MX - Road Design (Int) V8i Trn011140-Q-z002

Bentley Civil Training
MX – Road design (INT)

V8i
Bentley Institute Student Course Guide
www.bentley.com/Training
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Date: __________________________________
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TRN011140-Q/Z002
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MX – Road design (INT) ii Feb-09
Copyright © 2009 Bentley Systems Incorporated

Training Course Details
Name: MX – Road design (INT) V8i
Update: February 2009
Author: AB/AM
© 2009 Bentley System, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Bentley Systems (UK) Limited

North Heath Lane, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 5QE England
Tel: +44 1403 259511 Fax +44 1403 211493
Part Number: TRN011140

TRN011140-Q/Z002
Q/Z002
1
Bentley Systems, Inc. MX – Road design INT
Table of Contents
4 Course Timetable 158 Lab Junction Design Tie-in
5 Concepts and terminology 159 Paved and unpaved shoulder design
11 Starting up MX - New Project 164 Lab Shoulder Design
15 Lab Getting Starting - New Project 165 Kerbs, Footways and Verges
16 Survey Data Input and Import 170 Lab Kerb and Footways
25 Lab Survey Data Input 171 Earthwork slope design
27 Viewing Models 183 Lab Earthwork Slope Design
41 Lab Viewing Model Data 184 Pavement Layer Design
42 Status Tools 198 Lab Pavement Layer Design
50 Lab Status Tools 200 Volume Reports
51 Surface Checker and Editing Data 202 Lab Volume Reports
65 Lab Surface Checker and Editing Data 203 Dynamic Section Creation and Viewing
66 Surface Analysis - Triangles and Contours 223 Lab Dynamic Section
74 Lab Surface Analysis 234 Cross Section Creation and Viewer
75 Housekeeping & Model file maintenance 244 Lab Cross Section Viewers
80 Lab Housekeeping 245 Introduction to Final Drawings Production
81 String Naming Conventions 248 Final Drawings Plan Display
85 Horizontal Quick Alignment 250 Lab Create a new Plan drawing
95 Lab Horizontal Quick Alignment 251 Final Drawings Profile Display
96 Vertical Quick Alignment 257 Lab Create a new Profile
107 Lab Vertical Quick Alignment 258 Final Drawings Layout Pages
108 Carriageway Design 265 Lab Layout Plan and Profile sheets
115 Lab Carriageway Design 267 Final Drawings Apply Annotation Style
116 Rule-Based
Rule Based Superelevation 273 Lab Annotation of Plan and Profile drawings
123 Lab Superelevation 275 Final Drawings Publish Drawings
124 Crossfall Checker 278 Lab Publish Final Drawings
128 Lab Crossfall Checker 279 Final Drawings Cross Section Display
132 Roadway Widening 284 Lab Final Drawings Cross Section Display
138 Lab Road Widening 285 Course Summary
139 Reporting out Model Information
146 Lab Reports
147 Junction Design
g
155 Lab Junction design
157 Junction Design - Join to Existing Roadway
2
1. The course consists of a series of lectures followed by practical
workshops using a simple highway design to introduce the
functions required for a typical design sequence.
2. The above timetable is very general and is for guidance only.
3 To use all the options contained in this course you will need to
3.
have installed MX V8i or later and the associated Data Set.
3
1. MX software was originally developed in the late 1970’s by three local
authorities in the United Kingdom. It was known as MOSS until 1998,
when it was renamed MX. In January 2003 Infrasoft Limited merged with
Bentley Systems Limited.
2. Originally used in the design of highways schemes, MX software is now

used in a wide variety of projects, such as mining, golf course design and
air
i ttraffic
ffi control.
t l
4
1. Each model has a 28 character model name, with a possible 4 character
extension defined by MX. This extension describes the model type, such
as ‘TRIA’ to describe a triangulation model
2. The model name should reflect the contents of the model, for example
‘EXISTING GROUND’ instead of ‘MODEL 1’. Note that spaces are
allowed but not hyphens, full stops etc.
3. A separate directory is set up for each project so that the database and
any files associated with the project are stored together. This helps with
general file and project management.
5
1. The name that is given to a string gives an indication of the feature being
modelled. For example, in the diagram above, the string ‘ev2i’ is the right hand
verge.
2. MX uses a default naming convention which starts at ‘0000’ and ends at ‘ZZZZ’.
3. While the naming convention used in MX is entirely up to the user, the following
restrictions apply :
a. master alignments must have an initial character M
b geometry strings must have an initial character G
b.
c. point strings, which have no string links, must have an initial character P
d. text strings must have an initial character ‘*’ (Text strings do not have a
level. They are only used to hold annotation text in modelspace.)
4. All strings in a model must be uniquely named, but the same string name can be
used in different models.
5 The frequency of points along the string is dependent on the user
5. user. If the feature
being surveyed or designed has many changes (either horizontally or vertically),
it should have more points than a uniform feature. MX will add extra points to
the design strings in areas where the curvature increases to ensure sufficient
resolution to the strings
6
1. All points on a string are joined by links, unless a “gap” (discontinuity) is inserted into the
string Discontinuities are visible both on a drawing and in printed reports
string. reports. A discontinuity
is basically a missing link in the string, eg. a gap in a surveyed fence.
2. A point string is a special case in that there are no links between the points. An initial
character of ‘P’ indicates a point string. Used for features such as trees or lighting
columns.
3. A null level at a point means that the point does not have a level associated with it. The Z
value
l iis given
i as -999.0.
999 0 Th
These points
i t are iignored
dbby ffunctions
ti such
h as sectioning.
ti i
4. Each item of information related to a point is referred to as a dimension. The number of

dimensions stored on a string depends on the string type. The point numbers are added
by MX and are not a string dimension. A selection of string types is shown below :
String type No. of dimensions
Contours 2 X Y
General features 3 X Y Z
Survey stations 4 X Y Z StationID
Master alignments 6 X Y Z Chainage Bearing Radius
A model will consist of a combination of string types, each string defining a separate
feature.
7
1. MX is actually unitless for the storage of data, but you need to set the
units so that the correct values for areas, volumes, angles and so on are
correctly reported.
2. Angular units can be input and output in different forms but are stored
internally as radians.
3. The system is supplied with defaults for all the above set in a parameter
file. This file can be amended by you to reflect local requirements. There
are special settings for use in the USA, Denmark, and Czech Republic
which can be adapted for use in other regions of the world. If you have
any problems with coordinate systems for a particular country please
contact the Bentley Support Desk who will be pleased to assist where
possible.
possible
8
1. The MX database has the filename MODEL.FIL. This is the file
which contains the models, strings and points. Therefore, this is
the most important file in a project. Note that the MX database
contains only the coordinate information of the strings and points.
It does not contain any information on the colour or linestyles of the
strings.
2 Th
2. The .mmd d file
fil contains
t i the
th project
j t parameters.
t Th
These can b
be
modified by you on entry to the project..
3. Each default model type has a feature name set and a plan style
set associated with it. The models that are created during a project
will also be related to feature and style sets by you. These
associations are stored in the defmods
defmods.txt
txt file
file. This is a text file
which MX updates dynamically as required.
4. The .mmd file and the defmods.txt files could (but shouldn’t) be
removed from the project directory without any loss of model data.
However, a new project (.mmd file) would need to be started using
the existing MX database,
database the project parameters would need to be
reset and any associations remade.
9
1. Project Name - this provides the name of the file used to store the project
settings i.e. the “.mmd” file. The project name is limited to 256
characters.
2. Location - directory used to store the project. This foldermust not be
stored in the ‘mfw’ folder structure (the MX installation) as the project data
will be lost when the next version of the software is installed. The folder
will be created if it does not already exist.
3 N
3. Note
t that
th t it is
i possible
ibl tto h
have more th than one .mmd d fil
file iin a project’s
j t’
working directory. This can be done by opening a new project in an
existing directory and supplying a new ‘.mmd’ file with a completely new
set of parameters. When this happens, the system will ask you whether
you want to replace both the existing MX database ‘model.fil’ and the
defaults file ‘defmods.txt’. It is very important to select NO , especially for
the modelfile, as all the existing coordinate data will be lost if the
database is replaced.
4. A Non-Tangential Alignment is an alignment which may contain angles
that have a discontinuous bearing ie. straight to straight connections. This
option can only be invoked for a New Project.
5. String Naming Convention is essential for MROAD projects.
10
1. There are three methods of starting MX.
a. From the start bar, select Start Menu > Programs > Bentley > MX
b. Double clicking a shortcut on the desktop
c. Double clicking the project ‘.mmd’ file in Windows Explorer™
2. The same methods work for the AutoCAD and MicroStation

environments.
environments
3. When opening an existing project, the last four projects are listed in the
Last Used Projects window. If the required project is not listed, double
click on more to get a standard Windows browser to search for the
relevant file – only .mmd files will be offered.
11
1. If the Edit Project Settings box was selected on the Startup panel, this
panel will be displayed. It contains all the parameters that you can set for
this particular project.
2. The paths to the various libraries are set at startup to point to the central
“Public” library, and to the project directory for the “Project” and “Private”
libraries.
12
1. Each environment is invoked from a different icon on the desktop or from
the Start menu by using the following:
Start Menu > Programs > Bentley > MX > and then selecting the required
environment icon
13
14
1. After loading the raw survey data, the first thing that is normally done is to
draw the survey in plan. This allows the user to check for obvious errors
in the survey, such as hedges crossing a road, rogue points and so on.
2. If there are such obvious errors, they would need to be corrected, by

amending the offending strings or points in the model.
3. To check for any rogue levels in the survey, contours of the survey model
would be generated. Any errors would once again be corrected, and the
model re-triangulated and re-contoured.
4. You should remember that by adjusting the model you are not adjusting
g g data. Also,, yyou should consider whether it is yyour
the originating
responsibility to make the corrections or whether it should be returned to
the survey contractor for correction.
15
1. The directory in which you will be working should contain some start-up
files - (suffix .txt).
txt) These are GENIO files and will be used to generate the
initial models used during this course. If these files are missing please
advise the instructor who will install them for you.
2. GENIO files are text files and are the standard method of transferring data
to and from MX projects.
3. The data shown above is an example of the usual type of survey data that
is be read into the MX database. When this file is run,, the following
g will
occur:-
a. Create a model called ‘Existing Ground’ - error will be given if model
already exists.
b. Specify the model name into which the data are to be placed i.e.
GENIO,EXISTING GROUND
c Define the format in which the data is to be read
c.
d. Define the name of the string to be input - BD04
e. Give the coordinates for the points
f. and so on
4. NOTE: If the first line that is read in a genio file is GENIO,’MODELNAME’

