Table of Contents

OpenRoads Designer
User Manual

Chapter 29
CONCEPTSTATION

2021 R2 Update 10 – Version 10.10.21.04 – WorkSpace 10.10V

January 2023
January 2023 2021 R2 Update 10 – Version 10.10.21.04 – WorkSpace 10.10V

Chapter 29 ConceptStation
ConceptStation is a roadway modeling software. ConceptStation is intended for the conceptual design of a
roadway for visualization and quantities take-off purposes. In ConceptStation, road models can be quickly
drawn for feasibility and cost estimation purposes. For FLH projects, this software is primarily applicable
to scoping efforts.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

29A – Introduction and Capabilities of ConceptStation 29-3

29B – Create a New File and Acquire Aerial/Terrain Data 29-4

29B.1 Import Terrain and Aerial Data from Local Files ............................................................ 29-9
29B.2 Import ORD Elements into ConceptStation. ................................................................. 29-12

29C – Overview of the ConceptStation Interface 29-13

29C.1 View Manipulation Tools ........................................................................................... 29-14
29C.2 Modeling, Drawing, and Measuring tools ..................................................................... 29-16
29C.3 Miscellaneous Menus ............................................................................................... 29-17
29C.4 The Backstage Menu................................................................................................ 29-19

29D – Create and Edit Templates 29-21

29D.1 Edit a Pre-Made Template ........................................................................................ 29-22
29D.2 Edit or Delete a Template Component ........................................................................ 29-23
29D.3 Overview of Component Types .................................................................................. 29-24
29D.4 Placing and Creating Components for the Template...................................................... 29-28

29E – Create the Road Alignment, Profile, and Corridor 29-30

29E.1 Edit the Alignment................................................................................................... 29-32
29E.2 Access and Edit the Profile ........................................................................................ 29-33
29E.3 Access the Road Cross Section View........................................................................... 29-34
29E.4 Set the Alignment Start Station and Change the Road Template .................................... 29-36
29E.5 Use Multiple Templates in a Road Corridor Model ......................................................... 29-37

29F – Create an Intersection 29-40

29F.1 Edit Intersection Radii and Pavement Markings ............................................................ 29-41

29G – Create and Modify Pavement Markings 29-45

29G.1 Apply Multiple Striping Patterns to the Road Corridor Model .......................................... 29-47
29G.2 Manually Create Pavement Markings .......................................................................... 29-49

29H – Create a Bridge 29-50

29H.1 Edit the Bridge ....................................................................................................... 29-51

29I – Create a Culvert 29-54

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 Table of Contents

29J – Place Furniture: Guardrails, Signs, Fences, and Objects 29-55

29K – Draw Smart Lines and Shapes 29-57

29L – Calculate Quantities and Estimated Costs 29-59

29M – Export ConceptStation Elements to ORD 29-61

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 29A – INTRODUCTION AND CAPABILITIES OF CONCEPTSTATION
ConceptStation is a roadway modeling software. This software is intended for the conceptual design of a
roadway for feasibility, visualization, and cost analysis purposes. With this software, multiple road
alignment layouts (alternatives) can be quickly modeled for feasibility and cost estimation.

For FLH projects, the ConceptStation software is primarily applicable to scoping efforts. Do
NOT use ConceptStation for preliminary design (i.e., the 30% submittal).

The road modeling process for ConceptStation is similar to the OpenRoads Designer (ORD) software. In
ConceptStation, an alignment/profile is drawn, and a Template (roadway cross section) is selected to
create a 3D model of the roadway.

Overall, the modeling process for ConceptStation is simpler and more time efficient than ORD. However,
ConceptStation contains fewer modeling tools and lacks functionality for advanced Template creation.

Modeling in ConceptStation is limited to roadways, intersections, bridges, roundabouts, and highway

ramps. ConceptStation is NOT intended for modeling parking lots or irregularly-shaped features. The
Smart Line tool can be used to draw the perimeter of a parking lot. However, it is not possible to grade or
model end conditions on the Smart Line parking lot. For more information on the Smart Line tool, see
29K – Draw Smart Lines and Shapes.

Aerial imagery and terrain elevation data are needed for modeling in ConceptStation. Aerial and terrain
data can be automatically acquired and downloaded through ConceptStation servers. Alternatively, aerial
and terrain data can be obtained from different a source and manually imported into ConceptStation.

Alignments, Profiles, Corridors, and Templates created in ConceptStation can be exported to ORD to
further progress the design. See 29M – Export ConceptStation Elements to ORD. Similarly, the
ConceptStation file can be directly exported to LumenRT to create graphical renderings of the
ConceptStation design. See 29C - The Backstage Menu.

Also, linework and modeling elements created in ORD can be imported into ConceptStation. However, the
elements from the ORD File are NOT editable. An imported ORD File behaves as a visual reference. ORD
File elements can be traced over with ConceptStation elements, but ORD File Elements are NOT
interactable. For more information, see 29B.2 Import ORD Elements into ConceptStation.

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 29B – CREATE A NEW FILE AND ACQUIRE AERIAL/TERRAIN DATA
There are four important processes performed in the creation of a new ConceptStation File:
• Draw a Closed Shape on the location map to represent the Project Area. In conjunction with the
Coordinate System, the Closed Shape determines the geographical position for the new
ConceptStation file. Also, the Closed Shape is used to automatically acquire aerial and terrain data
from the GeoCoordination Services.
• Select a Seed File. The Seed File determines the units (i.e., Feet or Meters) used for the new file.
The Seed File also contains resources for ConceptStation modeling, such as Template and Material
Libraries. NOTE: The FLH WorkSpace does NOT contain ConceptStation Seed Files. Default Seed
Files provided by Bentley should be used. The file location for default Seed Files is shown in step
4.
• Select the Project Coordinate System or use the Default Coordinate System. The Default
Coordinate System is acceptable if the GeoCoordination Services will be used to automatically
acquire aerial and terrain data. If aerial and terrain data are to be manually imported, than the
Project Coordinate System must match the Coordinate System used for the terrain file.
• In step 6, use the GeoCoordination Services to automatically acquire and import aerial and
terrain data into ConceptStation. The GeoCoordination Services should be used if the project has
NOT yet been surveyed. Alternatively, the Import from Local Files option can be used to
manually import aerial and terrain files. Common terrain file formats can be imported, such as .tin,
.xml, .dtm, and .dem. If the project has been surveyed and processed, then the Existing Ground
Terrain Model can be exported from ORD as a .tin or .xml using the process shown in 23I – Existing
and Proposed Surface in LandXML (.XML) Format. The Import from Local Files process is
demonstrated in 29B.1 Import Terrain and Aerial Data from Local Files.

