Create/Edit Section Templates
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Introduction
Civil Site Design (and Stringer Topo) includes its own Template (Assembly) creator. This is a simple and intuitive interface which provides designers with the capacity to create any type of typical cross section shape required.
These typical cross sections (also known as Templates or Assemblies) can be created and/or edited via the Create/Edit Templates command. Templates are applied to any String to generate design cross sections.
The creation of appropriate Templates is integral to the String design process.
About the Form - General Features and Display Controls
The name of the current Template is shown at the top of the form. The form is split up into functional components, in the following general arrangement:
- Top of the form, left - Data Editing in tabular format: this enables adjustment of offsets (horizontally and vertically) for created subassembly components
- Top, to the right - Collection of command buttons: navigate to different Templates as well as provide edits in the Data Edit form.
- Mid-Right- Create/Edit Sections: Main creation/editing tools for daylighting, line components and kerb components, incorporating subgrades.
- Bottom of the form, right (Define Subgrade Conditions allowing for new labels inserted into the cross section)
- Bottom of the form, left (as well as navigation panels on the right and top right): controls the visual representation of Template design data being assembled as well as a display of the template as it is constructed
Naming Templates - Ground Rules
Special Note: Template Naming Conventions. DO NOT use commas in the name of the Template or !@#$%^&*() characters.
Creating Templates - Fundamental Procedure
It is recommended that the following commands are used to create and edit a basic Template:
- Create Template sections and batters, or edit the applied subgrade using the command buttons on the form.
- Edit the horizontal and vertical offset parameters using the Data Editing Form:
- The left side (pink) represents 'segments', or subassembly links, progressively designed working from the centreline outwards to the left. Each Leg is a line segment (Section) in the assembly
- The right side (green) represents 'segments', or subassembly links, progressively designed working from the centreline outwards to the right. Each Leg is a line segment (Section) in the assembly
- Adjustments made to offset, slope, vertical distance or label will have an immediate impact on the Template view and on any Road (or Road Object) that refers to the Template.
Saving Templates - Public and Local
Designers are able to create 'Public' templates and 'Local' templates. The differences are:
- 'Local' Template
- saved to the current project ONLY
- is not available in any other project
- can be used directly on any Road or road object created
- 'Public' Template
- saved to the CSD Settings location (the Settings location can be adjusted using the Set Settings Path command)
- can be viewed and copied locally to ANY project
- cannot be used directly in a local project (a Local Copy would need to be made)
About Template Subgrade (Pavement) Layers
The Template Editor stores a list of Code pairs and assigns Subgrade (Pavement) Layers between each Code pair.
For instance, when you create a code named LEB next to the centreline (C.L.), the subgrade layers you apply are applied between the two codes C.L. and LEB only.
When you remove a Code out of the Template or change the name of a Code be aware that you will also have to account for the new/changed Code pairs that result. It will be required to use the subgrade editing options on this form to re-establish the appropriate subgrade between the remaining code pairs.
About Template Subgrade (Pavement) Layers - Advanced Controls
By default, subgrade (pavement) layers are defined between code pairs (with kerbs being a special case) with layers parallel to the design surface and stopping at the extents of the codes.
Advanced settings in the form enable designers to extend the subgrade layers beyond the codes, set a slope on the layer and set layers to extend down to the surface instead of maintaining a constant depth. Designers are also able to set a different slope on the bottom layer of the subgrade, different to the top layer. Below are some sketches depicting the changes that can be applied to the subgrade:
No Layer Controls Extension Extend to Design End Slopes Match Layer to Surface
About Code Naming Conventions - CRITICAL INFORMATION
When creating codes in the Data Editing form (This does NOT APPLY when creating data using the section/kerb creation forms) it is vital that the designer:
- PREFIX codes on left with 'L'
- PREFIX codes on the right with 'R'
In general the following is recommended:
- Provide a code name to each segment created (this is REQUIRED and the software will generate an error message to advise that label/s are missing from the template section/s.