and the model already exists, then the string data will be APPENDED to the
model - so take care !!
16
1. Input files conventionally have the default extension ‘.inp’. The dialog box
shown above allows the user to navigate to the required directory to find
the file to be input or imported.
2. Files with any other extension can be found and accessed by using the
“Files of type” dialogue.
17
1. Feature name sets help you to name strings when creating new features.
They also encourage a consistent office standard to string naming.
However, you still have final control of the string name used, unless the
MX String Naming Convention is turned on, or the application has specific
naming requirements.
2. Feature Name Set provides the names of the MX-related layers/levels,

th b providing
thereby idi a ttwo-way transfer
t f between
b t MX andd the
th drafting
d fti
system.
3. Plan style sets are used to define the style in which the strings should be
displayed. They specify details of the colour and line style of the strings,
fonts and general symbology. This ensures that as strings are added to a
model or changes are made
model, made, they are drawn in a consistent manner
every time.
4. Every model should be related to appropriate style- and feature sets at

the earliest opportunity.
18
19
1. The style set selector will, by default, take you to the “Public” library. You
can select the style set from other libraries as necessary.
20
1. This technique of selecting Edit Model Defaults with the right mouse
button (in the model name box) can be used with any data panel.
Generally, however, it is used when first displaying the model
2. When you relate models to style and feature sets MX writes the relevant
information to the file defmods.txt. Then, whenever MX displays anything
from this model it looks at the defined style set to acquire the required
style.
t l
21
1. The ???? in the string name box say “display all strings covered by the
style set instructions”.
2. The Display All strings checkbox causes MX to display all strings even
though there may be no drawing instructions. In this case the strings will
be drawn in grey with solid lines. You will, at least, know that they exist.
22
1. Used to change the contents of the display
a. Hide Graphics - is used to make parts of the display invisible.
b. Delete Graphics - removes the items from the display. Deleting items
from the display does NOT affect the model file.
2. In the above example, all the spot levels will be made invisible. The
strings are selected by typing the characters required (L???) or by
selecting the feature type.
3. To hide or delete all items of the same type - select them as a Group.
This makes showing hidden data faster as MX treats them as a single
item rather than individual ones.
23
1. Notice how the use of a style set has produced a good working drawing
with various colours and styles of interpretation utilised. As new strings
are added to the model, they will be automatically drawn with the correct
interpretation.
2. Windows Explorer™ is a useful tool for reviewing project data
24
25
1. CAD toolboxes are loaded by default.
2. The CAD toolboxes are Main, Level Manager, Attributes and View
Groups.
3. MX has new MX Display, MX Controls, MX Conversion and View Control

toolbars.
toolbars
4. The menu can be switched between MX and CAD by selecting CAD and
then CAD Menu.
26
1. The View Control is only available in MX Stand-alone and MX in MicroStation. It appears
b d
by default
f lt att the
th top
t off each
h view.
i It contains
t i a numberb off icons
i which
hi h perform
f th
the
following functions in the current viewport, hereafter called view.
a. View Attributes. Selects, controls and changes the type of elements and graphic
attributes in the information displayed in the view.
b. Saved Views. Used to name, save, delete, import, apply and recall saved views.
Saving a view allows you to quickly recall a view with specific attribute settings.
c. Zoom In. Increases the magnification of a view.
d Zoom
d. Z Out.
O t Decreases
D th
the magnification
ifi ti off a view.
i
e. Window Area. Magnify an area of the display in the selected view.
f. Fit View. Fit the entire display in a view.
2. Further specific options are available:
a. View Rotation. Rotates the display in a view. Select from Top View or one of the
other nine variations of rotation available from the fly-out tool bar.
p y in a p
b. Rotate View 2D. Rotates or manoeuvres a display progressive
g and dynamic
y
way, within a view.
c. Pan view. Moves (pan) the display without changing the view magnification. Move
the display under the cursor by holding the left mouse button down and moving the
cursor around the screen.
d. View Previous. Cancels the last view control operation and returns you to the
previous view.
e. View Next. Applies the last undone view control operation.
f. Change View Perspective. Changes the perspective angle of a 3D view.
g. Model Navigator. Review a wireframe or rendered surface and dynamically
manipulate the relationship of the camera and the model being viewed.
27
1. Primary Tools
a. The Models dialog manages models
b. The References dialog attaches and detaches referenced models,
adjusts reference settings and select reference tools.
c. The Level Manager includes a list of models, levels, and filters on the
left, and a detail section on the right.
d Select multiple design files and/or reference attachments from the
d.
tree by holding the left mouse button down and dragging the cursor
over the desired files. The levels for all the selected files display in
the level list.
e. The Level Display turns levels on and off.
f. Element Information displays element information, such as its type,
attributes,, and geometry,
g y, and permits
p modification
g. Toggle AccuDraw facilitates data point entry
h. Toggles PopSet Enable/Disable, prevents the display of a Tool
Settings window while you are not adjusting its controls.
2. Attributes Toolbox
a. The Attributes dialog sets the properties of an element and applies
them to a new element or one or more existing elements
elements.
28
1. View Groups
a. A view group is a named collection of eight view windows which allows you to set
up your desktop to display your preferences including number of open view
windows, window size and view orientation. Each view group is associated with a
model making it easy to access and navigate through different models in the active
DGN file, via the View Group menu.
b. Where, during a design session, you activate models in more than one DGN file,
you can also use the View Groups window to easily navigate the current session's
model historyy in multiple
p files. That is,, you
y can switch between models yyou have
activated, regardless of the files in which those models reside.
2. Main Toolbox
a. Element Selection selects and deselects elements.
b. Place Fence, places a rectangular shape around objects.
c. The tools in the Manipulate tool box are used to copy, move, resize, rotate, mirror,
create arrays, align and stretch elements
d The View Control tool box contains tools for manipulating views in the active DGN
d.
file. Tools that are 3D specific are disabled when working in a 2D model.
e. The tools in the Change Attributes tool box are used to change an element to the
active element attribute settings.
f. The tools in the Groups tool box are used to create and manipulate complex
chains, complex shapes, and graphic groups
g. The tools in the Modify tool box are used to modify element geometry
29
1. MX Model Display toolbar
a Model - Selects the model to display from the list of the available model names
a. names.
b. Erase the drawing then display the model - Deletes all the MX elements are delete
from the current drawing and the selected model redisplayed.
c. Display the current model over this drawing - Redraws the current model.
d. Erase the current model - Deletes the selected model will be from the current
display.
e. Create a drawing from a saved Display set - Displays the Create a drawing from a
saved Display set panel
panel.
f. Open the Multi Model panel - Opens the Multiple Models panel to allow selection of
more than one model to display.
2. MX Controls toolbar
a. MX / CAD focus - Indicates which program currently has focus, either MX or CAD.
Toggle the box to override the setting if you wish to use CAD commands when you
are in the middle of an MX option and vice-versa.
b MX Key
b. Key-ins
ins - contains a list of commonly used MX key
key-ins.
ins
c. PSM Pick Mode – Select either Single Pick or Multi-Pick.
d. PSM Lock Mode
e. MX Output Window – check to display the MX Output Window.
f. Information - click to display the current System Parameters. You can modify the
System Parameters using the fields and controls available.
g. Cursor Coordinates - displays a continuous scrolling current cursor location in MX
model coordinates.
30
1. Multiple Models
Thi option
This ti requires
i th
thatt models
d l are selected
l t d on th
the checkbox
h kb tto th
the lleft
ft off each
h model
d l
name. Highlighted means that the model name is displayed on a highlighted background,
note that the CTRL key can be used to highlight more than one model name.
a. Save - Creates a Display Set that can be recalled.
b. Create a New Plan Drawing from a saved Display Set - Select a saved Display Set
to create a new plan drawing.
c. Erase the Plan Drawing then display the selected MX Model(s) - Check to display
a model
model, the drawing is updated immediately
immediately. Uncheck a model to remove it from
the drawing.
d. Display the selected MX Model(s) over the current plan drawing - Permanently
greyed. Only available on the MX Model Display toolbar.
e. Erase the selected MX Models from the plan drawing - Click to erase the selected
models from the plan drawing.
f. Delete the selected MX Models from the model file - Click to delete the selected
models from the model file.
g. Create a New Empty Model - Click to create a new empty MX model. The new
model will be named NEW MODEL 0, where 0 is incremented each time a new
model is created.
h. Copy Selected Models - Click to copy the highlighted models.
i. Paste Copied Models - Click to paste copied models. Note that models will be
pasted with numerical suffix which increments as each paste is made.
2. Note: Right hand mouse button selection permits the following functions; New Model,
Delete Model, Copy Model, Paste Model and Edit Model Defaults. You can also rename
a model by highlighting it and reclicking.
31
1. This panel allows you to create and save one or more Display Sets that
can be recalled quickly and efficiently in the future.
2. A Display Set is a drawing (dgn or dpw) comprising one or more models
at a specified scale.
a. Display Set Name - Type or select from the list the name of the
Display Set to save.
b. Displayy Set Comment - Type
y a comment to aid yyour memory
y when
you recall this Display Set.
c. Drawing Name – The name of the drawing *.dgn.
d. Scale - Type the scale of select it from the list.
e. Delete - Delete the current Display Set from the list.
f. Delete All - Delete all the Display Sets from the list.
g. Cancel
C l - Cancel
C l th
the option
ti tto save th
the Di
Display
l S Set.
t
h. OK - Click to save the Display Set..
3. You will be warned if you attempt to overwrite an existing Display Set, and
asked if you wish to continue.
32
1. Toolbars can be customised by removing any of the standard features.
2. To adjust content of a toolbar, set CAD focus, click on the toolbar with the
right mouse button then select or deselect options.
33
1. The File > Save As in the CAD menu is different in each environment.
2. The type of CAD drawing can be selected from the Save as type list.
3. The following slides show the current MX drawing saved as an AutoCAD

DWG, and the AutoCAD version selected.
34
35
1. References
2. Used to attach and detach referenced models, adjust reference settings

and select reference tools. On the Primary Tools toolbox select the
References icon.
3 References are previously created drawings that can be attached to the

