Making a Road Through Contour Lines 3

[erikbecks]

I am relearning how to use AutoCAD (basic exposure in Uni) and now I want to design a drainage ditch and haul road on a topographic map. I can create the basic road in 2D but I cannot get it to connect each contour in 3D. I remember using a Lisp routine back in Uni to create mine haul roads from each bench but that was a few years back and I don't remember how to do it. Would anyone know of some online resources that I can reference?

I have uploaded the .dwg to 4shared.com so you can see what I have to work with and if I am explaining myself incorrectly.

Thanks for the help.

 

[cvg]

you could use lisp and free routines to kludge through this using basic autocad, but you really should be using a roadway and grading design package. LDD or Civil 3D are two that are commonly used. The time you save will likely easily pay back the cost to buy the software and learn how to use it.

 

[erikbecks]

cvg,

Thank you for the reply. I figured I might have to invest in some extra software. After checking out the autodesk website, looks like LDD will suffice.

Cheers.

 

[lpseifert]

You might as well learn Civil 3D, LDD is gone in the 2010 release, I believe.

____________________
Civil 3D 2008, Terramodel

 

[chicopee]

Well, you have to go back to basics in so far as developing an elevation view from the plan view. This elevation view would show the grade(s) of the roadway centerline and transverse cross sections at station intervals along the centerline showing roadway width, fills, cuts, etc. Once you have done this with ACAD 2D, you then have enough details to develop an ACAD 3D view of the roadway. You do not need LISP routine.

 

[erikbecks]

chicopee,

I tried to search for methods to learn how to make elevation view from plan view but I couldn't find one. Do you have any suggestions, websites or personal reference?

Thank You.

 

[chicopee]

It is relatively easy. If the plan of the roadway is somewhat straight you can use the RAY command from top view to elevation view the same way as you would develop front and side views from a top view in mechanical drawings. These rays would start from the roadway centerline at station numbers. Obviously you will need a starting point with a known elevation, grade of the roaday centerline.
If the roadway is significantly curvy you can not employ the above method. You will need to lay out the centerline at its true length on the elevation view and obviously the RAY line can no longer be used for the positions of the stations.
Also, the elevation scale may have to be significantly scaled up if the pitch of the roadway is low otherwise the features that you try to show will be indistinguishable, that's why when you look at a set of prints, you will notice for example the manholes and catch basins and road profile to be out of proportion to the actual job site settings.
Get a surveying text book or check the internet to get an idea as to what I am trying to tell you.

 

[chicopee]

In addition to my reply, study the sketch that I made a few years ago to my ACAD students.

 

[erikbecks]

Much appreciated, I will play around with it and see what I come up with.

 

[Gallant]

Hi Erik,

I was just wondering if you're Erik from Queen's University. If yes, it's BB. e-mail me at info@atgoldinc.com

Regards,

BB