Practice Workbook

This workbook is designed for use in Live instructor-led training and for OnDemand self study.
OnDemand videos for this course are available through CONNECT Advisor and on the LEARN Server.

QuickStart for OpenRail Designer

This course is suitable for the 2018 Release 4 (10.06.00.38) version of:
OpenRoads Designer CONNECT Edition
OpenRail Designer CONNECT Edition

About this Practice Workbook...

 This PDF file includes bookmarks providing an overview of the document. Click on the bookmark to quickly jump to
any section in the file.

 Both Imperial and Metric files are included in the dataset. Throughout this practice workbook Imperial values are
specified first and the metric values second with the metric values enclosed in square brackets. For example: 12’
[3.4m]
 This course workbook uses the Training and Examples workspace delivered with the software.

 The terms Left-click, Click, Select and Data are used interchangeably to represent pressing the left mouse
button. The terms Right-click and Reset are also used interchangeably. If your mouse buttons are assigned
differently, such as for left-handed use, you will need to adjust accordingly.

Have a Question? Need Help?

If you have questions while taking this course, search in CONNECT Advisor for related courses and topics. You
can also submit questions to the Civil Design Forum on Bentley Communities where peers and Bentley subject
matter experts are available to help.

TRNC03009-1/03-01 Course Level: Fundamental

DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted

 About this OpenRail Designer QuickStart
“QuickStarts” are designed to be two things first and foremost: A Starting Point and Quick.

This QuickStart has a couple of scopes:

 Show the primary Rail-Specific technologies: Regression, Cant, and Turnouts

 Run through a simple 3D Rail Modeling workflow.

Additional Learning Resources

If you’re learning this live at a Conference or are via Live Distance Learning, there is a good chance that this QuickStart will not be completed
in the alloted time. The pace might also be a little fast and some parts might get skipped. Fear not: the LEARN Server (learn.bentley.com) and
CONNECT Advisor provide this workshop, its document and dataset, as well as videos that work through the steps. In addition to this
workshop you have access to the full library of learning material for all Bentley Products.

OpenRail Designer = OpenRoads Designer +

Note that OpenRail Designer is OpenRoads Designer with additional capabilities.

Most of the Bentley courses are biased towards roadway, rather than rail. The software concepts, the workflows, and the tasks - for the most
part - are identical. “OpenRoads” training is directly applicable for OpenRail Designer. For example, the QuickStart for Geometry and the
Creating Centerline Geometry courses, while “building road centerlines” teach the same tools in the same order you would learn track
geometry.

As the classes become more advanced, they tend to become more specialized. Superelevation, which is not directly applicable to Rail
Design, is a standalone class: it does not intrude into the other courses you will want to learn.

If you’re looking for training on a particular task or skill, don’t forget to check the OpenRoads Designer Learning Paths if you don’t find what
you’re looking for in the OpenRail Designer Learning Paths.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 2
OpenRail Designer Geometry Overview
OpenRail Designer Geometry is a dynamic, interactive and rules-based approach to geometry. OpenRail Designer tools create intelligent Civil
Geometry or geometric rule-based elements.

Note: OpenRail Designer is OpenRoads Designer with additional capabilities. In Bentley Civil documentation, the terms tend to be used
interchangeably. The concepts, workflows, tasks and skills are generally identical.

Rule-based OpenRail features maintain associations and relationships between civil elements. Object information (how, where, and by what
method it was created) is stored with the object to insure the original intent is retained and honored in the design. If an element is modified,
any related elements will recreate themselves based on these stored relationships. We refer to this rule-based remembering and honoring the
Civil Engineering relationships as Design Intent.

All Geometric data is stored directly in the dgn file and can be easily edited and reviewed via the drag handles, dynamic dimensions, text
manipulators, etc.
 Corridor Modeling Overview
Corridor Modeling allows the user to create a dynamic, intelligent, accurate and powerful 3D model of their design. The 3D model can then
be used to create cross sections, terrain models and generate corridor quantities. A corridor is, at its simplest, a cross sectional template
“extruded” along a 3D path. Corridor Modeling capabilities seamlessly scale from a single template along a path to the most complex road
and rail modeling describable.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 4
 The general workflow is to use the Create Corridor tool in an empty 2D model and identify a referenced alignment. You will be prompted to
confirm a Profile - the Vertical geometry - and assign a Template. Once the template is assigned to the corridor a 3D model is created
automatically by the software.A template represents the transverse geometry or typical section along the corridor and are made up of points
and components. When a corridor is processed, the template points create 3D linear features (edge of ballast, sub ballast, base, cut/fill lines,
etc.) along the corridor and the template components create the 3D material meshes (i.e. ballast, base, side slope grading, etc.) along the
corridor.