3.
current drawing.
36
1. Attach Reference
2. Reference Attachment Settings dialog attaches a model (*.dgn) to the
active model.
3. Model - Sets the optional description for the model. The maximum valid
description is 40 characters.
4. Orientation - Sets the view of the model being attached.
5 Coincident - Aligns the references with regard to design plane
5.
coordinates only.
6. Coincident World - Aligns the references with the active model with
regard to both Global Origin and design plane coordinates.
7. Standard Views - Identifies the views that can be used to display the
reference: Top, Front, Right, Isometric, Bottom, Back, Left, or Right
Isometric.
8. Saved Views - Identifies the saved views that are available in the
reference.
9. Named Fences - Identifies the named fences that are available in the
reference.
When a named fence is used to attach a reference, all levels are on. If a
particular level is desired, then use the named fence as a clip volume for
a saved view in the reference, and select the saved view.
10. Scale - Sets the ratio of the master units in the active model to the master
units in the attached model.
37
1. Transparency
2. Right click on menu bar and select Transparency.
3. Select one or more transparency values, the right click to modify.
38
1. Transparency varies from 0% to 100%. A value of 0% is opaque. A value
of 100% is almost completely transparency.
39
40
41
1. Only information relating to the string selected will be displayed.
2. Feature strings in MX are 3-dimensional and contain X,Y and Z at each

point. They do not hold information about chainage, bearing and radius. If
these boxes are selected no information relating to chainage, bearing or
radius will be displayed.
3. When two or more strings lie under the cursor the >> symbol will be
shown. By clicking the right mouse button the ToolTip will change to
show the next string in the list. Alternatively, you can press the tab key to
scroll through the strings, but you must keep the cursor over the strings in
question.
4. A MiniFrame Window is used when you would prefer to have the ToolTip
appearing in the same position at all times. The window can be placed
anywhere on the screen. The current string can be displayed in magenta
by turning on the Highlight Status Element.
5. If the background of the ToolTip turns to red, it shows that the picture has
become out of sync with the model file. Use Display > Plan with Styleset
to refresh the drawing.
42
1. All these functions can be accessed through the View menus.
43
1. All the PSM’s are set to a default PSM. For example, XYZ is the default
PSM. Using the right mouse button, the PSM can be changed to any of
the others. It will revert to the default when the panel is closed.
2. This default can be changed using the ‘Unlocked’ area of the status bar
(below the MX graphics window). Click into the ‘Unlocked’ area with the
right mouse button. Select the preferred setting. PSM setting can still be
changed on panels as before.
3. The Single Pick setting is for defining how points are selected from the
screen. The two methods of working are:
a. Single Pick - this returns the required value when the mouse button
is clicked. For example, when using PSM ‘Intersection’, place the
cursor over the intersection of two strings, the XY coordinates are
returned.
b. Multi Pick – you need to select all the data explicitly. For example,
when using PSM ‘Point’, two picks are required, one to select the
string and the second to select the point.
44
1. This is a graphics tool which is extremely useful for the highway or railway
designer.
45
1. In this example both points have levels and so gradient and level
difference is available.
46
1. The Point Information function derives information from a string point, or
from string or normal intersections. Right click to access the relevant
PSM.
47
1. In this example, the point selected is on a reference string, the crossfall to
the carriageway edge, and the gradient along the reference string are
displayed. The annotation arrows reverse when crossfall or gradient are
negative.
2. Using the icons you can:
a. Select a point on any string
g the string
b. Move along g from point to point using
g the forward and
backward arrows
c. Set the options including; default zoom factor and annotation options
d. Zoom to selected point
e. Adjust the annotation size
3. You can also select a range of points.
48
1. Note if none of the strings display a chainage value, even if you have
asked for it, this is because all the strings in the survey are 3D and only
have an X, Y and Z value at each point.
49
1. Existing or proposed surfaces are modelled using strings along breaklines
in the surface, such as kerb lines, river banks, carriageway edges etc.,
with level and point strings ‘filling in’ the rest of the detail. However, when
analysing a model it is always better to form a triangulation mesh from the
string data. In this way, data cannot be missed.
2. When creating the triangular mesh from the strings, the triangles should
b as equiangular
be i l as possible.
ibl MX ttriangulation
i l ti routines
ti h
have an extra
t
criterion which states that string links must be maintained (unless you
specifically change the setting). This means that a string link must
become a triangle edge, even if the triangles become elongated.
3. String links are only maintained if the levels at each end are valid.
4. Within MX, two types of triangulation can be generated. The first uses
only one model to create the triangulation, for use when contouring, while
the second uses two models to create an isopachyte triangulation,
allowing the level difference between the two surfaces to be analysed.
50
1. Conflicts within the model are resolved by MX as follows :-
a. intersecting links - insert intersection point
b. duplicate points - discard one point
c. duplicate links - discard one link
2. In the above situation there are two possible levels to use at the
intersections. MX will select the level from the first link encountered
which in this case could result in a ‘tent’
tent shape over the crossing link
link.
3. All the points in the model will be included in a triangulation unless :
a. the string is excluded by masking
b. the point has a null level
c. a boundary string is used
d. the string
g is a text string
g
4. Triangulation strings are 33D strings. The coordinates of the vertices and
centroid, the maximum gradient (and its direction) of the triangle, and the
group code are examples of the information stored.
5. A triangulation model will have the extension ‘TRIA’ added as an
extension to the model name, to identify the model type. Only
triangulation strings can be stored in a triangulation model.
51
1. The three most common forms of problem in a survey are “null” and zero
levels and crossing string links.
2. The null level, is not an error; it may well have been introduced into the
survey where the surveyor is not certain that he can reliably give you a
level on the point. However, it is essential that you know where this
occurs, so that you can interpret correctly the results of analysis.
3. The zero level, is a major problem, unless your scheme really is set at or
about the level datum! With MX, the value zero is a genuine level,
whereas in some software it may be used to record the fact that no level
exists.
4. The third common problem occurs when two strings cross at different
levels these intersections must be identified and investigated.
52
1. The results are displayed using icons.
2. Two models can be created, a temporary Surface Checker model and a

temporary Surface Checker Triangulation model.
3. You can delete or rename and save the temporary Surface Checker
model you can also delete or retain Surface Checker information on the
model,
display.
4. A second temporary Surface Checker Triangulation model is created if

either the Coincident Points or Intersection Points report is requested.
You can delete or rename and save this model.
5. The Temporary Surface Checker model contains; pre-defined strings (one

for each check carried out), the string contains one point for each
instance found. The strings are named for example, PLOW for the low
point check.
53
1. To edit a value:
Click and highlight one of the points in the Index column, then click the
Edit button. The String Name and the Z value fields at the bottom of the
panel are updated. Change the Z Value and click the Update button. The
level of the point is modified and the point removed from the list.
54
1. The modify functions allows you to edit models and strings, for example
correcting errors in a survey.
2. Free/secure Model toggles the model state from a free model (a model
which can be changed) to a secure model (a model which cannot be
amended).
3. Some of the functions available through this menu are also possible
through the Explorer.
55
1. The functions available are used to amend the details of the strings in a
model. It is important to note that the model data are being amended
when using these options.
2. Some of the functions available through this menu are also possible
through the Explorer.
56
1. You can construct a string from any combination of new points and
existing string points. You then save the string with a new or existing
string name. In the latter case, this overwrites the existing string.
2. The snapping tools are as follows:
a. Turn on shortcut keys and autoload
b. Select in free space (no snap)
c Snap to one point on string
c.
d. Load all points from string
e. Load points from start of string to selected point
f. Load points from selected point to end of string
g. Load points from string between selected points
3. Snapping
pp g tools can be g greyed
y out when they
y are not applicable
pp to the
action button selected.
4. Right clicking reverses the direction of the last selected range.
57
1. Unlike Delete from Graphics (in the View menu), this option will remove
strings from the model. Once the strings are deleted, there is no way of
retrieving them i.e. there is no ‘undo’ function.
2. If the strings are on the display, they will be removed from the display.
58
1. Truncating a string trims the unnecessary length of a string. It is
important that the correct end is selected when defining the length to be
truncated - use the status arrow to confirm direction of string before
running the function.
59
60
1. When the point is deleted, all subsequent points are immediately
renumbered.
61
1. This option allows you to amend the coordinates of a point. The new
coordinates can be given using any of the point selection methods.
62
1. The gap is inserted by removing all points between the specified start and
end points.
63
1. When changing string names, the descriptions in the list are derived from
the associated feature set.
2. Note how the renamed strings are redrawn with an appropriate linestyle
and colour. These are derived from the related style set.
64
1 The three most common forms of problem in a survey are “null”
1. null and zero
levels and crossing string links.
2. The null level, strictly speaking, is not an error; it may well have been
introduced into the survey where the surveyor is not certain that he can
reliably give you a level on the point. However, it it essential that you know
where this occurs,, so that you
y can interpret
p correctlyy the results of analysis.
y
3. The zero level, on the other hand, is a major problem, unless your scheme
really is set at or about the level datum! As far as MX is concerned, the
value zero is a genuine level, whereas in some software it may be used to
record the fact that no level exists. Obviously, it is of prime importance that
you find all occurrences of zero levels and that you rectify the problem.
4. The third common problem occurs when two strings cross at different levels.
This is described on the following pages, but these intersections must be
found.
65
1. Two models can be created, a temporary Surface Checker model and a
temporary Surface Checker Triangulation model
model.
2. You can delete or rename and save the temporary Surface Checker
model, you can also delete or retain Surface Checker information on the
display.
3. A second temporary Surface Checker Triangulation model is created if

either the Coincident Points or Intersection Points report is requested. You
can delete or rename and save this model.
4. The Temporary Surface Checker model contains; pre-defined strings (one

for each check carried out), the string contains one point for each instance
f
found.
d The
Th strings
ti are named d ffor example,
l PLOW forf the
th low
l point
i t check.
h k
66
1. To edit a value: Click and highlight one of the points in the Index column,
then click the Edit button.
button The String Name and the Z value fields at the
bottom of the panel are updated. Modify the Z Value and click the Update
button. The level of the point is modified and the point removed from the
list.
67
1. The Surface Analysis Wizard creates a triangulation of the model which is
used to analyse the surface.
surface
2. Options displays the defaults menu panel. You can set default values for
this project. Preset values may be amended while using each analysis
tool.
68
1. Options also available here as on previous panel.
69
1. The initial characters of the contours are D and 0 (zero). They can only be
changed in the Options panel
panel.
2. Smoothing the triangulation involves sub-dividing the triangles, depending

