1.

Introduction

MXROAD is an advanced, string-based modelling tool that enables the rapid and accurate
design of all road types. MXROAD, quickly create design alternatives to build the ideal road
system. After a final design alternative is selected, you can automate much of the design
detailing process, saving time and money. At its core, MXROAD uses 3D string modelling
technology—a powerful yet concise method of creating 3D surfaces. By designing your road
completely in 3D, the included surface analysis tools allow engineers and designers to
identify and correct potential problems during the design phase rather than incur the high cost
of re-work on site. AutoCAD Civil 3D also works on same principal with analyse and
implement changes in design. The interoperable database allows engineers to create and
annotate 3D project models in the most popular AEC platforms or in Windows.

MX Road is a proven, powerful, and concise method of creating any 3D surface. It automates
much of the design detailing process, thus saving your time. You can quickly find design
alternatives to achieve the ideal road system.

The training programme includes:

o Introduction to Highway Geometric Design

o Horizontal Alignment Design
 Import of Survey Data
 Design Speed
 Fixing of tangents / HIPs
 Design Radius
 Transition Curve
o Vertical Profile Design
 DTM/ Triangulation model
 Fixing Vertical Tangent / VIPs
 Gradient / Slope
 Sight Distance
 Summit / Valley Curve
o Carriageway Design o Cross fall / Super elevation Design
o Shoulder Design
o Earthwork
o Preparation of Drawings and Annotation

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2. What is MX?

MX Road is an advanced string based modelling tool that enables the rapid and accurate
design of all types of roads. It is widely used by civil engineers, designers, professional
surveyors, geotechnical engineers, storm drainage/water/sewer system designers and civil
engineering consultants.

A system for the collection, generation, analysis and display of three dimensional data,used
from feasibility study through to final setting out andall data are stored in the MX database.

2.1 Design creativity of MX Road

MXROAD’s dynamic placement and change functionality speeds the creation of 2D and 3D
alignments. This “rubber band” flexibility promotes design creativity and the assessment of
alternatives with quick cut/fill calculations. The end result is better quality design.

2.2 Why MX Road?

o Rapid, Accurate Design of All Road Types in 3D

o Project Team Collaboration
o Data Collector Compatibility
o Full Alignment Design Capability
o Proven Technology
o Native DGN and DWG support

2.3 Learning Objectives of MX Road

At CADD Centre, we help you master some of the following features of MX Road:

o Interoperable database - creation and annotation of 3D project models in popular

CAD
o Digital Terrain Model creation and analysis
o Integration with Google Earth
2.4 Storing surfaces in MX Road
Each model has a 28 character model name, with a possible 4 character extension defined
by MX. This extension describes the model type, such as ‘TRIA’ to describe a
triangulation model
The model name should reflect the contents of the model, for example ‘EXISTING
GROUND’ instead of ‘MODEL 1’. Note that spaces are allowed but not hyphens, full
stops etc.

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 Normally a separate directory is set up for each project so that the database and any files
associated with the project are stored together. While this is not absolutely necessary, it
helps with general file and project management and is strongly recommended

2.5 Surface Features Strings:

o String names consist of four alphanumeric characters. The name that is given to a
string would normally give an indication of the feature being modelled. For example,
in the diagram above, the string ‘ev2i’ is the right hand verge.
o While the naming convention used in MX is entirely up to the user, the following
‘restrictions’ apply :-
o Master alignments must have an initial character ‘M’
o Geometry strings must have an initial character ‘G’
o Point strings, which have no string links, must have an initial character ‘P’
o Text strings must have an initial character ‘*’ (Text strings do not have a level.
They are only used to hold annotation text in modelspace.)
o All strings in a model must be uniquely named, but the same string name can be used
in different models.
o The frequency of points along the string is entirely dependent on the user. If the
feature being surveyed or designed has many changes (Either horizontally or
vertically ), it should have more points than a uniform feature. MX will add extra
points to the design strings in areas where the curvature increases to ensure sufficient
resolution to the string.

2.6 MX - The Essential Files:

o The MX database has the default filename ‘model.fil’. This is the file which contains
the models, strings and points. Therefore, this is the most important file in a project.
Note that the MX database contains only the coordinate information of the strings and
points. It does not contain any information on the colour or linestyles of the strings.
o The ‘.mmd’ file contains the project parameters. These can be modified by you on
entry to the project..
o Each default model type has a feature name set and a plan style set associated with it.
The models that are created during a project will also be related to feature and style
sets by you. These associations are stored in the ‘defmods.txt’ file. This is a text file
which MX updates dynamically as required.

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o The ‘.mmd’ file and the ‘defmods.txt’ files could be removed from the project
directory without any loss of model data. However, a new project (‘.mmd’ file)
would need to be started using the existing MX database, the project parameters
would need to be reset, and any associations remade.

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3 Procedure

3.1 How to create and open the new project file or existing project file
First of all select the new project and also select the new desired location for the new project
and then ok if it is required to open existing project then select the existing project and then
click ok.
Where ‘Project Name’ - this is the name of the file used to store the project settings i.e.
the’.mmd’ file.

