23 – Modeling Barrier Rail and Retaining Walls

Podcast, , , , , ,

Some design features are so common that we often don’t think about them until it is time to model them. Modeling barrier rail and retaining walls in 3D can be difficult to get right but it is very important and in this episode of the podcast I talk about some of the things you should consider before you get started.

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Modeling Barrier Rails and Retaining Walls

Why is it important?

  • Accuracy
  • More realistic
  • Safety features are growing in importance

What are the challenges?

  • These areas are very custom and designed by engineers
  • This means you usually can’t have a barrier rail or retaining wall be part of your road section
  • Most of this modeling needs to take place separately from the roadway prism

How do you do it?

  • Loft tool
  • You can use the create road tool in InfraWorks
  • Helpful if you can bring the linework in from CAD so you know it is in the right spot

Tips

  • Don’t forget the batter
  • Should there be a fence on top of this retaining wall?
  • Don’t forget the architectural features!

Honest reviews are always appreciated on iTunes.

3 thoughts on “23 – Modeling Barrier Rail and Retaining Walls”

  1. Alan 9 years ago

    Really great podcast, this is definitely one of those visualizations that is necessary – Vertical drops without walls and rails don’t portray the realization that we want our clients to see.

    1. Sam Lytle 9 years ago

      Thanks Alan. I’ve seen videos or renders with the straight vertical drop and it just doesn’t look right. Making walls and rails look right is difficult but I don’t think leaving them out is a viable alternative.

      -Sam

  2. Frances 9 years ago

    You are so cool! I don’t suppose I’ve truly read through a single thing like that before.

    So good to discover another person with genuine thoughts on this issue.
    Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is something that’s needed on the
    web, someone with a little originality!

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