Template libraries are catalogs of customizable templates. When a template in a library is selected for a corridor, it is copied to and stored in
the corridor feature. This allows continued editing of a template, conforms to the “all data in the .dgn” paradigm, and allows you to pass the
corridor modeling capability forward without having to deliver a separate template library file.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 5
 Exercise 1: Select the WorkSpace & WorkSet, Create a New Design File and Review the Ribbon
Interface
In this exercise, you will learn how to select the proper workspace/workset, open a file and review the ribbon interface.

Skills Taught
 Selecting a WorkSpace and WorkSet

 Review the Ribbon Interface

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 6
 Select the WorkSpace & WorkSet and Open a 2D Design File
OpenRail Designer geometry and corridor modeling is created in a 2D model. The 3D model is created automatically by the software.

1. Start the software.

2. Set the WorkSpace and WorkSet.
The WorkSpace and WorkSet define standards that are used by the software. They are installed during the software installation.

a. Select Training and Examples from the WorkSpace menu.

b. Select Training-Metric from the WorkSet menu.

3. Open a new 2D dgn file.

a. Select Browse.
b. Browse to c:\Bentley Training\QuickStart for OpenRail Designer or other folder where you unzipped the dataset files.
c. Open the file named Rail Model.dgn.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 7
 Review the Interface

1. Activate the OpenRail Modeling workflow from the pick list in the upper left corner
if it is not already active.

The ribbon menu will change to OpenRail Modeling tools. The tools are organized into categories on the ribbon tabs.

 Home - Common tools such as Attributes, Explorer, Attach Reference Tools, Models, Level Display and Element Selection.
 Terrain - Element selection and terrain modeling tools.
 Geometry - Element selection, Civil AccuDraw and geometry tools.
 Corridors - Element selection and corridor modeling tools.
 Rail - Regression, Cant, and Turnout tools.
 Model Detailing - Element selection, Civil Cells and 3D tools (Linear Templates, Surface Templates, etc.).
 Drawing Production - Element selection, saved views, notes, text, annotations, and plans production (cross section, plan, and profile)
tools.

 Drawing - Commonly used MicroStation drawing tools. To access the complete set of MicroStation tools, change the active workflow to
Drawing, Modeling (3D only) or Visualization (3D only).

 View - Commonly used view control tools.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 8
 2. Click on each of the Ribbon tabs and notice how each tab has a different set of tools.
Also, notice the Quick Access tools to the right of the OpenRail Modeling drop down list. Tools such as Create New File, Open File, Save
Settings Compress File, Undo, Redo, Print, Explorer and Properties can be found here.

A search ribbon tool is also available to assist with finding tools on the ribbon interface. When you are not sure where to find a tool on the
ribbon interface simply key in the command in the Search Ribbon field and a search will be performed across all ribbon menus.

3. Search for a tool using the search ribbon. Key in Cant in the Search Ribbon field. Notice
the results of the ribbon search are displayed in a dialog below the Search Ribbon field.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 9
 4. Hover over Create Cant.
The search results expand showing where the Create Cant tool is located on the ribbon: OpenRail Modeling -> Rail -> Cant

5. From the search results dialog, Left-click, Create Cant to launch the command.
You are prompted to Locate Center Line to begin creating the cant definition.

6. Select Element Selection to stop the Create Cant tool.

7. Introduction to the Back Stage View.
a. Activate the Back Stage View by clicking File in the ribbon menu.
b. Notice the various other options on this screen such New, Open, Save, Save Settings, etc. Whenever you need to open a file or create
a new file you will do so from the Back Stage View.

c. Select Settings.
Design File settings, preferences, customizations, etc. are found in the Back Stage View, keeping the ribbon menus focused on the
tools.

d. Click the Arrow in the upper left corner to return to the main ribbon interface.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 10
 Exercise 2: Regression
In this exercise, you will learn how to regress individual tangent and curve elements, add them to a complex geometry,
and fill the gaps with spiral transitions.

