Superelevation Wizard - Overview

The Superelevation Wizard provides a simple approach to the process of applying superelevation to a road.

The superelevation to be applied is based on parameters specified in the rules files. These parameters must be checked to confirm
adherence to the appropriate standard.

The process is defined by the following steps:

Step 1

Specify the alignment string for the road to which you wish to add superelevation. You can define the points where you wish
superelevation application to start and end. If you wish to apply it along the whole alignment, do not change the start and end fields.
You can also select a colour to be used for annotation.

The alignment string must be a master string with an associated geometry string. It must not contain points with null levels
over the length to be superelevated.

Step 2

The length to be superelevated can only have one set of parameters applied to it. Therefore a single carriageway which divides to
become a dual carriageway must have the superelevation applied separately to the different sections.

Step 3

Set the parameters for superelevation. You can:

z specify the design rules and design speed to be used. The design rules will determine whether single or dual carriageway
parameters are to be used

z select 1 of 6 carriageway pivot options for a single carriageway

or 1 of 4 carriageway pivot options for dual carriageways
the pivot option selected results in superelevation being applied in different ways.

z choose a linear or reverse curve, or biquadratic curve application (by default, only the linear type is available for some pivot
methods to avoid potential drainage problems).

Not all pivot options are always available, depending on the rules files being used.

Step 4

Select the carriageway edge strings for the road to which you wish to apply superelevation:

z single - specify the left and right edge strings of the carriageway

z dual - specify the inner and outer edges of both carriageways.

The carriageway edge strings must not contain points with null levels over the length of road to be superelevated.

Step 5

Before you apply the superelevation you can confirm that the superelevation is correct. To view a list of the conflicts, click Review
Conflicts. To correct any conflicts, click Edit to amend the calculated values.

You can also check Create Report to create a text file in the current project folder. The report is created when you click Finish. The
report shows how the applied superelevation differs from theoretical values. This report is valuable as an audit record showing how
you edited values to resolve conflicts.

Step 6

Click Finish to apply the superelevation to the carriageway. If you do not want to apply the superelevation click Cancel.

If you select Finish to apply the superelevation, checks are made to determine the existence of other strings associated with
the carriageway such as shoulders, hard strips or material edges. If such strings are found, you are asked if you wish to
apply superelevation to them. The superelevation is applied to each associated string by extension of crossfall.

If, when calculating the superelevation, the error Error - carriageway has already been superelevated, please redesign
carriageway before applying superelevation is displayed, either select other strings to superelevate or click Cancel and
redesign the carriageway after using Modify -> Edit Strings -> Delete String Groups to remove the carriageway strings.
Start
This panel lets you select the model and master string for the alignment, set a chainage range over which the superelevation is
calculated, and adjust the annotation settings.

Edit Existing allows you to review and edit a previously superelevated roadway. Clicking Edit Existing takes you to the Check
Design panel.

Edit Existing is possible because the application method, rules file, speed, strings, application type and pivot method are
stored against the model and reference string name.
Therefore, if you select the same model and reference string name all the values used to define the superelevation including
your edits on the Edit Values panel are loaded to allow efficient access for further edit.
Rules
The superelevation to be applied is based on parameters specified in the rules files. These parameters must be checked to
confirm adherence to the appropriate standard.

This panel lets you select the rules you want to use, and select the appropriate design speed.

Many countries have different sets of rules for single and dual carriageway design, which are normally held in separate rules files.
You must select an appropriate set of rules for the road you are designing.

Superelevation Rules - Overview

Parameters
This panel lets you select the pivot method you want to use. Additionally you can specify any parameters associated with the
Superelevation Application Type such as; linear or Circular Reverse Curve, ease length and the number of lanes where this is
required by the rules.

Pivot methods - Single carriageways

Pivot methods - Dual carriageways

When a road contains a curve, the profile of the carriageway is superelevated according to the design speed and rules chosen. The
way that the cross section changes from the standard profile to the superelevated profile is defined by the pivot method.