- Use a CONSISTENT code to define the connection point for kerb returns, cul-de-sacs and knuckles. This connection point label is used in creating these objects as defined in the Active Drawing Settings.
About Creating Kerb Returns, Cul-de-sacs or Roundabout 'Templates'
The software automatically stretches the road pavement of the Kerb, Cul-de-sac and Roundabout objects in order to match up the intersections. In order for this to occur the designer MUST define these templates with an LDUM or RDUM (depending if it is on the left or right side of the centerline) code - the software stretches this code (including subgrade layers) out to match up at the intersections.
When a Template is applied
When a Template is applied to the feature, the software stretches the label LDUM or RDUM (pending the direction of the alignments) to match up the intersection or, in the case of the Roundabout, to match to the outer edge of the circulating carriageway alignment.
If this label is missing, there will be no 'pavement' created to match out to the rest of the intersection.
Kerb Return and Cul-de-sacs - When an 'Auto' Template is Created
When creating Kerb Returns or Cul-de-sacs, the designer is able to set the template to 'Auto' - in this case the software builds the cross section automatically be reading the road sections at the start/end of these alignments.
In this event, the software does not automatically apply any subgrade to the design but DOES allow a 'subgrade template' to be applied.
Accordingly the designer needs to allow for the subgrades to be inserted. Additionally, the coding for the alignment is not set to C.L. - it is set to the Connection Point Code (as defined in the Active Drawing Settings form).
In order to accommodate for this, a 'Road' template should be created and include an allowance for the event where there is pavement working outwards from the Connection Point Code.
When 'Auto' is applied to the feature, the software creates a label pair between the Connection Point Code and RDUM/LDUM (pending the direction of the alignments) to match up the intersection.
Use the Set Subgrade on Insert command to create these label pairs in the Template being applied.
Creating Knuckles - Automatic 'stretching' of the Road Pavement
When a Knuckle is created and the option is selected to extend the Road pavement out to the knuckle alignment, an additional label called LNUK/RNUK (pending which side of the road) is used. This label is automatically created AFTER the Connection Point Code.
In order for a subgrade to be assigned to this section of pavement, the designer must create Subgrade Layer pairs for the Connection Point Codes and LNUK/RNUK labels (for left and right sides).
Details
Upon clicking the Create/Edit Section command the Template Editor is displayed:
To navigate to particular commands of the Template Editor, click on a command button or view window from the image below:
File
Opens the file menu, options include:
New Template (Local)
Makes a new Local Template. Designer is required to type in a name for the new template and OK.
New Template (Public)
Makes a new Public Template. Designer is required to type in a name for the new public template and OK.
Copy Template (Local)
Copies the current Template to the LOCAL project. Designer provides a name for the locally copied template.
Copy Template (Public)
Copies the current Template to the PUBLIC template library. Designer provides a name for the publicly copied template.
Data Edit Tabular Form This form enables editing of the tabular data describing the top links of the Template:
The left side (blue) represents 'segments', or subassembly links, progressively designed working from the centreline outwards to the left. Each Leg is a line segment (Section) in the assembly
The right side (white) represents 'segments', or subassembly links, progressively designed working from the centreline outwards to the right. Each Leg is a line segment (Section) in the assembly
Adjustments made to horizontal distance, slope, vertical distance or code will have an immediate impact on the Template view and on any Road (or Road Object) that refers to the Template.
Each Row of data correlates to a Leg/Section in the Template. For each line of data:
Leg The Leg number is the Section/Segment number, working from the centerline outward. Leg 1 connects to Leg 2, Leg 2 to Leg 3, and so on Horizontal Distance This is the horizontal width of the Section Slope % Type in the slope in % - leave blank if it is required to set a vertical distance.
Convention is:
- Left Side: + value is a clockwise rotation
- Right Side: + value is a counter-clockwise rotation
Vertical Distance Type in the vertical distance - leave blank if it is required to set a slope. + value is a vertical distance up. Plot (Y/N) Use pick list to set Yes or No. Determines if the label information is displayed in the Template viewer. Code Provide a code name for the end of the Section. Codes act as the points on the cross section. Template Viewer The Template Viewer provides a 'live' display of the design cross section.