Skills Taught
 Attach Reference

 Create Regression Line

 Display Curvature Diagram

 Regress Single Tangent and Curve Elements

 Create Complex Geometry

 Add Spiral Transitions in Gaps in Complex Geometry

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 11
 Attach the Regression Points

1. Attach Track CL Points.dgn as a reference. This file contains the regression points.
a. Select Home > Primary > Attach Tools > References.
The References dialog appears showing all existing reference attachments. This dialog also includes tools to define new attachments,
detach references, and modify existing attachments. Two references are already attached.

 Terrain.dgn [Model= Default] contains the original ground terrain for the project area.

 Rail Model.dgn [Model = Default-3D] is created automatically by the OpenRail Designer software and will contain the 3D model as
it is created.

b. From the References dialog, select Attach Reference (or select Tools > Attach).
c. Browse to and select Track CL Points.dgn and attach the file using the Coincident World Attachment Method.
The regression points are the white graphics in the south-west area of the terrain (green dashed line).

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 12
 Create Regression Line
To start regression analysis, regression points should be sorted and a regression alignment created.

The sort algorithm begins sorting the points at a start point and in a search direction defined by a second point. Starting with these two points
the algorithm searches for the next points using the sorting parameters. Sorted points used to create a regression alignment.

1. Zoom to the area of the regression points (white graphics).

2. Using the Element Selection tool, select all of the regression points.
3. Select Rail > Regression > Sort Horizontal Points.
4. In the Tool Settings dialog set the Feature Definition to Alignment > Geom_Temp.
5. Set the Name Prefix to Regression Line.
6. Following the heads up prompts, data point (left click) to add the 1051 regression
points to the regression.
7. Use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom to the south end of the regression points so that
the individual points are visible.

8. Select southern most point as the Start Point.

9. Select the point to the north of the first point to define the direction of the regression.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 13
 10. Following the heads up prompts, enter the following parameters and accept each with a left click.
 Minimum Distance Tolerance = 1

 Maximum Distance Tolerance = 300

 Maximum Deviation = 5

The tool processes, creating a line connecting the regression points.

The Heads Up Display prompts Locate Point to Add which is the begins the tool (if you do not have an active selection set).

Once the regression line is created, the source regression points no longer need to be visible. Turning them off can make the display cleaner
and easier to use.

11. Turn off the regression point reference display.

a. Click Home > Primary > Attach Tools > References.
b. Select the Track CL Points.dgn reference.
c. Clear the Display parameter in the lower left corner.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 14
 Curvature Diagram
Regression analysis can be done directly in the plan view or using a curvature diagram. A Curvature diagram makes it easier to identify
curves and tangents.

1. Select Rail > Regression > Curvature Diagram > Horizontal Curvature Diagram.
2. Select the regression line created in the previous exercise.
3. Using the view toolbar, select and open View 3.
4. Click inside view 3 to display horizontal curvature diagram.

The curvature diagram vertical axis represents deflection values of the points relative to neighboring points. Points closer to horizontal axis
have low deflection values, which means these points are on a tangent line. Points that has high deflection values represents curves.
Transition zones, that is the deflection of the points is increasing or decreasing, represents transition curves, spirals.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 15
 Single Horizontal Regression
The Single Horizontal Regression tool creates individual tangents or curves from the regression line. Like all geometric elements, they can be
edited, used to create connecting elements (element To and element From tools, etc.), and, ultimately, complexed together.

This tool can be used with the regression line in the plan view or with the curvature line in the Curvature Diagram. We will use curvature
diagram to designate the tangents and curves. Spirals will be added later with a separate command.

1. Select Rail > Regression > Horizontal Regression > Single Horizontal Regression.
2. Select the curvature line in the Curvature Diagram (view 3).
3. In the Tool Settings window set the following values.
 Geometry = Automatic

 Feature Definition = Alignment > Geom_Baseline

 Name Prefix = GeomBL

4. Regress the first tangent section.

a. At the First Point prompt, click at the left (start) end of the curvature line to define the left boundary of the points to be regressed.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 16
 b. Click at the right end of the first tangent section to define the right boundary of the points to be regressed.

c. Move the cursor vertically and click to select which points will be included in the regression analysis. Outliers can be excluded by
leaving them outside the selection box.

5. Once the regression points are defined, the tangent (or curve)
is created in the plan view.

6. Repeat this process for the other three tangent sections and
the three curves. Do not select the transition zones (spirals)
between low and high curvature zones.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 17
 Editing the Regression

The “regression box” is an editable element. You can click on it to

activate the manipulators.

