IMAGINiT Civil Solutions Blog

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act

old news....but

On July 6, 2012, President Obama signed into law a new two year transportation reauthorization bill, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act ("MAP-21"; P.L. 112-141).

“MAP-21 takes effect October 1, 2012. The new law provides $561 million in fiscal year (FY) 2013 and $572 million in FY 2014 for the Agency's administrative expenses and grant programs.

The first multi-year transportation authorization enacted since 2005

• Funds surface transportation programs at over $105 billion for fiscal
  years (FY) 2013 and 2014
• Transforms the framework for investments to guide the growth and
  development of the country’s vital transportation infrastructure”

So what’s this got to do with Civil 3D

“Sec. 1304: Innovative Project Delivery Methods”

“The purpose of the innovative project delivery methods provision under Section 1304 of MAP-21 is to promote the use of innovative technologies and practices that increase the efficiency of construction, accelerate construction, improve the safety, improve the quality, reduce congestion from construction, and extend the service life of highways and bridges”

Sec 1503 (j)

(A) accelerate and improve the environmental review process;
(B) increase effective public participation;
(C) enhance the detail and accuracy of project designs;
(D) increase safety;
(E) accelerate construction, and reduce construction costs; or
(F) otherwise expedite project delivery with respect to transportation projects that receive Federal funding.”

A perfect fit for the Autodesk suites and BIM process.

Autodesk®
Infrastructure Design Suite is a comprehensive software solution combining the tools to plan, design, build and manage utility and civil infrastructure.

• Plan and manage with improved insight
• Design smarter and faster with intelligent model-based tools
• Evaluate project performance with integrated analysis and simulation
• Communicate with visualisation across the lifecycle

I did not mean for this to seem like an Autodesk sales pitch, but join the dots, and decide.  Here is the ROI  on your Autodesk products and in the training of your staff as it applies to the proper utilization of the product. The opportunities are out there for grabs.

“The Federal share payable may be increased by up to 5 percent of the total project cost, not to exceed 100 percent, for projects determined to meet the requirements specified in 23 U.S.C. 120(c)(3).”1

Helpful links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moving_Ahead_for_Progress_in_the_21st_Century_Act

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/guidance/index.cfm

http://www.dot.gov/map21

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/qandas/qaipd.cfm

Tee Intersections – Maintain Both Crowns

This blog’s entry covers the assembly group’s construction and logic for tee intersections that maintain both roadway crowns. My next blog entry will cover four way intersections that maintain the primary road’s crown through the intersection.

When creating the intersection assemblies, it is a challenge to determine what assembly configurations are needed to complete the intersection. The assembly configurations are determined by the type of intersection you are designing. When the intersection is a tee and holds the primary crown the intersection flattens the secondary road when it intersects the primary road. When creating this type of intersection, the primary road intersection assembly must have both roadway lanes.  See the left side of Figure 1. When the intersection type maintains both primary and secondary crown, the primary intersection assembly contains only half of the primary road assembly.  See the right side of Figure 1.

Figure 1: Intersection Types

The reason for this difference is how the secondary road completes its portion of the intersection.  To create an intersection that maintains both crowns, the primary road’s assembly contains a half section assembly and the curb assembly completes the intersection between the primary and secondary roads. See Figure 2.

Figure 2: Secondary Road’s Curb Sweep Follows the Primary Road’s Crown

The primary road’s intersection assembly is either a half right or left daylight assembly. The assembly has only one lane to the right or left. See figure 3. The left half is for intersecting secondary roads from the right and the right half is for secondary roads intersecting from the left.

Figure 3:  Primary Road Part (Half) Section – Daylight Left and Right

Assemblies – Primary Road

The assemblies for the primary road are found in Figure 4. When the intersection is a Tee and you hold both crowns, the Primary Road –Right and Left assemblies must contain a roadway’s half section. Both of these assemblies must be assigned to the intersection even though only one will be used.

The Primary Road Part Section – Daylight Right is for intersections where the secondary road intersects on the roadway’s left side. The Primary Road Part Section – Daylight Left is for intersections where the secondary road intersects on the roadway’s right side. Even though both sections are assigned in the wizard only one of the sections is used.

Figure 4: Primary Road Intersection Assemblies

Assemblies – Secondary Road

The secondary road assemblies are in Figure 5. The Secondary Road Half Section –Daylight Left and Right sections are used when there is a secondary road widening.