Open the ConceptStation software. Select New to create a new file.

In the map, locate the project area and draw a Closed Shape around it. The Closed Shape
should be slightly overestimated to provide enough space for the alignment and road corridor
model.

TIP: A Closed Shape can be drawn in Google Earth and saved as a KMZ File. Use the
button to import the KMZ and automatically-generate the Closed Shape for the project area.

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Set a Name and File Location for the new ConceptStation File.

Select a Bentley Provided Seed File. The FLH WorkSpace does NOT contain ConceptStation
Seed Files, so use a default Bentley Seed File. Select the “seed_imperial_en.dgndb” file from
following location:
C:\Program Files\Bentley\OpenRoads Conceptstation CONNECT Edition\ConceptStation\Default\Seed

WARNING: If an imperial Seed File is NOT manually set, then the ConceptStation file will initially
use metric units. However, the units can be changed to imperial in the Settings menu found
through the Backstage Menu. See 29C.4 The Backstage Menu.

Set the Project Coordinate System or use the Default Coordinate System. See the
discussion on the previous page.

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After the Create button is pushed, the Context Data Import menu is shown.

The Use GeoCoordination Services option is used to automatically download aerial and terrain
data from a Bentley server. NOTE: The quality and availability of data will vary based on the
project location. Some locations may NOT have terrain or aerial data available.

The Import from Local Files option is used to import aerial and terrain data acquired from a
different source. The Import from Local Files process is shown in 29B.1 Import Terrain and Aerial
Data from Local Files.

Select which Data Class should be imported by the GeoCoordination Services. The available
Data Classes are described on the next page.

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 GeoCoordination Services Data Classes Options
Data Class: Description:
If CHECKED, then terrain data is acquired from the GeoCoordination Services and filled
Terrain
in to the Closed Shape Area.
If CHECKED, then aerial imagery data is acquired from the GeoCoordination Services
and filled in to the Closed Shape Area.
Static Imagery
NOTE: Aerials can be provided through either “Static Imagery” or “Stream from Bing
Maps”. However, both options CANNOT be used at the same time.
If CHECKED, then aerial imagery is provided from Bing Maps and overlaid onto the
Stream from Terrain.
Bing Maps
BEST PRACTICE: When available, use Static Imagery data for aerial imagery. If high-
quality Static Imagery is NOT available, then use the “Stream from Bing Maps” option.
If CHECKED, then existing roadways within the Closed Shape area are automatically
modeled. An Alignment and Corridor is automatically created for each existing road.
These existing Alignments and Corridors are NOT editable. An example of the Roadway
data class is shown below.
Roadway WARNING: The automatically-generated roadway Corridors are generalized with best
fit Templates. Commonly, the automatically-generated Corridors do NOT accurately
represent the existing roadway geometry. Similarly, the roadway Corridors are
commonly placed a few feet above existing grade and appear “floating”. In general,
the resulting existing roadway corridors are inaccurate.
If CHECKED, then existing buildings, homes, and structures are automatically modeled.
Building A generic, rectangular block is placed at each building location. An example of the
Building data class is shown below.
If CHECKED, then existing hydraulic features, such as bridges and culverts are analyzed
and automatically modeled in the ConceptStation File. WARNING: Commonly, the
Hydrology
automatically-generated hydraulic features do NOT accurately represent the existing
hydraulic geometry.

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In the GeoCoordination Services menu, the available Static Imagery and Terrain are shown.

If an arrow is shown in the Resolution column, then there are multiply quality levels available
for download.

Press the Download and Import button to acquire the data and open the new ConceptStation
file.

WARNING: If the download is reported as failure, it may be attributed to network proxy and
firewall settings set for your agency. Contact IT Personnel for more information.

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29B.1 Import Terrain and Aerial Data from Local Files
In creation of a new ConceptStation File, terrain and aerial data can be manually imported.

NOTE: It is NOT necessary to import an aerial file when importing a terrain file. If an aerial file is NOT
imported, then a Bing Map is automatically draped onto the surface of the imported terrain file. If an
aerial is to be imported, then aerial file must be georeferenced.

TIP: If the Existing Ground Terrain Model and Survey ORD File has been created for a project, then the
Existing Ground Terrain Model can be exported from ORD as a .tin or .xml file using the process shown in
23I – Existing and Proposed Surface in LandXML (.XML) Format.

Create a new ConceptStation File. See steps 1 in 29B – Create a New File and Acquire
Aerial/Terrain Data.

Set the Name, File Location, and Seed File for the new ConceptStation File.

When manually importing a terrain file, it is NOT necessary to draw a Closed Shape to represent
the project area. However, the map should be positioned to the approximate location of the
project. In step 7, the boundary of the terrain file is configured to determine the project area.

Set the Project Coordinate System. IMPORTANT: The Coordinate System must match the
Coordinate System of the terrain file.

WARNING: If there is a mismatch between the two Coordinate Systems, then the terrain file will
NOT be imported.

Select the Create button.

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Select Import from Local Files in the Context Data Import menu.

Set the Data Extent option to All. When this option is used, the entire terrain file is imported.

If set to View Extent, then the map position set in step 3 determines the portion of the terrain
file to be imported. Portions of the terrain file that are outside of the map extents are NOT
imported.

To use the Project Extent option, a Closed Shape must be drawn in step 3. Only the portion of
the terrain file within the Closed Shape boundary is imported.

Push the Add Data button to load the terrain file.

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Locate the terrain file.

TIP: To select an aerial file, the File Type must be changed to Raster Files.

Assign a file location for the Scalable Mesh to be created. NOTE: The terrain file selected in step
9 is converted into a Scalable Mesh file type (.3sm) for use in ConceptStation.