on the shape of the surface.
70
1. This function will take the triangulation and divide it into 10 bands (by
default) Each of the level bands is then coloured to display the height of
default).
the contours. The Key button is used to display a table showing the colour
and the range of levels it represents.
2. If the bands are calculated from the triangulation, the level of the triangle
centroid is used to determine into which band the triangles is to be placed.
This can result in the bands having a jagged appearance.
3. If the bands are calculated between contours, the wizard will create
contours at the levels required and then re-triangulate these new contours.
This results in each of the bands having a smooth edge.
71
1. Once an option has been completed, the review panel is displayed.
2. When you click Finish, you are able to save the temporary models created
by the wizard. The triangulation model should be saved for future use by
other analysis functions which may be used later in the design process.
72
1. At the end of this workshop, the triangulation model is to be stored to be
used for creating the earthworks slopes and to generate existing cross
sections.
73
1. Whenever MX is asked to delete data it leaves the data behind in the
modelfile! Instead, it deletes any reference to the data by removing the
model and string names from the relevant lists - “if it’s not in the list it
doesn’t exist”
2. This naturally results in the modelfile getting larger and larger as time
goes on. When initially set up the modelfile can hold 500,000 MX records
(about 35,000,000 3D points). This modelfile, when full, would be
approximately 2 2.5GB
5GB in size! If it ever gets to 95% full a splash panel will
be displayed stating “Recommended Compress of the Modelfile”. You
can’t ignore it as you have to select OK to dismiss the panel. What you
may not be aware of, however, is that the model has already been
expanded by 10%. So, you can see that if you are warned several times,
the modelfile will have been expanded by 10% of it’s current size each
time and will take up very large volumes of disk space. You have been
warned!
arned!
3. Continual use of the Surface Analysis functions without any
housekeeping being done, even on quite modest projects, can result in
very large modelfiles (modelfiles >130mb are not uncommon in this
situation). So, ensure that you “Compress” the modelfile regularly (say, at
the end of each MX day).
4 The housekeeping tools are found under File > File Management and it is
4.
recommended that you use both the Report Modelfile and Compress
functions.
74
1. Before you compress the modelfile make a backup copy. If you should be
unlucky and the computer crashes part-way through the compression it is
possible (but extremely unlikely) for the database to become corrupt. By
taking your own copy beforehand you are safeguarding against a very
unlikely disaster.
2. You could use Windows Explorer™ to take a copy (right click model.fil
th copy and
then d th
then iin th
the same pane right
i ht click
li k - paste
t - you will
ill gett C
Copy
of model.fil) or you could use WinZip or a similar application. This is
strongly recommended if your modelfiles are very large, as MX will need
space to take its own copy for the Compress function.
75
76
1. First, Check Model File Records - the results are displayed in the Output
Window.
2. The number of records occupied shows how much data is registered
within the modelfile, and is accessible.
3. The number of records used is the total amount of data that has been
stored in the current version of the modelfile. This includes both
accessible data and deleted data.
4. MX also reports the maximum size of the modelfile - in the example
shown above it has been set to 500,000 MX records in anticipation of
very large amounts of data being processed. Normally you would not
need to worry about this.
5. Note: Model.fil is a binary file and must not be edited using standard
editing techniques. It is recommended that a backup of the project
structure including model
structure, model.fil,
fil is made at regular intervals during the
project development. This has a number of advantages, such as;
development and testing of multiple strategies, rewind development by
one or more intervals, safeguard against computer disc crash and data
loss. This implies that the regular backup is written to a separate device
or machine.
77
1. After compression check the number of modelfile records occupied. The
number reported as occupied should be equal to or very slightly less than
the number used. If it is ever greater, you probably have a corrupt
modelfile. This is where you will be thankful that you took a copy before
you started!
2. Always run Check Model Pointers. MX will read through the lists of
models
d l and d strings
ti andd check
h k th
the iintegrity
t it off th
the iinternal
t l pointer
i t
structure. If it is in sound condition the message “0 pointer error(s) found”
will be issued.
3. If this report gives an indication of pointer errors you will need to find out
where the corruption lies. Select Check String Pointers - MX will then
read every string in every model and will identify which string has become
corrupted. How you recover will depend on which string (and its type)
has become corrupt.
78
79
80
1. The String Naming Convention may sometimes be abbreviated to SNC
81
1. All road chainage lines are MASTER strings.
2. The primary axis is named MC@? where @ = the road identity and ? =
any alphanumeric character
3. The road identity is a single character within the range 0 to 9, and A to Z.
Thus, there can be up to 36 separate roads within an MXROAD project.
4. All carriageway feature names have the same third character as the
master for that road.
5. Other features are categorised by the first character defining the general
type of feature, such as a carriageway string, shoulder or verge and so
on.
6. The second character defines the particular type of feature.
7. The fourth character defines which side of the road and which
“occurrence” of the feature it is,, workingg outwards. 0 to 9 and A to H
indicate the left side, while I (“eye”) to Z are strings to the right.
8. Typical examples of string names would be…
a. MC40 - Master string for the road 4 in a project area
b. CE4I - Carriageway Edge to road 4; the first occurrence out on the
right
c CTA0 - Curb Top; the first to the left of road A
c.
d. ESBL - Edge of Shoulder string; along the right side of road B
82
1. The MXROAD toolbar gives quick access to all the road design functions
and other commonly used options. All the options provided on the toolbar
can also be accessed from the MX menu.
83
84
1. Quick Horizontal Alignment design can be accessed from either the main
menu:- Design > Quick Alignment > Horizontal Design or from any of the
MX Application toolbars.
85
1. The Quick Alignment – Model Selection dialog will require the name of the
model which will store the alignment and the name of the alignment
string.
2. If you are using MXROAD the string name must follow the String Naming
Convention. If you are not using MXROAD then the string name must
begin with M.
3. General Approach includes:
a. Set general parameters
b. Place IPs in approximate location
c. Revisit each IP, repositioning or modifying curve details as needed.
86
1. Parameters - Set the default radius and transition parameters. Use a
standard value for the scheme and change individual curves as
necessary.
2. Add an IP - Add intersection points by clicking on the drawing.

Subsequent intersection points will be connected with a straight. Adjacent
straights will be connected by a curve and a transition. Don’t worry if two
curves overlap
l - you can correctt this
thi afterwards.
ft d
3. Move/Slide an IP – Reposition an existing intersection point by drag and

drop. The moved IP will stay where it was “dropped” unless the “snap to
point” icon is live and the IP was dropped onto a string. In this case it will
snap to the nearest string point. Another option is to “slide” the IP along a
tangent The IP will slide along the tangent opposite which the cursor is
tangent.
depressed, leaving the bearing of that tangent unchanged.
4. Insert IP - An IP will be placed between existing IPs.
5. Clearances - Check distances between the design and other known

points. Identify required clearances and then design around them.
87
1. In the parameters you can specify the default parameters you wish to use
on this alignment. The parameters will stay current for any alignment in
this project until amended.
2. Transitions can be defined by length, A Value, RL Value or Design Speed.

Most commonly they are defined by length and derived from the formulae
:
Transition Length = ______(V x V x V)________

(46.7 x Q x radius of curve)
where V = Design Speed

Q = 0.3
03
R = Radius
88
1. Adding IP’s - select the IP position with the cursor. With snap off the
selection is anywhere in the picture; turn snap on and the selection will be
the nearest string point when the cursor is covering a string.
2. As you add IP’s the default curve radius and transition will be added
between the IP locations.
3. IP’s can also be added by typing in the Easting (X) and Northing (Y)
location. This can be done by selecting the keyboard icon from the tool
bar.
89
1. To amend a curves values, select the Edit Curve Details icon and select
the curve you wish to amend by clicking on it on the display.
2. The current values will appear in the dialog box, just amend the values
and select OK.
90
1. To amend an IP location by free drag, select it from the screen and with
the left hand mouse button depressed move the IP to the location of your
choice. Note any curves or transitions associated to that IP will move
along with it.
2. An IP location can be moved relative to a bearing of a straight you have

already positioned. Click before or after the IP you wish to move and keep
th lleft
the ft h
hand
d mouse bbutton
tt selected,
l t d th the IP will
ill move relative
l ti tot the
th
bearing depending on which side of the IP you have chosen.
91
1. Any IP can be moved relative to a bearing, which is specified in decimal
degrees. Click on the construction tools icon on the toolbar, select from
the screen the IP to be moved and it’s current details will appear in the
dialog box.
2. To alter the bearing click in the bearing box and type a new bearing.
3. If the first IP in the alignment is selected, the Bearing In will display as
“Unknown”. Similarly, if the last IP is selected, Bearing Out will display as
“U k
“Unknown.” ”
4. This tool can be used to create a side road alignment perpendicular to a
through road using the following steps:
a. Place the intersecting road alignment in the approximate location.
Place the first IP on the through road centerline. (Snap to an actual
string point)
b. Select the first IP on the intersecting road
c. On the Construct Tools panel, click in the New Bearing box on the
Tangent Out side. Click on the centerline for the through road, near
the first IP for the side road. The bearing for the through road will
appear in the box.
d. The bearing required is to be perpendicular to the through road, use
th R
the Rotate
t t bbearing
i b button
tt tto step
t ththrough
h iin 90° increments
i t until
til th
the
appropriate bearing is reached. Select OK > You will see the second
IP on the side road move to the new bearing.
92
1. Chainage interval can be modified later in the design process by re-
entering Quick Horizontal Alignment and resaving the alignment,
specifying as new chainage interval during the save process.
93
1. Use the information provided to create the alignment for MC10. Your
results should be similar to those shown.
94
95
1. Section more than one surface if required - check the collinear profile box.
Additional dialogues will appear, one per additional profile.
2. When you click Next > from the final Terrain model panel the Quick
Vertical Alignment toolbar is displayed together with the both a plan view
and a profile view containing the sectioned terrain models.
96
1. The vertical alignment toolbar has tools to create the vertical alignment
plus functions relating to IP movement and surface snapping
snapping. Adjust the
horizontal-vertical scale relationship to suit the need of the site.
2. As the cursor is moved along the profile, chainage and level are shown.
Warning is given if the gradient exceeds the defaults set, the value is
displayed on a red background.
3. Snap to a surface - the current snap surface is indicated by the coloured
square on the toolbar. Change to the required surface as necessary.
4. The vertical profile is built using the default K-values or radii for both
summit and valley curves. Individual curves may be amended as required.
5. Warnings are given for curves that overlap, or extend beyond the limits of
the ground profile. These conflicts must be resolved before the vertical
design can be completed.
6 Curve data can be entered or modified through the Table View
6. View. As the
data is entered, the graphical display is automatically updated. The Table
View panel can be open while changes to IPs are made graphically.
97
1. Default Values
a. Define K Values or Radii to indicate which method will be used when
creating curves
b. Hog Curve K Value
c. Sag Curve K Value
d. Maximum Grade % - all gradients will be checked to ensure that they
are no greater than this value
value.
e. Minimum Grade % - all gradients will be checked to ensure that they
are no less than this value.
2. Vertical Curve Locking - Vertical curve locking is used when IPs are
moved to indicate whether the radius of the curve should remain constant
and the length of the curve change, or whether the length of the curve
should remain constant and the radius of the curve change.
g Select Lock
VC Length or Lock VC Radius as required.
3. Annotation - Select an annotation settings file (*.mxtip) to apply and
automatically update annotation to the current working design. Selecting
a simple style at this point will keep the design clearer as you are working
on it. You can select a more detailed settings file to apply annotation
when you complete the design and exit.
98
1. Additional profiles can be added to the drawing by selecting the Profile
Surface Details icon. From the dialog, select the surface to be added to
the display.
2. Tick the Show Details area to change the colour or line style defaults
3. Surfaces that are currently displayed can be removed.
4. Selecting the Advanced button adds offset profiles and/or associated
g to the display.
strings y
99
1. Snap surface selector lists all the surfaces to which IPs may be snapped.
By default, the existing ground surface is selected.
100
1. Adding IPs - select the IP position with the cursor. With snap off the
selection is anywhere in the picture; turn snap on and the selection is the
nearest string point when the cursor is covering a string.
2. As IPs are added, the default curve radius or K Values are added
between the IP locations.
101
1. It is not always easy to snap to the first or last point of any profile so MX
makes it easy. When creating a profile, just select two IP locations on the
screen. Select the surface to snap to, it may be different surfaces for
each IP. Then select the Lock IP icon and choose the method from the
dialog box.
2. IP’s can be locked to chainage and gradient (the gradient is the derived
gradient
di t b
between
t th
the IP you are moving
i and d th
the nextt or previous
i one).
)
3. IPs can be locked to chainage and level (X-Z).
4. IPs can be locked to chainage (X).
102
1. The Text Editor can be used to create and manipulate IPs using a table
view, rather than dynamic IP manipulation.
2. For each IP, there is a row of data cells which can be edited to manipulate
the profile at that point. To edit a value, double-click a cell, type the new
value and press Return > .
3. A red coloured cell indicates that there is an error in the value; for
example, an overlap has been detected between adjacent curves.
4. Check Show Details > , to reveal Number Format, Tracking Options,

