Topic: Modify existing subassemblies

[Chris]

I'm having a very difficult time using the subassembly composer to create the section we need.  The basically we need the stock LaneSuperlevatioinAOR but with 3 layers of pavement.

Is there a way to modify the stock subassembly to add the extra layer of pavement we need.  I'm willing to learn how to modify the vb code, but It will have to be with baby steps.

[mjfarrell]

I would suggest that you add that extra pavement lift using some generic links and adding your own point and link codes to them.  I need to test this, but I think you could also do it by attaching a BLT to the bottom of that assembly....

For the first part see this tutorial:  http://www.theswamp.org/index.php?topic=13092.msg460483#msg460483

[mjfarrell]

OK, Chris this would be a great exercise for a class on 'advanced' use of sub assemblies.

Notice in the image(s)

This is your Lane Super AOR

Here we are going to let...Pave 1 and Pave 2 be your pavement lifts
and Base Depth is going to be your 3rd pavement depth
And Sub-base will be promoted to Base material....

Then we add the BLT (Basic Lane Transition) to the bottom and let it stand in for your Sub-Base material.
Notice the USE functions in the Construction Tab....

this will require a little advanced thinking when you do your material quantities; however I think you are up to it!

[Chris]

perhaps I'm looking at this the wrong way.  Your process would work well if I only have a standard lane, now lets say there is a shoulder attached to the lane, and the default shoulder we want to use only has 2 layers of asphalt?
I've created a pretty good representation of what I want to use, I just cant figure out how to make it work with super elevation.  I've even got this shoulder setup so it can display guardrail if need be, as the guardrail on the daylight subassembly leaves a lot to be desired.

[mjfarrell]

NOTE:  it appears that the GenericPavementStructure would be better suited to this task than the BLT sub assembly.

Apologies if that causes any extra confusion.

[mjfarrell]

perhaps I'm looking at this the wrong way.  Your process would work well if I only have a standard lane, now lets say there is a shoulder attached to the lane, and the default shoulder we want to use only has 2 layers of asphalt?
I've created a pretty good representation of what I want to use, I just cant figure out how to make it work with super elevation.  I've even got this shoulder setup so it can display guardrail if need be, as the guardrail on the daylight subassembly leaves a lot to be desired.

Please a post or send to me a drawing of your proposed section.
I'm sure I have a solution in my bag of tricks.

I don't think there is any 'problem' resulting from the proposed solution and your 2(two) layers of asphalt for the shoulder only scenario.
Go ahead and build your assembly...and see for yourself.

[mjfarrell]

Side note: the daylight with gaurdrail sub assembly...is ONLY a pain due to:
A) the default setting to OMMIT the dang thing
B) tricking it into thinking your standard sideslope is STEEP
 other than that, I don't see any challenges to using it.

[Chris]

we use a gravel shoulder, need a pay item for that.  and it doesnt work to well when you attach it to a shoulder with a daylight slope, the guardrail doesnt get placed adjacent to the shoulder, it gets put at the bottom of the slope on the shoulder section.

[mjfarrell]

OK, I'm back to asking for a drawing of your proposed section...

the sooner you show me exactly what you are after....the fast I ccan help.


C'mon Chris show me your XXX-section.   

[Chris]

you havent tried opening the pkt files in the subassembly composer?

[mjfarrell]

you havent tried opening the pkt files in the subassembly composer?

I do better with pictures...that show me exactly what you are after.

I also tend to stay away from tools that are 'only' available to those on subscription.
In this manner the solution is something everyone can take advantage of.

[Chris]

ok, heres the drawing, and a pic, incase you cant access the dwg because I used the Composer

[Chris]

Section.dwg, its attached to the post

[mjfarrell]

OK, I would still do it as described above....

Only the Lane would STOP at Lane Width...
Then a Shorter piece just like the lane for that part of the 'shoulder' that is the full section, then add th Shoulder Extend Sub Base....and your Guardrail from the Basic assemblies palette...

Although there really isn't a need to do this to model it...the pavement full section could be the normal desired width.  It looks like you are allowing 'pay items' to complicate your processes.

So this extra work is only to accomodate pay item(s)...I must ask however is the pavement quantity in the shoulder (full section) area paid for differently the the pavement in the Lane area?


I'm still looking for a good answer to adding your custom VB assembly into the the .ATC file.
I'll send that to your email address.

[Chris]

no, pavement is pavement, but with the shoulder, it could be gravel, which is different.  I guess I'm trying to do all the hardwork on my end so my users dont have to worry about multiple sections and everything else.  perhaps I'm just looking at it wrong.