The last assembly in Figure 5 is the curb return assembly. The curb assembly follows a curb return alignment and creates the secondary’s portion of the intersection. The intersection creation process prefers the right curb assembly.

With a Tee Intersection with no widening, only the secondary road full section is used to create the intersection.

Figure 5: Secondary Road Intersection and the Right Curb Return Assemblies

Intersection Assembly Assignment

When creating the Tee Intersection, you must assign the correct assemblies. Figure 6 has the assembly assignments for a Tee Intersection that holds both crown elevations.

Figure 6: Assembly Assignment for a Tee Intersection Holding Primary Crown

Corridor Properties – Tee Intersection Maintain Both Crowns

The resulting intersection from a Tee Intersection holdingCorridor Properties – Tee Intersection Maintain Both Crowns the primary road’s crown with no widening uses the minimum number of
assemblies. See Figure 7.

Figure 7: Corridor Properties for a Tee Intersection Maintaining Both Crowns

Happy intersection designing!

Are You Scanning?

Part 1 --

By: Brian Allen

With more and more firms downsizing some may be experiencing a shortage of jobs. A few companies have resorted to looking for other revenue streams and HD Scanning may be just the ticket!

What is HD Surveying? Well, in short its High Definition Scanning…with a laser that can accurately give you a point cloud model, with imagery within hours instead of days or in some cases, minutes depending on the density you’re after. Think of Superman’s Laser Vision being used for Surveying instead of slicing cars in half and that’s HD Surveying…without the vulnerability to kryptonite. I’m guessing on the kryptonite thing, I really have no idea.

Civil 3D is great for smaller point clouds but its just not the end all tool for handling large amounts of data. One great application is Leica’s Cyclone. I’m amazed about how many points can be manipulated in this software. Below is a capture of a corner of a new hospital being built. This was scanned using the Leica ScanStation C10. With the C10 you also have the option to take images during the scanning process.

 

So how many points are in this scan and log did it take? Oh well, there’s only 27,741,935 in this scan and it only took about 45 to 50 minutes. What about imagery you ask? That’s below as well. It even picked up the ropes for the scaffolding. Cool!

 

 

And yes! We can place this point cloud in AutoCAD or Civil 3D, with all 27million-plus points. I’ve installed Leica’s Cloudworx add on for Civil 3D. Lets take a look at it. Different view here, but it’s the same model.

 

So you’re probably thinking “that’s great but I survey parking lots and highways.” Well, we can do that too. Below is a scan of a parking lot.

 

Now you get the idea? Depending on your particular project and the data you need, HD Scanning could be the answer. For more information on HD Scanning check out these links:

• Software: Leica Cyclone
• Software: Leica Cyclone II Topo
• Scanner: Leica HDS7000
• Scanner: Leica ScanStation C10
• Revit Add-in Scan to BIM.

Stay tuned for more info!

 

What Are You AIMing For?

By: Brian Allen

So how many times have you lost a bid or proposal to another group that used 3D models and renderings where you showed paper plans? I’d guess quite a few. If you haven’t yet –you will.

Why not use some of the same ‘ol data you’re using in your 2D preliminary “paper” drawings and give them a boost. All you need is to AIM –Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler. This powerful program allows you to connect to all the legacy data you already have like GIS shp files, dwgs and even import models from Civil 3D to create realistic models as easy as 1…2..3.

You may say to yourself something like “…I tried 3D Studio for 3D Animations years ago and it was too much work…” I agree, that was a lot of work but this is a whole different type of modeling/animation program. So, consider taking AIM for test drive for your next proposal.

For more information, click here.

 

AutoCAD 2013 File Format

By Brian Allen:

So whats new in the new release of AutoCAD? Well, for starters how about another file format revision. In fashion with previous trends it was about time for Autodesk to update the platform file format and that happens this year with the release of 2013.

So here are some FAQ’s we normally see when new file formats arise as it pertains to Compatibility, Interoperability between the various versions of AutoAD as well as system requirements:

Compatibility and Operability

• Customized Menus:
  • Upon running 2013 for the first time you will get prompted  by a Migration Wizard. A nifty feature that allows you to transfer customized menus, toolbars, etc…
• AutoCAD 2013 DWG format:
  • Updated file format to accommodate technology and performance updates in the software. You still have the ability to save to the other formats you’ve always had. Yep, all the way back to R14 DWG and R12 DXF
• Opening 2013 drawings in previous versions:
  • As with all previous releases we have the ability to “go forward” only. A 2013 file cannot be opened in 2012 for example.
  • To open a newer DWG in an older version, use the free application, TrueView to convert the new file into the needed version.

