Road Network

This command synthesizes road network design for subdivisions and commercial and industrial sites by enabling interactive 3D design of all road centerlines, profiles and templates, including cul-de-sacs. A docked dialog on the left of the screen identifying the existing DTM surface and all road files combines with an active CAD screen and command line.  You can save drawings and run virtually any standard Autocad command while within the docked dialog.  Once the user identifies all centerlines involved, the program detects intersections and end segments suitable for cul-de-sacs, and through user input of design parameters for cul-de-sac dimensions and intersection transitions, the program will process the complete 3D design, with output options including cross sections, 3D faces, TIN files and contours.  The many roading files involved in a road network design are all saved to an "RDN" file that can be recalled, modified and re-processed.

This Road Network Help document is divided into 7 parts: Road Network Task Pane, Road Network Settings, Adding and Editing Roads, Road Network Road Profile Editor, Adding and Editing Intersections, Adding and Editing Cul de Sacs, Road Network Workflow Example #1 and Road network Workflow Example #2

Road Network: Task Pane

When designing roads using Carlson's Road Network feature, all work is done through a Task Pane that docks along the left side of the drawing screen. Having the Task Pane open and active does not prohibit or interfere with normal Command: line or other CAD functionality.

All settings and files associated with a roadway design project are saved in the Road Network (.RDN) file. Upon starting the Road Network command, the user is prompted to open an existing or create a new Road Network (.RDN) file in which to save the project data. Once loaded, the active Road Network filename is displayed at the top of the Task Pane.

Once Roads, Intersections and Cul-de-Sacs have been added to the Road Network, selecting any one of them in the project tree highlights the feature and centers it in the drawing screen. Highlighting and centering options may be changed in the Display Options tab of the Road Network Settings dialog box.

Road Network Task Pane

Roads

This area of the project tree lists the Roads defined as part of the Road Network. See Road Network: Adding and Editing Roads for additional assistance. The functions are accessed by right-click on the tree or by the icon buttons at the top of the dialog

Add: Pick this button to Add a Road to the Network. After adding the Road, the Edit Road dialog box is displayed allowing the user to manage and make changes to the Input Files and Output Files for the selected Road.
Edit: Pick this button to display the Edit Road dialog box to manage and make changes to the Input Files and Output Files for the selected Road.
Remove: Pick this button to delete the selected Road from the Road Network. After Removing the Road from the Network the design files associated with that Road will remain in the project folder.

Intersections

This area of the project tree lists the Intersections within the Road Network. Intersections are created automatically as intersecting Roads are added to the Network. See Road Network: Adding and Editing Intersections for additional assistance.

Edit: Use this button to display the Edit Intersection dialog box and make changes to the Input Data and Output Files for the selected Intersection. Other changes that can be made to the Intersection design are:

1) Changing the Primary/Secondary status of the Roads creating the Intersection,
2) Making design changes that apply to the entire Intersection,
3) Making design changes that apply to one or more Corners of the Intersection.

Reset: Use this button to overwrite all design changes made to the selected Intersection and reset to the original Intersection design.

Cul-de-Sacs

This area of the project tree lists the Cul-de-Sacs defined as part of the Road Network. See Road Network: Adding and Editing Cul-de-Sacs for additional assistance.

Add: Picking this button will display a list of Roads in the Network and prompt the user to "Select Road for Cul-de-Sac".... After selecting the Road, the Edit Cul-de-Sac dialog box is displayed allowing the user to specify the Input Data and Output Files for the Cul-de-Sac.
Edit: Use this button to display the Edit Cul-de-Sac dialog box and make changes to the input data and output files for the selected Cul-de-Sac.
Remove: Use this button to Remove the selected Cul-de-Sac from the Road.

Task Pane Buttons

Process: Use this button to manually trigger the computation process for the Road Network and perform the tasks configured in the Output Options tab of the Road Network Settings dialog box.

Report: Use this button to Save or Print one of two Reports provided by the Road Network feature which are: the Output Processing report and the Input Data Files report. Default Report settings can be changed in the Report Options tab of the Road Network Settings dialog box.

The Output Processing Report displays the cut/fill and material quantities for each Road, Intersection and Cul-de-Sac of the Road Network.

2011_roadnet_report_outputprocessing.pngRoad Network Output Processing Report

The Input Data Files Report displays all of the user-specified design files associated with the Road Network. The user has the option of reporting only the filename or both the path and filename.2011_roadnet_report_inputdatafiles.png

Road Network Input Data Files Report

Settings: This button displays the Road Network Settings dialog box which is the starting place for all projects designed using the Road Network feature. There are 5 tabs in the dialog box: Process Options, Output Options, Report Options, Display Options and Transition Defaults.

Save: Pick this button to Save the Road Network (.RDN) file.
SaveAs: Pick this button to Save the current Road Network (.RDN) file and give it a new path and/or filename.
Load/New: Pick this button to Load an existing or start a New Road Network (.RDN) file.
Exit: Pick this button to Exit the Road Network command and close the Task Pane.

Road Network: Settings

The Road Network Settings dialog box is accessible from the Settings button on the Road Network: Task Pane.

The Road Network Settings dialog box is the starting place for all projects designed using the Road Network feature. There are 5 tabs in the dialog box: Process Options, Output Options, Report Options, Display Options and Transition Defaults.

Process Options

Process Options Tab

Existing Surface: Use this button to browse to and select the Existing Surface file to be used for the Road Network. Either a TIN or FLT triangulation file are accepted as valid surfaces, both of which can be made within the command Triangulate and Contour.  For speed, it is recommended that the binary TIN file format be selected.
Rock Surface: Use this button to set the Rock Surface file to be used for the Road Network. This Rock Surface is optional. When the Rock surface is specified, the program will report rock quantities with the cut. Also, the cut definition in the road template file can have a separate slope to the rock surface.
Station Interval: These settings determine the distance between cross-section samples. The user has the option of specifying one sampling interval for the Intersection and another for the remainder of the Road.
Existing Section Max Offset: Use this setting to specify the furthest distance left and right of the Centerline that cross-sections are to be sampled.Special Stations: This button displays the Stations to Process dialog box (shown above). This box allows the user to decide whether or not cross-sections are to be sampled at critical design points along each Centerline. Special Stations include critical points such as the PC & PT for Centerlines and the PVC, PVT, High Point and Low Point for Profiles. "Additional Special Stations" may be added by entering the station number. These settings apply to all Roads in the Road Network. To identify Special Stations for a particular Road, pick the Special Stations button in the Edit Road dialog box.
Process On Updated Design Files: This setting has 3 options: Off, Prompt and Auto:
   Off: This option allows changes to the design files without triggering an automatic update to the entire Road Network.
   Prompt: This option automatically prompts the user, "Process Road Network?" when design files are changed.
   Auto: This option automatically updates the Road Network any time a design file is changed.

2011_roadnet_updateprompt.pngPrompt to Process Updated Road Network Design

Slope Perpendicular To: This setting allows the user to specify the direction of cut and fill slope projection by selecting one of two options: Centerline and Slope Direction. The Centerline method projects the cut and fill slopes perpendicular to the Centerline of the Road without regard to the Profile of the Road. The Slope Direction method considers the Profile of the Road when projecting the specified cut and fill slopes. For example, projecting cut and fill slopes of 2:1, perpendicular to the Centerline, along a length of Road with a Profile slope of 10% would result in a slightly steeper slope (1.96:1) if measured along the top or toe of that slope. If the same conditions exist but the Slope Direction method is applied, the resulting slope (when measured perpendicular to the Centerline) is slightly less steep (2.04:1) but when measured along the top or toe of slope will be exactly 2:1.
Tie to Existing: If enabled and cut and fill slopes have been defined in the Template (.TPL) file, this setting will project the specified slopes to the Existing Ground surface. If not enabled, the Road design will stop at the last Template ID preceding the cut and fill slopes.
Process Intersections: If enabled this option will calculate all Roads and Intersections. If it is not enabled, each Road will be processed individually.
Connect Roads: This option applies to the 3D polylines/breaklines that are created when Processing the Road Network. If this option is enabled, the 3D polylines for different Roads will be combined around and through Intersections. If it is not enabled, the polylines will be drawn for each Road separately.

Output Options

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions.pngOutput Options Tab

Triangulate and Contour: When enabled, use the Setup button to display the Triangulate and Contour From Road Network dialog box. Since this command is very similar to the Surfaces → Triangulate and Contour command, only those Settings and Options directly affecting the Road Network will be discussed here. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.

In the Triangulate and Contour From Road Network dialog box...

