Grading Multiple Pads at differant elevations and slopes

[Anonymous]

I am having difficulty getting the transitions between the pads to merge & flow smoothly. Is there a trick to choosing which feature to choose first or should I be grading the transitions differently such as to an elevation or distance rather than to surface? It appears that where the transitions do not overlap there isn't a problem.

[awood]

It can be very project and scope specific.

Can you post a sample drawing and a bit more explanation on what you're trying to do?

Thanks,

AWood

[Joe-Bouza]

Not 100% sure what you have but if two grading are targeting eg it sounds like they would get confused where the intersect. Id have to try it to see.

[autoMick · Accepted solution]

Your problem sounds similar to the one described in this tutorial

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-civil-3d/getting-started/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/201...

So that would be worth reviewing as it gives a worked example similar to what I describe below.

For each pad you set up a partial (i.e. not full length) grading at your desired parameters.

then, the question to answer is how exactly do you want the grading to transition between the two pads? if the grading isn't to exactly follow the pad outlines, then you need to insert another feature line between them to guide the next step.

Add transitional gradings to span the gaps, following your new feature lines.

Finally add infill gradings if needed.

You'll get better specific advice if you post your drawing or at least some pics to describe your problem clearer.

Regards

- Mick

[Anonymous]

Thanks Guys, I too believe Civil3D is becoming confused with different projections overlaying each other. I'll run some experiments with the pads and transitions along with the tutorial mentioned by Mick and get back to you all with the resultant. The reason I am hesitant to put a drawing on the net is most of the work I do like this are subject to non-disclosure and produced to derive cost analysis for administrators. jm J M Cobb Engineering Assistant Shelby County Water Services

[neilyj666]

And I'd be sure to save frequently when using gradings especially if there is any chance of them interacting with each other as in my book this = major crash....:)

[Anonymous]

[cid:[email protected]] Amen Brother, Learned that one early on and usually have about 4 files where I am experimenting and roll the successes back and forth. Actually learned that back in the DOS days. J M Cobb Engineering Assistant

[autoMick]

Hi JM.

When I'm trying to work out a problem like this, I usually draw up a simple test version, a nice clean drawing to experiment with - you'll be surprised how little things in a drawing muck things us. Feature lines, unclosed polylines, lines at the wrong elevations, etc. At least when you get it working on the clean version you know it should work.

From your description I don't get how the gradings overlap? If they do that's where transitional gradings come in. Or is it that there is simply not enough real world space to fit in the grading at the criteria you are setting?

I used to get some real good lockups when using gradings, but it happens rarely now. I have found 2016 to be a really stable platform... no really, I don't jest. Truely.

Cheers

- Mick

[Anonymous]

I'll concentrate on sterilizing the drawing and send a couple of progressions tomorrow. All the suggestions have been excellent and I do appreciate all of them. Thanks jm J M Cobb Engineering Assistant

[Anonymous]

The problem appears to have been where I had transitions overlaying each other Civil3D became confused. When I combined the 4 pads into 2 large features with 2 smaller features in each the resultant was 3 infields in each half. From there I was able construct the transitions along the perimeter of the project and adjust the features to appropriate elevations for balancing the quantities. It was my intent to provide a live drawing but that will not be possible at this time. The attachment below shows the project in it's current state. jm