Use Infraworks for site balance during early design stages

Dana Rice

Infraworks is the ideal tool for showing a true-to-life model of your design in it's real-world location.

But did you know that Infraworks can also do some design calculations? Infraworks Grading Areas can automatically assign elevations that will closely balance the cut-and-fill of your construction site.

A Grading Area is an Infraworks Coverage Area with grading capabilities. Grading Areas can be used early in the planning and design process to quickly identify the best location for development.

You do not need to set elevations on your Grading Area. Just assign a grading style and it will calculate the best fit elevations for your location. In the example above I'm setting the grading style to 3:1.

Terrain Statistics reports a Net Volume close to balance, especially considering this is in the due diligence stage. This entire process can be completed in under 15 mintues.

About the Author

As an Applications Expert, Dana is responsible for supporting, training, and implementation of software for survey and civil engineering professionals. Dana began her career as an AutoCAD and Civil 3D draftsperson in the civil engineering industry. She supported surveyors and engineers by managing CAD templates, assisting with preliminary design, processing field data, and creating construction documents. After a decade in production work, Dana transitioned to a CAD manager, working in both the private and public sectors. She has more than 24 years of experience helping large and small, public and private organizations in the southeastern United States.
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