Triangulate tab
Draw Triangulation Faces: The Road Network version of this command provides additional controls (beyond those in the standard Triangulate and Contour command) for managing the color of the "Triangulation Faces". Once the "Triangulation Faces" option is enabled, the Set Colors/Layers button becomes active and, when picked, will display the Road Color Settings dialog box (shown below). The color of the faces can be set either by using the Template IDs defined in the Template (.TPL) file or using a color range based on the "Cut & Fill Depths" that uses a range of Reds and Blues to show areas and depths of Cut and Fill for the proposed Road Network. After the Road Network has been Processed, these shaded faces can be viewed using the 3D Viewer Window command. Also within Triangulate & Contour, there is Draw Slope Arrows to create arrows in the drawing to show the direction of each triangular "plate" in the Road Network TIN.  This can be helpful to visualize where water will be flowing.

Write Triangulation File: Once enabled, use the Browse button to specify the path and filename for the roadway design Surface (.TIN) file.2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_tricontour.png

Set Road Colors In the "Triangulate and Contour From Road Network" Dialog Box

Contour and Labels tabs...
Use these tabs to define the settings for proposed contours and contour labels.

Output Options (Continued)

Merge Road with Existing: When enabled, use the Set button to specify the path and filename of a third Surface (.TIN) file to be created by merging the Existing and roadway design Surface (.TIN) files.
Write SurvCE Stakeout: When enabled, use the Set button to specify the path and filename of a SurvCE Stakeout (.RNF) file to be exported. This file can be directly loaded into data collectors using Carlson SurvCE for unlimited field stakeout of the Road Network.
Draw Template Polylines: When enabled, this option will draw all 3D polylines used to generate the roadway design Surface. This option is automatically enabled when the Triangulate and Contour option is enabled. The layer for the polylines is set by picking the Set Layers button in Output Options.
Draw Disturbed Area: When enabled, this option will draw a closed, zero-elevation polyline around the limits of disturbance of the roadway design Surface. The layer for the polyline is set by picking the Set Layers button in Output Options.
Draw Subgrade Polylines: When enabled, this option will draw all 3D polylines used to generate the roadway subgrade Surface(s). These polylines can be used to manually generate additional surfaces for modeling, stakeout or machine control purposes. Entering an asterisk (*) in the text box will draw polylines for all Template IDs. Once a Road has been added to the Network, the Select button will be activated. Picking the Select button displays a view of the Template (.TPL) file at the starting station and allows the user to Draw polylines for selected Subgrade IDs. If needed, the Next and Previous buttons at the bottom of the window allow the user to browse through the stations of the road design to find a particular Subgrade ID. The layer for the polylines is set by picking the Set Layers button in Output Options.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_subgradepolylines.pngPick Subgrade Polylines to Be Drawn

Draw Template Slopes: When enabled, this option will draw slope arrows parallel to the Centerline at the selected Template IDs. This option may be used to indicate direction and steepness of slope along the flowline of the gutter. Entering an asterisk (*) in the text box will draw slope arrows for all Template IDs. Once a Road has been added to the Network, the Select button will be activated. Picking the Select button displays a view of the Template (.TPL) file (similar to the one shown above) and allows the user to Draw polylines for selected Template IDs. If needed, the Next and Previous buttons at the bottom of the window allow the user to browse through the stations of the road design to find a particular Template ID. The layer for the slope arrows is set by picking the Set Layers button in Output Options. Other slope arrow settings are specified by picking the Set Slopes button in Output Options.
Draw Cross Section Polylines: When enabled, this option will draw a 3D polyline defining the roadway design surface cross-section at each sampled station along the Centerline. These polylines can be used to manually generate additional surfaces for modeling, stakeout or machine control purposes. The layer for the polylines is set by picking the Set Layers button in Output Options.
Draw Cut/Fill Arrows: When enabled, this option will draw arrows at each sampled cross-section station so that the arrow is pointing down-slope. The example shown below indicates a section of Cut slope transitioning to a section of Fill slope. Once enabled, the user has the ability to adjust the size of the arrows and specify whether or not the Cut/Fill Arrows should be solid.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_cutfillarrows.pngCut/Fill Arrows On Slopes

Label Profile on Centerline: When enabled, this option labels Profile slopes and critical points such as PVC, PVT, High and Low Points in plan view along the Centerline. Once enabled, use the Setup button to open the Label Profile on Centerline Settings dialog. Then, from the list of "Available Labels", select the label(s) to be drawn and use the Add button to shift them to the list of "Used Labels". Selecting one of the "Used Labels" and then picking the Setup button allows the user to configure the label style and settings for each type of label.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_labelprofileoncl_boxes.pngLabel Profile on Centerline and Label Setup Dialog Boxes

Output Coordinates: When enabled, this option allows the user to export a Coordinate (.CRD) file containing all of the critical points for the Road Network. Once enabled, pick the Setup button to specify the path, filename and other criteria for the point file.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_pointoutput.pngPoint Output Settings Dialog Box

Output EOP Profiles: When enabled, this option creates individual Profile (.PRO) files for the edges of pavement.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_eop_profiles.pngOutput EOP Profiles Dialog Box

Elevate Pads: When enabled, this option adjusts the elevation of closed polylines within a specified proximity of the Road Network. Once enabled, use the Setup button to open the Elevate Pad Settings dialog box and configure the settings.

In the Elevate Pad Settings dialog box...

Reference Template ID: When determining the new pad elevation, all distances and elevation changes are based on the Template ID specified here. Type the Template ID in the text box or use the Select button to choose from a list.
Pad Layer: All original polylines found on this layer (and within the Max Offset of the Reference Template ID) will be elevated.
Max Offset: All original polylines within this distance of the Reference Template ID and on the specified "Pad Layer" will be elevated.
Reference Elevation: This setting has 3 options: "Highest Elevation", "Lowest Elevation" and "Elevation at Middle". Of the elevations found along the Reference Template ID that are adjacent to the pad polyline, the command will use either the highest, lowest or middle elevation found to set the new pad elevation.
Slope Type: This setting has 3 options: Percent (%), Ratio (x:y) and Vertical (change in elevation).
Cut/Fill, Normal/Min/Max Slopes: For future earthwork balancing adjustments, the settings in this dialog are used to specify the range of allowable slopes when in cut or fill conditions.
Assign New Layer: When enabled, this option allows the user to specify a new layer for the new, elevated pad polyline. Once enabled, either type the new layer name in the text box or use the Select button to choose the layer from a list.
Retain Original Polyline: This option is only available if the "Assign New Layer" option is enabled and will keep the original, zero-elevation polyline in addition to the new, elevated polyline. If this option is not enabled, the original polyline will be deleted from the drawing.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_elevatepad.pngElevate Pad Settings Dialog Box

In the dialog shown here, all closed polylines on layer PAD that are within 100 feet of the road will have their elevations set based on a 2 percent grade up from the PAVE Template ID point, in either Cut or Fill conditions.  In future earthwork balancing adjustments, the polyline can be adjusted a maximum of up to a 10 percent grade or down to a 1 percent grade from the Reference Template ID. The example below shows the results of elevating a pad so that it is 2.0' above (using Vertical option) the highest point along a Reference Template ID of "SH" (Shoulder) on the adjacent Road.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_elevatepad_example.pngElevate Pads - Example


Output Options (Continued)

Elevate Lots: When enabled, this option follows a logic similar to that of the Elevate Pads routine in that it elevates zero-elevation lot lines relative to a road design and based on a set of grading rules. Once the option is enabled, use the Setup button to display the Elevate Lots Setup dialog box.

In the Elevate Lots Setup dialog box...