Ensure the Source Coordinate System matches the Project Coordinate System.

NOTE*: Commonly, a terrain file will NOT specify the (Source) Coordinate System in its data,
which triggers the warning message shown in red text. If necessary, the Source Coordinate
System (terrain file) can be reprojected into the Project Coordinate System (set in step 3).
However, if the Source Coordinate System is set incorrectly, then the reprojection will NOT occur
and no data will be imported.

Push the Add Data button to load the aerial file.

NOTE: It is NOT necessary to load an aerial file. If an aerial file is NOT loaded, then a Bing Map
will be automatically projected onto the terrain surface.

Push the Next button to process the terrain and aerial files.

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29B.2 Import ORD Elements into ConceptStation.
Any ORD File or MicroStation File with a .dgn file extension can be import into ConceptStation. However,
the imported ORD File elements are NOT interactable. The ORD File behaves like a reference in
ConceptStation.

Some situations where importing an ORD File may be useful include:

• Import the Survey ORD File to display utilities and other existing features in the ConceptStation
File.
• Draw Alignments, Profiles, and other useful shapes in ORD. Import the ORD File into
ConceptStation to trace the ORD Elements.

NOTE: If the imported ORD File contains a 2D Design Model , the 2D Elements will be shown much
higher than the ConceptStation terrain. The 2D Elements are NOT draped onto the ConceptStation
terrain. 3D Elements from the 3D Design Model should be placed on or near the ConceptStation
terrain.

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 29C – OVERVIEW OF THE CONCEPTSTATION INTERFACE
The basic interface for the ConceptStation software is shown below.

Most tools in ConceptStation are found in the following locations:

• View Manipulation Tools: View Manipulation tools are shown at the top-right corner or the
interface. View Manipulation tools are used to orbit, rotate, zoom, and pan the view window.
• Modeling, Drawing, and Measuring Tools: Modeling, Drawing, and Measuring tools are shown
at the left-side of the interface. These tools are used for modeling roadways, bridges,
intersections, and placing objects.
• Miscellaneous Menus: The Miscellaneous Menus are found at the bottom of the interface. For
more information on each menu, see 29C.3 Miscellaneous Menus.

TIP: The Element Selection button must be active to select an element. This tool can also be used to
exit out of a command or clear the information boxes shown from the previously-used tool.

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29C.1 View Manipulation Tools
Navigating, rotating, and orbiting in ConceptStation is like manipulating the view perspective of a 3D
Design Mode in ORD.

For example, mouse operations used in ORD apply in ConceptStation. Use the Mouse Scroll Wheel to
zoom in/out. Hold down the Mouse Scroll Wheel to pan around the view. Hold down both the SHIFT Key
and the Mouse Scroll Wheel to quickly orbit the view.

BEST PRACTICE: When creating alignments and element in ConceptStation it is recommended that
drawing is performed from a Top orientation.

The procedure below demonstrates how to set the Top orientation, rotate the view (while remaining in the
Top orientation), and save the view orientation for future drawing operation.

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TIP*: Use the Rotate tool to orbit the view to a custom isometric orientation. Operation of this tool
is identical to the Rotate View tool demonstrated in 1A.3.b.i Move Around and Orbit in the 3D Design
Model.

TIP**: Use the View Previous to undo the last, zoom, pan, or rotate operation. Use the View Next
tools to redo the last View Previous operation.

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29C.2 Modeling, Drawing, and Measuring tools
Modeling, Drawing, and Measuring tools are shown on the left-side of the ConceptStation interface.

Placement tools: Contains tools for roadway and intersection modeling. Placement tools are
demonstrated in 29E – Create the Road Alignment, Profile, and Corridor and 29F – Create an Intersection.

Marking tools: Contains tools for editing and placing pavement markings. Marking tools are
demonstrated in 29G – Create and Modify Pavement Markings.

Furniture tools: In ConceptStation, the term “furniture” refers to roadside objects. Examples of
“furniture” that can be placed in ConceptStation include signs, guardrails, fences, benches, fire hydrants,
street lights, and traffic signals. Furniture tools are discussed in 29J – Place Furniture: Guardrails, Signs,
Fences, and Objects.

Structure tools: Contains tools for creating bridges, culverts, and tunnels. Structure tools are
demonstrated in 29H – Create a Bridge and 29J – Create a Culvert.

Measure tools: Contains various tools for measuring. These tools can be used to measure a length,
report the coordinates and elevation at a point location, or measuring an area. The Bridge Clearance tool
can be used to measure the clearance between the bottom of a bridge deck and an underpass road.

CAD Modeling tools: Contains tools for free-hand drawing generic lines (Smart Lines) and shapes.
Closed Shape elements can be assigned a material for quantities calculations. Also, the Extrude Smart
Line tool can be used to extrude a line or shape into a 3D element. CAD Modeling tools are discussed in
29K – Draw Smart Lines and Shapes.

iTwin Synchronization tool: This tool is used to synchronize the ConceptStation File with the iTwin
cloud platform. NOTE: FLH does NOT use the iTwin platform.

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29C.3 Miscellaneous Menus
There are four menus shown at the bottom of the ConceptStation interface:

Saved View Menu: Used to create and activate Saved Views. Creation of a Saved View is demonstrated
in 29C.1 View Manipulation Tools.

Categories and Models: This menu is separated into “Categories” and “Models”. This menu operates
similarly to the Level Display menu used in ORD. In ConceptStation, elements are assigned a
“Category” type, instead of a Level. The display of ConceptStation Elements can be toggled ON/OFF by
locating the corresponding Category.

The “Models” tab is used toggle ON/OFF the display of the Terrain and “Default” models. The “Default”
model represents all modeling and drawing elements created in the ConceptStation File.

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Symbology Override: Through this menu, the color of an element can be overridden. This menu will be
empty until Overrides are created. To create an override, select the element and press the Create From
Selection button. Set a Color for the Override and increase the slider bar. After the slider bar is
increased, the selected element will be shown with the override color.

Quantities and Cost: Displays the materials quantities for the Roadway Models created in the
ConceptStation File. This menu and the calculation of quantities and cost estimates is discussed in 29L –
Calculate Quantities and Estimated Costs.

