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Workflow Processes:

  • Modeling Driveways

    The Modeling Driveways workflow presents a straight forward and intuitive solution for modeling driveways in Civil 3D along a corridor with curb and gutter. Using a custom assembly created in Subassembly Composer (provided in this workflow), along with custom driveway blocks that include the drive apron and back of curb, you can accurately model the driveways for your project. For each driveway you need to create the CAD geometry, then grade the driveway feature lines, lowering the curb height through the driveway. After the driveway features are edited, they can be added to the corridor model as horizontal and vertical targets.

    This process leverages two slightly different approaches, depending on where the driveway falls along the alignment. If the driveway is added on a horizontal and vertical tangent, one approach will be used. If the driveway falls along a curve, a different approach is needed that involves a couple more steps.

    This workflow leverages layers to make it easier to add targets to the corridor. The layers propagate from the original CAD polylines to Feature Lines. Civil 3D grading tools will be leveraged to grade out the driveway features.

    This workflow may not be suited for all driveway modeling scenarios, but can likely be tailored to meet your needs. This workflow can also be used to model curb ramps at pedestrian crossings.

  • Rehab Corridors

    Rehab Corridors are a unique corridor type in Civil 3D, and although they are very similar to standard corridors, they have a slightly different workflow and toolset. Rehab Corridors are created with the Rehab Corridor tool, and require Lane and Rehab inputs to build the initial rehab assembly. To create, view, and edit Rehab Corridors, the Rehab Corridor Editor is used. This editor is similar to the Corridor Section Editor, only special rehab tools allow you to edit the Rehab Corridor and build rehab reports. The assemblies that are created for Rehab Corridors come from the “New Rehab” Assembly Group, on the Civil 3D tool palette. After placement into the drawing the Rehab Assembly can be built-out to include lane widenings, shoulder extensions, and daylight treatments. To get rehab quantities a materials list can be created for the Overlay, Mill, and Level shape codes.

  • Modeling Ponds

    Drainage ponds can be modeled in a number of ways in Civil 3D. One method that you can use to model ponds is to use Feature Lines and Gradings. This method works well for ponds with simple berm slopes, and in most cases results in a dynamic grading model. Some drawbacks to this method are that multiple gradings are often needed, the gradings cause performance and stability issues over the life of the drawing, and gradings do not always allow for more versatile slope conditions like freeboard, spillways, and safety benches.

    To gain more flexibility for your pond model, you can consider using a corridor model. Corridor models allow you to grade the pond from a single feature line (or alignment and profile), using a single pond assembly. The assembly can be created using “out of the box” subassemblies, or you can author a custom assembly using Subassembly Composer. This workflow covers both approaches, and includes a custom assembly that you can use with your pond model, or to jump start your custom pond assembly.

    To get started with your pond model, you can leverage Grading Optimization to size your pond, and set the initial elevation for your pond to balance cut and fill earthwork. This step is not required, however, it can help you arrive at the most cost effective solution in the least amount of time. After determining the starting elevation for your pond, you can create the pond feature line, pond assembly, and pond corridor. When you are satisfied with the corridor results, you can create the corridor surface to analyze pond capacity and earthwork volumes.

    NOTES:
    Although this workflow is intuitive and straight forward for anyone familiar with corridor modeling, some manual effort may be required if edits are needed. This will primarily occur when defining the corridor surface boundary. Keep this in mind as you perform the grading for your pond model.

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