Design Speed, Columns, Parameters and Reset.
103
1. Check whether you want snaps on or off before you move an IP.
104
1. Setting gradients for any IPs except the first and last on the alignment.
Select an IP with gradients on either side, then re-specify the in-gradient
or the out-gradient.
2. When the last IP added is selected, the option works as a construction

tool. The In-Gradient % will be shown and by default the value in the in-
field is that to the end of the alignment. Specify the Out-Gradient % and
th di
the distance
t tto which
hi h the
th gradient
di t will
ill extend
t d to
t define
d fi the
th nextt IP in
i the
th
alignment.
105
106
1. The Road Design toolbar contains the tools to creating a road design.
The tools would typically be used in the sequence left to right.
2. Carriageways
3. Rule-based Superelevation
4. Road Widening
5. Shoulders
6 Kerbs Verges and Footways
6.
107
108
109
110
1. The LC** string is used by MXROAD as the basis for all levels across the
template. The superelevation functions will update the levels on the LC**
string if necessary, therefore maintaining the MC** string levels intact as
the original vertical profile design. This is done to ensure that you can go
back to the vertical profile design phase if necessary.
2. Reference offsets are normally only used on dual-carriageways. If this

offset
ff t is
i sett to
t the
th level
l l difference
diff between
b t the
th inner
i channel
h l llevels
l and
d
the median level these channels will be coincident with the vertical design
profile. Generally, the reference offset will be the same value as the kerb
face.
3. When you have made changes to the template, click Next > either Save
to overwrite the template you opened
opened, or Save As to create a new
template with a new name. You will have the opportunity to store the
template in either the Public, Project or Private folders.
111
112
113
114
115
1. You will be given the opportunity to change the rules or the design speed
for the application of superelevation. It is not necessary to apply a single
rule to the whole alignment.
116
1. The library contains a range of superelevation design tables - select the
browse button to access them.
2. Each table defines:
a. the valid speed range
b. the pivot methods
c. the numbers of lanes
d
d. linear or reverse-curve
reverse curve application
e. invalid geometry conditions
f. the rounding of chainages
3. The available pivot methods will depend on the type of road template
selected. In the example shown above the single-carriageway pivots are
shown.
117
1. MXROAD analyses the design against the selected superelevation table,
checking that the theoretical crossfall change lengths can be fitted without
overlaps, and that any spirals are satisfactory regarding both comfort and
drainage criteria.
2. For certain national standards (outside the UK), it may be necessary to

specify the number of traffic lanes. This will only happen if the
appropriate
i t design
d i tables
t bl have
h been
b selected,
l t d iin which
hi h case additional
dditi l
panels will appear in the sequence.
118
1. The Edit panel makes the correction of errors, in particular overlap
errors, very easy. The superelevation change points are listed in the table
and, by clicking on them, the superelevation application lengths are
displayed graphically, along with the appropriate values.
2. To amend an application, select Edit or Slide Application Length from the

panel.
3. The current values may be saved in a text file for inspection or printing.
119
1. In every case where an infringement takes place the theoretical
application length is given in the Error Table, along with the chainage and
the reason for the infringement.
120
1. When changing the length, lock the full superelevation position and allow
the reverse crown and normal crown positions to vary.
2. Alternatively, lock the normal crown position, allowing the other two
primary points to move. Care must be taken with this option when
lengthening the application as the full superelevation may not be
developed by the time the vehicle enters the circular part of the curve.
3. A third method is to vary the length by moving each end of the application
equally.
4. A method for resolving an overlap of superelevation applications is to

g the alignment,
slide along g , retaining
g the calculated length
g of the
application. Again, there is the risk that the full superelevation may not be
developed until it is well into the circular part of the curve.
5. Check that all aspects of the design are satisfactory if any of the values
calculated by MXROAD have been amended.
121
122
1. The tool is equally valid for surveyed and designed road or rail data. If the reference
string
t i selected
l t d iis nott an M
M-String
St i a temporary
t M-String
M St i isi created
t d ffor th
the analysis.
l i
2. The two methods are Use Simple Sections and Select String Names.
a. Use Simple Sections - Creates cross sections, then analyses them to determine
which features have the smallest offsets to the left and right of the reference string.
These two features are those shown in the Crossfall Checker: Superelevation
Analysis panel, and the values of width, drop/rise, and crossfall are measured from
the reference string to them.
b Select String Names - Lets you select one
b. one, two or four strings to be highlighted by
the analysis. Cross sections are created and then analysed to determine the
locations of the selected strings. The values of width, drop/rise, and crossfall are
then calculated and displayed in the Crossfall Checker: Superelevation Analysis
panel.
1. If one string is selected, the values are calculated from the reference string to
it.
2. If two strings are selected, the values are calculated between them.
3. If four strings are selected, the values are calculated between the first and
second strings and displayed in the boxes for the left side, and between the
third and fourth strings and displayed in the boxes for the right side.
4. Three strings are not permitted as the option cannot determine how to
calculate the values for the third string.
3. Whichever method is selected, the reference string is displayed in the centre of the cross
section display window.
123
1. The panel defines the defaults by which the Crossfall Checker will create
and display the analysis for this project. The key settings are:
a. To save the cross section models created for the analysis
b. To save the model used to store M-Strings created from 3D strings
c. The criteria used when creating M-Strings from 3D strings
d. The drawing controls for the Percentage and Drop/Rise diagrams
e The limits applied when cutting cross sections
e. sections.
2. The cross sections model will automatically be created by the option, the
model name is as follows <ref string>Super Sections. The model can be
renamed once the option is complete.
3. Once the analysis is complete the model can be deleted.
124
1. This panel displays the Superelevation Analysis as either a Drop/Rise or
Percentage diagram, together with the current cross section, and a
schematic showing its location on the reference string. The position of the
cursor on the analysis diagram controls the information displayed
elsewhere on the panel, the information being accurate for the cross
section displayed.
2 D
2. Drawing
i C Control
t l defines
d fi th
the ddefaults
f lt b by which
hi h th
the Crossfall
C f ll Ch
Checker
k will
ill
display the analysis for this project. The key settings are:
a. Percentage diagram parameters
b. Drop/Rise diagram parameters
c. Amount by which the cross section view is extended.
pp y > to return to the Superelevation
d. Click Apply p Display
p y and see the
changes.
125
1. This panel displays the Superelevation Report. The report can be saved
to a file for future reference.
2. The content of the report is fixed and contains the following information:
a. The source data (including string names) and the date the report
was created.
b. Then based on chainage for both the left and right side of the
g
reference string:
1. The width of the cross fall
2. The drop/rise
3. The crossfall percentage
4. The rate of change of percentage per metre.
3. The content of the report is identical, regardless of the diagram type used
t display
to di l ththe analysis.
l i
4. If the Select String Names method is used (see Crossfall Checker: Model
and Alignment Data), it is assumed that the first two strings selected are
on the left side, and the second two are on the right side.
126
1. Where does the superelevation diagram indicate full super has been
reached?
2. The Superelevation Report Details can be saved for future reference by
clicking Save Report > .
127
128
129
130
131
132
1. Various methods available for the definition of the widening, all presented
using active graphics images.
2. The widening may be a lay-by, with a taper at each end, or a filter lane at
a junction with a taper at only one end.
133
1. Default start and end chainages of the road may be changed as needed.
2. To widen the end of a road for a channelised junction uncheck the Equal
Ratio box and set the appropriate ratio (in or out ratio) to zero.
3. Note that the Taper Width Distance is the additional width from the main
carriageway edge,
edge not the total width of the pavement
pavement.
134
1. The widening of the carriageway is achieved by moving the original
channel string to the widened position. Check the Save Hinge String box
to have an additional string left in the original string location.
2. The widened section of pavement follows the main carriageway crossfall

or is given its own crossfall. Assign the crossfall for the widening in
metres/metre, be aware of the direction of the slope. A negative slope
i li th
implies the widened
id d channel
h l liline will
ill b
be b
below
l th
the hi
hinge string.
ti T
To sett th
the
widening at a constant crossfall of 2.5% falling, supply the value -0.025 at
each end of the widening.
135
136
137
1. The Dynamic Reports function pulls together a number of conventional
MX reporting functions into a simple-to-use toolbar driven system. The
results are shown both in text form and graphically.
138
1. An equivalent function can also be found under Report > Standard
Reports > String Points
139
1. Can also be found under Report > Geometric Reports > Intersection of 2
Strings
2. Reported information can be applied to the display with the annotation