[Right Click Menu] Right click in the Template Viewer to access menu commands
Create Section
Add a new pavement section to the current template. See Create Section.
Create Kerb
Add a new kerb section to the current template. See Create Kerb.
Edit Section
Edits the subgrade for the Section based on the right click location. See Edit Subgrade for Section.
Edit Kerb
Edits the subgrade for the Kerb based on the right click location. See Edit Kerb.
Batter (Daylight) Left
Assign batter/daylighting conditions on the left side of the assembly.
Batter (Daylight) Right
Assign batter/daylighting conditions on the right side of the assembly.
Template Options Open the Template Option sub-menu:
Copy To Left
This command takes all the data entries on the right side and 'mirrors' them onto the left side. A warning message will display if data on the right will be deleted
Copy To Right
This command takes all the data entries on the left side and 'mirrors' them onto the right side. A warning message will display if data on the right will be deleted
Delete Left
Deletes all entries on the left hand side of the Data Edit form
Delete Right
Deletes all entries on the right hand side of the Data Edit form.
Select Template Click on this button to select the Template to view/edit from a list:
Pick the required Template.
Show Local
Toggle on/off to show the local templates in the template list. ON by default.
Show Public
Toggle on/off to show public templates in the template list. OFF by default.
OK Apply and exit. Cancel Exit the form without selecting a different Template.
Note: The name of the current Template is displayed at the top of the Template Editor.Prev Click on this button to cycle backwards through the list of available Templates. Next Click on this button to cycle forwards through the list of available Templates. Insert Line This is used to insert an entire Section (Leg) in between other Sections within the Template: The process is:
- Highlight the line to insert above/before
- Click on the Insert Line button
Yes Click to insert the segment. No Click to exit without inserting the segment. After clicking Yes and following form is displayed:
New Label Give the new section a name. New Width Specify the width of the new section. Split subgrade Tick on so when a new section is created the current subgrade remains on both the existing and new sections and is not deleted OK Apply and exit. Cancel Click to exit without inserting the segment. Remove Line This is used to delete an entire Section (Leg) from the Template. The process is:
- Highlight the Section/Leg to delete
- Click on the Remove Line button
Yes Click to delete the highlighted section. No Click to exit without deleting the segment. Remove All Subgrades Click to delete all existing subgrades in the template being viewed. Template Options Upon selecting the command the following form is displayed: Create Section Allows the designer to create new sections and kerbs
Use these commands to add a new pavement section or kerb to the current template.
Create Section Click on the button to start this command. On exit a new Section will be created and connected to the last leg of the Template (before the batter/daylighting). On start of this command the following form is displayed:
Note: the graphic window will update on hover over the different inputs.
New Code Type in a name for the new label to be created. Note: There is no need to prefix the label here with 'L' or 'R'.
Width of Section Type in the width required for this new section Applied Slope (%) Toggle this method on if desired and type in a value (in percentage) for the slope to be applied to the section. Convention is as follows:
- Zero: flat
- Left Side: + value up and - value down
- Right Side: + value up and - value down
Vertical Distance Toggle this method on if desired and type in a value (+ is an upward change) Subgrade Layers Set up to 10 subgrade layers. These correlate to material thicknesses. After specifying a depth the user then sets a Material.
Layer Depth-1 Thickness of layer 1 of the subgrade Layer Material-1 Use the pick list to assign a material to the layer depth above - the materials are set in the Material List. Select Side to Apply Toggle to chose which side to apply the new section to:
Left Create the new segment on the left side Both Create two segments - one on the left and one on the right Right Create the new segment on the right side Plot Code Tick on to show the label in the Template viewer Subgrade Layer Adjustments A range of command options are available to make adjustments to the subgrade layers so they are not a constant depth between the two Labels. Datum Slope Adjust Method The bottom layer of the subgrade can have the slope adjusted so it is different to the top surface slope. Options are:
- Use Value: The value specified in the Datum Slope Adjustment is used for the slope of the bottom layer of the subgrade
- Add Value: The value specified in the Datum Slope Adjustment is ADDED to the slope of the top surface and this slope is applied to the bottom layer of the subgrade
- No Adjustment: The value specified in the Datum Slope Adjustment is ignored.