You can adjust the begin and end positions by clicking and dragging
the points on the handles on the midpoints of the box sides.

The amplitude of the selection box can be edited by clicking the text
manipulator and typing a new value.

You can delete regression-created geometry in the plan view, but its
regression box remains in the Regression Space view.

The preferred method to delete regression-created geometry is to

delete its regression box.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 18
 Complex Geometry and Adding Spirals
Before introducing the spirals to the geometry we need to create a single complex alignment from the regressed tangent and curve sections.

1. Close the Curvature Diagram (view 3).

2. Zoom so that the complete regression geometry is visible.
3. Turn off the Regression Line so that only the final regression tangents and curves are displayed.
a. Select Home > Primary > Level Display.
b. Turn off the Geom_Temp level.
The regressed tangent and curve elements are displayed with gaps between them where spiral transitions need to be added.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 19
 4. Use Complex By Elements tool to create a single horizontal alignment from the regressed tangents and curves.
a. Select Rail > Regression > Complex By Elements.
b. When the Complex by Elements toolbox appears set it as follows:
 Method = Automatic

The manual method can also be used to select each tangent and curve in
the proper order to ensure other geometry elements within 300 meters
(Maximum Gap) are not added into the complex element. Remember the
regression line is very near the regressed elements and is certainly within
300 meters and therefore would be picked up if those elements are
displayed and the Automatic method is used.

 Maximum Gap = 300

The Maximum Gap value needs to be slightly larger than the largest gap
between tangents and curves.

 Feature Definition = Alignment > Geom_Baseline

c. Following the heads up prompt, locate first tangent element by clicking on the
south end of the southern most tangent line.
NOTE: Where you select the element is important. Each element has a
midpoint. The software assumes that the half you click is the starting half. It will
show an arrow pointing in the direction of the element. Notice when selecting
the element’s south half, an arrow appears pointing north. If you select the
element near the north end, the arrow will point south - we do not want this.

d. Left Click to create the new complex element.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 20
 5. Use Complex Spiral Between tool to fill the gaps with spirals.
a. Select Rail > Regression > Spirals > Complex Spiral Between.
b. When the Complex by Elements toolbox appears set it as follows:
 Create Horizontal Rules = Toggle On

 Feature Definition = Alignment > Geom_Baseline

 Name = Track South

c. Locate Centerline = Select the Track South alignment created in the previous step.

Red Elements = Tangents

Orange Elements = Curves

Yellow Elements = Spirals

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 21
 Exercise 3: Speed Table
A Speed Table defines different speed requirements along the alignment. Currently a speed table is needed for cant
(rail superelevation) calculations only. But speed tables will also be used for different workflows such as overhead line
design in the future releases. Speed tables also allows adding different speed scenarios and speed transitions.

In this exercise, you will learn how to define a speed table with multiple speed sections along the alignment and multiple
speeds within each section.

Skills Taught
 Create Speed Table

 Add Speed Ranges

 Add Speed Schema

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 22
 Create Speed Table

1. Zoom to the Track_Main geometry located north of the

regression geometry.

2. Select Rail > Cant > Speed Table.

3. Select the alignment Track_Main from the screen.
4. Use 120 km/hr as the Design Speed.
Speed table is displayed. Observe that a single speed
range with speed set to 120 km/hr has been created.

Note: If the geometry has a design standard assigned, the speed table tool will ask to use the speed defined in the standards.

If you do not want to view the Speed Diagram, you can toggle it Off using the Speed Diagram button.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 23
 Add Speed Ranges
New rows defining stations where the design speed changes can be added to the speed table.

1. Add a 90 km/hr speed at station 4+000

a. Click Add New button at the top
left of the Speed Table.

b. In the heads up prompt, enter

4000 and press Enter.
c. Left click to accept the station
value.
d. Enter speed of 90 km/hr.
e. Left click to accept the speed.
The new speed definition is
added to the table.

2. Add a 120 km/hr speed at station

10+500

a. Click Add New button at the top

left of the Speed Table.
b. In the heads up prompt, enter 10500 and press Enter.
c. Left click to accept the station valueEnter speed of 120 km/hr.
d. Left click to accept the speed. A new row added to speed table.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 24
 Define Additional Speed Scheme
The Speed Table Editor allows defining different speed alternatives for each section. We will add a second speed column with different
speeds. First column will represent the express train operation and second column will define freight train speeds.