tool.
140
1. Can also be found under Report > Geometric Reports > Distance and
Bearing of a Normal / Several Normals.
141
1. Can also be found under: Reports > Geometric Reports > Normal
Intersections
142
143
144
145
146
147
1. The default arc ratios are 2:1:3, flowing in the direction of the junction
“fillet”. The ratios may be amended, using the panel above, to suit local
requirements.
2. Be careful when using this function with unequal ratios: the junction fillet
string follows the direction of the side road strings and you must be aware
that this may reverse the arrangement of arcs from that which is
expected.
t d Al
Always check
h k using
i pointi t status,
t t and
d redefine
d fi if necessary.
148
149
1. The only design method available is the IP method.
2. The re-grading of the junction need not be constrained merely to the fillet
string. The adjacent carriageway edges may also be adjusted also over
the lead-in and lead-out lengths.
150
151
1. Amend any or all of the above parameters and save the island template
with a fully-descriptive name.
2. Storing the revised templates in the Public styles folder makes them
directly accessible to all projects.
152
1. Place traffic islands into the junction fillets before Tidy Junction.
2. Use Tidy Junction before adding shoulders, footways and verges.
3. The original junction strings will be stored in a separate model. This

allows you to undo the tidying function at a later date. This is valuable
when a junction needs regrading later in the design
design.
153
154
1. The chainages added to MC10 are required for the Shoulder Design and
also for Pavement Layer Design.
155
156
1. Strings MC00 and CE00 are created when the junction between road 2
and the survey is formed.
2. These strings are not required but leaving part of the carriageway edge
CE00 across the junction will result in meaningful design triangulation if
and when generated.
157
1. Shoulders are designed one at a time.
2. Complete all the superelevation and widening before adding shoulders to

the scheme.
158
1. Different shoulder parameters are available for shoulders on the inside
and the outside of curves.
2. In addition, there will be a greater range of options when a master string

is selected as the reference string as opposed to a carriageway edge
string. This is because the master string carries more data per point,
notably the instantaneous radius. From this data MXROAD is able to
amend d shoulder
h ld details
d t il according
di tot the
th location
l ti (i(inside
id or outside
t id off
curve) and value of the radius.
159
160
161
162
1. Notes for Lab:
a. The right shoulder of Road 1 can be applied from beginning to end of
the roadway using MC10 as the reference string.
b. The left shoulder of Road 1 will need to be applied using the CE10
as the reference from the beginning of alignment to the end of the
road widening. The Follow Carriageway Crossfall option and MC10
can then be used to define the shoulder up to and beyond the
j
junction.
ti Th
The chainages
h i th
thatt were iinserted
t d iinto
t MC10 iin an earlier
li
lab are now required to define the limits near the junction.
c. Use the carriageway edge strings as reference strings for the areas
of the junction fillets.
d. For Road 2, use the carriageway edge strings for reference in the
area of the junction and MC20 as the reference from Chainage 23.76
(end of fillets) to chainage 730 ( start of widening for junction with
Road 1).
163
164
165
166
167
168
1. Shoulder strings created in previous lab will be used as the Edge strings
to define the kerb template.
169
1. The following steps are used when creating the new strings :
a. take a section through the ground model ( or datum level ) at the
given start point on the reference string
b. take a section through the design model level datum string at the
start point on the reference string
c. ‘hang’ the defined profile from the level datum string coordinates and
level
d. store the intersection point of the ground section and defined profile
on the interface string
e. store any intermediate profile points on to their respective strings
f. move to the next point and repeat the procedure
2. The defined profiles consist of a series of elements. In the diagram
above the profile is made up of three elements (slope
above, (slope, bench
bench, slope)
3. The reference string and the level datum string will generally be the same
string. This will overcome problems due to sharp divergence at areas
such as bell-mouth junctions.
4. The ground model sections used may be temporary sections

(automatically generated by the earthworks option) or stored sections
previously created within MX.
170
1. Separate strings may be created for the cut and fill interfaces or one
string can be used for both. If separate strings are used, the interface
strings will have gaps inserted when the slope stops and then restarts.
The default is to build single strings for both cut and fill toe points.
Warning - Interface strings are not amended when rerunning data -
duplicate strings are generated. Therefore, before re-running the data,
you should delete the old strings.
2 The intermediate strings must have different names for cut and fill
2.
features. Gaps are inserted when the slope stops and then restarts.
3. The changeover point between cut and fill is interpolated on the level
datum string and is added to the interface string(s). The intersection point
of any intermediate strings with the interface string is added to both
strings.
4. The interface strings are 5D strings while the intermediate strings can be
either 3D or 5D. The five dimensions stored for each point on a string are
:-
X, Y, Z, Offset, Bearing
5. When the strings are drawn with the “MX standard style”, the offset and
bearing values are used to draw the ‘tadpoles’ to the correct size and in
the correct direction.
6. If no toe-line is found at a particular section, a warning is given. The
interface strings will span the gap.
171
1. The profiles used for cut and fill analysis are independent of each other,
so that different profiles may be defined for each. The order in which they
are to be tested is also user-definable. This gives you the ability to define
cut before fill or vice versa.
2. In the diagram below, the cut profile is defined by a single element while
the fill profile has three elements.
Level s1
Reference datum
string string
s2 s4
s3
w1
w2
3. It is important to remember that the strings being created are running into
the page, not down along the slope.
172
1. The forward style is the usual and most straightforward style. As all the
elements are defined by slope and width, except the last, all the
intermediate strings will be parallel to the original level datum string.
2. In the reverse style, the intermediate strings are parallel to the interface
string as the widths are measured from the toe-line string.
3. Both forward and reverse styles are available through the earthworks
slope library.
173
1. Multi-strata slope analysis is beyond the scope of this course.
174
175
1. The Reference String is used to define the direction of the slopes, the
start and end positions and the frequency of the sections.
2. It is not necessary to nominate both Level Datum Strings - if one is not

given, the slope is not calculated on that side.
3 For MX to generate the best sections

3. sections, the model to be sectioned should
be a triangulation model. If you have already taken a set of sections
using the reference string, these could be used here.
176
1. Selecting the Browse button will display a panel from which you can
choose a different earthworks library and style. This panel is shown on
the next page.
2. If the slope definition needs to be amended, highlight the style and then
select the Edit button. Alternately, double-click or right-click in the style
image - MX is Windows™ compliant.
3. If an Alternative Strategy has been assigned, MX will use it to define the

slope profile if a ground intersect could not be found using the first style.
4. If the slope and berm combination being used in the cut situation above is
q
also required in the fill situation,, yyou can drag
g and drop
p a style
y from the
cut panel to the fill panel. The slope will be automatically inverted.
177
1. To select a different earthwork slope, use the slider to move through the
stored styles to find the one required, or select the file name from the list.
You can select or save styles in any of the three libraries, subject to
having “write” permission.
2. Whenever a new style is saved, it will be available from this panel.
3. Custom Earthworks provides additional tools for creating a new or custom

slope style. This includes tools for creating Rounded Slopes and
Alternative Slope tables. (For additional information, see the MX Help
topic Earthworks styles, Custom )
178
1. The element to be amended (shown in blue) can be selected from the
diagram or from the Element dropdown.
2. Note that in the above example, the height has been fixed at 5.000m and
the width and slope are being amended.
3 An element may be instructed to “pass

3. pass through”
through a ground intersection by
turning off the Intersect with Ground function. This is obviously not
desirable in the example shown above. This option is usually switched off
for the first element ( and maybe the second) when defining a slope style
with multiple elements. The last element in the style must have the
Intersect with Ground turned on.
179
1. Point selection method depends on the reference string type. In the
example above, the reference string would have to be a master string for
Chainage to be used.
2. For markets outside the UK, you need to replace the “tadpole” annotation
with an acceptable annotation symbol. The Slope Signature tab gives
you access to this, but you must use a suitable styleset to get the best
results.
lt
180
1. Do you need to “hide” your scheme when in shallow cut or on fill? If so,
you may need to define Fill before Cut, as shown above.
2. Are you getting excessively long cut slopes where you would expect to
see short fill slopes (or vice versa)? Maybe you need to switch on the
Shortest Offset function, where MX will use the solution closest to the
original level datum string irrespective of which slope is tested first.
181
1. The verge strings should be used as both the reference strings and level
datum strings as they are the strings which the earthworks should follow.
2. When an earthwork profile is amended, save the new style with a

suitable (descriptive) name in the project directory.
182
183
1. Each zone will have its own set of area definitions. There can be a single
area or multiple areas along the length of the road.
2. That is, the areas for Zones 1 and 2 may be different as shown in the
example above.
3 You can have a maximum of 15 zones in a scheme with up to 100 areas

3.
in each.
184
1. The Pavement Layer Design may be launched using the pull-down
menus. Design > Pavement and Subgrade Design >
2. The pavement and sub grade design options use cross-sections as their
base. Create new cross sections or use previously stored cross sections.
3 If Stored Sections is selected,

3. selected MX will require the model name and the
design and existing section set references.
4. If Create New Sections is selected, MX will require a model name to store

the sections.
185
1. Specify offsets left and right of the Master string, then Next >.
2. Click Pavement Layer Design.
186
1. Skip this page if you are using MXROAD. This panel can only be seen when
working in a MXROAD Suite project.
2. Pavement Layer Design may be launched using the pull-down menus. Design >
Pavement and Subgrade Design.
3. The pavement and sub grade design options use cross sections as their base.
In Road redesign and rehabilitation MX creates new cross sections through the
parametric design model.
187
1. The first stage is to ensure that the required pavement “style sets“ exist.
A pavement style set contains the basic information, in terms of the
depths, lateral extension, etc for each layer in the construction.
2. Lists of pavement construction style sets, both in the general library and
in the project library, are offered for use.
188
1. To use an existing style set, highlight it and select Close
2. To edit a style set select Edit style set > and then Next > or
3. To create a new one select New style set >.
189
1. The Pavement Styleset Editor provides a simple graphical tool for the
production of construction layer details.
2. Each layer is defined by the depth from the layer above and will, by
default, take the width of the finished top surface.
3 Layers may have their lateral extent modified to offset to the left or right of
3.
the top surface limit strings. This is known as a Shift Left or a Shift Right.
In the example above layers 3, 4, and 5 have a shift right of 0.240m
4. Layers may be extended to intersect with the finished earthwork slopes.