System Requirements

• Lots of info, just click here.

 

Hardware

So many times I'm asked about recommended hardware for use with Autodesk products. This page takes all the guess work out. Not only does it give you certified graphics cards, it also recommends systems.

Try it out your self.

Need more tools in your Toolbox?

Using design applications to do our jobs no doubt leaves us wanting them to do more. So whenever you’re looking to do something your present software may not do –no matter if its Civil 3D, Map 3D, or just plain ‘ole AutoCAD, take a look at Autodesk Labs.

Some of the cool stuff out there now:

• Bridge Modeler: Create bridges directly from Civil 3D objects
• Corridor Solids for Civil 3D:  Extract Civil 3D Objects into AutoCAD Solids
• Terrain Shaping: Interactively modify/shape terrain surfaces

To the Cloud?

By Brian Allen:

AutoCAD WS has been around for a while now. Do you use it? I don't know a single person that doesn't have a smartphone...other than my dad --I just got him his first laptop about a year ago! So I know you have the ability to use this free feature from Autodesk. If you have an iPhone/iPad or Android based phone or tablet just go ahead and download the app from the app store or the market.

The neat thing about AutoCAD WS is that you can upload the dwg files from the native application and use a browser like Internet Explorer as well as the apps on a mobile device.

You will need to create an account with Autodesk to upload/download files from the cloud but don't worry its free -an account is needed for security. I really wanted to upload a video of me using AutoCAD WS on an iPad but Apple locks down some needed resources to make a video for free. That said, I'm cheap so you'll have to look at some screen shots.

The screen shots were uploaded from small Civil 3D project.

To get started go to the Online Tab on the Ribbon, click Upload. Once you log in and the file completes uploading, you're ready to use the cloud!

Just go to your mobile device, start the AutoCAD WS app and open the file.

Screen shot of a Survey file:

All of the tools are located at the bottom. No command line is present...unless you use the web browser version.

Draw, Measure and add Text:

Add notes, revision clouds and text:

Change Colors:

Layer Control:

Model or Paperspace:

Normal or Grayscale Viewing:

A Grayscale View:

Share a File:

AutoCAD WS - The Web Version:

I won't bore you with more screen shots other than the main one but you do get some standard features that aren't included on the mobile phone or tablet versions -like a somewhat familiar ribbon interface and a command line.

 

AutoCAD and Civil 3D Updates and Hotfixes

What's Up?

With new releases of software come new issues to resolve. For the 2012 software releases, Autodesk is quick to react and has already provided several downloads you may be interested in. Whether you are experiencing some irregular behavior in a drawing, a tool doesn't seem to work the way it used to, or performance seems to have taken a dip, you should take a look at what's available. It is always in your best interest to keep up to date on updates and hotfixes provided for your design software.

What 2012 Hotfixes and Updates are Available?

AutoCAD 2012 Performance Slowdown Hotfix (32/64 bit)

This hotfix is suitable for all AutoCAD 2012 verticals and will fix the slowdown caused by the layer control update available in the ribbon. Download Hotfix and ReadMe file here.

Autodesk 2012 Block Editor Save Corruption Hotfix

This hotfix prevents possible loss of data that may occur if the drawing is saved while the Block Editor is open in AutoCAD® 2012-based products. Download Hotfix and ReadMe file here.

Autodesk 2012 Content Explorer Service Hotfix

This hotfix applies to the Autodesk 2012 Content Explorer Service (Public and Personal) and addresses the following issues:

• Users performing searches in Content Explorer may encounter incorrect paging results.
• Indexing problematic DWG files would require the Content Service to be restarted.
• Searching on a network drive that is configured to use a substitute path may not return any results.

Download Hotfix and ReadMe file here.

Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Network License Hotfix

This hotfix addresses a possible issue with AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 pulling the incorrect license at launch.  This hotfix should be applied to all machines that have AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 installed, regardless of whether it was installed as part of a suite or as a point products (not part of a suite). Download Hotfix and read reference information here.