Datum Slope Adjustment Type in a % slope adjustment for the DATUM line - whether it is Relative or Absolute depends on the Datum Slope Adjust Method specified. Assign Layer Controls Click on this button to assign advanced controls on the behaviour of the subgrade layers. Upon selecting the command the following form is displayed:
Note: the graphic window will update on hover over the different inputsOutside Top Extension This option extends the subgrade horizontally beyond the Outer Label (working outwards from the centreline). Type in a value: a positive value moves the top edge further out, away from the centreline.
Inside Top Extension This option extends the subgrade horizontally beyond the Inner Label (working inwards toward the Centreline). Type in a value: a positive value moves the top edge further in, towards from the centreline.
No Layer Controls:
Layer Controls Applied - Extension:
Outside End Slope (1 in) This option enables the end slope of the subgrade to be changed from vertical. Type in a value - the convention is 1: (Rise:Run). (e.g. typing in 1 would imply 1:1 slope, or 45%)
Inside End Slope (1 in) This option enables the end slope of the subgrade to be changed from vertical. Type in a value - the convention is 1: (Rise:Run). (e.g. typing in 1 would imply 1:1 slope, or 45%)
No Layer Controls:
Layer Controls Applied - End Slopes:
Outside Extend to Design This option enables the outside edge of the layers to extend out to the design edge. The routine assumes extension immediately to the batters (last label before the batters). The top layer will not extend - it is assumed that the outside edge layer is where the extension is calculated from. This option requires the Outside Top Extension and Outside End Slope values to be set to zero (off).
Use the Pick List. Options are:
- No Extension: doesn't apply any extension
- Fill Only: only applies the extension in fill conditions (checks the bottom of the layer at the end)
- Cut Only: only applies the extension in cut conditions (checks the bottom of the layer at the end)
- Cut and Fill: tries to apply the extension whether in cut or fill - in the event that no solution is found it doesn't apply any extension
No Layer Controls:
Layer Controls Applied - Extend to Design:
Match Depth to Surface Set to Yes or No. If set to Yes then the depth of the chosen layer will extend to the surface up to the value set in Maximum Extra Depth. No Layer Controls:
Layer Controls Applied - Match Depth to Surface:
Minimum Thickness Sets the minimum thickness of the layer in cut situations.
Set to zero to allow the subgrade layer to be removed in cut.
Set a value for the minimum allowable depth.Maximum Extra Depth Sets the extra depth (in addition to the default depth) to extend the sampled surface in fill - if the depth extends beyond this value the layer will adopt the maximum depth (default depth plus Maximum Extra Depth value).
Set to a large value (e.g. 100) to always extend to the surface.
Set a value for the maximum extra layer thickness in fill situations.Alternate Material for Extra Depth Not implemented Description Set a description for the layer adjustment Ignore Outside Extension This input is associated with the Outside Top Extension and Outside End Slope inputs.
By default, the start width of the layer is set by the preceding (higher) layer width. Set to Yes to measure the extension from the outside Code (zero additional width)Ignore Inside Extension This input is associated with the Inside Top Extension and Inside End Slope inputs.