1. Click Add Speed Scheme button.

A new speed column (Speed 2) is added.

2. Right click on the Speed 1 heading and select Rename.

3. Type Express.
4. Right click on the Speed 2 heading and select Rename.
5. Type Freight.
6. Change the speed values under the Freight column to 90, 70 and 90.
7. Close the Speed Table.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 25
 TIP: You can open the speed table again with using the same Speed Table command. The command will create a new speed table if there is
no table defined for that geometry. If there is already a table defined, then the command will open the existing table.

TIP: You can remove a speed table using Project Explorer > OpenRail Model.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 26
 Exercise 4: Cant
Cant (Rail Superelevation) is calculated based on the horizontal alignment and its speed table and the formula

cant = constant * (Velocity^2/Radius)

The Equilibrium constant is based on rail gauge.

In this exercise, you will learn how to create cant definitions.

Skills Taught
 Calculate Cant

 Edit Cant

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 27
 Calculate Cant

1. Select Rail > Cant > Create Cant.

2. At the Locate Center Line prompt, select the Track_Main geometry.
3. In the Tool Settings dialog set the Feature Definition = Cant > Cant. All of the other values will be set using the heads up prompting.
4. At the Start Station prompt, press the Alt key to lock to Start, and data point to accept.
5. At the End Station prompt, press the Alt key to lock to End, and data point to accept.
6. Follow the heads up prompts and input the following values for each parameter. Left click to select each heads up prompt.
 Speed Scheme = Express

 Rail Gauge (Center to Center) = 1.502

 Equilibrium Constant: 11.82603

 Applied Constant = 8.27822

 Rotate About = Inside Rail

 Virtual Transition Length = 12

 Part on Line = 50%

 Feature Definition: Cant

 Name Prefix = Cant

7. The Cant feature is created in the plan view, displaying as a green envelope around the geometry.
TIP: Click on the green envelope on the plan view and use properties to change cant parameters.

Note: The Virtual Length and the Part On Line parameters are only used for curves that do not contain transition curves.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 28
 Edit Cant
Using the Cant Editor, you can change Applied Cant values and validate data. Any change to Applied Cant value will update the relevant cant
values.

1. Select Rail > Cant > Edit Cant.

2. Click on the green cant object to open the Cant Editor.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 29
 In the Cant Editor Cant Range list are the speed ranges that were defined in the Speed Table. You can click the top element to display the
entire alignment or click on a Section for the table to show only that section.

Some special tools in the toolbar include:

Toggle Cant Diagram: Toggles display of cant diagram

Toggle Virtual Sections: Hides speed ranges that only has 0 cant values

Validate Data: Highlights the values that are out of given ranges

3. Validate the maximum Applied Cant.

a. Click Validate Data.
b. Enter Applied Cant Max Value of 80 and click OK.
c. Observe how the cant values that exceed the max value are highlighted.
Note: Data validation is only for observing the values that do not meet standards. Cant values will not update as a result of validation.

4. Close the Cant Editor.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 30
 Exercise 5: Siding Geometry
We will design a siding to the right of the centerline, close to the start of the geometry with using two turnouts.

In this exercise, you will learn how to create parallel geometry, turnouts, and connections between them.

Skills Taught
 Create Turnouts

 Create Parallel Geometry

 Create Geometry Extending from a Curve

 Create Curves Between two Tangents

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 31
 Place Turnouts

1. Zoom to the west end of the track where the siding will be located. The approximate start and stop of the siding are labeled.

Turnout Nomenclature

 .1 is the turnout’s tip or point of switch.

 .0 is a turnout’s point of intersection.

 .2 is the turnout’s mainline heel point.

 .3 is the turnout’s branch heel point.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 32
 2. Zoom in near station 0+450 where the begin turnout will be located.
3. Place a turnout for the begin of a siding
a. Select Rail > Turnouts > Place Turnout.
b. In the Tool Settings dialog set the following parameters.
 Placement Point = By Point0

 Feature Definition = Turnout > Single > Turnouts-BV > b300_9

c. At the Locate Rail Centerline prompt, select the Track_Main geometry. Be sure to select the red line, not the green cant definition.
d. Slide the turnout along the track geometry to station 0+450. Optionally, type 450 in the
heads up display for a precision placement.

e. Click to accept the position of the turnout.

f. Move the cursor to define the Hand and Orientation of the turnout. Position the turnout
To the Right of the centerline in Leading direction.

g. Click to accept and place the turnout.