Use the drop down list to select whether a layer is to be extended just to
the Left or Right
g or to Both sides at once.
5. Descriptions for each layer defined can be added from a pre-set file,
select the browse button and select the file from the public directory.
Description files can be created or modified as needed to meet client
standards.
190
1. After selecting the layer description file additional fields are added to each
layer. If the description field is selected, a browse button will appear. From
the Description Browser, pavement materials can be assigned to each
pavement layer.
191
1. To create a Layer description file, select browse button on Pavement
Layer description file and from the panel select File > New >, follow the
prompts for a file name and a location to store the file.
2. From the Edit descriptions panel select Edit > Add Category >. Type the
category name in the area on the top left of the screen. Assign a title to
the pavement layers such as Bituminous Layers or Granular layers etc.
3. Next, start to add the descriptions. Other details such as Bill of Quantities
coding, cost per tonne and tonnage factor can also be added.
192
1. Each area is given a description and the chainage limits defined.
2. Select the lateral limit strings from the section for which the chosen style
set is to be used and then click Apply > .
3. To define a second zone, select New Zone > and another zone tab will
appear Select the appropriate style set
appear. set, the chainage limits
limits, limit strings
and Apply > . Repeat until all zones have been defined.
3. Any changes made to a pavement style set, or to the related options are
immediately reflected in the graphics window. This enables quick testing
of alternative pavement layer strategies.
4. When using Pavement Layer Design within a MXRENEW scheme, there

is an Additional Options function which defines what action should be
taken in certain circumstances, such as the way layers are fitted onto the
existing surface.
193
1. Each area is given a description and the chainage limits defined.
2. Select the lateral limit strings from the section for which the chosen style
set is to be used and then click Apply > .
3. To define a second zone, select New Zone > and another zone tab will
appear Select the appropriate style set
appear. set, the chainage limits
limits, limit strings
and Apply > . Repeat until all zones have been defined.
3. Any changes made to a pavement style set, or to the related options are
immediately reflected in the graphics window. This enables quick testing
of alternative pavement layer strategies.
4. When using Pavement Layer Design within a MXRENEW scheme, there

is an Additional Options function which defines what action should be
taken in certain circumstances, such as the way layers are fitted onto the
existing surface.
194
1. Under Preparatory Works you can now define a topsoil strip to the existing
surface The depth
surface. depth, width and length over which this strip exists can be
selected from the panel.
2. So along the route you can have different depths and widths of topsoil strip.
By default the width of the topsoil strip is the design cross section and any
width added will be added from that location.
3. Note: negative values are not required.
4. The volume calculations will take account of these areas.
195
196
197
198
1. Using the General Reports button you can create Pavement
Quantities and Bulk Earthworks reports.
2. This report function requires the installation of Excel™ on your

computer. The file generated during this process is an Excel™
spreadsheet.
3. If an item is “greyed-out” it is unavailable during the reporting

process. For example the reports on the Subgrade cannot be
generated until the Subgrade has been designed.
199
1. Pavement reports can be produced for all zones or individual zones.
The reports produced and stored in the project folder and in Excel
™ spreadsheet format if you so chose.
2. The volumes associated with the scheme are reported, on a

chainage by chainage basis, in a series of Exel ™ spreadsheet files
in the project folder
200
201
202
1. Dock the Dynamic Section panel by dragging it to the edge of the frame.
The panel becomes transparent whilst being dragged and reshapes itself
into its proposed docked position. The panel moves when you release the
mouse.
203
1. Double-click the title bar of the Dynamic Section anel and the panel
returns to its undocked position.
2. Double-click the title bar of the Dynamic Section panel again and the
panel returns to its docked position.
204
205
1. The Surfaces Manager defines the surfaces and associated colours to be
displayed.
206
1. Create New Section defines the dynamic section in the plan view.
2. In the plan view click two (or more) times in succession to create a
section line across the design feature you wish to see in section.
3. Right click to terminate the section line.
4. It is now displayed with a cyan squares at each section point, and a green
triangle at the centre of the section.
5 In plan select a diamond and drag it to a new location
5. location.
6. The dynamic section updates as you modify the section.
7. Select the triangle and drag the section up and down the design.
8. The dynamic section updates as you modify the section.
207
1. Create New Section defines the dynamic section in the plan view.
2. In the plan view click three (or more) times in succession to create a
section line across the design feature you wish to see in section.
3. Right click to terminate the section line.
4. It is now displayed with a cyan squares at each section point.
5. Select a square and drag it to a new location.
6 The dynamic section updates as you modify the section
6. section.
208
1. The tooltip information comes from the pips on the sections (right click to
toggle through tooltip output window).
2. The Offset and Level information at the bottom left of the panel is the
tracking offset and the cursor position on the tracking line gives an
elevation.
209
1. Create Cross Sections Along a String creates cross sections along a
specified string and allows you to select a cross section to display.
2. Select the Reference String.
3. Modify the Point fields, if you do not require the whole string length.
4. Select the Section Location as either Every Point, Select Regular Interval
or Use Existing Section Model.
5 For Select Regular Interval you must specify the interval,
5. interval remember that
sections must not intersect, although editing is possible.
6. For Use Existing Section Model, you must specify the model name.
7. Modify the Section Offset to be used when cutting the sections.
8. Click OK and the sections are displayed in the plan view.
9. Select a section in the plan view to display in the Dynamic Section or
select
l t from
f section
ti list.
li t
210
1. Select a section in the plan view or select from the section list drop down
to display in the Dynamic Section panel.
211
1. The tooltip information comes from the pips on the sections (right click to
toggle through tooltip output window).
2. The Offset and Level information at the bottom left of the panel is the
tracking offset and the cursor position on the tracking line gives an
elevation.
212
1. Create a Long Section creates a long section along a specified string and
allows you to select it to display.
2. Select the Reference String.
3. Modify the Point fields, if you do not require the whole string length.
4. Click OK. The long section is displayed in the plan view.
5. Select the long section in the plan view to display in the Dynamic Section
or select from section list
list.
213
1. Select a section in the plan view or select from the section list drop down
to display in the Dynamic Section panel.
214
1. Delete String - deletes the displayed section. If it is a cross section all
sections will be deleted !
2. Clear All Sections - clears all sections from the view and the plan view
215
1. Suspend/Restore Dynamic Section – suspends dynamic section to inhibit
selection and creation of additional sections. This also means that design
changes can be made and when the dynamic section is restored all
sections will be updated with the current model information !
216
217
218
219
220
221
1. The dataset for this lab is supplied in the file Dataset Dynamic
Sectioner.exe.
2. Double click the file and change the drive to which it is unzipped (if
required), do not change the folder name or structure.
3. The files for the lab unzipped to <drive>:\MX Training\Dynamic Sectioner
and the sub-folders.
g this lab as part of a course, copy
4. When starting y the content of the
Dynamic Sectioner folder to the training course project folder including
the styles.
5. When starting this lab stand alone, create a new project in the
<drive>:\MX Training\Dynamic Sectioner folder.
222
1. To access the MX triangulation select Analysis > Triangulation >
Triangulation from a String Model.
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
1. Modify > Copy > Models.
2. Modify > Edit Strings > Delete String(s).
230
1. Modify > Copy > Strings.
231
232
1. Create Cross Sections > is a wizard that will generate a number of
sections through different models. All sections are shown in the section
viewer prior to generating a drawing.
233
1. Cross Section Viewer includes tools to produce new cross sections or
view existing section sets.
2. Additional tools for annotation of strings cut, moving around the display,
and creating working drawings.
234
1. Section Additional Models - include other model information such as
existing terrain, pavement layers and sub-surface layers.
2. Limit or Add Section Locations - define frequency of section intervals,

define skewed sections.
3 Display Cross Sections - access to tools for defining where and how the
3.
sections will be displayed on the current drawing.
235
1. Additional models can be sectioned along with the Reference string
model.
2. There is no need to supply an initial character for the section sets. Define
the appropriate description (which comes from a related featureset), and
this in turn will supply MX with the seed character for the section string
names.
236
1. In addition to a regular chainage interval, sections can be generated at
specific chainages, and at skewed angles.
2. If the section sets have been created before, confirm that they are to be
created again.
237
1. Defaults assigned via the feature set associated with the Section storage
model.
238
1. Cross Sections can be positioned at a specific XY coordinate or default to
a location determined by MX. The software can also prompt you for a
position in the current drawing.
239
240
1. Select the section description in order to annotate the sections which will
appear on the drawing. The colours and linestyles for each set of sections
can be amended.
2. The scale of the drawing can be set from the scales and ranges tab and
the orientation of the section relative to the top and bottom of the drawing.
3. The width of the sections drawn can be determined by either selecting the
Absolute or Relative button.
241
1. Annotation tools used to identify strings cut during sectioning. Can also
display the offset distance and elevation at each point on the section
2. The Cross Section viewer also provides tools for producing working
drawings for detailed checking. There is a considerable range of styles
available through careful selection of the items on the working drawings
panel.
242
1. The side road sections would be generated in exactly the same way as
above. If time allows, the side road sections can be taken at the end of
the course.
243
1. Before commencing this course, please double click the file
DatasetCreateFinalDrawingsUK.exe you downloaded prior to the course.
2. You can change the drive to which the files will be extracted, but please
do not change the folder name or structure.
3 The files are created at <drive>:\MX Training and in sub-folders

3. sub folders
CreateFinalDrawingsUK and Script Manager.
244
1. Final Drawings uses CAD functionality to create its multiple paged
layouts, any changes made to the design are automatically reflected in
the finished drawing.
2. Final Drawings provides a suite of geometric annotation tools. Annotate

elements such as arcs, transitions, straight, gradients, vertical curves,
crossfall, symbols and IP points with custom annotation styles. Annotation
added
dd d to
t the
th d
drawing
i iis d
dynamically
i ll updated
d t d if the
th ddesign
i iis changed.
h d
3. Settings files can be stored for future use.
245
1. This course will focus on the Draw Menu.
2. All the functions covered on the course are replicated in the Final
Drawings Manager and the Final Drawings Toolbar.
246
1. String information is annotated using CAD lines, smartlines and text.
2. To assign style sets, right click the model name and assign the fns and
pss file simultaneously.
247
1. From Final Drawings Manager select Base Drawing > Add to
Drawing.
2. Then select Type of Drawing > Plan
3. Lastly, select the model, confirm the style set used, and check
Display all Strings.
Strings
248
1. If the display is not empty, use Display > Erase Display to clear it before
proceeding with the exercise.
249
250
1. From Final Drawings Manager select Type of Drawing > Profile
2. Select the road centreline to create a profile.
251
1. Reset Origin - The Profile is placed automatically to a pre-set origin. CAD
environment tools cannot be used to move it. Use this tool for MX to
move the profile and store the new location.
2. Add Surfaces - used to show such surfaces as the existing ground and
the associated channels.
3. Set Vertical exaggeration - If the exaggeration is 5:1 and the horizontal