When superelevation is applied, the carriageway is rotated about a point on the cross section. This is called the pivot point, and is
defined by the pivot method chosen. The following diagram gives an idea of how pivoting works:-

There are four distinct positions along the application length. These are:

z Normal Crown - the start of the application length, where the carriageway crossfalls are as defined in the carriageway
template, ie, the same as for a straight road.

z Level Crown - where adverse camber has been removed, ie, the position at which the crossfall on the outer lane or
carriageway becomes flat, having risen up from being negative.

z Reverse Crown - where the crossfall on the outer lane of carriageway has risen up past the level crown so that it matches the
crossfall of the inner lane or carriageway.

z Full Superelevation - where the required superelevation value is achieved.

Depending upon the pivot method being used, not all of these positions will be calculated. For example, if a cross hung single
carriageway is pivoted about one of the carriageway edge strings, the level crown position is not calculated, as the road is in the
reverse crown stage throughout its length.

This panel also lets you select the way that the string levels will change as the superelevation is applied. For example, if the
superelevation is to change from -2½% to 5%, the change in level can be applied at a constant (linear) gradient, by using two equal
curves of opposite hand (Symmetrical Reverse Curve) or by using a biquadratic reverse curve.

This example shows the differences between linear, symmetrical reverse curve and biquadratic reverse curve.
For further details of the pivot options, refer to Related Topics.
Single / Dual Carriageway
This panel lets you select the edge strings for the road to be superelevated - two for single carriageways, and four for dual
carriageways.

Depending upon the pivot method you have selected, you can also choose to offset the pivot axis from the carriageway edge by
checking the Use Offsets from Edge Strings box.

If the string naming convention is in use, the default string names are displayed.

For single carriageways, if the carriageway template uses LC as one of the carriageway edge string names, then this name
is displayed as one of the edge string names. Note that pivoting will be about this edge depending on the pivot method
selected.

When you click Next the carriageway is checked to determine if it has been previously superelevated. This is determined by
comparing the crossfall at the start against the crossfall at each curve. Checking all curves on a long carriageway will take
time, therefore the number of curves to be checked can be varied and is specified in the file MfW Road Defaults.ini, which is
located in your project's mxdata subfolder.

See Undo Superelevation

Offset Pivots
This panel lets you offset the pivot axis from the left or right carriageway edge of single carriageways, or either of the inner edges
on a dual carriageway. You can specify the offset from the reference string or the carriageway edge, and you can vary the offset
along the length of the carriageway.

For example, you may want the pivot axis to be at a constant distance from the centre line even when the carriageway edge varies,
perhaps because of the addition of a lay-by or junction widening.

Alternatively, it is sometimes required that a dual carriageway is pivoted around the road centre line. There is no option to do this in
the Superelevation Wizard (because it can cause excessive cut and fill), but it can be achieved using Offset Pivots. All you need
to do is specify the reference string name as the string to offset from, and an offset of zero, for both the left and right carriageways.

To specify an offset, ensure that the appropriate tab is selected, then proceed as follows:

z Specify whether you want to measure the offset from the reference string or the carriageway edge by clicking Reference String
Name or Left, Right, Inner Edge Name as appropriate.

z Specify the offset by using the spinners or typing a value. Remember to click one of the arrow buttons to indicate the direction
of the offset.

z Define the chainage range over which the pivot axis is to be offset. By default, the start and end chainage of the reference
string are supplied. You will need to change these if you want to vary the offset along the length of the string.

z Click the Add button.

An entry is added to the table defining the offset to be applied over the chainage range.

To edit an entry, select the entry and click the Update button. The values are returned to the relevant fields in the panel, from where
you can edit them. When you have finished, click the Add button once again.

To delete an entry, select the entry and click the Delete button.

Once you have specified all the pivot offsets, click Next.

If you specify varying offsets, you must leave a gap between the chainage ranges which will allow a linear transition to be
inserted automatically.

By using offsets to change the pivot axis, you do not change the superelevation applied to the carriageway, but the levels
along the new pivot axis are used rather than those at the carriageway edge.
Undo Superelevation
Each time you ask the Superelevation Wizard to calculate and apply superelevation, it checks to see if superelevation has been
applied before. If it finds that superelevation has already been applied, it offers you the chance to return the design model to its
previous state.

The previous state is the state of the design model before the previous application of superelevation by the Superelevation Wizard.
At that time, a copy of the design model was saved as <model name> PRESUPER.

