An OFFSET ALIGNMENT / GEOMETRY CHAIN command would be a gamer changer for ORD.
Most of our geometry including "edge of pavement", "curb" and "ditches" are controlled by station offset cross slope from a control line.
Currently to create offset geometry in ORD users most create each horizontal piece separately and each vertical piece separately then complex the elements together horizontally in plan and vertically in the profile. If extra vertices or PI's are needed users may have to drop the geometry chain and re-complex the element. This is currently a very complex and time consuming workflow.
I am suggesting creating a tool the generates a chained offset linear feature from a control line by using only station, offset and cross slope, vertical offset or elevation values. The new geometry created would be a continuous chain that would allow transitions or tapers to be added easily. Cross slopes vertices and vertical PIs could be added at any location not just horizontal vertices. Cross slopes/elevations could be controlled by a table. I see users just right clicking on the chain and adding or removing a horizontal or vertical vertices or both at will.
This tool would save so much time for designers. The whole pavement geometry for an interchange or intersection could be laid out quickly in 2d and 3d with a tool like this. Including all tapers, super rollovers and special tie-in transitions.
Civil Product Used | OpenSite Designer, OpenRoads Designer, OpenRail Designer |