About improving Infraworks

[rajendra.deshpandehyd]

I have been using Infraworks and exploring various design options available.

However, I think Autodesk must seriously consider few suggestions (Ideas) for further enhancement of the product.

• For bridge design only two options are available - (1) Precast Girder Bridge, and Steel Plte Girder Bridge. Why there is no option for segmental bridge design? Segmental bridge is the most popular (and preferred) option for bridges. Most of the major bridges, including metro bridges, are constructed using segmental bridges construction technology. If this option is included in Infraworks, its use will increase.
• Another idea is about including water resources structures like Dams (Earthfill & Gravity), Barrages, and weirs. These are commonly used structures and are difficult to model in other modeling software. If this option is included, Infraworks will become unique software. Additionally, there are some other software for design and analysis. Autodesk can think of how the models prepared in Infraworks can be used in those software. HEC-RAS, a public domain software developed by Hydraulic Engineering Centre of US Army Corps of Engineers, is a software with very useful features. Moreover, it is fully custmizable. Autodesk can think of portability between this software and HEC-RAS.

I can discuss a lot on these issues, but this is not a right place for it. If you are convinced about the ideas, I can help you take it forward. After all I have 30+ years experience of detail engineering of these types of structures. 

One more important point: As I see that Autodesk is keen about promotion of BIM in infrastructure construction sector, such improvements will be very useful.

Regards,

Rajendra Deshpande

[Charlie.Ogden]

Hi Rajendra,

Could you please separate these into two separate Idea posts?  They are very different and it won't be easy to know which people are voting for.  Thanks!

[rajendra.deshpandehyd]

Hi Charlie,

Thanks for the response.

Let's discuss about Segmental Bridges only. (Will write separately about other idea)

There are three types of constructing bridges commonly used-

• Using Precast RCC Girders
• Using Pre-stressed girders
• Segmental Construction using post-tensioned segments.

First option is already covered in Infraworks. Second option can be covered by adding few more options in the existing module of precast girder bridges. But third option needs to be added.

I suggest that you first understand about segmental bridge design/construction. Foor that reason, I am providing some links as below.

Please follow the link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segmental_bridge for some information on segmental bridges.

Also follow the link for a Youtube video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If7MS7ygzcY

A presentation available on the link below could be very useful..

file:///D:/Autodesk/Segmental%20Bridges/Segmental%20Bridge%20Constructin%20Techniques.pdf

In addition to this, there is lot of information about segmental bridges available on internet.

My suggestion is to include this category of bridges in Infraworks modeling options. It will be a great value addition to Infraworks because majority of bridges are constructed using this technology because of following reasons:

• Speed of erection
• Crew efficiency
• High quality
• Many options
• Top down erection possible minimal disruption to traffic and surface operations
• Efficient use of forms

So, this is my Idea in brief. Depending on your response, we will proceed further.

Regards,

Rajendra Deshpande