Figure 1 Creation of New Project

3.2 MX- Loading Survey Data

There are three ways to import the survey points in MX.
 By auto cad file
 Using DXF file
 Using excel file

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3.2.1 Loading of survey data using Auto cad file:
Open the MX Road software and change the MX menu into Auto Cad menu and input the
auto cad drawing by keeping the units in metre. First the points will display and all the survey
points will be input and then again it will be disappear after that again input the same
file.After loading the survey points then click the import
function

Figure 2 Selection of Auto cad Survey Points

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 Figure 3 Import the Survey Points

3.3 Surface analysis wizard

The surface analysis wizard creates a triangulation of the model which is then used to analyze
the surface. It can be used to generate contours, color the display dependent on the height of
the triangles, or display a simple long section through the model. The user may set default
values for each project individually. Selecting the “Options…” button on the start panel will
offer the “defaults” menu panel, shown below.
o Select the surface analysis and providemodel name for model to analyse.

Figure 4 Surface Analysis

o After this then go for next and next window will be open then select contours and
select Triangulation same as contours and ok.
o It will give the contouring and triangulation of all the surface points which can be
seen in figure.
o The main menu gives access to all the functions available.

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 Figure 5 Contouring and Triangulation

Contouring and Triangulation:

Contouring and triangulation is the methods to do DTM in MX. Where contouring is used
only for analysis of surfaces.
Digital Terrain Model (DTM) creation and analysis, full alignment, road and junction design
capability, 2D and 3D drainage design, volume and quantity extraction, 2D and 3D PDF
creation, integration with Google Earth and automated production of contract drawings,
complete a tool set that allow MXROAD users to feel confident tackling the design of any
type of road, large or small.
DTM can be stored in a GIS databases in an irregularly spaced set of points connected as
triangles that is called as TIN (Triangular Irregular Network) or Triangulation.

A digital terrain model is a topographic model of the bare earth – terrain relief - that can be
manipulated by computer programs. Thedata files contain the spatial elevation data of the
terrain in a digital format which usually presented as a rectangular grid.

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3.4Attach the reference file over the loading survey points:

Select the reference attach tool and open the reference file so that the alignment can be done
easily.

Figure 6 Attach the Reference File

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 Figure 7 Reference file over survey points
3.5 Alignment in MX:

There are two method for this purpose first one is quick alignment or IP method and second
is element method. For quick alignment , auto cad drawing I will be required by using cad
drawing we can easily align the road and can make master strings easily and for element
method ground level or any reference level from the ground surface is required. In this report,
quick alignment method is used.

In this it is required to do horizontal alignment and vertical alignment.

3.5.1 Horizontal alignment:

Select design and next quick alignment then horizontal alignment by using the horizontal
tools alignment will be done.

A F B B H D C C E D G O
Figure 8 Horizontal Alignment Tool Bars

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Parameters

Here you set the default radius and transition parameters. Use a standard value for the scheme
and change individual curves as necessary.

Add an IP

This allows you add intersection points by clicking on the drawing. Subsequent intersection
points will be connected with a straight. Adjacent straights will be connected by a curve and a
transition. Don’t worry if two curves overlap - you can correct this afterwards.

Move/Slide an IP

You do this by dragging and dropping an intersection point. The moved IP will stay where it
was “dropped” unless the “snap to point” icon is live and the IP was dropped onto a string. In
this case it will snap to the nearest string point. Another option is to “slide” the IP along a
tangent. The IP will slide along the tangent opposite which the cursor is depressed, leaving
the bearing of that tangent unchanged.

Insert IP
An IP will be inserted between existing IPs.

Clearances

Check distances between your design and other known points. You can do this by using a line
or a circle. Depending on the nature of the design it may be better to define any specified
clearances and then design around them.

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 Figure 9 Horizontal Alignment
3.5.2 Vertical alignment:
Same as horizontal alignment will be done for vertical alignment also using vertical
alignment tool bars.

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Figure 10 Vertical Alignment Toolbars

Figure 11 Lay out of Vertical Alignment

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 Figure 12 Vertical Alignment

3.6 Carriageway Design in MX:

o In carriageway design first carriageway will be design carriageway then design of
paved shoulder and earthen shoulder will be design.
o Go to design then select the Design string then horizontal offset after that one window
will be open.
o Give the reference string name and subsidiary string name will be given for the
shoulder design like paved and earthen shoulder.
o For carriageway CE0L will be given as new string name because in MX carriageway
will be denoted by CE0L for left side carriageway and CE0R will be used for right
side design.
o For paved shoulder CE0L and CE0R will be used as subsidiary string name for left
and right side respectively and ESPL and ESPR will be used as a new string name for
paved shoulder design and ESEL and ESER will be used as string name for earthen
shoulder design.
o After detailing then come to horizontal offset where constant offset will be selected
and given as 7 metre for carriageway throughout the length and it can be changed
from 7 to 10 metre gradually using liner horizontal offset for tapered section. And
then come to levels, 2.5% is given for carriageway and paved shoulders and 3% is
given for earthen shoulders for proper drainage.