Grading Rules: The necessity of a Grading Rules (.GRR) file is the key difference between elevating pads and elevating lots. If a Grading Rules (.GRR) file has already been prepared, use the Select button to browse to and select the file. To create a new file, pick the Edit button to open the Define Grading Rules dialog box and specify the desired settings. Then, pick the SaveAs button to Save a Grading Rules (.GRR) file. Define Grading Rules is a command that also exists outside of the Road Network feature. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.
Reference Template ID: When determining the elevations for the new lot line, all distances and elevation changes are based on the Template ID specified here. Type the Template ID in the text box or use the Select button to choose from a list.
Input 2D Lot Layer: All original polylines found on this layer (and within the Max Offset of the Reference Template ID) will be elevated. Either type the layer name in the text box or use the Select button to choose the layer name.
Output 3D Lot Layer: This is the layer to which the newly elevated lot lines will be assigned. Either type the layer name in the text box or use the Select button to choose the layer name.
Front to Ref Max Offset: Use this setting to specify a distance from the Reference Template ID beyond which Lot Frontage polylines will not be elevated.
Back to Ref Max Offset: Use this setting to specify a distance from the Reference Template ID beyond which Back/Rear Lot polylines will not be elevated.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_elevatelots_both.pngElevate Lots and Define Grading Rules Dialog Boxes


Output Options (Continued)

Set Layers: Pick this button to display the Road Network Layers dialog box.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_setlayers.pngRoad Network Layers Dialog Box

Set Slopes: Pick this button to display the Road Network Slopes dialog box and configure the settings for drawing slope arrows.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_setslopes.pngRoad Network Slopes Dialog Box

Output File Defaults: Pick this button to specify additional Centerline (.CL), Profile (.PRO) and Section (.SCT) files to be saved when Processing the Road Network.2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_fileoutput.png

Output File Defaults Dialog Box


Report Options

Settings on this tab allow the user to specify defaults for the Road Network Report feature. This feature is accessible from the Report button of the Road Network: Task Pane.
Report Precision: Specify the decimal precision for the report.
 Use Report Formatter: This option allows for customized report layout and contents. Otherwise a standard report is displayed.
 Report Cut/Fill End Areas: Specify whether or not to report cut/fill at each station.
 Report Cut/Fill Differences: Adds a running total of the cut to fill balance at each station to the report.
 Report Cumulative Cut/Fill: Adds a running total of the cut/fill at each station to the report.
Fill Shrink/Cut Swell Factor: Allows you to specify a value that the volume calculated will be multiplied by.


2011_roadnet_settings_reportoptions.pngReport Options Tab


Display Options

Settings on this tab allow the user to configure special display characteristics in order to identify the Road, Intersection or Cul-de-Sac selected in the Road Network: Task Pane.

2011_roadnet_settings_displayoptions.pngDisplay Options Tab


Transition Defaults

Settings in this tab allow the user to specify the default values used for transitioning from Road to Road, from Road to Intersection and from Road to Cul-de-Sac.

CL Intersections: Use this setting to define the default transition distance and vertical curve length for intersecting Centerlines. See Road Network: Adding and Editing Intersections for more.
Side Intersections: Use this setting to define the default vertical curve length for the Profile and the default radius for Corners at Intersections. See Road Network: Adding and Editing Intersections for more.
Surface Method: When calculating Intersections, there are two options for handling the cross-sections of the intersecting Roads: "Hold Main Crown", which honors the Primary Road Template through the Intersection, or "Radial from Curb", which grades between the Centerline Profile and the Profile of each Corner of the Intersection. The Profile for the Corner may be defined as the edge of pavement (EP), back of curb (BC) or other point on the cross-section by specifying the Template ID in the Settings tab of the Edit Intersection dialog box.
Surface Method: Radial From CurbSurface Method: Hold Main Crown
Transition Method: This setting applies when a Road has a varying width through an Intersection. The "Across Intersection" option looks at the Primary Road (from start to end of the Intersection) to find the maximum offset distance between the Centerline and edge of pavement, and uses this distance to set the edge of pavement breakline across the Intersection with the Secondary Road. The "Mid Point" option simply finds the pavement width at the Intersection station and uses this distance to set the edge of pavement breakline across the Intersection.
Cul-de-Sac: Use this setting to define the default vertical curve length along the Cul-de-Sac Profile.

2011_roadnet_settings_transitiondefaults.pngTransition Defaults Tab


Road Network: Adding and Editing Roads

Roads in a Road Network are managed in the Road Name area of the Road Network: Task Pane.

Add: Pick this button to Add a Road to the Network. After adding the Road, the Edit Road dialog box is displayed allowing the user to manage and make changes to the Input Files and Output Files for the selected Road.
Edit: Pick this button to display the Edit Road dialog box to manage and make changes to the Input Files and Output Files for the selected Road.
Remove: Pick this button to delete the selected Road from the Road Network. After Removing the Road from the Network the design files associated with that Road will remain in the project folder.

Adding a New Road

Adding a new Road may be done either by selecting a pre-defined Centerline (.CL) file or by screen-picking a 2D Polyline in the drawing and assigning a new Centerline (.CL) file to it.

Add: Use this button to Add a Road to the Road Network or right-click on Roads in the project tree and pick Add Road. After picking the Add button, the Add Road dialog box gives the user the option to "Select Centerline By..." Centerline File or Screen Pick Polyline. If the Centerline File option is chosen, the user is prompted to browse to and select the Centerline (.CL) file.

2011_roadnet_addroad01.pngSpecify Method to Use to Add Road

If the Screen Pick Polyline option is chosen, the user is prompted to select a polyline in the drawing. If an associated Centerline (.CL) file is not found in the project folder, the Set Centerline dialog notifies the user that, "No centerline file associated with polyline..." and the user must choose to either select another polyline or to Assign Centerline File to Polyline.

2011_roadnet_addroad01_assigncl.pngSet Centerline Dialog Box

After picking the Assign Centerline File to Polyline button, the Centerline to Set file dialog box prompts the user to assign a path and filename for the new Centerline (.CL) file.

2011_roadnet_addroad_centerlinetoset.pngCenterline to Set File Dialog Box

Immediately upon defining the new Road, the Profile to Use file dialog box prompts the user to assign a path and filename for the proposed Profile (.PRO) file for the Road. By default, the new Profile (.PRO) file is named the same as the Centerline (.CL) file.

2011_roadnet_addroad_profiletouse.png

Profile to Use File Dialog Box


Edit Road Dialog Box

After specifying the Centerline (.CL) and Profile (.PRO) files for the Road, the Edit Road dialog box is displayed. This dialog serves as the "manager" for all files relating to the specific Road. The Edit Road dialog box allows the user to apply settings and associate various files that are specific to the Road - not the entire Road Network. The Edit button in the Road Name section of the Road Network: Task Pane also displays this dialog box.

Edit Road Dialog Box

Intersection Only: If this option is enabled, Road Network will only consider the portions of this Road that intersect with other Roads when calculating the design.
Full Range: This option will process the full station range of the road. Otherwise, turn this option off and set the Station Range to process a subset of the road.
Station Settings: Pick this button to display for special stations and cut/fill gaps.
Special Stations: Enter one or more stations at which to sample cross-sections.
Cut/Fill Gaps: Use the Add and Remove buttons to define a series of station ranges for cut/fill gaps where the program will not calculate any volumes or apply the template cut/fill tie slopes. For example, these stations could be used across a bridge.

Add Road Specific Special Stations

Road Input Files

A Centerline (.CL) file, a Profile (.PRO) file and a Template (.TPL) File are required in order to process a roadway design using the Road Network feature. In addition, the Road Network feature accepts several additional files for designing Roads using specific criteria. In the Edit Road dialog box, picking the buttons on the left, that are labeled with the file type, will display a file dialog box prompting the user to select an existing or create a new file of that type. The corresponding Edit button to the right of each file type will display the editor for that file type.

Required Road Input Files

Centerline: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new Centerline (.CL) file from which to define the horizontal alignment of the Road. The Edit button opens the Centerline File Editor. This Editor is the same as the one used for the Input-Edit Centerline File command. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editclfile.pngCenterline File Editor

Profile: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new design Profile (.PRO) file for the Road. The Edit button opens the Input-Edit Road Profile Editor. The Editor provides the user with both a "profile-grid-view" and a "table-view" of the Profile (.PRO) file. See Road Network: Road Profile Editor for more.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_02.pngInput-Edit Road Profile Editor


Template: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new Template (.TPL) file or Template Series (.TSF) file for the Road.

A Template (.TPL) file defines a typical roadway cross-section including pavement, curb, ditches, medians, super-elevations, subgrades, rights-of-way and cut/fill slopes. One of the most critical steps in defining a Road Template for use with the Road Network feature is the assigning of a Template ID to points on the Template. A Template ID is a unique name for each point on the Template and is used to transition from Road to Road, from Road to Intersection and Road to Cul-de-Sac. The Template ID serves 4 purposes: (1) the ID will be applied as a description to all final Template points generated in the form of a Coordinate (.CRD) file, (2) the ID can be used as a design point in the Template definition, as in EP+5 indicating 5 feet or meters right of edge of pavement, (3) points of common ID may be connected by 3D polylines in the Output Options tab of the Road Network: Settings dialog box and (4) Quantities can be generated with reference to the ID and material (gravel, concrete, etc.) also defined in the Template (.TPL) file.

A Template Series (.TSF) file references Template (.TPL) files for Template-to-Template transitioning and is one method used for widening and narrowing of Road sections.