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29C.4 The Backstage Menu

The Backstage Menu is accessed with the button in the upper-left corner of the ConceptStation
interface.

The Backstage Menu is primarily used to access editor menus relevant to road modeling and cost
estimating. Editor menus are found at the top of the Backstage Menu:

Conceptualize: The Conceptualize button is used to return to the ConceptStation model. For example,
press the Conceptualize button to exit out of the Templates editor or Quantities and Cost editor.

Visualize: When the Visualize button is pressed, the ConceptStation file is exported to the LumenRT. For
more information on LumenRT, see Chapter 28 – LumenRT.

Templates: Opens the Template Editor. For more information on the Template Editor, see 29D – Create
and Edit Templates.

Materials: Opens the Material Editor. Materials used in Road Corridor Modeling can be created and
edited in the Material Editor.

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Quantities and Cost: Opens the Quantities and Cost Editor. The Quantities and Cost Editor is used to
change the unit costs for materials and elements used in the ConceptStation File. Also, Allowances used
in the Cost Estimate can be changed from this editor. For more information, see 29L – Calculate
Quantities and Estimated Costs.

GeoCoordination Service: After initial creation of the file, the GeoCoordination Services menu can be
re-opened to download additional Data Classes (i.e., Roadways, Buildings, Hydraulics).

Import: The Import menu is used to import terrain files, aerial rasters, and ORD Files. See 29B.1 Import
Terrain and Arial Data from Local Files and 29B.2 Import an ORD File for Reference.

Export: The Export menu is used to export elements in the ConceptStation File into file types that can be
imported into ORD. See 29M – Export ConceptStation Elements into ORD.

Attach: The Attach tool is solely used to import Scalable Mesh elements into the ConceptStation File.
Scalable Mesh elements contain a .3sm or .3mx file extension.

Settings: Controls general settings behavior for the ConceptStation File. TIP: The Units (i.e., meter and
feet) can be changed in the Settings menu.

Information: Shows the Coordinate System and project location map used for the file.

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 29D – CREATE AND EDIT TEMPLATES
Templates are created and edited in the Template Menu, which is accessed through the Backstage
Menu.
IMPORTANT: After editing a Template, return to the ConceptStation model by pushing the
Conceptualize button in the Backstage Menu.

As shown above, the Templates Menu is separated into different Folders. Each Folder represents a
different road lane configuration. There are also Folders available for Bridge and Ramp Templates.

TIP: The Other folder contains pre-made Templates for Bike Paths and Multi-Use Paths.

Template creation and editing in ConceptStation is much simpler than in ORD. In ConceptStation,
Templates are created by assembling pre-made Components, such as a Pavement Lane or Curb. Simple
edits can be made to the pre-made Components, such as changing the width and slope for a Component.
However, it is NOT possible to create custom Components or edit the position of Points within a
Component. Custom geometric shapes CANNOT be created in ConceptStation. Template creation and
editing is limited to the provided Components in the ConceptStation Template Library.

NOTE: Guardrail CANNOT be modeled in the Template. However, guardrail can be manually
drawn with the Linear Furniture tool. See 29J – Place Furniture: Guardrails, Signs, Fences, and
Objects.

Creating a New Template vs Editing a Pre-Made Template: For simplicity, it is recommended that a
pre-made Template from the ConceptStation Template Library is edited to meet project conditions. The
ConceptStation Template Library contains a large selection of pre-made Templates with different Lane
configurations, shoulders, and roadside features (i.e., curbs and barriers). From the ConceptStation
Template Library, locate an appropriate pre-made Template and edit it.

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29D.1 Edit a Pre-Made Template
Editing a pre-made Template is performed in the Template Menu. See the previous page for access to
the Template Menu.

BEST PRACTICE: Do NOT directly edit a pre-made Template. Instead, use the Duplicate Template tool
to create a copy of a Template. Rename the duplicated Template before making edits to it.

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29D.2 Edit or Delete a Template Component
Select a Template Component graphic to highlight it in the list of Components. When selected, edit the
Component by changing geometry values shown in the chart below.

Material: In quantities calculations, Template Components are summed together by Material type.
Ensure each Template Component is set to an appropriate Material.

Height: The Height value represents the represents the thickness of the Component.

Delete a Component: To delete a Component, select it and press the Delete button.

NOTE: When a Component is deleted, all Components that are beyond it will also be deleted.

WARNING*: As shown above, there is a slider bar on the top bar where the Delete button is located.
It may be necessary to adjust this slider bar to access the Delete button and other tools. Also, there is
a slider bar at the bottom of the Template Component List. It may be necessary to adjust this slider bar
to view additional geometry and material columns.

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29D.3 Overview of Component Types
There are 8 types of Components available in ConceptStation:

Pavings: A “Paving” Component represents a lane of traffic in the roadway. A green or red arrow is
shown at the centroid of a Paving Component. The arrow color represents the direction of vehicle traffic
for the Paving Component. The green arrow signifies that traffic is flowing forward, in the direction of the
Alignment. The red arrow signifies that traffic flows backwards relative to the direction of the Alignment.

When using a pre-made Template, examine the Width, Slope, and Height for the Paving Components. The
Height represents the thickness of the Paving Component.

NOTE: The “Paving” Component Height includes both the pavement and underlying base course
(i.e. aggregate) depth. There should NOT be separate components for the pavement layer and
aggregate base course layer. For example, if the pavement section is 4-inches of asphalt over a
10-inch aggregate course base layer, then set the “Paving” Component Height to 14-inches.

In quantities calculations, a volume is calculated for the “Paving” Component. The “Paving”
Component includes both the pavement layer and aggregate base course. Hand-calculations must
be used to separate pavement and aggregate base course volumes. For example, if the pavement
section is 4-inches of asphalt over 10-inches of aggregate, then the percentage of asphalt is
28.57% (i.e., 4/14). To calculate the volume of asphalt, multiply the asphalt percentage by the
total volume of the “Paving” Component.

Pavers in Road Modeling: When the Road model is created, “Paving” Components are automatically
superelevated around curves. Superelevation rates and transitions are determined by the Road Class and
Speed set in creation of the Road model. NOTE: Automatic superelevation of “Paving” Components
CANNOT be disabled.