By default, the start width of the layer is set by the preceding (higher) layer width. Set to Yes to measure the extension from the outside Code (zero additional width)Thickness from Existing The depth of the layer can be set based on the depth of the sampled surface. Options are:
- No: do not adjust layer depth based on a surface
- Inner: find the surface elevation at the inside code and use that for the layer depth
- Outer: find the surface elevation at the outside code and use that for the layer depth
- Both: find the surface elevation at the outside and inside code and use this to set a lineearly changing depth between the elevation at the inside to the elevation at the outside
Note: this value will not be applied if the layer would otherwise have zero or negative thickness..Description Set a description for the layer adjustment Apply and Exit Apply the additional layer controls and exit the form. Cancel Exit the form without saving any changes. Cut Tolerance Type in a tolerance value - the subgrade rules set in the Assign Layer Controls will be applied if the tolerance is exceeded in cut. Leave this blank to apply immediately in cut. Fill Tolerance Type in a tolerance value - the subgrade rules set in the Assign Layer Controls will be applied if the tolerance is exceeded in fill. Leave this blank to apply immediately in fill. OK Create the section and exit the form. Cancel Exit the form without creating a new section. Create Kerb Click on the button to start this command. On exit a new kerb section (subassembly component) will be created and connected to the previous leg of the Template (before the daylighting). Only use this command to create kerb sections. On start of this command the following form is displayed:
Note: the graphic window will update on hover over the different inputsDefine Kerb Shape Parameters - Top Codes Simple geometry tools to set out the top of the kerb line. Invert of Kerb Type in (relative to the connection label, which is usually the edge of bitumen, for example the green line in the Detail Sketch):
- Width: Width to the flow line
- Depth: Type in a vertical distance or leave blank if defined by Slope
- Slope (%): Type in a slope value in % or leave blank if defined by Depth
- Code: Type in a Code
Top of Kerb Type in (relative to the Flow Line label):
- Width: Width to the Face of Kerb
- Depth: Type in a vertical distance or leave blank if defined by Slope
- Slope (%): Type in a slope value in % or leave blank if defined by Depth
- Code: Type in a Code
Back of Kerb Type in (relative to the Top Point label):
- Width: Width for the Top of Kerb
- Depth: Type in a vertical distance or leave blank if defined by Slope
- Slope (%): Type in a slope value in % or leave blank if defined by Depth
- Code: Type in a Code
Define Subgrade Layers Used to setup the subgrade below the kerb. Kerb Depth Depth of the kerb, measured from the lip Subbase Extension Distance to extend behind the Back Point with the subgrade Kerb Bottom Slope (%) Type in for a slope (%) along the base of the kerb Subbase Slope (%) Type in for a slope (%) along the datum Extension Slope (%) Type in for a slope (%) for the extended part of the subgrade behind the Back Point Subgrade Depth 1 Subgrade Layer 1 thickness below the kerb Subgrade Depth 2 Subgrade Layer 2 thickness below the kerb Subgrade Depth 3 Subgrade Layer 3 thickness below the kerb Subgrade Depth 4 Subgrade Layer 4 thickness below the kerb Kerb Material Use the pick list to assign a material Layer 1 Material Use the pick list to assign a material to Depth 1 Layer 2 Material Use the pick list to assign a material to Depth 2 Layer 3 Material Use the pick list to assign a material to Depth 3 Layer 4 Material Use the pick list to assign a material to Depth 4 Select Side to Apply Choose which side of the Template to apply the new kerb. Left Side Only Create the new kerb on the left side Right Side Only Create the new kerb on the right side Both Sides Create two kerbs - one on the left and one on the right OK Create the kerb subassembly and exit the form. Cancel Exit the form without creating a new kerb. Create Batter Conditions These commands enable the user to assign batter/daylighting conditions on the left and right sides of the assembly. Click on Left Side to assign batter/daylight conditions on the left side.
Click on Right Side to assign batter/daylight conditions on the right side.Upon selecting the command the following form is displayed with the current Batter/Daylight Type displayed:
Click on the desired Batter/Daylight Type and enter the required details:
No Batters Choose this option if you do not require Batters. Upon selecting the option No Batters, the following is displayed:
Slope Batters Choose this option if you require Slope Batters. Upon selecting the option Slope Batters, the following form is displayed:
Cut Slope 1: Type in the required cut slope as rise:run. Fill Slope 1: Type in the required fill slope as rise:run. Fixed Width from CL Choose this option if you require Batters with a fixed width from CL. Upon selecting the option Fixed Width from CL, the following form is displayed:
Width from Centreline Type in the width (in units) for the offset of the daylight point relative to the Road centerline. OK Apply the new daylight conditions and exit the form. Cancel Exit the form without applying the daylight conditions. Edit Subgrade for Section The editing tools have been provided to enable quick editing of subgrade depths and other features of the selected section or kerb.