4. Place a turnout for the end of a siding.
a. Zoom in near station 1+450 where the begin turnout will be located Repeat the previous
steps to place a turnout at station 1+450. This turnout must be oriented in the opposite
direction so a siding can be built between the two turnouts.

Note: If the station was entered for the previous turnout the field may be
locked as indicated by the lock icon. Press the End key to unlock the field.

Note: if you make a mistake on the Hand or the Orientation of the siding, you can change the
settings in the Siding’s Properties.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 33
 Create Siding Geometry

1. Zoom so that both the begin and end turnouts are visible.
2. Place siding geometry offset from the Track_Main geometry.
a. Select Geometry > Horizontal > Offsets and Tapers > Single Offset Partial.
b. In the Tool Settings dialog set the Feature Definition = Alignment > Geometry_Baseline_Secondary. All of the other values will be set
using the heads up prompting.

c. At the Locate Element prompt, select Track_Main geometry.

d. At the Offset prompt, enter 5m and press Enter to lock the value.
e. Position the cursor on the south side of the Track_Main geometry and click near the first turnout as the start station.
The start station does not need to be precisely located, it will be cleaned up in the next following steps.

f. Click near the second turnout as the end station. Again the location is approximate.
g. Set the Mirror prompt to No and Left click to accept.
h. Press Escape to end the command.
3. Extend begin turnout to intersect siding geometry.
a. Zoom near the begin turnout.
b. Select Geometry > Horizontal > Lines > Line From Element > Simple Line From Element.
c. Set the Feature Definition to Alignment > Geometry_Baseline_Secondary.
d. At the Locate Element prompt, select the first turnout.
e. At the Enter Start Point prompt, snap to the end of the turnout (.3 point).
f. Extend the line until it crosses beyond the offset geometry and click to
define the end of the line.

g. At the Trim/Extend prompt, select None.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 34
 4. Add a curve connecting the turnout and the siding.
a. Select Geometry > Horizontal > Arcs > Arc Between Elements > Simple Arc.
b. In the Tool Settings dialog set the Feature Definition = Alignment > Geometry_Baseline_Secondary. All of the other values will be set
using the heads up prompting.

a. At the Locate First Element prompt, select the Turnout Extension geometry created in the previous steps.
b. At the Locate Second Element prompt, select Siding geometry.
c. At the Radius prompt, enter 250.
d. At the Trim/Extend prompt, select Both.

Finished Turnout

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 35
 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other turnout.
6. Create a complex geometry from the turnouts and siding individual geometry elements.
a. Zoom near the begin turnout.
b. Select Geometry > Horizontal > Complex Geometry > Complex by Element.
c. In the Tool Settings dialog set the following parameters.
 Method = Automatic

 Maximum Gap = 0.001

 Feature Definition = Alignment > Geom_Baseline_Secondary

 Name = Siding 1

a. At the Locate First Element prompt, select west most segment of the begin turnout. Remember to select the element such that the
arrow points in the direction the complex element will be created.

b. The complete siding including turnouts highlights.

c. Click again to accept and create the complex element.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 36
 Exercise 6: Modeling
In this exercise, you will learn how to model a mainline corridor and adjust that model to use different templates to
include a tunnel in the model. You will also learn how to change the template in a range and model a siding with an
advanced template.

Skills Taught
 Create a Corridor

 Assign Cant to a Corridor

 Model a Tunnel

 Review Cross Sections

 Model a Siding

 Create Rails

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 37
 Create Track Corridor

1. Select Element Selection, click on the Track_Main alignment, and pause the cursor there until the contextual menu appears.
2. Select Create Corridor.
In addition to the pop-up contextual menu, tool can are also on the ribbon menu. Corridors > Create > New Corridor

3. In the Tool Settings dialog set the Feature Definition = Rail Corridors > Rail Final. All of the other values will be set using the heads up
prompting.
4. At the Locate Profile prompt, Right Click (Reset) to use active profile.
5. Click to accept Feature Name as Track_Main.
6. At the Select Template prompt, hold down the
ALT key and press the Down Arrow key to
display Pick Template window.

7. Select Templates > Rail > Single Track

Ballasted and click OK.
8. Click to accept the template name that is now
in the heads up prompt.
9. Press ALT to lock to start station and click to
accept.