“Paving” Components set the automatic striping (pavement markings) configuration for the Road model.
Centerline, shoulder, and lane edge markings directly follow the edges of “Paving” Components. For
more information, see 29G – Create and Modify Pavement Markings.

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Buffers: “Buffers” are used to model Shoulders or a line Segment in the Template. If a Buffer
Component is listed as a “Shoulder”, then it will contain an editable Height value and appear as a
rectangle. If listed as a “Segment”, then the Component is planar and appears as a single line segment in
the Template Editor. Segments are typically used to model grass areas in the Template.

NOTE: Creation of custom Components is limited to placing pre-made “Shoulder” and “Segment”
components. A “Shoulder” Component can be used to model a rectangular shape. A “Segment”
Component can be used to model a single line segment. However, multiple “Segment” can be placed and
assembled to form custom shapes. See 29D.4 Placing Pre-Made Components in the Template.

IMPORTANT: “Shoulder” Components will NOT superelevate around curves. “Paving” Components are
the only component type that automatically superelevate.

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End Conditions: End Conditions are used to model the cut and fill slopes in the Template. End
Conditions extend or contract as necessary to intercept the Terrain surface elevation. End Conditions in
ConceptStation function similarly to End Conditions in ORD.

In ConceptStation, End Condition geometry is limited to four different pre-made components: Cut, Fill,
Ditch, and Berm.

The Cut and Fill components are simple line vectors. Multiple line segments CANNOT be programmed
into Cut and Fill components. Edits available to Cut and Fill components are limited to changing the slope.

Ditch and Berm components consist of multiple line segments. For Ditch and Berm components, the
width and slope of each line segment can be edited. The Height value controls the depth and height of the
Ditch/Berm.

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The remaining Component types include Barriers, Curbs, Gutters, Sidewalks, and Walls. These
Component types offer limited options for editing.

For example, the Gutter Type 1 component shown below can only be partially customized. The Curb
Face height (as measured from flow line to top of curb) CANNOT be edited.

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29D.4 Placing and Creating Components for the Template
The ConceptStation Template Library contains pre-made Components that can be added to the Template.
Pre-made Components are listed on the left-side of the Template Editor menu.

TIP: As shown in step 2, the Reflect and Mirror tools are used to flip or mirror the orientation of a
Component before placement.

WARNING: “Lane” components can also be placed as a rectangular shape. However, “Lane” components
are specifically intended to represent a traveled way surface. “Lane” components interact with automatic
striping and superelevation functionality.

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Creation of custom components is limited to “Shoulder” and “Segment” components.

“Shoulders” can ONLY be used to model components that are rectangular in shape.

To create custom geometry, “Segment” components can be placed and arranged to resemble a custom
shape. However, in the calculation of quantities, the resulting assembly of “Segments” are NOT truly
enclosed and will NOT produce a volume quantity.

For example, in the graphic shown below, a Gabion Rock Wall is modeled using several “Segment”
components.

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 29E – CREATE THE ROAD ALIGNMENT, PROFILE, AND CORRIDOR
The Road tool is used to create an Alignment, Profile, and Corridor model. The following procedure
demonstrates how to model mainline roads and intersecting approach roads. Joining the mainline road
with an approach road into an intersection model is shown in 29F – Create an Intersection.

Before using the Road tool, create a Template. See 29D – Create and Edit Templates.

NOTE*: The Road Template tool is NOT used to create Templates. This tool is used to add
another Template to the Road Corridor over a specified station range. The Road Template tool is
demonstrated in 29E.5 Use Multiple Templates in the Road Corridor Model.

Select the Road tool. This tool is located with the Road Placement tools.

In the Road Placement menu, select the Road Class and Speed. These parameters determine
the rates and transitions for the superelevation which is automatically applied to the “Paving”
Components. For more information, see 29D.3 Overview of Component Types.

Select the Road Template. For more information on ConceptStation Templates, see 29D –
Create and Edit Templates.

Set a Name for the Road.

Profile: The Profile option determines how the road Profile is initially created.

If the Best Fit method is used, then the Profile will analyze the underlying existing ground terrain
to automatically create a Profile. However, this option can produce irregular and odd results.
Best Fit Profiles often require extensive edits to produce an acceptable engineering profile.

The Straight method draws a straight profile line from beginning to end of the alignment.
Regardless of the method selected, the Profile must be edited by adding and removing PVI and
editing Vertical Curve Lengths. BEST PRACTICE: Use the Straight method for easier profile
edits.

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Use Spirals: If CHECKED, then spirals are automatically inserted before and after curves.

Draw the Alignment by selecting PI locations. Initially, the default radius value is determined
by the Road Class and Speed selected in step 2.

TIP*: A custom radius can be entered by pushing the ALT key to immobilize the Floating Input
Box that shows the Radius, Distance, Direction, and Z. When the Floating Input Box is
immobilized, click on the Radius value and key-in the desired radius.

After placing the last PI (Stop Location), Right-Click to accept the alignment.

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29E.1 Edit the Alignment
Select the Road Corridor Model to reveal and review PI locations and curve radii values in the Alignment.
Move a PI by dragging it into a new location. Change a curve radius value by keying-in a new value.

A PI can be added by right-clicking on the Alignment and selecting “Insert PI”. To delete a PI, right-click
on it and select “Delete PI”.

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29E.2 Access and Edit the Profile

The Profile is accessed by selecting the Road Corridor Model pushing the Profile button. Adding and
deleting PVIs is accomplished by right-clicking on the Profile.

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29E.3 Access the Road Cross Section View
The Cross Section View is accessed by selecting the Road Corridor Model and pushing the Cross Section
button.

TIP*: By default, the existing ground line is NOT shown under the Road Corridor Model. To show the
existing ground line underneath the Road Corridor Model, the display of the Road category must be
turned OFF in the Categories and Models menu:

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29-35
29E.4 Set the Alignment Start Station and Change the Road Template
The Alignment Start Station, current Template, and other functional settings can be modified in the
Properties Menu. To reveal the Road properties, select the Road and expand the Properties
menu.

