Overview
This lecture covers creating existing ground and design profiles in Civil 3D, displaying them in profile views, and preparing data shortcuts for corridor design.
Creating an Existing Ground Profile
- Select the alignment, then use the "surface profile" command to add an existing ground profile.
- Choose the correct alignment, surface, and ensure the profile style is set appropriately (e.g., "existing ground profile").
- After creation, the profile must be displayed in a profile view for visualization.
- Use the profile view creation button to set the style (vertical exaggeration, grids, axis labels).
- Leave station range and profile view height as default unless multiple views or specific heights are needed.
- Profile bands (e.g., "EG FG elevations and stations") display data for two profiles below the profile view.
- Place the profile view away from the ground surface for clarity.
Creating a Design Profile
- Always create a profile view first, even if no existing ground surface is present.
- Access design profile creation tools via Home tab > Create Design panel > Profile dropdown > Profile Creation Tools.
- Name the design profile and choose its style and label set.
- Layout tools allow drawing with lines, curves, or PVI (Point of Vertical Intersection) methods.
- Transparent commands provide accuracy:
- "Profile station elevation" for precise station/elevation entry.
- "Profile grade station" for setting grade (%) to a specific station.
- "Profile grade elevation" and "profile grade length" offer more options.
- Use vertical curve tools to add curves between tangents by specifying length, K-value, or pass-through points.
- View and manage tangents and curves in the panorama window, allowing sub-entity deletion and editing.
- Use "Insert PVI" to input known PVI and curve data directly from hardcopy plans.
- Reopen layout tools by selecting the profile and choosing Geometry Editor if needed.
Data Shortcuts for Corridors
- Save the drawing and ensure the correct working folder is set for the project.
- Right-click Data Shortcuts to create a shortcut for the design (FG) profile for corridor use.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Profile View — A graphical display of surface or design profiles along an alignment, showing elevation versus station.
- PVI (Point of Vertical Intersection) — A key point in a design profile where grade changes or curves connect.
- Data Shortcut — A Civil 3D feature that allows sharing profiles, surfaces, and alignments between drawings.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Save your drawing and create data shortcuts for newly created profiles.
- Prepare for the next lesson on creating a corridor using these profiles and the ground surface.