Picking the Edit button will open the appropriate Design Template or Input-Edit Template Series File Editor. These Editors are the same as those used for the Draw Typical Template and Template Transition commands. Please refer to the Help files for those commands if additional assistance is needed.

2011_roadnet_templateeditor.pngDesign Template Editor

2011_roadnet_templateserieseditor.pngInput-Edit Template Series Editor


Optional Road Input Files

Super Elevation: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new SuperElevation (.SUP) file for the Road. The Edit button opens the Super Elevation Editor. This Editor is the same as the one used for the Input-Edit Super Elevation command. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.

2011_roadnet_superelev.pngInput-Edit Super Elevation

Topsoil Removal: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new Topsoil Removal (.TOP) file for the Road. This file allows the user to define topsoil removal and replacement zones to be used in the Road design. Different topsoil depths can be used for different station ranges and then are computed as part of the cut and fill volumes. The Edit button opens the Topsoil File Editor. This Editor is the same as the one used for the Topsoil Removal/Replacement command. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.

2011_roadnet_topsoil.pngTopsoil Removal/Replacement Editor

Template Transition: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new Template Transition (.TPT) file for the Road. This file allows the user to define changes in grade distances or slopes for a specific Template ID through a range of stations and is another method of widening and narrowing Road sections. The Edit button opens the Template Transition Editor. This Editor is the same as the one used for the Template Transition command. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.

2011_roadnet_templatetransition.pngTemplate Transition Editor

Template Grade Table: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new Template Grade Table (.TGT) file for the Road. This file allows the user to define specific slopes and distances for one or more Template IDs (and for left and right sides independently) that have been assigned in the Template (.TPL) file. The Edit button opens the Template Grade Table Editor. This Editor is the same as the one used for the Template Grade Table command. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.

2011_roadnet_templategradetable.pngTemplate Grade Table

Template Pt Profile: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new Template Point Profile (.TPP) file for the Road. This file allows the user to assign separate Profile (.PRO) files to specific Template IDs that have been defined in the Template (.TPL) file. This accommodates varying grade changes (for a ditch, for instance) independent of the Profile for the Centerline. The Edit button opens Define Template Alignments and then picking the Add button displays the Template Point Profile Settings dialog box. These dialog boxes are the same as the ones used for the Assign Template Pt Profile command. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.

2011_roadnet_templateptprofile.pngAssign Template Pt Profile Dialog Boxes

Template Pt Centerline: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new Template Point Centerline (.TPC) file for the Road. This file allows the user to assign separate Centerline (.CL) files to specific Template IDs that have been defined in the Template (.TPL) file. This accommodates varying widths for cross-section surfaces and provides an additional method of managing widening and narrowing of Roads. The Edit button opens Define Template Alignments and then picking the Add button displays the Template Point Centerline Settings dialog box. These boxes are the same as the ones used for the Assign Template Pt Centerline command. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.

2011_roadnet_templateptcenterline.pngAssign Template Pt Centerline Dialog Boxes

ROW Offsets: The ROW feature draws 2D linework at specified offsets from the centerline. In the dialog, there are settings for the layer for the 2D polyline and the offsets left and right of the centerline. There is also a list of additional offsets to draw. Use the Add, Edit and Remove buttons to setup this list of offsets to draw. The names, offsets and layers for these 2D polylines is stored to a .ROW file.

Road Design Parameters: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new Road Design Parameters (.RDP) file for the Road. This file allows the user to define a set of Road design standards to compare against a roadway design. The Road Network Process function will report a warning when the design is out of compliance with these parameters. The Road Design Parameters can be specific to all stations along a Road or, in the event speed limit or other changes must be applied, a range of stations. The Edit button opens the Road Design Parameters dialog box. This box is the same as the one used for the Define Road Design Parameters command. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.

2011_roadnet_roaddesignparameters.pngRoad Design Parameters Dialog Box

Road Stripes: This option draws plan view polylines for road stripes such as double yellow lines along the centerline and dashed white lane lines. See the Draw Road Stripes command for a description of this feature. 

Cut Benches: Pick this button to specify up to 4 triangulation surface files to use when the "Slopes In Series" and "Cut to Surface" options are used in the Template (.TPL) file. In cut conditions, the program will look to intersect with these surfaces before it reaches the final target surface which is the Existing Surface set under Settings.

Optional Road Output Files

Existing Section File: Pick this button to specify the path and filename for the existing cross-section file to be written. The default filename is set by picking Output File Defaults button in the Output Options tab of the Road Network Settings dialog box.
Final Section File: Pick this button to specify the path and filename for the final/design cross-section file to be written. The default filename is set by picking Output File Defaults button in the Output Options tab of the Road Network Settings dialog box.
SuperElevation Diagram: Pick this button to specify the path and filename for the SuperElevation Diagram (.SUD) file to be written.

Road Profile Editor

The Input-Edit Road Profile Editor is accessible from the Edit Road Dialog box.

2011_roadnet_editroad_profile.pngPick "Edit" to Access the Input-Edit Road Profile Editor

In Carlson's Road Network feature, the initial design Profile is automatically generated and has only a starting and ending PVI - with the elevation at both ends tying into existing ground. The crosshairs are locked to the design Profile.

The initial PVIs can be seen in the profile-grid-view where the existing ground Profile is shown in red and the design Profile in white. The initial PVIs are shown in the table-view with the "PVI Description" indicating the PVI elevation is tied to the "TARGET-SURFACE" (existing ground).

The buttons and settings directly below the profile-grid-view allow the user to edit the Profile and adjust the Zoom and Scale factors of the profile-grid-view. The Insert PVI, Remove PVI and Screen Pick PVI buttons at the bottom of the dialog box allow the user to make changes to the Profile using the table-view.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_01.pngInput-Edit Road Profile Editor

The profile-grid-view provides the user with a dynamic viewer and editor. As the crosshairs move along the design Profile, a "station" symbol on the drawing screen indicates the corresponding position/station along the Centerline. Also, as the crosshairs move along the Profile, the current Station, Elevation, Slope and Depth (between design and existing ground Profiles) are displayed and dynamically updated at the top of the window. The starting and ending stations for the Centerline are displayed above the buttons at the bottom of the window.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_screenview_01.pngInput-Edit Road Profile Editor with Station Indicator in Drawing

2011_roadnet_editroad_profileeditor_zoomtoolbar.pngPan, Zoom and Zoom Extents: Use these buttons to change the Zoom factor in the profile-grid-view.

2011_roadnet_editroad_profileeditor_addpvibutton.pngAdd PVI: Use this button to "screen pick" the location for a new PVI in the profile-grid-view. After screen picking the new PVI location, the New PVI box prompts the user to provide additional design criteria to set the new PVI.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_newpvibox.pngNew PVI Dialog Box

2011_roadnet_editroad_profileeditor_pviedit.pngEdit PVI and PVI Edit Mode: Use the Edit PVI button to change the elevation and station of a PVI in the profile-grid-view by dragging-and-dropping it to a new location. The default PVI Edit Mode is "Free" which allows 360-degree motion when dragging-and-dropping the PVI. Other PVI Edit Mode options are: Hold Slope In, Hold Slope Out, Hold Station and Hold Elevation. The user also can choose to Hold Vertical Curve Length, Hold K-Value or Hold Sight Distance when editing the PVI using drag-and-drop. This setting is controlled in the Road Profile Settings dialog box.