10. Press ALT to lock to end station and click to

accept.
11. Set the Drop Interval to 10 and click to accept.
12. Set the Minimum Transition Before Drop to 0
and click to accept.
13. Set the Minimum Transition After Drop to 0 and click to accept.
The corridor is defined and the 3D Model is created.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 38
 14. Zoom until the Corridor Object and Template Drop indicators are visible. These graphic indicators are used to select and edit the corridor.

15. Press F9 to set up the 2D and 3D views showing Default and Default-3D models side by side.
The view windows will now have a 2D View and a 3D View. A dgn file can have both 2D Models and 3D Models. View 1 is the Default 2D
model and View 2 is the Default 3D model. This view setup is typically desirable when working with corridors. Any time there is 3D information
associated with OpenRail Designer elements, it will be displayed in the Default 3D model.

16. Explore the 3D

model.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 39
 Assign Cant
Earlier the cant was calculated. The cant is assigned to the corridor using point controls.

1. In the 2D view (View 1) click one of the corridor object handles and select Corridor Objects from the heads-up display.
In addition to the pop-up contextual menu, tool can are also on the ribbon menu. Corridors > Edit > Corridor Objects

2. Select Point Control from the left-hand menu.

3. Click Add New.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 40
 4. Set the following values in the Tool Settings dialog.It is easier to set all of these values in the dialog than using the heads up prompting.
 Enable the Lock to Start checkbox.

 Enable the Lock to End checkbox.

 Mode = Vertical

 Control Type = Cant

 Locate Cant = Cant - This is the name of the cant object defined in the previous steps.

 Center Cant Point = CL - This is center cant point on the template.

 Left Cant Point = RAIL_CANT_L - This is left cant point on the template.

 Right Cant Point = RAIL_CANT_R - This is right cant point on the template.

 Priority = 1

 Vertical Offsets Start = 0

 Vertical Offsets End = 0

Once all the values are enter

in the dialog, they still must
be accepted through the
heads up prompting.

5. Click in the view <D> to

accept each of the values in
the heads up prompting.

When complete, the Corridor

Objects dialog returns and
the new Point Control
definition is listed. The Point
Control and cant point
assignments can be edited
here if necessary.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 41
 Place a Tunnel
There is a large cut area in the middle of the project. We will replace the template in this area with a template that
contains a tunnel to eliminate the large cut.

1. In the Corridor Objects dialog select the Template Drop from the left-hand menu.
2. Click Add New.
3. At the Select Template prompt, hold down the ALT key and press the Down Arrow key to display Pick Template window.
4. Select Templates > Rail > Tunnels, Platforms, & Misc. > Single Track - Tunnel and click OK.
5. Click to accept the template name that is now in the heads up prompt.
6. Type in 4+000 for Start Station, click to accept.
7. Type in 8+300 for End Station, click to accept.
8. Set the Drop Interval to 2 and click to accept. Use a shorter drop interval to more accurately model the transition areas.
9. Set the Minimum
Transition Before Drop to
0 and click to accept.
10. Set the Minimum
Transition After Drop to 0
and click to accept.

The corridor now has

three template drops.
The Tunnel between
stations 4+000 and
8+300 and the original
track template on each
side of the tunnel.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 42
 11. Review the tunnel in the 3D model.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 43
 Modeling the Siding
In the area of the siding there are two tracks, Track_Main and Siding 1 and hence two separate ballast layers. In the
siding location, we will use a rule based template that can model both main track and branch track and ballast layers. A
point control will be used to follow the Siding 1 geometry with the branch layer origin.

1. Add a template drop in the area of siding to use the Siding template.
a. In the Corridor Objects dialog select the Template Drop from the left-hand menu.
b. Click Add New.
c. At the Select Template prompt, hold down the ALT key and press the Down Arrow key to display Pick Template window.
d. Select Templates > Rail > Single Track - Siding Right and click OK.
e. Click to accept the template name that is now in the heads up prompt.
f. Type in 400 for Start Station, click to accept.
g. Type in 1+500 for End Station, click to accept.
h. Set the Drop Interval to 10 and click to accept.
i. Set the Minimum Transition Before
Drop to 0 and click to accept.

j. Set the Minimum Transition After Drop

to 0 and click to accept.

The corridor now has five template drops.

k. Close the Corridor Objects dialog.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 44
 The model is updated using the siding template between stations 0+450 and 1+450.