Starting Station: By default, a new Alignment will start at station 0+00. Set the Starting Station
value to begin Alignment stationing at a custom value (i.e., 12+00).

Status: The Status for a Road can be set to Existing, Proposed, or Construction. The Status does NOT
affect the modeling capabilities or appearance of the Road. The Status is primarily used to separate
Existing, Proposed, and Construction quantities in cost estimation. When quantities and estimated cost
are calculated, Proposed and Construction quantities will be separated. Existing quantities will NOT be
calculated.

Design Speed: Changing the Design Speed will affect the automatically applied superelevation rates and
transition lengths

Road Template: The Template currently used for the road is displayed in this location. A different
Template can be swapped out by pushing the button.

Classification: Like Design Speed, the Classification will affect the automatically applied superelevation.

Flow Direction: Sets the direction of traffic relative to the Alignment direction. This setting affects the
configuration of the automatically applied pavement markings.

Two-Way: If set to False, then all traffic lanes are oriented in the same, one-way direction. If set to
True, then two-way traffic is used based on the Template configuration. The Two-Way setting affects the
configuration of the automatically applied pavement markings.

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29E.5 Use Multiple Templates in a Road Corridor Model
The Road Template tool is used to insert a different Template into the Road Corridor Model. With this tool,
multiple Templates can be used in the same Road Corridor Model. Additionally, this tool automatically
creates transition sections that are placed on both ends of the Inserted Template.

In this demonstration, the Road Template tool is used to model a turnout by inserting a Template with a
widened shoulder. Creation of custom Templates is discussed in 29D – Create and Edit Templates.

In this example, the Default Template, which was originally used to create the Road Corridor Model,
contains a 3-foot shoulder width. The Inserted Template uses the same configuration, but contains a 12-
foot shoulder section to model the turnout.

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Select the Road Template tool. This tool is found with the Road Placement tools.

Select the Template that will be inserted into the Road Corridor Model.

Select the Road Corridor Model.

The exact station range for the Inserted Template can be set by pushing the ALT key to
immobilize the Floating Input Box. When the floating box is immobilized, click on the Start
Station value and key-in the desired value. Repeat this process for either the Length or End
Station value.
ALTERNATIVELY: The station range can be set graphically by clicking on the desired start and
end point locations.

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After the previous step, the Inserted Template and Transition Sections are created. Most
likely, the station range for the Transition Sections will need to be edited.

The station range for a Template Section is revealed by double-clicking on it. Slowly double-
click to reveal editable station values and arrows.

NOTE: If the double-click is too quick, then the entire Road Corridor Model will be selected.

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 29F – CREATE AN INTERSECTION
Before creating an intersection, the Mainline Road and Approach Road must be created with the Road
tool. The Mainline Road and Approach Road should be slightly overlapping.

The Intersection tool is used to join the Mainline Road and Approach Road with an Intersection model.

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29F.1 Edit Intersection Radii and Pavement Markings
Edit Intersection Radii Values: Select the Intersection model to reveal editable text and arrows that
control the radii for the intersection.

Remove Stop Bars: Stop Bars are built into the automatically-generated Pavement Marking elements. A
Stop Bar is removed by selecting the Pavement Marking element and changing the “Stop Line at
Start/End” settings to False in the Properties menu.

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NOTE*: Pavement Markings and the Road Corridor Model are separate elements that overlap. If having
difficulty selecting the Pavement Marking element, then hover the mouse cursor over a pavement marking
and right-click to cycle between the Road Corridor Model and Pavement Marking elements. It may be
necessary to right-click multiple times.

Reposition Stop Bars: Stop Bars are moved by selecting the Pavement Markings element to reveal
editable station text and arrows. NOTE: Using the arrows to move the Stop Bar can be difficult because
the arrows sporadically jump ahead or behind the mouse cursor. Instead, edit the station text to
reposition the Stop Bar. This may require trial and error to determine the correct station for the Stop Bar.

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Manipulate Pavement Markings through Intersection Area: The Pavement Markings for all legs of
the intersection can be repositioned. To carry the Pavement Markings and centerline through the
intersection, delete the Pavement Marking element on one side of the intersection. Then, select the
Pavement Marking element on the other side of the intersection and drag it to the end of the Alignment.

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TIP: Change the Pavement Marking configuration with the Striping Pattern setting show in the
Properties menu. To show a dashed yellow centerline marking, use the “Two-Way with Passing” striping
pattern.

More information on Pavement Markings and Striping Patters is found in 29G – Create and Modify
Pavement Markings.

TIP: Pavement Markings can be manually drawn in the intersection with the Street Marking, Linear
Marking, and Transverse tools. For more information, see 29G.2 Manually Create Pavement Markings.

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 29G – CREATE AND MODIFY PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Pavement Markings are automatically-generated when a Road Corridor Model is created. To change the
Pavement Marking configuration, select the Pavement Marking element and open the Properties
menu. Change the Striping Pattern to the desired configuration.

NOTE*: Pavement Markings and the Road Corridor Model are separate elements that overlap. If having
difficulty selecting the Pavement Marking element, then hover the mouse cursor over a pavement marking
and right-click to cycle between the Road Corridor Model and Pavement Marking elements. It may be
necessary to right-click multiple times.

TIP: To show a dashed yellow centerline marking, use the “Two-Way with Passing” pattern. Use the
“Two-Way Double” pattern to show a double yellow centerline. Use the “Two-Way Single” pattern to show
a solid yellow centerline. To show NO centerline, use the “Two-Way Center Turn 1” pattern.

Striping Patterns CANNOT be edited. However, pavement markings can be manually drawn with the
Street Marking, Linear Marking, and Transverse tools. See 29G.2 Manually Create Pavement Markings.

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Striping Patterns analyze the Road Template to place marking lines in the appropriate locations.
Specifically, the “Pavings” components in the Road Template are analyzed. For more information on
“Pavings” components, see 29D.3 Overview of Component Types.

Centerline Markings are placed between opposing “Paving” components. The red and green arrows
represent the direction of travel for a “Paving” Component.

Shoulder Line Markings are placed on the outside edge of a “Paving” component.