Vertical Exag: Use this setting to "Fit" the Profile into the profile-grid-view area of the window or use other pre-defined options such as "x1", "x2", "x5" and "x10" to exaggerate the vertical scale by 1-, 2-, 5- or 10-times.
Sag-Crest Points: After adding one or more vertical curves to the design Profile, a list of the "sag" and "crest" points along the Profile will be listed in the drop-down box.
Through Point: After selecting a PVI in the table-view, pick this button to force a sag or crest point to a specific station and elevation.
Check Station: To find the precise Elevation, Slope and Reference Elevation (existing ground) for a specific station, enter the station in the text box and press Enter.
Insert PVI: Before picking the Insert PVI button, the user must use the mouse to select/highlight a cell in the profile table-view. Then, picking the Insert PVI button will create a blank row, above the selected row, allowing the user to enter the information for the new PVI.
Remove PVI: Before picking the Remove PVI button, the user must use the mouse to select/highlight a cell in the row corresponding to the PVI to be removed. Then, picking the Remove PVI button will delete the selected row/PVI from the Profile.
Screen Pick PVI: Picking this button allows the user to change the station of a PVI by screen picking a location in the drawing. Before picking the Screen Pick PVI button, the user must use the mouse to select/highlight a cell in the corresponding row of the PVI to be changed. Then, picking the Screen Pick PVI button changes the user to the active drawing screen, prompting the user to "Pick PVI Point:" in the drawing area.
Show Sections: This option is only available if the Template (.TPL) file for the Road has already been specified in the Edit Roads dialog box. When picked, the Show Sections button will open a "Road Design Section Data" viewer window while keeping the "Road Profile" window open as well. This provides the user a dynamic design environment in which the plan-, profile- and section-views are visible at one time. Additionally, when the "Section" viewer window is open, the notes at the top of the profile-grid-view include the "Cut" and "Fill" end-area at the current station along with the "Cut" and "Fill" volume for the entire Road. These calculations are dynamic and will update if changes are made to the design Profile. Use the Specific Station to check the section at a station. Or move the cursor in the profile preview graphic to change the section station.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_screenview_02.pngRoad Profile View and Section Viewer with Station Indicator in Drawing

Translate: Picking this button will display the Translate Profile dialog box and allows the user to change the elevation of the entire Profile or a range of stations along the Profile.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_translate.pngTranslate Profile dialog box

Save: This button saves changes to the Profile (.PRO) file.
Exit: This button exits the Input-Edit Road Profile editor dialog box.
Undo: This button will undo the last change made to the Profile.
Setup: This button opens the Road Profile Settings dialog box. See below for more information.
Vertical Speed Tables: Use this button to specify the Vertical Curve Speed Table (.VST) files to use for the design of this Road.

Road Profile Settings

2011_roadnet_roadprofilesettings_box.pngRoad Profile Settings Dialog Box

Reference CL File: In the Road Network feature, the "Reference CL File" is automatically set to the Centerline (.CL) file associated with the Road.
Hold Current Elevation: When enabled and the station and elevation of a PVI changes, the "Slope Out" of the adjusted PVI will change but the elevation of the next PVI will be left unchanged. Otherwise, if not enabled, the "Slope Out" of the adjusted PVI is held and the elevation of the next PVI is changed.
Grid Ticks Only: When enabled, only grid ticks will be shown in the profile-grid-view. Otherwise grid lines will be used.
Set Grid Interval: If enabled, this option allows the user to manually specify the grid- or grid-tick interval shown in the profile-grid-view.
Show Slope When Zoom In: When enabled, this option allows the user to display the slopes on those vertical tangents that are long enough to display a slope label when Zoom-ing in closer to the Profile.
Show Reference Surface: When enabled, this option displays the Profile of a "Reference Surface" in addition to the design Profile. The "Reference Surface" is typically the original or existing ground Profile.
Show Reference Surface at Left Offset: When enabled, this option allows the user to see an additional Profile that is offset horizontally from the "Reference Centerline". The offset distance can be specified after the option is enabled.
Show Reference Surface at Right Offset: When enabled, this option allows the user to see an additional Profile that is offset horizontally from the "Reference Centerline". The offset distance can be specified after the option is enabled.
Show Centerline Special Stations: When enabled, critical Centerline stations such as PC, PT, SC, ST, TS and SP are shown in the profile-grid-view.
Show Vertical Lines for Intersections: When enabled, this option will display a vertical line representing the Centerline and Edge of Pavement stations for other Roads in the Road Network.
Show Sag-Crest Points: When enabled, this option displays a marker at the sag and crest points of each vertical curve.
Extend Reference Centerline: When enabled, the user may provide an extended range of stations so as to show Profile data beyond that generated along the associated Centerline (.CL) file. For instance, for a new Road tying into an existing Road (proposed CL file starts at the Intersection of the Centerline of the existing Road) an extended range of stations may be desired in order to see the Profile of the cross-slope, curb, ditch and slope across both sides the existing Road.
Output Reference Surface Profile and Suffix: When enabled, this option will generate an existing ground Profile (.PRO) file and allows the user to specify a suffix for the filename. The defaults for this option are set using the Output File Defaults button in the Output Options tab of the Road Network Settings dialog box.
Reference Surface: The "Reference Surface" is an additional surface Profile shown in the profile-grid-view alongside the design Profile. For the Road Network feature, the "Reference Surface" is the surface specified as "Existing Ground" in Road Network Settings dialog box.
Check Road Design Parameters: When enabled, this option will compare the current Road design to an established set of design parameters set in a Road Design Parameters (.RDP) file. Please refer to the Help files for the Road Design Parameters command if additional assistance is needed.
Display Sight Distance Options: Use this radio button to display either a "Sight Distance" or "K-Value" column in the profile-table-view.
Drag PVI Options: Use this radio button to specify the design criteria to "hold" when using the Edit/Drag PVI command in the profile-grid-view. The options are to "Hold Vertical Curve Length", "Hold K-Value" or "Hold Sight Distance".

Road Network: Adding and Editing Intersections

Intersections are created automatically in the Road Network feature without any input from the user. Once Intersections are identified, they are listed and managed in the Intersection area of the Road Network: Task Pane.

Edit: Use this button or right-click on the intersection in the project tree and choose Edit Intersection to display the Edit Intersection dialog box and make changes to the Input Data and Output Files for the selected Intersection. Other changes that can be made to the Intersection design are:

1) Changing the Primary/Secondary status of the Roads creating the Intersection,
2) Making design changes that apply to the entire Intersection,
3) Making design changes that apply to one or more Corners of the Intersection.

Reset: Use this button to overwrite all design changes made to the selected Intersection and reset to the original Intersection design.

As stated above, Intersections are created automatically in the Road Network feature without any input from the user. Road Network recognizes and calculates the Intersection using the Centerline (.CL) files associated with the Roads in the Network. If two Roads are added to the Network and they share one or more common point, an Intersection is created and displayed as an Intersection in the Road Network: Task Pane.

For all Intersections, one of the two Roads creating the Intersection will be the "Primary" Road and the other will be the "Secondary" Road. When setting grade through an Intersection, the Primary Road's Template (.TPL) file takes priority and is used to define the cross-section. The grades of the Secondary Road will adjust to match the Primary Road. Additionally, changes to any of the Primary Road design files - such as the Profile (.PRO) file - will automatically update the affected file(s) of the Secondary Road.

Upon creation of an Intersection, the Road Network feature automatically designates one of the Roads as the Primary Road and the other as Secondary. For four-way Intersections, the first Road added to the Road Network will be deemed the Primary Road and the second Road will be Secondary. For T-Intersections, the Road going straight-through the Intersection will be deemed the Primary Road - even if it's added to the Network after the Road that stops at the Intersection. The user can change the Primary Road designation in the Edit Intersection dialog box.

Edit Intersection

Picking the Edit button displays the Edit Intersection dialog box which has a Settings tab and, depending on the type of Intersection, 2 or 4 additional tabs - each representing one Corner of the Intersection. The Corner tabs are labeled Front-Right, Back-Right, Front-Left or Back Left. T-Intersections will have 2 tabs and 4-way Intersections will have 4 tabs.

Intersection Settings

At the top of the Settings tab, the station and elevation of the Intersection is shown for all Roads.

The Settings Tab of the Edit Intersection Dialog Box

Primary Road: Use the radio button to specify the Primary Road of the Intersection.
Profile Transition PVI Distance: This value represents the distance beyond the edge of pavement of the Primary Road (along the Secondary Road Centerline) that the cross-slope of the Primary Road will be extended.
Profile Transition VC Length: This setting allows the user to specify the length of vertical curve to be inserted at the PVI where the extension of the Primary Road's cross-slope and the Centerline of the Secondary Road meet.

2011_roadnet_intersection_transitionpvi.png"Profile Transition PVI Distance" and "Profile Transition VC Length"


Template ID: This is the point on the cross-section used to define the horizontal (Centerline) and vertical (Profile) alignments around the Corners of the Intersection. Also, the profile for the side road will tie into this Template ID on the main road. The Template ID may be specified as any point on the cross-section - such as edge of pavement (EP) or the back of curb (BC) - as long as it has been defined as a Template ID in all of the Template (.TPL) files used to calculate the Intersection. Type the Template ID in the text box or use the Select button to choose from a list.
Additional Transition Distance: This option adjusts the transition PVI station on the side profile. The transition station starts as the offset of the Template ID on the main road. The cross slope of the main road is used up to the transition station. For example, if the Template ID is for edge of pavement up to the gutter pan at 11.67 and the side profile needs to match the main crown up the flow line at 13.00, then the Additional Transition Distance should be set to 1.33.Hinge Profile and 2nd ID: For the side road profile, this is an optional second point to match from the main road template.
Cross-section of main road showing side (alley) profile tying into single Template ID at flow line

Cross-section of main road showing side (alley) profile tying into Template ID at flow line as well as 2nd Hinge at Right-of-way of main road

Surface Method: See the Transition Defaults section above for details on this setting.
Transition Method: See the Transition Defaults section above for details on this setting.
Link Secondary Centerline for T-Intersection: When this option is enabled, changes to the Centerline (.CL) file of the Primary Road will, if necessary, force the Centerline of the Secondary Road to be extended or trimmed in order to keep the Intersection intact.

