These are portions of the cross sections
that will be seeded if all slope conditions are met.
Two options are available in the area below the Candidate Seeding Elements. These
include:
Max Allowable Slope - This dictates to the software the maximum slope that will be included
in the calculations. For example, if the Maximum Allowable Slope is set to 2:1
(Run:Rise), then a cross section element with a slope of 1:1 will not be included in the
calculations. Two key-in fields are provided for the values and an option button specifies
Run:Rise or Rise:Run. If this option is desired, simply activate the toggle to the left of
the Max Allowable Slope.
Subtotal Split Slope - This feature (when activated by the toggle to the left) will split the
area quantities based on the provided slope. For example, if the specified Subtotal Split
Slope is 3:1, then the area quantities will be split into areas steeper than 3:1 slope and
areas flatter than or equal to a 3:1 slope.
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Subtotals are provided at the user-defined intervals defined by Sub Every keyin field. The
Increment or Even option button specifies whether the distances should be calculated along
the alignment or whether the distances should be rounded to the even station. The First Sub
At keyin field identifies the first subtotal station as well as the station from which subtotals are
calculated.
Two other options are accessed via push buttons. Pressing the ByPass Segments invokes
the following dialog:
Any combination of the four options can be activated via the toggle(s) to the left. To determine
whether the cross section is in Cut or Fill, the software utilizes the segment which ties to
existing ground. When the software encounters a condition which has been activated, it will
ignore the specified number of segments emanating from tie down point and moving towards
centerline. For example, if a cross section has five Candidate Seeding Elements segments on
the left and is in a Cut situation at the tie down point, and utilizing the dialog above, GEOPAK
will identify the five segments, ignore the two closest to the tie down point, and utilize the
remaining three for computations. If the right side of the cross section has six Candidate
Seeding Elements and is in a Fill situation, GEOPAK will identify the six segments, ignore the
tie down segment, and utilize the remaining five for computations.
Pressing the Additional Distance push button invokes the following dialog.
Any combination of the three options can be activated via the toggle(s) to the left. To
determine whether the cross section is in Cut or Fill, the software tests the segment which ties
to existing ground. When the software encounters a condition which has been activated, it will
add (or subtract if the value is a negative number) the specified horizontal distance value (in
master units) from the dialog to the measured distance on the cross section.
If the additional seeding is not consistent throughout the project, pressing the Additional
Distance via Station button invokes the dialog below, where Additional Distances can be
specified by station range, right, left, or right and left.
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Key in the desired stations, Width, and select the side option. Then press the Add icon, which
populates the list box. To modify a line, highlight the line, which populates the edit fields. Make
the desired change, then press the Modify icon. The list box updates to the edited data. To
delete a line, simply highlight the line, then press the Delete icon.
An option for processing sections one at a time can be utilized by activating the Pause on
Each XS toggle at the bottom of the dialog. When activated, GEOPAK will process the first
section, display the cross section on the screen (within the limits of the cell), and display the
station in the Current Sta display field located at the top of the dialog. The elements specified
in the search criteria are also highlighted. To continue to the next cross section, simply press
the Apply button on the bottom of the dialog.
At the bottom of the dialog, you can specify the name of the ASCII file to be generated. The
designer has the option of keying in the file name, or upon selection of the File button, the Files
dialog will appear, allowing the designer to select the desired file. The file will be placed in the
current directory, unless a full path is specified. If the specified file name already exists, the file
will be overwritten with no warning message given.
When the dialog has been completed, simply select the Apply button to begin the report
generation.
Slope Stake
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The slope stakes report generates offsets, elevations, as well as superelevation information.
This is a special format report developed for the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and is
traditionally used extensively on FHWA construction projects. To invoke the report, press the
Slope Stake push button on the XS Reports menu.
At the top of the dialog, the Job number and Chain are required. GEOPAK determines the
beginning and ending station within the MicroStation file and they are noted below the chain
and placed in the key-in areas.
The next two sections specify the search criteria for the Existing Ground Line and Proposed
Finish Grade. The designer may key in the required parameters, leaving the wide range of
defaults where specific parameters are not needed.
The Reference Hub group box is used to identify any MicroStation cells that have been
previously drawn onto the cross sections to indicate Reference Hubs that were placed in the
field during the original ground survey.
Four formats are supported: FHWA Version 1 and 2, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
An option for processing sections one at a time can be utilized by activating the Pause on
Each XS toggle at the bottom of the dialog. When activated, GEOPAK will process the first
section, display the cross section on the screen (within the limits of the cell), and display the
station in the Current Sta display field located at the top of the dialog. The elements specified
in the search criteria are also highlighted. To continue to the next cross section, simply press
the Apply button on the bottom of the dialog.
At the bottom of the dialog, you can specify the name of the ASCII file to be generated. The
designer has the option of keying in the file name, or upon selection of the File button, the Files
dialog will appear, allowing the designer to select the desired file. The file will be placed in the
current directory, unless a full path is specified. If the specified file name already exists, the file
will be overwritten with no warning message given.
When the dialog has been completed, simply select the Apply button to begin the report
generation.
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