It is therefore recommended that Undo Superelevation is only used if:

z you have not progressed to junction design, earthworks and other design options since applying superelevation.

z a simple change is required, such as a change of design speed.

If you cannot accept return of the design model to its previous state, yet still wish to change the superelevation, you should reapply
the carriageway and shoulder templates to the section of the design model where superelevation needs to be re-applied, then
superelevate the section where the templates have been re-applied. You will then have to make sure that the joins between the
different sections match the design requirements.
Check Design
This panel lets you apply the calculated superelevation to the carriageway(s). You can review any conflicts that have occurred,
by clicking on Review Conflicts, and edit the calculated superelevation by clicking on the Edit button.

Clicking Finish will apply the superelevation and create the Report if the Save Report option is checked.

You can also check Save Report to create a <user named> text file in the current project folder. The report is created when you
click Finish. The report shows how the applied superelevation differs from theoretical values. This report is valuable as an audit
record showing how you edited values to resolve conflicts.
Superelevate Additional Features
This panel allows you to superelevate additional feature strings associated with the carriageway. If checked, the string group is
superelevated by extending the carriageway crossfall.

This panel will only appear if the string naming convention is on and strings of these feature types exist.

The file MFW Road Defaults.ini file (located in your project \MxData subfolder) contains a section called [SuperElevationFeatures]
which lists those carriageway features which will be superelevated in addition to the carriageway edges. A typical entry is as
follows:

Feature0=CM,0

CM is a partial string name defined in the MXROAD style set (.pss), in this case, Carriageway (Material Edge), and 1 or 0 is a
flag which indicates whether the feature will be superelevated by default or not.

In this way, you can superelevate features such as road markings to ensure that they always lie on the road surface.

The feature name is displayed on the panel, rather than the partial string name.

The features you specify should also be included in the carriageway template.

The carriageway edge features (CE, etc) are always superelevated anyway and so do not need to be included in this list.
Edit Values
This panel provides all the tools you require to review or edit the calculated superelevation.

Current Values

This list displays the Current Values to be applied to the superelevation.

A single line in the list can be selected. When a line is selected and highlighted the three tabs on the right hand side of the panel
are updated to show the relevant diagram and application details and provide access to the values that can be edited.

When a normal crown or reverse crown line is selected and highlighted the Delete Section icon can be selected to avoid
overlapping the adjacent application length. It can also be used to remove a short straight between two curves where it is
acceptable to have a smooth superelevation transition between them without having a length of normal crossfall in between. This
can also be achieved automatically by setting the appropriate options in the rules files.

The Grade value is the difference in the gradient of the outside edge of the road compared to the gradient of the pivot string.
It is also known as the Relative Grade and the Rate of Change. Design standards often state that a maximum, for example
1%, should not be exceeded.

The units used for the Left Slope, Right Slope and Grade columns are shown at the head of the column. The units are set in
the Tools -> System Parameters option, on the Analysis defaults tab.

Conflicts

This list displays information about any points along the carriageway where the design is such that the calculated superelevation
could cause problems, for example if the calculated length of application is too long for the road to drain properly.

The conflict list is constantly updated as the superelevation is changed in the Current Values tab.

Depending on the settings in the superelevation rule file (.srl) checking is carried out on the resulting gradient calculated
from the horizontal transition length.
If this gradient is too steep (the application length is too short) the application will not adhere to the comfort criteria.
If this gradient is too shallow (the application length is too long) the application will not adhere to drainage criteria.

Where the superelevation design rules result in the superelevation application overlapping from one curve to the next. The
display highlights the areas of overlap by changing the colour of the superelevation annotation. The annotation is green on
the leading curve and blue on the following curve.

Rules Values

This list displays the calculated values applied. The values do not change and provide a reference.

If you have used the Edit Existing option, this tab is temporarily renamed Original Values because the values may not be the
same as the original rules values.

Diagram

This tab displays a schematic diagram showing a curve and the selected section type highlighted in red.

Clicking on any item in the Current Values list brings up a schematic diagram of the curve, with crossfall wedges showing how the
superelevation is applied. Each curve on the alignment will have two, four or six values calculated, depending on the pivot method
used. The diagram also shows which point is selected by highlighting it in red.