scale is 1:500, the vertical scale would be 1:100.
4. Save Settings - When finished setting up profiles, click Save Settings to

store the details in a setup file (*.drl) for future use.
252
1. The Additional Surface options define:
a. A new cut through a surface - a triangulation model
b. An associated string - display the left or right channel. This string
must exist.
c. An offset profile - display a profile to the right or left of the reference
string
253
1. Point Information displays information about an individual point along the
selected reference string.
2. Point Details displays information about level differences between the

reference string, the section string and selected carriageway edge strings.
254
1. The Profile Surface Details panel displays the strings selected for the
profile, it also shows the colour for each string.
2. To change a string colour or level click to expand Surface Details.
3. Check Auto Annotate and select the mxtip file to define the Annotation
Style.
Style
255
1. Save the profile setup file as DESIGNMC10Profile.drl
2. Take time to review the information displayed below and the annotation
placed along the profile.
256
1. Page layouts for plan, profiles and cross section use CAD clip boundaries
and coordinate system settings from the base drawing to generate
multiple sheet layouts suitably aligned to the axis of the road(s).
257
1. Available page setup files (*.psu) can be displayed based upon the units
used to create the setup.
2. Add a standard drawing template or border showing company logo and

quality system details.
258
259
1. Edit the position of views chained along the Plan and Profile in model
space / design model:
a. Chainage Table - position details displayed for keyboard edits.
b. Align to String - individual sheet are centered along the reference
string. Select sheets from display - use shift or ctrl to select range.
c. Free drag - move a sheet by clicking within border and dragging to
new position.
2. Save changes to the layout
a. Save Pages > - will store the page layout file for future use.
Suggested filenames include the model, reference string and scale

or layout type (example: DESIGNMC20500.apl or
DESIGNMC20plan.apl)
260
1. The chainage table is subdivided to show all the views within each page.
a. All Pages - a list of the plan views and their start chainages can be
edited to adjust the position of a page. Rotation can also be
changed.
b. Page - highlight an individual page, Page 1, this shows the preview
model and default page setup for this page. Expanding the page will
show the individual views. Each page has a consecutive number.
261
262
1. Final Drawings creates separate clip boundaries for the profile and the
associated annotation boxes
2. Raise/Lower the profile within the clip boundary by adjusting the Datum.
3. If the command line shows a series of coordinates with messages relating

to clip boundary
boundary, this is usually an indication that the annotation does not
fit within the clip boundary.
263
1. The page setup file to be used in this exercise will reference a border file,
MX Training A1 Composite.dgn located in the folder
<drive>…\MX Training\CreateFinalDrawingsUK\borders.
264
265
1. There are generic settings files supplied by Bentley in the
..\mfw\??_styles directory.
266
267
1. Select a previously saved annotation settings file (*.mxtip) to
automatically recall a specific configuration.
268
1. Geometric Annotation
2. The settings are displayed in a “tree structure”. When you change the text
height at the highest level, this automatically changes all text heights for
all annotation types in the lower levels. This cascade rule applies at any
level. This avoids you having to go to all of the lower levels and change
the text heights individually.
3. CAD Line styles and Text styles can be loaded through the Geometric
Annotation panel.
4. Check or uncheck an element of annotation to add or remove it from the

drawing. The drawing will be updated immediately, provided such an
element of annotation exists in the drawing.
269
1. In plan, annotate the master string, which contains the geometric
information of the road. This will annotate the geometric properties of
straights, curves and transitions.
270
1. In profile, annotate the geometric properties of gradients and curves, and
display ordinate lines.
2. Boxes displayed below the profile can contain details for each point along
the profile.
271
1. In Addition:
2. Check or uncheck any setting to add or remove its annotation.
3. Alternatively, click the Annotate Selection/Refresh or Remove

Annotation icons, or right click where a ToolTip exists. Then
select Remove Annotation.
4. Save and rename the settings file to the project styles folder (for
example as MCAC Profile.mxtip)
272
1. Profile may have had annotation on it, placed during the Profile Display
exercise. Follow the steps above to overwrite any existing annotation.
273
1. Publish Drawings - Can be done as soon as the page layout files (*.apl)
have been created.
a. Save as Separate Drawings > - will store the individual sheets in
new dgn or dwg files.
b. Plot Pages > - to create a batch plot.
274
1. May also prompt for location of border template if one was applied during
page layout but can’t be located.
275
1. The drawings are shown in sheet layout. Save drawing as individual CAD
d
drawings:
i
a. Page Prefix - prefix of filename used to save each drawing page. By
default, the drawing names used are <original>_n, where original is
the base drawing name and n is the page number. Prefix can be
modified.
b. Reference Drawing -
1. Reference Base Drawing - Adds base drawing to each of the
new drawings. Changes made to the design are reflected in the
new drawings. In AutoCAD, layers from the base drawing are
prefixed with "X|" and are grayed out on the layer name list as
they cannot be edited from the new drawings.
2. Embed Base Drawing - inserts base drawing information into
each new drawing. Each new drawing is self-contained. Any
changes
g to the base drawing g do not affect the new drawings.
g
3. Copy Base Drawing and Reference - copies base drawing and
copy is used as a reference in the new drawings. Changes to the
base drawing do not affect the new drawings, but changes to
copy will. Specify the name of the new reference drawing in the
field or use the Browse button.
276
1. The .apl file is stored in the MXDATA folder in the MX project.
2. Any annotation such as grids linked to the clip boundaries are in fact
paper space elements. Beware of adjusting clip boundaries with these
adornments.
277
1. From Final Drawings Manager select Base Drawing > Add to Drawing >
2. Then select Type of Drawing > Display Sections >
3. Proceed with definition of cross section model details.
278
1. Defaults assigned via the feature set associated with the section storage
model.
279
1. Layout Pages for cross sections uses CAD clip boundaries and places
each cross section within the clip boundary.
2. Available page setup files (*.psu) can be displayed based upon the units
used to create the setup.
3 Add a standard drawing template or border showing company logo and

3.
quality system details.
280
1. If you are creating a page setup with cross section views, a tab is
displayed enabling you to specify further information.
information
2. In Layout Details, select the cross section drawing order (top to bottom,
left to right etc) by clicking the arrow to the right of the diagram. Similarly,
select the cross section alignment and the number of rows and columns.
3. To adjust the position of the sections relative to each other, under Define
Gap Between Sections
Sections, click By an Offset or By a Minimum Separation.
Separation
Then select the appropriate number on the diagram and type a new value
or use the spinners that appear.
4. Check Automatically Adjust Sizing to space the cross sections evenly in

the view. Note that this overrides any manual setting that you make. You
can adjust the size of the view interactively as with the other view types.
This option is only available when using fixed size views.
5. Additional controls allow you to specify the spacing between the cross
sections, and relative to the overall view. Vertical View Spacing can make
the top and bottom gaps the same, which then creates equal vertical gaps
between the sections. Alternatively you can select Evenly Spaced to
create equal spacing for all vertical gaps. Specify allows you to define the
gaps.
6. You can specify a model space margin between the edge of the section
itself and its individual boundary to add additional clearance.
281
1. Select a previously saved annotation settings file (*.mxtip) to
automatically recall a specific configuration
configuration.
282
283
1. Additional support for this product is available by contacting Bentley Systems,
Inc at www
Inc. www.bentley.com
bentley com
284

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Bentley Civil Training

MX – Road design (INT)

Bentley Institute Student Course Guide

Learner Name: ___________________________

Instructor Name and Contact Information:

AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.

United States Patent Nos. 5,8.15,415 and 5,784,068 and 6,199,125.

©2000-2009 Bentley Systems, Incorporated.

Bentley Systems (UK) Limited

MX – Road design (INT) ii Feb-09

Copyright © 2009 Bentley Systems Incorporated

© 2009 Bentley System, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Bentley Systems (UK) Limited

Part Number: TRN011140

2. The above timetable is very general and is for guidance only.

2. Originally used in the design of highways schemes, MX software is now

4. Each item of information related to a point is referred to as a dimension. The number of

2. The same methods work for the AutoCAD and MicroStation

2. If there are such obvious errors, they would need to be corrected, by

4. NOTE: If the first line that is read in a genio file is GENIO,’MODELNAME’

2. Feature Name Set provides the names of the MX-related layers/levels,

4. Every model should be related to appropriate style- and feature sets at

2. Windows Explorer™ is a useful tool for reviewing project data

3. MX has new MX Display, MX Controls, MX Conversion and View Control

3. The following slides show the current MX drawing saved as an AutoCAD

2. Used to attach and detach referenced models, adjust reference settings

3 References are previously created drawings that can be attached to the

3. Select one or more transparency values, the right click to modify.

2. Feature strings in MX are 3-dimensional and contain X,Y and Z at each

2. Two models can be created, a temporary Surface Checker model and a

4. A second temporary Surface Checker Triangulation model is created if

5. The Temporary Surface Checker model contains; pre-defined strings (one

3. A second temporary Surface Checker Triangulation model is created if

4. The Temporary Surface Checker model contains; pre-defined strings (one

2. Smoothing the triangulation involves sub-dividing the triangles, depending

2. Add an IP - Add intersection points by clicking on the drawing.

3. Move/Slide an IP – Reposition an existing intersection point by drag and

4. Insert IP - An IP will be placed between existing IPs.

5. Clearances - Check distances between the design and other known

2. Transitions can be defined by length, A Value, RL Value or Design Speed.

Transition Length = ______(V x V x V)________

where V = Design Speed

2. An IP location can be moved relative to a bearing of a straight you have

3. IPs can be locked to chainage and level (X-Z).

4. IPs can be locked to chainage (X).

4. Check Show Details > , to reveal Number Format, Tracking Options,

2. When the last IP added is selected, the option works as a construction

2. Reference offsets are normally only used on dual-carriageways. If this

2. For certain national standards (outside the UK), it may be necessary to

2. To amend an application, select Edit or Slide Application Length from the

4. A method for resolving an overlap of superelevation applications is to

3. Once the analysis is complete the model can be deleted.

2. The widened section of pavement follows the main carriageway crossfall

2. Reported information can be applied to the display with the annotation

2. Use Tidy Junction before adding shoulders, footways and verges.

3. The original junction strings will be stored in a separate model. This

2. Complete all the superelevation and widening before adding shoulders to

2. In addition, there will be a greater range of options when a master string

4. The ground model sections used may be temporary sections

2. It is not necessary to nominate both Level Datum Strings - if one is not

3 For MX to generate the best sections

3. If an Alternative Strategy has been assigned, MX will use it to define the

2. Whenever a new style is saved, it will be available from this panel.

Transition Length = (V x V x V)__