Note: The default value for several design criteria such as Intersection radius and length of vertical curve can be set in the Transition Defaults tab of the Road Network: Settings dialog box.

Corner tabs - Front-Right, Back-Right, Front-Left, Back-Left

Depending on the type of Intersection ("T" or 4-way), there will be either 2 or 4 additional tabs available in this dialog box. Each of these tabs represent a Corner of the Intersection and allows the user to specify horizontal and vertical Input Data and Output Files specifically for that Corner.

2011_roadnet_editintersection_corner.pngOne of the "Corner" Tabs of the Edit Intersection Dialog Box


Intersection Input Data

Radius: Use this value to specify the radius of the curve for this Corner of the Intersection. The Intersection Template ID specified in the Intersection Settings tab of this dialog box determines the point on the cross-section being affected by this setting.
Tie to Existing: Enable this option to keep cut and fill slopes from projecting to the existing ground through the Intersection. In areas of steep cut or fill, this setting helps avoid overlapping Road and Intersection tie slopes.
Edit Profile: Pick this button to open the Input-Edit Road Profile Editor and make changes to the Profile for this Corner of the Intersection. The Intersection Template ID specified in the Intersection Settings tab of this dialog box determines the point on the cross-section being represented in the Profile Editor. See Road Network: Road Profile Editor for more Help with this feature.

2011_roadnet_editintersection_editprofile.pngEdit Profile for a Corner of an Intersection

Reset: Use this button to overwrite all edits to the Profile of the Corner of the Intersection and reset to the original Profile.
Edit Template Transition: Pick this button to display the Edit Intersection Transition dialog box. This allows the user to control the stations for transitioning through the Intersection from a Template on one Road to a different Template on another Road. These Transition stations only apply when the Roads in an Intersection have been assigned different Template (.TPL) files.

2011_roadnet_editintersection_transition.pngEdit Intersection Transition Dialog Box

In the Intersection Transition Dialog Box... The Starting and Ending Stations of the Intersection transition are displayed at the top of the dialog box.

Transition Starting Station: This is the station at which the Primary Road Template ends.
Transition Ending Station: This is the station at which the Secondary Road starts.

Corner tabs (Continued)

Allow Single VC: When the difference in grade at the Intersection between the Primary Road and the Secondary Road is too severe, two intermediate PVIs must be inserted into the Profile of the Corner of the Intersection in order to properly transition from one Road to another. In some cases, the transition is possible using only one intermediate PVI in the Corner Profile. If this option is enabled and if the intersecting grades allow it, only one intermediate PVI will be inserted. If this option is not enabled, two intermediate PVIs will be inserted regardless of the intersecting grades.
Template Grade Table: Pick this button to select an existing or create a new Template Grade Table (.TGT) file defining the grades for the Corner of the Intersection. This file allows the user to define specific slopes and distances for one or more Template IDs that have been assigned in the Template (.TPL) file. The Edit button opens the Template Grade Table Editor. This Editor is the same as the one used for the Template Grade Table command. Please refer to the Help files for that command if additional assistance is needed.

"L" Intersection with Knuckle: When two centerlines connect at a right angle for an "L" intersection, there is a Use Knuckle option for the outside corner that can be used to make a knuckle bulb.

Intersection Output Files


Centerline: Pick this button to output a Centerline (.CL) file representing the horizontal alignment around this Corner of the Intersection. The Intersection Template ID specified in the Intersection Settings tab determines the point on the cross-section exported to the Centerline (.CL) file.
Profile: Pick this button to output a Profile (.PRO) file representing the vertical alignment around this Corner of the Intersection. The Intersection Template ID specified in the Intersection Settings tab determines the point on the cross-section exported to the Profile (.PRO) file.
Existing Section File: Pick this button to output an Existing Section (.SCT) file for this Corner of the Intersection.
Final Section File: Pick this button to output a Final Section (.SCT) file for this Corner of the Intersection.

Road Network: Adding and Editing Cul-de-Sacs

Cul-de-Sacs may be added to any Road in the Network and are managed in the Cul-de-Sac area of the Road Network: Task Pane.

Add: Pick the Add button or right-click on Cul-de-sacs in the project tree and choose Add to display a list of Roads in the Network and prompt the user to "Select Road for Cul-de-Sac".... After selecting the Road, the Edit Cul-de-Sac dialog box is displayed allowing the user to specify the Input Data and Output Files for the Cul-de-Sac.
Edit: Use this button to display the Edit Cul-de-Sac dialog box and make changes to the Input Data and Output Files for the selected Cul-de-Sac.
Remove: Use this button to Remove the selected Cul-de-Sac from the Road.

Add Cul-de-Sac

Add: Picking this button displays a dialog box listing the Roads in the Network and prompting the user to Select Road for Cul-de-Sac.

2011_roadnet_culdesac_selectroad.pngSelect Road for Cul-de-Sac

After choosing the Road and picking the OK button, the Edit Cul-de-Sac dialog box is displayed.

Edit Cul-de-Sac

2011_roadnet_editculdesac.pngEdit Cul-de-Sac Dialog Box


Cul de Sac Input Data

Cul-de-Sac Centerline Position: Use this radio button to specify whether the Cul-de-Sac is drawn at the starting or the ending station of the Centerline.
Centerline Direction: This setting applies only if the horizontal alignment of the Cul-de-Sac is to be saved externally as an Output Centerline (.CL) file. If so, this setting determines which end of the Cul-de-Sac is the starting and which is the ending station of the new Centerline (.CL) file.
Center Station: Use this setting to precisely locate the center of the Cul-de-Sac along the Road Centerline. By default, the Center Station is the starting or ending station of the Centerline depending on whether the user has chosen Start or End as the desired Cul-de-Sac Centerline Position. The station for the center of the Cul-de-Sac may also be entered in the text box or may be specified using a Delta value. When using the Delta option, the Cul-de-Sac will be shifted the specified distance along the Centerline.
Cul-de-Sac Radius: Use this value to specify the radius of the Cul-de-Sac bulb. The Cul-de-Sac Template ID determines the point on the cross-section being affected by this setting.
Fillet Radius: Use this value to specify the radius of the curve that transitions between the Road and the Cul-de-Sac. The Cul-de-Sac Template ID determines the point on the cross-section being affected by this setting.
Offset: When set to "0", this setting places the center of the Cul-de-Sac on the Centerline of the Road. Setting this value to a negative(-), greater than "0" value will shift the center of the Cul-de-Sac left of the Centerline by that distance. A positive, greater than "0" value will shift it to the right by that distance.
Tear Drop Mode: Enabling this option creates a longer transition between the Road and the Cul-de-Sac. When enabled, a value larger than the Cul-de-Sac Radius must be entered as the Setback. An example of a "Tear Drop" Cul-de-Sac having a 45' radius and 75' setback is shown below.

2011_roadnet_culdesac_teardropsample.pngExample of Tear Drop Cul-de-Sac


Template ID: This is the point on the cross-section used to define the horizontal (Centerline) and vertical (Profile) alignments around the bulb of the Cul-de-Sac. The Template ID may be specified as any point on the cross-section - such as edge of pavement (EP) or the back of curb (BC) - as long as it has been defined as a Template ID in the Template (.TPL) file used for the Road. Type the Template ID in the text box or use the Select button to choose from a list.
Profile Transition VC: When adding a Cul-de-Sac to the Road Network, the Profile around the Cul-de-Sac is automatically generated having 3 PVIs - one on each end connecting to the Road and one at the mid-point of the alignment. The Profile Transition VC setting is the default length of vertical curve inserted at the middle PVI of the Profile. As shown below, adding a vertical curve at this PVI can have a significant, positive impact on the resulting surface model and contours of the Road Network.

2011_roadnet_culdesac_addingvc.pngEffect of Adding a Vertical Curve to Cul-de-Sac Profile

Edit Profile: Pick this button to open the Input-Edit Road Profile Editor and make changes to the Profile of the Cul-de-Sac. The Cul-de-Sac Template ID determines the point on the cross-section being represented in the Profile Editor. See Road Network: Road Profile Editor for more Help with this feature.

