Create a conceptual design

00:04

So we have the basic model created using model building.

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And we are now going to start the

00:07

process of creating our conceptual or scheme design.

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By firstly laying out our initial road alignment,

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we start by selecting a road assembly from the library and set out the alignment. At

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this early stage.

00:21

We are exploring the terrain to find the best workable arrangement.

00:26

Once the road is in place,

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we can proceed to make the changes we feel are necessary

00:30

such as adding curves and looking at the vertical alignment.

00:35

We can see that in this example, the vertical alignment is fairly flat,

00:40

creating quite a deep cutting.

00:42

And we can change that by using the profile view

00:45

and selecting a point of interest

00:47

and dragging the vertical alignment into place.

00:51

We can also add a point of interest at a desired location

00:55

and manipulate that in a similar way

00:57

by zooming to the appropriate scale and then dragging the point into place.

01:03

Once we are satisfied that the alignment is in the correct position,

01:06

we can then move on to the road assembly.

01:09

So far, we have been using the supplied example road assemblies,

01:13

but we can now make changes to the one we have

01:15

used and add that to our library for future use.

01:21

Each road assembly in what is called a component road

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is made up from a number of individual components

01:28

which can be selected individually and adjusted or deleted.

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As in this case, by removing the central barrier,

01:36

there is also a library, not only of example road assemblies,

01:40

but also of the components which can then be added to the current road.

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So in this case,

01:48

we will select a curb and gutter from the library

01:50

and drag it into position in between existing elements.

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We can then configure the extent of this new element

01:57

which could be a partial length of the road.

01:60

But in this case, is configured for the full extent.

02:13

In addition to elements making up the road assembly,

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we can also add road decorations such as we see here with the road barrier.

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They are added in a similar way to the road components by selecting from the library

02:27

and configuring them by changing the part properties in the panel.

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At this stage, we can also adjust the roadside grading.

02:37

The default grading is added when the component road is placed

02:41

and can be changed at any time by selecting either the road itself to change all

02:46

the grading on both sides or by selecting

02:49

them individually to make more specific changes.

02:54

Once a complete assembly has been modeled,

02:57

it is impossible to select a point along the road

02:60

and add the assembly at that point to our library for future use.

03:05

This saved assembly can then be added to other component

03:08

roads already modeled for either their partial or full length.

03:13

And we will see an example of that later.

03:17

So we are now at the point where we can

03:18

start thinking about adding the bridge structure to our model.

03:22

This is easily achieved by selecting ad bridge from the menu

03:26

and selecting two points along the alignment.

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A default bridge will be modeled parametric between

03:33

those two points using the built in heuristic

03:36

rules to determine a starting point for the

03:38

arrangement of piers girders deck and abutments.

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We can then start to manipulate the bridge by making changes.

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The designer feels are necessary

03:49

such as the extent of the bridge or curvature of the alignment

03:54

at all stages. Any changes invoke a remodel of the bridge

03:58

which parametric rebuilds automatically.

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At the beginning of this process, we created a road assembly which is now in use.

04:07

However,

04:08

we will normally require a different road assembly

04:11

for the extent of the bridge itself.

04:13

We can make this change by selecting replace assembly from the menu

04:18

and selecting the extent of the change on the bridge itself.

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This way,

04:22

the designer can introduce the changes in the road assembly to take account of

04:26

the makeup of the road and also geometric changes such as super elevation.

04:32

So changes in the road assembly have been made

04:35

and perhaps Now,

04:36

the designer may want to explore different

04:38

construction types or even alternative structural forms.

04:41

This is a quick and efficient process using proposals which store

04:45

each scheme separately and can be switched between on demand.

04:50

Once the proposal name has been entered,

04:52

the designer can then make the necessary changes.

04:55

In our example, the designer wishes to explore different girder

04:59

types as well as the number of peers.

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This is done by selecting a girder

05:04

and then simply changing it to a different one from the section library.

05:09

In this case, changing from precast

05:11

concrete

05:11

to a steel clay girder.

05:14

Once this change has been made,

05:16

the properties of this girder can be transferred to girders

05:19

in specific positions or to all girders within the bridge.

05:22

Changing the number of peers is also an easy task carried

05:26

out by simply changing the number of peers in the panel.

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As always the whole bridge will rebuild parametric

05:34

automatically.

05:35

This modified bridge

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can be compared to previous schemes. Simply by switching proposals

05:42

using this workflow.

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The designer can explore many scheme options at the early stage of the project.

05:48

And by using the advanced tool set

05:51

that we will examine in later videos in this series

05:54

model complex structural forms such as box girders arches, cable state

05:59

and suspension bridge types.

06:04

When exploring different options. Even for simple girder construction, it

06:08

is often useful to understand whether the peer spacing

06:11

and number of girders is likely to be correct.

06:15

The designer can confirm this early on in the

06:17

design process by utilizing the analysis and design tools.

06:22

An automated process can be initiated by selecting a girder or group of girders

06:27

and set the analysis and design process going.

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A number of assumptions are necessarily made at this early stage

06:34

and the tool will automatically perform

06:36

a live load optimization structural analysis.

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And in this case, attended an optimization

06:42

and return the results for examination.

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The designer can visually explore the results by hovering

06:50

over the girders to reveal the unity values.

06:54

Then once a specific girder has been selected,

06:56

more detailed information will be revealed

06:59

if a deeper understanding of the analysis and design is required,

07:03

it is possible to examine the full design report

07:06

with all the analysis and design calculations available for inspection.

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All calculations that are carried out will be in accordance with the chosen

07:14

design code with each article or clause from the code explicitly called out.

07:19

And the four formula and calculations available for each.