About including water sector infrastructure for modeling

[rajendra.deshpandehyd]

Water sector is one of the important sectors of infrastructure construction.

It includes various types of structures. Few of them are mentioned below:

• Dams (Gravity & Earthfill)
• Barrages
• Weirs
• Canal Structures

It is difficult to model these structures in available modelling software. If these structures are included in Infraworks, it will be a great value addition.

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 hydraulic analysis software developed by Hydraulic Engineering Centre of US Army Corps of Engineers, is a software with very useful features. It is basically a River Analysis Software but it can analyze inline structures constructed across the river, like dams, barrages, weirs, and bridges, etc.

More information about HEC-RAS is available at http://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-ras/

Please refer to users manual available on this website.

Autodesk can think of portability between this software and HEC-RAS and other structural analysis software.

[ara.ashikian]

Hi Rajendra

While our current focus regarding civil structures is on bridges and tunnels, we are adding capabilities that will allow users to model other components in a parametric way, leveraging the framework that we have developed for the bridge workflows.  For instance, we added the ability to include parametric road decorations a few months back.  With this approach, users no longer are restricted in placing static 3D models but instead, can model these using Inventor and add them to the InfraWorks model. They can then adjust any of the exposed parameters.

We are currently working on introducing the option of letting users place generic parametric objects on their bridges and tunnels.  For instance, one might model parametric deck joints, cofferdams etc.

We intend to then follow up with a feature that will allow users to place parametric components in their model that are not related to the roads or bridges/tunnels.  Currently, users can do so using static 3D objects as city furniture.  By enabling the more advanced parametric workflows, users would be able to place other complex structures such as those you listed in your post.  While these would not have the same fine grained workflows as those available for the bridges, they would still offer a lot of value, including interopt with Revit and C3D for detailing and drawings etc.

- Ara

PM InfraWorks / Bridges 

Autodesk

[rajendra.deshpandehyd]

Thanks Ara,

At present we are using infraworks, Civil 3D, and Revit for a very high-importance road tunnel project.

I understand that adding water structures is a long development process, but I just wanted to make you aware of customer requirements.

It's good to hear that Autodesk intents to follow up with a feature that will allow users to place parametric components in the model that are not related to roads or bridges. This is a very positive thinking. Please keep me posted on this development. If I can be of any help, I am willing to cooperate.

You have mentioned about 'enabling advanced parametric workflows'. Can I get some more information on this?

As suggested, I will also explore few things using inventor, Revit, and C3D. I will let you know the developments.

Regards,

Rajendra Deshpande