2011_roadnet_culdesac_editprofile.pngEdit Profile for a Cul-de-Sac

Reset: Use this button to overwrite all edits to the Profile of the Cul-de-Sac and reset to the original Profile.
Template: Use this button to browse to and select an existing Cul-de-Sac Template (.TPL or .TSF) file. Specifying a different Template than the main Road allows the user to define different features for the Cul-de-Sac area such as sidewalk and curb.

Cul de Sac Output Files

Centerline: Pick this button to output a Centerline (.CL) file representing the horizontal alignment around the Cul-de-Sac. The Cul-de-Sac Template ID determines the point on the cross-section exported to the Centerline (.CL) file.
Profile: Pick this button to output a Profile (.PRO) file representing the vertical alignment around the Cul-de-Sac. The Cul-de-Sac Template ID determines the point on the cross-section exported to the Profile (.PRO) file.
Existing Section File: : Pick this button to output an Existing Section (.SCT) file for the Cul-de-Sac.
Final Section File: Pick this button to output a Final Section (.SCT) file for the Cul-de-Sac.

Note: Driveways around a cul-de-sac can be easily added simply by drawing polylines for their centerlines and snapping them to the EOP of the cul-de-sac.

Workflow Example 1

Step 1: Start Road Network and Configure Settings

Open a Drawing (.DWG) file containing the 2D zero-elevation polylines representing Road Centerlines for the project. Start the Road Network command and create a New Road Network (.RDN) file. After creating the Road Network file, the Road Network Task Pane loads as a docked dialog-box on the left side of the drawing screen.

Configure the Road Network by picking the Settings button and displaying the Road Network Settings dialog box. In the Process Options tab, pick the Existing Surface button and browse to and select the Existing Ground Surface (.TIN or .FLT) file to be used for the project.

2011_roadnet_settings_processoptions02.pngProcess Options Tab

Next, switch to the Output Options tab and pick the Setup button next to Triangulate and Contour. Select the Write Triangulation File option and then pick the Browse button to set the path and filename for the design Surface (.TIN) file for the Roads.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_tricontour02.png

Output Options Tab

Also in the Output Options tab, pick the Output File Defaults button to display the Output File Defaults dialog box. Pick the Output File Defaults button to specify additional Centerline (.CL), Profile (.PRO) and Section (.SCT) files to be saved when Processing the Road Network.

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_fileoutput.png

Output File Defaults Dialog Box

Next, review the Report Options, Display Options and Transition Defaults tabs of the Road Network Settings dialog box and make any necessary changes.

2011_roadnet_settings_reportoptions.png

Report Options Tab

2011_roadnet_settings_displayoptions.png

Display Options Tab


2011_roadnet_settings_transitiondefaults.pngTransition Defaults Tab

Pick the OK button to close the Road Network Settings dialog box and then pick the Save button on the Task Pane to save the settings to the Road Network (.RDN) file.

Step 2: Add Roads to the Network

2011_roadnet_workflow_rds01-02.pngRD_01 and RD_02

In the project tree, highlight Roads and right-click and choose Add Road. 

After picking the Add button, the Add Road dialog box provides two methods for adding a Road to the Network. Pick the Screen Pick Polyline button.

2011_roadnet_addroad01.pngSpecify Method to Use to Add Road

The prompts then switch to the Command: line where you are prompted to Select Centerline Polyline in the drawing. At the next prompt, pick the Assign Centerline File to Polyline button and set the path and filename for the new Centerline (.CL) file.

2011_roadnet_addroad01_assigncl.pngSet Centerline Dialog Box

Immediately after creating the new Centerline file, the Profile to Use file dialog box is displayed. In this box, you must set the path and filename for the proposed Profile (.PRO) file for the Road. By default, the new Profile (.PRO) file is named the same as the Centerline (.CL) file.

2011_roadnet_addroad_profiletouse.pngProfile to Use File Dialog Box


After specifying the Centerline (.CL) and Profile (.PRO) files for the Road, the Edit Road dialog box is displayed. The only other Required Input File is a Template (.TPL) file. Pick the Template button to browse to and select the desired Template file.

2011_roadnet_selectdesigntemplate.pngSelect Template (.TPL) file Dialog Box

The Edit Road dialog box serves as the "manager" for all files relating to the specific Road. The Edit button in the Road Name area of the Road Network: Task Pane also displays the Edit Road dialog box.

2011_roadnet_editroad_02.pngEdit Road Dialog Box

Pick the Edit button to the right of the Profile button to open the Road Profile Editor.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_01.pngInput-Edit Road Profile Editor

In Carlson's Road Network feature, the initial design Profile is automatically generated and has only a starting and ending PVI - with the elevation at both ends tying into existing ground. The movement of the crosshairs is locked to the design Profile. The initial PVIs can be seen in the profile-grid-view where the existing ground Profile is shown in red and the design Profile in white. The initial PVIs are shown in the table-view with the "PVI Description" indicating the PVI elevation is tied to the "TARGET-SURFACE" (existing ground).

Pick the 2011_roadnet_editroad_profileeditor_addpvibutton.pngAdd PVI button to create a new PVI by screen-picking a point in the profile-grid-view at the top. After picking the Add PVI button, the New PVI dialog box is displayed.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_newpvibox.pngNew PVI Dialog Box

Enter a length for a vertical curve or change other settings as desired and then pick the OK button. Repeat as needed for additional PVIs and vertical curves.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_02.pngInput-Edit Road Profile Editor

Pick the Show Sections button at the bottom of the Road Profile Editor to display a Section View of the Road. Moving your crosshairs along the design Profile dynamically updates the Section View.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_sectionview.pngSection Viewer

When the Section View window is open and active, the Road Profile Editor also remains open and active. If you position the Road Profile Editor and the Section View window so that the drawing view of the Road is unobscured, you can move your crosshairs along the design Profile and have a dynamic design environment allowing you to see the plan-, profile- and section-views at one time. Additionally, when the Section View window is open, the notes at the top of the profile-grid-view include the "Cut" and "Fill" end-area at the current station along with the "Cut" and "Fill" volume for the entire Road. These calculations are dynamic and will update if changes are made to the design Profile.

2011_roadnet_editroad_editprofile_screenview_02.pngRoad Profile View and Section Viewer with Station Indicator in Drawing

Pick the Exit button to close the Section Viewer and then pick the Save button in the Road Profile Editor to save changes to the Profile (.PRO) file. Pick the Exit button to close the Road Profile Editor..

Repeat the steps above to define additional Roads in the Network.

See Road Network: Adding and Editing Roads if you need additional assistance.

Step 3: Adding and Editing Intersections

After Adding the next Road, the Road Network command recognizes the creation of an Intersection and the Primary and Secondary Roads are displayed in the Intersection area of the project tree.

Select the Intersection, right-click and pick the Edit Intersection function to display the Settings tab of the Edit Intersection dialog box. Make changes as needed.

Note: Changes made here apply to all Corners of the Intersection.

2011_roadnet_editintersection_settings.pngThe Settings Tab of the Edit Intersection Dialog Box

Or, you can switch to one of the Corner tabs - Front-Right, Back-Right, Front-Left, Back-Left to make changes to only one Corner of the Intersection.

2011_roadnet_editintersection_corner.pngOne of the "Corner" Tabs of the Edit Intersection Dialog Box

Pick the OK button to close the Edit Intersection box and save changes.

See Road Network: Adding and Editing Intersections if you need additional assistance.

Step 4: Adding and Editing Cul-de-Sacs

Pick the Add button in the Cul-de-Sac area of the Road Network Task Pane to display a dialog box listing the Roads in the Network and prompting you to Select Road for Cul-de-Sac.

2011_roadnet_culdesac_selectroad.pngSelect Road for Cul-de-Sac

After choosing the Road and picking the OK button, the Edit Cul-de-Sac dialog box is displayed. At a minimum, you must enter a Cul-de-Sac Radius and Fillet Radius to define the Cul-de-Sac.

2011_roadnet_editculdesac.pngEdit Cul-de-Sac Dialog Box

Pick the OK button to close the Edit Cul-de-Sac box and save changes.

See Road Network: Adding and Editing Cul-de-Sacs if you need additional assistance.

Step 5: Save, Process and View the Road Network

Pick the Save button on the Road Network Task Pane to Save the Road Network (.RDN) file.

Then, pick the Process button on the Road Network Task Pane to calculate the road design and perform the functions specified in Road Network Output Options. The resulting contours and breaklines are shown below.

