Dynamic Section Callout

Hi all,


I work within the rail sector and have a question regarding Generative Components and Section Callouts (to create 2D cross-sections from a 3D model).

Example:
Lets say that I have a straight railway track that extends 200 meters. 

I have designed in Microstation Connect - an Overhead Wiring Mast/Gantry spaced every 25 meters

Can i reference the above example in to Generative Components, and place a Section Callout that corresponds to every OHW gantry - So if i decided to edit the Microstation model and decrease the spacing to 10 meters for instance, the Section Callout in GC will update and in turn, update the cross sections accordingly? 

The reason for this is so that the ground profiles and track levels will update automatically



Thanks,

  • Hi Sean,

    Yes, in general, that is possible. One would have to build the gantries in a way (perhaps including a specific element on a specific level) that can be identified by GenerativeComponents to create what is needed for Section Callouts (e.g. ClipVolume nodes). Through a transaction script those ClipVolume nodes can be used to create Section callouts and saved views which can be placed in drawings.

    HTH,

        Volker

       

  • Hi Mueller,

    I appreciate the response. Are you able to provide any YouTube examples or tutorials on this please? 

    Also, not sure if you can answer, but what can OpenRail Connect do differently to the other Connect editions i.e AECOSim or MicroStation connect? 

    We are trying to automate as much of our design as possible and trying our best to desipher what package/application suits us best before investing resource. 

    Cheers 

  • Hi Sean,

    Yes, I think getting information about the applications' capabilities is a good approach.

    I'll double-check with our Learn consultants about training contents for the documentation workflow.

    For information about OpenRail you may want to visit the OpenRail community at https://communities.bentley.com/products/rail_design/.

    The fundamental differences are that OpenRail is an expert system for rail corridor and track design, AECOsim Building Designer, now OpenBuildings Designer, is an expert system for building design, also commonly dubbed a BIM tool, and MicroStation is a general modeling tool without any particular domain focus. OpenRail, for example, lets users design rail tracks based on rules for design speed in curves with resulting proper cant, and other alignments relative to the track. It does not know what a building information model is. OpenBuildings Designer does not know anything about design speed or cant; however, it knows that in architecture there are walls, doors, and windows, plumbing and piping, HVAC, electrical, and structural building elements. MicroStation does not know about either of those domains.

    We do have colleagues who will be happy to help you with additional information, software demos, and answers to your questions about our software. I suspect that within your company you may find expert users of those three applications who can tell you more about them, too.

    Regards,

        Volker

       

  • Hi Mueller,

    Thank you for the detailed responses clarifying the differences between OpenRail, MicroStation and OpenBuildings. 

    There is a small selection of us within our company who are exploring/pioneering these packages. Its very important that we understand the limitations and directions of the software before investing the resource and funding, which is what prompted me to ask these questions. 
    We are hoping that future releases of OpenRail will begin to tailor more Overhead Wiring solutions so that we can delve down that route.

    Cheers

  • Hi Sean,

    Please e-mail me at Volker.Mueller (at) Bentley.com. It seems that you and your colleagues might benefit from more specific support than can be provided through a product community.

    Regards,

         Volker