Examining the 3D model in the area of the siding you will find there is no difference. The turnouts
and siding track are not modeled. Although this template is setup to model both the mainline and
siding track, you have not yet told the template where the siding track geometry is located. We will
define a Point Control next to tell the siding track in the template to follow the siding geometry.

2. Review Cross Sections.

a. Zoom so that complete siding is visible.
b. From the ribbon menu select Corridors > Review > Dynamic Sections > Open Cross Section View
tool.

Note: The Dynamic Cross Section tool is also available from the pop-up contextual menu.

c. In View 1, select the Track_Main Corridor.

d. Open View 7 by selecting the view 7 button from the bottom of the screen. View 7 window will
appear.

e. Click in View 7, a cross section will appear.

f. Navigate through the cross sections by pressing the arrows. The single arrows navigate to the previous or next cross section.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 45
 3. Create Point Control for Siding Geometry
a. In the 2D view (View 1) click one of the corridor object and select Corridor Objects from the heads-up display.
b. Select Point Control from the left-hand menu.
c. Click Add New.
d. Type in 0+400 for Start Station, click to accept.
Hint: Press the ALT key to unlock the station if the value is locked.

e. Type in 1+500 for End Station, click to accept.

f. Set the following values in the Tool Settings dialog, do not follow the heads up prompts.It is easier to set all of these point control
values in the dialog than using the heads up prompting.

 Control Description = Siding 1

 Mode = Horizontal

 Control Type = Linear Geometry

 Point = PGL_Branch

 Plan Element = Siding 1

 Use as Secondary Element = Yes

 Priority = 1

 Horizontal Offsets Start = 0

 Horizontal Offsets End = 0

The Heads up Display will always prompt for values, even if we set them in the dialog.

g. Click in the view to accept each of the values in the heads up prompting.
The Corridor Objects dialog appears and the model updates with the new Point Control.

h. Close the Corridor Objects dialog.

i. Review the siding model created in the 3D model.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 46
 Create Rails
The Create Rails tool creates left and right rail geometry that follows horizontal, vertical, cant alignments and track widening. A 3D
mesh model of the rails can also be created with this tool. Created rail geometry is a complex element that consist of components that
represents each individual rail element. In this exercise, you will learn how to create and model the rails along the Track_Main
alignment.

1. Create the Rails along the Track_Main alignment.

a. Select Rail > Track > Create Rails, the Create Rails tool box will now appear.
b. Toggle ON the Create Rail Mesh check box.
c. Select the browse template button next to the Template Name field. The Pick Template window
will appear.
d. Select Templates > Rail > Single Rail
e. Click OK
f. In the Left Rail and Right Rail portion of the dialog, toggle ON the Create Rail check box.
g. Set the Feature Definition to Rail > Rail_3D_Line
h. Set the Name Prefix to Rail
i. Follow the heads-up prompts:
 Select Track Centerline: Select the Track_Main alignment.

 Select Cant: Select the Cant object (green shape).

 Start Station: Press <ALT> to Lock To Start

 End Station: Press <ALT> to Lock To End

j. Close the Create Rails tool box.

TIP: Rail geometry represents Top-Center point of the rail. To obtain accurate results when the 3D mesh is created, selected template
should also have its origin at this same location.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 47
 2. Review the rail geometry in the 2D model, the 3D model and on the Dynamic Cross Sections.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 48
 Create Sleepers
The Create Sleepers tool will create sleepers along the track alignment, the result is a 3D mesh model of the sleepers.
In this exercise, you will learn how to create and model the sleepers along the Track_Main alignment.

1. Create the sleepers along the Track_Main alignment

a. Select Rail > Track > Create Sleepers. The Create Sleepers toolbox will appear.
b. Set the Sleeper Dimensions and Feature as shown.
 Sleeper Length: 2.5

 Sleeper Width: 0.20

 Sleeper Spacing: 0.60

 Vertical Offset: -0.16

 Feature Definition: Mesh > Rail > TC_Rail_Concrete Sleeper

 Name Prefix: TC_Rail_Concrete_Sleeper

c. Follow the heads-up prompts:

 Select Track Centerline: Select the Track_Main alignment

 Select Cant: Select the Cant object

 Start Station: Press <ALT> to Lock To Start

 End Station: Press <ALT> to Lock To End

d. Close the Create Sleeper tool box.

TIP: The sleepers are only placed into the 3D model and have no representation in the 2D model.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 49
 2. Review the sleepers in the 3D model and on the Dynamic Cross Sections.

Copyright © 2019 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 50