2011_roadnet_workflow_rds01-02_contoursbreaklines.pngContours and Breaklines After Processing Road Network

The elevated breaklines and contours can now be viewed using the 3D Viewer Window command as shown below.

2011_roadnet_workflow_rds01-02_3dviewerwindow.pngBreaklines and Contours as Seen in the 3D Viewer Window

Or, use the Surface 3D Viewer command to view the Surface (.TIN) file as shown below.

2011_roadnet_workflow_rds01-02_3dsurfaceviewer.pngSurface (.TIN) File as Seen in the Surface 3D Viewer

Or, use the Surface 3D Flyover command to drive the Surface (.TIN) file as shown below.

2011_roadnet_workflow_rds01-02_3dflyover.pngSurface (.TIN) File in the Surface 3D Flyover Command

Step 6: Reports

Pick the Report button on the Road Network Task Pane. Then, pick the Output Processing button to display the report. This report displays the cut/fill and material quantities for each Road, Intersection and Cul-de-Sac of the Road Network.

2011_roadnet_report_outputprocessing.pngRoad Network Output Processing Report

Repeat this step but, this time, pick the Input Data Files button to display the report. This report displays all of the user-specified design files associated with the Road Network. For this report, you are given the option of reporting only the filename or both the path and filename.

2011_roadnet_report_inputdatafiles.pngRoad Network Input Data Files Report

Step 7: Additional Settings and Tools in the Road Network

Draw Triangulation Faces with Color and View in 3D Viewer Window

Pick the Settings button on the Road Network Task Pane and then pick the Output Options tab. Now, pick the Setup button next to Triangulate and Contour to open the Triangulate and Contour from Road Network dialog box.

Select the Draw Triangulation Faces option and then pick the Set Colors/Layers buttons to display the Road Color Settings dialog box (shown below). The color of the faces can be set either by using the Template IDs defined in the Template (.TPL) file or using a color range based on the "Cut & Fill Depths".

2011_roadnet_settings_outputoptions_tricontour.pngSet Road Colors In the "Triangulate and Contour From Road Network" Dialog Box

Pick the Exit button to close the Road Color Settings box and then pick the OK button twice to exit both the Triangulate and Contour and Road Network Settings dialog boxes.

Pick the Save button on the Road Network Task Pane to Save the Road Network (.RDN) file.

Then, pick the Process button on the Road Network Task Pane to calculate the road design and perform the functions specified in Road Network Output Options The image below shows only the Triangulation Faces after Processing. 2011_roadnet_workflow_rds01-02_faces.png

Triangulation Faces with Color After Processing Road Network

The elevated Triangulated Faces can now be viewed using the 3D Viewer Window command as shown below.

2011_roadnet_workflow_rds01-02_facescontours_3dviewerwindow.pngContours and Triangulation Faces with Color in the 3D Viewer Window

Merge Road with Existing

Pick the Settings button on the Road Network Task Pane and then pick the Output Options tab. Select the Merge Road with Existing option and then pick the Set button to set the path and filename of a 3rd Surface (.TIN) file to be created by combining the design Surface file and the Existing Ground Surface file.

Pick the OK button to close Road Network Settings.

Pick the Save button on the Road Network Task Pane to Save the Road Network (.RDN) file.

Then, pick the Process button on the Road Network Task Pane to calculate the road design and perform the functions specified in Road Network Output Options

The combined Surface (.TIN) file can now be viewed using the Surface 3D Viewer command as shown below.

2011_roadnet_workflow_rds01-02_3dsurfaceviewer_merged.pngMerged Existing Ground and Road Surfaces in 3D Surface Viewer Window


Add Knuckle Intersection

Using the steps outlined in 2  Add Roads to the Network above, Add two more Roads to the Network.

2011_roadnet_workflow_rds03-04.pngRD_03 and RD_04

Upon adding the Roads, the new Intersections are automatically added to the Intersection area of the Road Network Task Pane.

To create a "Knuckle" style Intersection between RD_03 and RD_04, select the RD_03 (Primary)/ End:RD_04 (Secondary) Intersection in the project tree and then right-click and pick the Edit Intersection function to display the Settings tab of the Edit Intersection dialog box. Pick one of the "Corner" tabs of the Edit Intersection dialog box. Select the Use Knuckle option and enter a Main Radius and Fillet Radius value for the Knuckle Intersection.

2011_roadnet_editintersection_knuckle.pngA "Corner" Tab of the Edit Intersection Dialog Box

Pick the OK button to close Edit Intersection.

Pick the Save button on the Road Network Task Pane to Save the Road Network (.RDN) file.

Then, pick the Process button on the Road Network Task Pane to calculate the road design and perform the functions specified in Road Network Output Options. The resulting contours and breaklines are shown below.

2011_roadnet_workflow_rds03-04_contoursbreaklines.pngContours and Breaklines Through a "Knuckle" Style Intersection


Workflow Example 2

Step 1: Start New Road Network

Start the Road network command. If you have previously run Road Network with the current drawing, the Road Network docked dialog will open with the last Road Network (.RDN) file you worked with. If this happens, but you prefer to create a new Road Network (.RDN) file, click the Load/New button at the bottom of the Road Network docked dialog.

Step 2: Add Roads

Back in the main dialog, click "Add" in the upper left "Road Name" portion, and identify all of the main road and secondary (intersecting) road centerlines. For this example, we will start by identifying North Road and East Road as the main roads and Paris Boulevard as the first secondary road.  Note that centerlines may be picked as polylines or loaded as centerline files. All centerlines (horizontal alignments) must have, at minimum, an associated profile (vertical alignment) and an associated template. In the Road name dialog portion, select a road and click Edit to review the files. Note that by selecting Paris Boulevard and East Road, the program automatically detects the first intersect.  As you follow the design below, you will see that we follow the hierarchy of the road precedence as outlined in the graphics.  At every intersection, there needs to be a primary controlling road (template cross slopes are held) and secondary adjusting road (centerline profile adjusts to template of primary road at some transition distance).

Step 3: Process, Review and Add more

Click Process to compute the design.  With the Triangulation option enabled under the "Settings" dialog, the program will Triangulate and Contour and create the drawing shown below. If you edit any road feature or dialog entry and click Process again, the program automatically clears the last Triangulate and Contour drawing and creates a new final design drawing. In this way, you can trial-and-error your design for all roads, or build the design in stages.

Viewing the file in the 3D Viewer Window command with a 4.0 vertical exaggeration, you can even see how the curb-and-gutter Paris Boulevard ends abruptly as it transitions to the roadside ditch template of East Road.

Next we can review the effect of adding Front Drive, Loop Road and West Drive into the equation. If you click Edit after adding Loop Road as above, you have the option to change any aspect of the centerline, profile or template file, and you can add optional files such as road width change files and superelevation files. For example, if you choose to edit the profile, the program derives the existing grade from the existing surface triangulation file specified in Settings, and you are able to design graphically and interactively as shown:

You can also more closely analyze the intersections of any road.  If you select the intersection at ParisBlvd and Start:LoopRd, you obtain the multi-tab dialog:

Since we do not have a crossing intersection, we only obtain a "Front-Left" tab and a "Back-Left" tab, left being the left side of the primary road (Paris) and front being the first "curve return" treatment on the outside of the loop and back being the second "curve return" treatment on the inside of the loop.  If this was a crossing intersection, you would have 2 more tabs in the dialog:  "Front-Right" and "Back-Right".

Completing West Drive, Front Drive and South Drive leads to the following plan view and 3D view. Clicking Add within the Cul-de-Sac portion of the docked dialog enables you to specify at cul-de-sac at the end of South Drive.

Clicking Process now produces the following:

A close-up view of the cul-de-sac, in 3D, reveals the detail of the design, showing a raised "fold" due to no vertical curve transition at the projected high point at the back of the cul-de-sac:

This dimple effect can easily be eliminated by lowering the elevation of the "PVI" at the projected intersect point in the back of the cul-de-sac, and by adding a vertical curve transition of, say 50'.  This is done by highlighting the South Drive Cul-de-Sac and clicking Edit.

Clicking Edit on the selected SouthDr at End cul-de-sac leads to this dialog:

The first thing we do is change the Profile Transition VC from 0.0 to 50.0, as shown.  Then we need to click Edit Profile to lower the profile at the back of the cul-de-sac.  This profile refers to the edge-of-pavement grade.

Now, after clicking Process, the cul-de-sac has a better design:

Pulldown Menu Location: Roads → Road Network
Keyboard Command: roadnet
Prerequisite: Existing Ground Surface (.TIN) file, Template (.TPL) file