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Figure 13 Design of Carriageway

Figure 14 Detailing in Carriageway

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 Figure 15 View of Carriageway

3.7Superelevation Design in MX:

Carriageway superelevation may be designed using…
o The conventional MX tools
o MX ROAD “rule-based superelevation’’

In this report the conventional MX tools method is used.

3.7.1 The conventional MX tools:

Go to design then select Amend a string after that crossfall/vertical offset then one window
will be open give the design model name and provide master string as reference string like
that will be provide all the required data and apply it as next step.

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 Figure 16Superelevation Design

Then the next window will open provide all the details, levels and starting chainage and end
chainage by changing the start and end points into chainage.

Figure 17 crossfall/Vertival Offset wizard

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 Figure 18 Top View Superelevation
3.8 Earth work in MX:
o The reference string is used to define the direction of the slopes, the start and end
positions and the frequency of the sections.
o It is not necessary to nominate both level datum strings - if one is not given, the slope
is not calculated on that side.
o For MX to generate the best sections, the model to be sectioned should be a
triangulation model. If you have already taken a set of sections using the reference
string, these could be used here.

Figure 19 Earthwork

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3.8.1 Earthworks - Defining the Style

Figure 20Earthwork Style and Strategy

o Selecting the ‘…’ (Browse) button will display a panel from which you can choose a
different earthworks library and style. This panel is shown on the next page.
o If the slope-berm combination being used in the cut situation above is also required in
the fill situation, the slope definition can be ‘dragged - and - dropped’ from the cut
panel to the fill panel. The slope will be automatically inverted.
o It the slope definition needs to be amended, highlight the slope and then select the
‘Edit…’ button. Alternately, double-click in the style image - MX is Windows
compliant.

Before this it is required to use the custom Earthworks to fix the slope for cutting and filling
after the completion of this then assign the fixed slopes for different cut and fill like cut to the
left , cut to the right and fill to the left and fill to right like that .

3.8.2Earthworks - The analysis:

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Point selection method depends on the reference string type. In the example above, the
reference string would have to be a master string for “chainage” to be used. Start points and
end points should be changed in start and end chainage .

Figure 21 End Earthwork Wizard

Figure 22 Earthwork

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3.9Long Section Generation or Cross Section in MX:

o ‘Long Sections…’ is a wizard that will generate a

number of sections through different models. All sections are shown in the section
viewer prior to generating a drawing.
o Go to analysis then select section then create cross
section then one window will be open provide all the details like reference strings
name i.e. master string then give a new model name where the cut section will be save
under the Model to Store Section and then select all the given points to get the
information about the cross sections.

Figure 23 Cross Section Details

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 Figure 24 Cross Section Tools

3.10Long section Annotation in MX:

Annotation can be added to the viewer to assist design checking. There is a choice of
information and units to suit most needs. Annotation gives all the information about the
section like information about all the intersection points of curves.

For this go to the draw and then select Annotate Drawing or pages and one window of
Geometric Annotation will be open then change the annotation configuration and keep the
style as a Indian Plan 1000.mxt and then select plan and then select the master string before
the annotate.

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 Figure 25 Plan Annotation

3.10.1 Profile Annotation:

 The same procedure can be done for profile annotation

by selecting the vertical alignment string.
 If vertical alignment is not done then this annotation
cannot be done so vertical alignment is required.

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 Figure 26 Profile Annotation

3.11Generation of Report and Setting out in MX:

Report will provide all the details about the section. There are three style of report generation.

There are three styles of repots

o Horizontal...
 straights, arcs and transitions
o Vertical…
 TP’s, IP’s, gradients, K-values etc…
o Offset information…
 chainages, offsets, levels and coordinates

Go to report and select the alignment report then horizontal alignment the will get one
window then give the model name or project name then next. After that Horizontal alignment
Report details wizard will open.

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 Figure 27 Layout of ReportGeneration

Figure 28Layout of Standard Data Entry panel

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There are three”tabs” on this wizard. These access the three components that make up any
horizontal alignment, namely the circular arcs, the spiral transition curves and the straights.

Figure 29Arc and Transition Curve Selections

The results from the alignment reporting functions can be directed to file for safe keeping,
and use in the contract documentation. A sample of the style of output is shown below.

By sending the results to a file you can add his own comments, or amend the format of the
report to his own requirements.

Figure 30Straight Details and Results

Produce horizontal, vertical and offset reports for all roads. And select choice of details
which is required.

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 Summary

MXROAD is an advanced, string-based modelling tool that enables the rapid and accurate
design of all road types. MXROAD, quickly create design alternatives to build the ideal road
system.It is widely used by civil engineers, designers, professional surveyors, geotechnical
engineers, storm drainage/water/sewer system designers and civil engineering consultants.
MX Road is a proven, powerful, and concise method of creating any 3D surface. It automates
much of the design detailing process, thus saving our time. In MX we can design the
carriageway, alignment work of road, road widening, cuts section, annotation and at last we
can generate the report of all these activities.

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 References

MX Road software, (Date 13/07/2016)

https://www.caddcentre.com/mxroad_software_course.php (Date 13/07/2016)

https://www.bentley.com/en/products/product-line/mxroad(Date 13/07/2016)

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