Lane Edge Markings are placed between two “Paving” components with the same direction of travel.

NOTE: If a two-lane Template is used in the Road Corridor Model, then the Lane Edge Markings will be
omitted. Only Centerline Markings and Shoulder Line Markings are placed with two-lane Templates.

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29G.1 Apply Multiple Striping Patterns to the Road Corridor Model
The Lane Striping tool is used to insert a different Striping Pattern for a portion of the road Alignment.
With this tool, multiple Striping Patterns can be used in the same Road Corridor Model.

In this demonstration, the “Two-Way No-Passing 1” pattern will be inserted to designate a no passing
zone for the left lane.

Select the Lane Striping tool. This tool is found with the Markings tools.

Select the Template that will be inserted into the Road Corridor Model.

Select the Road Corridor Model.

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 The exact station range for the inserted Striping Pattern can be set by pushing the ALT key to
immobilize the Floating Input Box. When the floating box is immobilized, click on the Start
Station value and key-in the desired value. Repeat this process for either the Length or End
Station value.

ALTERNATIVELY: The station range can be set graphically by clicking on the desired start and
end point locations.

TIP: After placement, the station range can be changed by selecting the Pavement Marking element.
Change the station range in the Properties menu or with the station text and arrows shown on the
selected element.

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29G.2 Manually Create Pavement Markings
The Linear Markings, Street Markings, and Transverse Markings tool are used to manually create
Pavement Markings.

Linear Markings tool: This tool is used to manually draw pavement marking lines. The available line
types include solid, broken, dotted, and solid-double. With this tool, the marking line can be manually
drawn or offset from the alignment. If the linear marking is offset from the alignment, the marking line
will follow curves in the Alignment. NOTE: The width of a Linear Marking CANNOT be changed.

TIP: When placing Linear Markings, press the ALT Key to immobilize the Floating Input Box by
pressing the ALT key. When the Floating Input Box is immobilized, click on the Offset to set a
value and lock it.

Street Markings tool: This tool is used to place common pavement marking symbols, such as turn
arrows, thru arrows, accessibility parking, bike lane markings, and “SCHOOL” markings. NOTE: The size
of a Street Marking CANNOT be changed.

Transverse Markings tool: This tool is used to place pedestrian crossings, bike crossings, and stop bar
pavement markings. NOTE: The spacing and width of a Transverse Markings CANNOT be changed.

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 29H – CREATE A BRIDGE
The Bridge tool is used to place a bridge along the alignment of the Road Corridor Model. Before using
this tool, a Road Corridor Model must be created. See 29E – Create the Road Alignment, Profile, and
Corridor.

Also, before using this tool, a Bridge Template should be created in the Template Editor. See 29D - Create
and Edit Templates. When creating the Bridge Template set the pavement section depths, lane and
shoulders widths, and the barriers components to be used. Do NOT model the girder or superstructure
geometry in the Bridge Template. The superstructure geometry is automatically determined by the Type
selected in step 2.

Select the Bridge tool. This tool is located with the Structure tools.

Select the Superstructure Type.

Select the Bridge Template.

Select the Support (Pier) Type.

NOTE: Piers can be deleted, moved, rotated, and modified after bridge creation.

Select the Abutment Type.

NOTE: Abutments can be rotated to the desired skew angle after creation. Initially, the
Abutments will be set without a skew angle.

CHECK the Wing Walls box to create wing walls that stem from the abutment. If Wing Walls are
NOT used, then road fill will be projected to the ground underneath the bridge.

NOTE: After initial creation, Wing Walls may appear “floating” above the road fill slope. Wing
Walls require properties edits for a realistic appearance. See 29H.1 Edit the Bridge.

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 Select the Road Corridor Model.

Select the Start Station and End Station for the bridge.

TIP: The exact station range for the bridge can be set by pushing the ALT key to immobilize the
Floating Input Box. When the floating box is immobilized, click on the Start Station value and
key-in the desired value. Repeat this process for either the Length or End Station value.

29H.1 Edit the Bridge

Commonly, the Terrain will cover up the abutments and wing walls, which makes these elements difficult
to select for editing. When editing the bridge, it is recommended the display of the Terrain is toggled OFF.
The display of the Terrain is toggled OFF in the Categories and Models menu, in the Models tab .

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Modify the Length of the Bridge: To edit the station range and length for the bridge, double-click on
the bridge section. Slowly double-click on the bridge section to reveal editable station values and sliding
arrows. NOTE: If the double-click is too quick, then the entire Road Corridor Model will be selected.

Set the Number of Piers Used for the Bridge: In the Bridge properties (shown above), the Spans
value determines how many piers are used. If the Spans value is set to 1, then NO piers will be used.

Move, Rotate and, Edit the Geometry for Piers: Select a Pier to reveal arrows for moving and rotating
the piers. Alternatively, the skew angle for the pier can be changed in the properties. Also in the
properties, there are options for editing the geometry of the Pier, such as footing depth and cap height.

TIP: The skew angle for the Abutments can be changed in a similar manner. Select an Abutment to
alter the skew angle in the properties.

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Editing the Wing Walls: As shown below, when no edits are made to a Wing Wall, then it will appear
floating above the fill slope. The Long-Side Height (ft) property must be modified to show the wing wall
intersecting the fill slope. By default, the Long-Side Height (ft) property is set to “<auto>”, but this
setting can be changed to a numerical value. Use trial and error to determine the appropriate Long-Side
Height (ft) value.

As shown below, the Short-Side Length (ft), Long-Side Width (Ft), and Short-Side Width (ft) properties
also affect the geometry of the wingwall. The Depth (ft) property controls the thickness of the Wing Wall.

TIP: Use the Skew property to skew the wingwalls. Set the Include Wing Walls property to FALSE to
delete the Wing Walls.

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 29I – CREATE A CULVERT
The Culvert tool is used to place a Culvert underneath the Road Corridor Model.

The diameter, skew, and inverts of the culvert can be manually set. However, the length of the culvert is
automatically determined by the width of the Road Corridor Model at the selected location.

TIP: After placement, select the Culvert to change the diameter and skew values in the Properties
menu.