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis 2012 Hotfix (localized Civil 3D and Map 3D versions Only)

This hotfix will address a connection issue between Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis and Civil 3D and/or Map 3D. Only affects localized (non-North American) versions of Civil 3D and Map 3D. Download Hotfix here.

What Else Is There?

A lot actually. There are several other hotfixes and updates available, but for more specific purposes. You can find all of those for download at this location.

Also, don't forget what additional resources may be available. For instance, you might have a plugin or 3rd party software that requires an extension be installed within Civil 3D. You can find those downloads here. Maybe you also need to coordinate with your surveyors (or perhaps, are a surveyor) and work directly with the instruments used in the field. Utilize these plugins provided by Autodesk Survey Equipment Partners. We can't forget those of you utilizing Autodesk design software outside North America either. For you, Autodesk also provides Country Kits for download.

Lastly - and this I can't forget - if you aren't sure what you might need, but are looking for what all is available for the current or previous releases of your Autodesk design software (be that AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Map 3D, Navisworks, or of the many other options) you should visit Autodesk's general support page to find what you want and/or need.

Life is Suite! Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suites Are Here

How huge is this? Autodesk has gone and bundled their software products into Design Suites and Creation Suites to better accommodate companies and users throughout the entire workflow process and lower the overall purchase price of these programs significantly. The Suites are broken down by industry and are custom configured to match the needs of each design discipline:

• Autodesk Design Suite 2012
• Autodesk Product Design Suite 2012
• Autodesk Factory Design Suite 2012
• Autodesk Building Design Suite 2012
• Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2012
• Autodesk Plant Design Suite 2012
• Autodesk Creation Design Suite 2012

The Suites are to be made available within the next quarter (sometime between April and June) and are broken down further to Standard, Premium, and Ultimate editions to suit the needs of everyone that much better and improve cost savings even further. You might be wondering what each of these bundles contains at this point, in which case you should click the image below to download a PDF document containing the breakdown of programs included with each Suite at each level.

That's not all, though. There is a lot more information to announce. I'll especially focus on the Infrastructure Design Suite offerings. First of which, if you didn't download the document or simply want to review the offerings at each level for the Infrastructure Design Suite 2012, I've included the package breakdown below:

• Standard
  • AutoCAD 2012
  • Map 3D 2012
  • Navisworks Simulate 2012
• Premium
  • All Infrastructure Design Suite Standard Edition Software
  • Civil 3D 2012
  • 3Ds Max Design 2012
• Ultimate
  • All Infrastructure Design Suite Premium Edition Software
  • Substitute Navisworks Simulate with Navisworks Manage 2012

Now Autodesk made the announcement regarding the Suites offerings during a webcast yesterday and I won't skimp on passing that information on to you. One of that last things mentioned during the Q & A, but probably the number one thing you are interested in, is the cost of these Suites. The response given during the webcast was that they will start at approximately $100 more than the stand-alone version of the primary (read: most expensive/advanced) software within the bundle. This means that you could expect the Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2012 Premium package to cost approximately $100 more than an individual purchase Civil 3D 2012.

You may be asking yourself,"Why would this be more expensive than it is right now? Civil 3D already comes with Map 3D tools and AutoCAD." In which case, you'd be right, except you may have overlooked the fact that 3Ds Max Design 2012 (an amazing piece of software in it's own right) is included in the Premium package and reduces your overall cost tremendously. Now these Suites aren't going to be the answer for everyone, and the stand-alone software purchases are still available for those that aren't interested, so have no fear.

Another great benefit to these Suites is that Autodesk is shipping them via USB flashdrives. The flashdrives will contain the entire suite you purchase, is write-protected so you CAD Managers out there don't freak out, and allows for several install options. The Electronic Software Delivery (downloads from Autodesk Subscription Center) are still available and you can get a replacement USB, too, so don't worry about inadvertently losing or damaging the flashdrive. When you plug the flash drive containing the Suites into your machine, you'll be given the options of performing a 1-Click Install, Custom Install, creating a Network Deployment, and more. Everything there is the same except for the 1-Click Install, which I can't wait to get my hands on and see how well it works.

That's it for now, folks. There is a lot more 2012 software release information to write about and make available to you, so make sure you keep coming back and checking out what's been posted. You can also subscribe to the RSS Feed so you receive new posts directly to your email inbox by selecting right here.