Edit

To edit the values for a particular point (for example, Reverse Crown In), click on the appropriate line in the Current Values list.
Select the Edit tab. The relevant description is shown in red. Depending upon the rules you have selected, you can edit either
Chainages and Crossfalls or Application Length. Click the appropriate radio button.to display the values that may be
edited.chainage

Chainages and Crossfalls

Select the Chainages and Crossfalls radio button. The relevant description for the point highlighted in the Current Values list is
shown in red and its values may be edited. Edit either the chainage or slope value then click Apply.
As you edit the values click Apply You can then see the results in the plan view, and confirm that a conflict has been resolved by
selecting the Conflicts list.
As soon as you click Apply, the changes are made and the Undo button is made available.

Application Length

There are two ways of modifying the Application Llength; you can edit its value or slide the length along the curve.

To edit the application length select the Application Length radio button, then define the type of modification by selecting either Edit
Application Length or Slide Application Length.

To edit using Edit Application Length specify a new value and then indicate whether the length is to be locked at the full
superelevation or normal crown position, or whether the length is to be changed equally at both ends.

To edit using Slide Application Length, specify the distance and then whether the application is to be moved in a forward or reverse
direction along the string.

The individual length values denote the distance between the point you select and the previous point, for example, the
reverse crown and the normal crown points.

As you edit the values click Apply You can then see the results in the plan view, and confirm that a conflict has been resolved by
selecting the Conflicts list.
As soon as you click Apply, the changes are made and the Undo arrow is no longer greyed.

Superelevation with reverse crowns verifies that the application length is not less than the length between the normal crown
and the reverse crown. If the length is less than the length between the normal crown and reverse crown the calculated
value is retained.

Where the superelevation design rules result in the superelevation application overlapping from one curve to the next. The
display highlights the areas of overlap by changing the colour of the superelevation annotation. The annotation is green on
the leading curve and blue on the following curve.

Application Details

This tab displays the following read-only information about the superelevation applied to the selected curve.

z Rules - the name and location of the superelevation rules file applied.

z Design Speed - value applied

z Pivoting Option - number

z Superelevation Application - schematic and method, for example linear, symmetrical reverse curve, and biquadratic reverse
curve.

Rate of Change Calculation/ Grade

To calculate the Rate of Change displayed as Grade on the Current Values tab::

z Find the width of a lane at the curve, for example 3.65 metres for a ?? single carriageway.

z Calculate the level difference between the centre line and the outside channel, at the crossfall quoted for both ends of the
application length. For example, a crossfall of -2.5% over 3.65 metres would give a level difference of -0.09125 metres. A
crossfall of +7% would give a level difference of +0.255 metres.

z Add the two level differences together. -0.09125 + 0.255 = 0.34675 metres.

z The Rate of Change is given by (1 / sum of level differences) x application length. For example (1 / 0.34675) x 30 = 86.52 1 in
N.

The Rate of Change will alter if the application length is changed, or the full superelevation crossfall is changed in the
Superelevation Editor.

The Rate of Change is always calculated for the outer channel - the channel with the biggest change.

Clicking Finish will apply the superelevation and create the Report if the Save Report option is checked.

You can also click Save Report to create a <user named> text file in the current project folder. The report is created when you click
Finish. The report shows how the applied superelevation differs from theoretical values. This report is valuable as an audit record
showing how you edited values to resolve conflicts.
Application of Levels
For some of the pivot methods, it can be seen that to apply superelevation to a road, the levels on the master string would have
to be amended.

z For single carriageways, this situation occurs when pivoting is done about either of the carriageway edge strings.

z For dual carriageways, it can apply when pivoting about the edges of the central reservation. This allows the central
reservation to be vertically offset from the master string.

This is not desirable, as the master string would become `out of step' with its associated geometry string, and the alignment from
which they were created. This problem is overcome by the Superelevation Wizard which creates a centre line level string, if one
does not already exist, which is stored in the design model when you accept the superelevation.

It is important that you are aware that the master string may not lie on the design surface when using other MX options, such as
creating cross sections. The MXROAD options take care of this automatically, and provide a selection mask file that can be used
throughout MX, to ensure that the correct strings are being used.