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 29J – PLACE FURNITURE: GUARDRAILS, SIGNS, FENCES, AND OBJECTS
The Furniture tools are used to place roadside objects. There are three tools for placing Furniture:

Furniture tool: Used to place a variety of objects including signs, street lights, traffic signals, benches,
fire hydrants, and traffic barrels.

Furniture Along Path tool: With this tool, a path is drawn and the selected object is placed at multiple
interval locations along the path. For example, this tool can be used to place multiple street lights
alongside the road alignment. This tool uses the same object library as the Furniture tool.

Linear Furniture tool: This tool is used to place guardrail and fence lines. The guardrail or fence line is
created by offsetting an alignment. The guardrail or fence line will follow curves in the selected
alignment.

Placing guardrail with the Linear Furniture tool is demonstrated below:

Select the Linear Furniture tool.

Select the Object Type to be placed.

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 Spacing: For guardrails and fences, the Spacing value sets the distance between posts.

NOTE: The default value corresponds with standard post spacing distances.

Angle from Alignment: If set to a value other than 0, then the guardrail and fence posts will be
skewed. The angle of the guardrail face or fence face is NOT affected by this setting.

Force Last Insertion: The Linear Furniture tool CANNOT place a portion of a guardrail segment.
If this box is CHECKED, then the guardrail will be slightly longer than specified, in order to place
the full portion of the last guardrail segment. If UNCHECKED, then the guardrail will be slightly
shorter than specified.

Hover the mouse cursor near the Alignment, but do NOT place the start point.

Press the ALT key to immobilize the Floating Input Box. When immobilized, click on the Offset
value and key-in the desired value. Press the Enter key to lock the value. Place the mouse-
cursor at the desired start point and click to accept.

Place the mouse-cursor at the desired end point and click to accept.

TIP: After placement, select the guardrail or fence object to view its properties. In the properties, the
offset distance from the alignment can be changed.

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 29K – DRAW SMART LINES AND SHAPES
The CAD Modeling tools are used to draw Smart Lines and 2D areas. NOTE: The Smart Line or Surface
Area tools can be used to draw out a parking line. However, pavement markings CANNOT be placed on
the surface of a closed Smart Line or Surface Area.

Place Surface Area tool: This tool is used to draw a closed shape. The closed shape is draped onto the
surface of the terrain. The resulting closed shape is composed of line segments. Curves CANNOT
included in a closed shape drawn with this tool. The resulting Surface Area can be assigned a Material for
quantities calculations. NOTE: Surface Areas CANNOT be extruded with the Extrude Smart Line tool.

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Smart Line tool: This tool is used to draw line strings. The line strings may be filleted with a radius to
create line-curve-line segments. This tool can also be used to create a closed shape. If a closed shape is
created, then a Material can be assigned to the closed Smart Line in the Properties menu. The
Material will be included in quantities calculations.

When the Smart Line tool is used, the elevation of the start point is placed on the terrain surface. All
other vertices are set to the start point elevation. As a result, some portions of the Smart Line may fall
below the surface of the terrain and be covered up. BEST PRACTICE: To ensure a Smart Line is NOT
covered up, place the start point of a Smart Line at a high point elevation on the Terrain.

Extrude Smart Line: This tool is used to extrude an open or closed Smart Line element in the Z-
direction. If an open Smart Line element is extruded, then a planar 3D element is created. The planar 3D
element resembles a wall. If a closed Smart Line element is extruded, then a volumetric 3D element is
created. NOTE: Surface Areas CANNOT be extruded with the Extrude Smart Line tool.

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 29L – CALCULATE QUANTITIES AND ESTIMATED COSTS

At any time, open the Quantities and Costs menu to calculate material quantities and costs.

When the this menu is initially opened, quantities and costs must be recalculated with the Calculate
Quantities and Costs button.

The Quantities and Costs menu does NOT show material quantities. Open the Detailed Quantites
and Costs Report to show a break down of quantities by material. The Detailed Quantities and Cost
Report can be exported to Microsoft Excel for further analysis.

NOTE: Unit Costs rates and Allowance percentages are set in the Quantities and Costs editor shown on
the next page.

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The Quantities and Costs editor sets the unit costs and allowance percentages used in the cost
estimate. This editor is accessed in the Backstage Menu.

The Quantities and Cost Editor is divided into two tabs: Allowances and Detailed Costs.

Allowances: An Allowance is calculated by multiplying the total material costs by the allowance
percentage. In the Allowance Settings, set the appropriate rate (percentage) for each allowance type.

NOTE: Custom allowances CANNOT be added to to the cost estimate. To prevent an Allowance
from calculating in the cost estimate, UNCHECK the “Use Allowance” box.

Detailed Costs: Select the Detailed Cost tab to edit the unit cost rate for each material used in cost
estimate

NOTE: The “Code” shown for an item CANNOT be changed. Similarly, the “Item” name and “Unit”
CANNOT be changed.

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 29M – EXPORT CONCEPTSTATION ELEMENTS TO ORD
In the Backstage Menu, the Export option is used to convert ConceptStation modeling elements into
specific file types that can be imported into ORD.

BEST PRACTICE: CHECK only the Alignment (.alg) file type. When this export option is used, Road
Alignments in the file are packaged into an .alg file, which can be imported into ORD with the Import
Geometry tool. The ConceptStation Alignment can be modified and used for Corridor creation in ORD.
The ConceptStation Alignment can be assigned a Feature Definition is converted into a useful ORD
Element.

Other export options are problematic when imported into ORD. For example, the ConceptStation Road
Corridor model can be exported as a Template Drop (.ird). This file type creates a functioning Corridor
when imported into ORD. However, the Corridor will NOT use FLH Feature Definitions. The exported
Corridor will NOT meet FLH Drafting Standards and will require significant effort to change all Feature
Definitions set in the Corridor Template.

The MicroStation (.dgn) export option converts the ConceptStation File into a .dgn that can be directly
opened in ORD. However, all elements in the .dgn file are static and CANNOT be edited.

The Template (.itl) export option creates a Template Library file which can be loaded with the ORD
Template Editor. However, the Templates in the ConceptStation Template Library file will NOT use FLH
Feature Definitions or Template Point naming conventions.

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