Use these commands to edit a pavement or kerb section.
Edit Section Use this command to select a line in the Template Viewer and edit the section. After clicking Edit Section, the following is displayed:
Click OK to proceed and select a section to edit in the Template Viewer.
Upon making the selection the following form is displayed:
Subgrade Layers See Subgrade Layers Options Set the edit method Delete All Subgrade Layers Click on this button to remove the entire section Apply Subgrade Edits to Both Sides Toggle this on to have the edits applied to both the left and right sides Subgrade Layer Adjustments See Subgrade Layer Adjustments Apply and Exit Save changes and exit the form. Apply Save changes. Cancel Exit the form without saving changes. Edit Kerb Use this command to select a line in the Template viewer representing a part of the kerb to edit it. After clicking Edit Kerb, the following is displayed:
Click OK to proceed and select a part of a kerb to edit in the Template Viewer.
Upon making the selection the following form is displayed:
Kerb to Edit Code 1 and Code 2 define the line segment being edited Code 1 Code defining the section Code 2 Code defining the section Section Details See Define Subgrade Layers Section Edit Options Set the edit method Delete Selected Section Click on this button to remove the entire section Apply Edits to Both Sides Toggle this on to have the edits applied to both the left and right sides Apply and Exit Save changes and exit the form. Apply Save changes. Cancel Exit the form without saving changes. Subgrade by Codes These commands have the same function as Edit Section, however the section to be edited is defined by entering/selecting codes instead of clicking on it in the Template Viewer. Use these commands to edit a subgrade section.
Set Subgrade Use this command to edit a section by manually inputting the codes which enclose the section. After clicking Set Subgrade, the following is displayed:
First Code Enter the label defining the start of the section Second Code Enter the label defining the end of the section Apply and Exit Click to edit the subgrade for the section defined by the codes. Cancel Exit the form without saving any changes.. After clicking Apply and Exit the following form is displayed:
Subgrade Layers See Subgrade Layers Options Set the edit method Delete All Subgrade Layers Click on this button to remove the entire section Apply Subgrade Edits to Both Sides Toggle this on to have the edits applied to both the left and right sides Subgrade Layer Adjustments See Subgrade Layer Adjustments Apply and Exit Save changes and exit the form. Apply Save changes. Cancel Exit the form without saving any changes. Edit Subgrade Same functionalities as Set Subgrade, but the section is chosen by selecting it from a list of codes. After clicking Edit Subgrade, the following is displayed:
Code Pair Select the section to be edited OK Click to edit the subgrade for the section defined by the codes. Cancel Exit the form without saving any changes.. After clicking OK the following form is displayed:
See Edit Subgrade
Display Controls The View Display Controls Panel to the right controls the Template Viewer window, with the exception of showing the extents of the daylighting.
Zoom Scale Use the pick box to set the vertical exaggeration of the cross section display Pan Clicking on the icon enables panning in the viewer. Pick two points and the cross section location of the first picked point moves to the second picked point. Zoom Extents Re-locates and re-scales the cross section view to be fully displayed in the view window, subject to an appropriate zoom scale being applied Zoom Window This command allows the Designer to pick a window of the view to be displayed (pick top left and bottom right corners) Batter/Daylighting Display The display of the batters in the Template viewer is controlled from the following command controls:
Show in Cut Toggle this on to display a cut daylight situation.
Show in Fill Toggle this on to display a fill daylight situation.
Depth Sets the depth of cut/fill to be displayed in the viewer. Redo and Undo Click on the left icon to progressively REDO undone commands or click on the left icon to progressively UNDO commands undertaken whilst in the Create/Edit Templates form. OK Apply and exit. Cancel Exit the form without saving changes.