Modelling Earthwork Around Bridge Abutments

[atucker-amco]

Hi,

We work in a rail environment and model a lot of underbridges and overbridges. I'm wondering if anyone has any clever ideas on how they would model the surrounding embankments for a bridge?

We can't cut topography with elements (apart from building pads), and modelling as a generic model that is cut by the abutments can be a laborious task.

[Ilic.Andrej]

I would go with an in-place family.

[barthbradley]

why not model it as a Floor? You can use Modify Sub Elements tools to shape edit the surface by adding points of varying elevations much the same way you shape edit a Toposurface by adding points.  Set the Floor Material/Layer to "Variable" Thickness.  
 

[atucker-amco]

We use floors sometimes for basic abutment shapes, but for complex shapes it's not viable. Also I don't believe they can be cut by a loaded family unless it contains voids for cutting.

[atucker-amco]

The laborious way 

It is one of the more effective methods though. 

It would be nice if topography got an overhaul and could be cut for tunnels etc. Instead of modelling with floors.