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Category: Bentley Tip

  • Projecting Vertical Geometry Between Alignments

    Projecting Vertical Geometry Between Alignments

    On most road and rail jobs, we’re never dealing with a single alignment. There’s usually a mainline plus ramps, offsets, adjacent tracks, service roads, or platform lines that all need to behave together vertically.

    That’s where problems often creep in.

    Horizontal relationships are usually under control, but vertical geometry between parallel alignments is harder to keep consistent as designs evolve. A small change to one profile can quietly introduce grade breaks, clearance issues, or mismatched transitions elsewhere—often without being obvious in plan or long section.

    Bentley’s Project Vertical Geometry Between Alignments workflow is designed to manage exactly this scenario.

    Instead of manually re‑creating profiles, this approach allows vertical intent to be projected from one alignment to another in a controlled, repeatable way. When used properly, it helps keep parallel profiles aligned with the same logic-rather than relying on visual checks or manual edits.

    The real value isn’t just speed. It’s about:

    • Reducing rework when changes inevitably happen
    • Avoiding subtle inconsistencies that only show up late
    • Making authority reviews easier to defend
    • Letting engineers focus on design decisions instead of redrafting

    The video linked below walks through the workflow step by step and shows how Bentley handles this natively within its alignment and profile tools.

    If you regularly work with multiple parallel alignments in MicroStation, OpenRoads, or OpenRail, this is one of those features that’s worth understanding properly. It can save hours-and avoid some painful surprises later in a project.

    ▶ Watch the video:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cs7UcNMXMc

  • Practical Terrain Model Tips for Cleaner, Faster Surface Editing in Bentley OpenRoads & MicroStation

    Practical Terrain Model Tips for Cleaner, Faster Surface Editing in Bentley OpenRoads & MicroStation

    Terrain models are a core part of civil design, and even small improvements in how they’re managed can save meaningful time across a project. This video explores three practical techniques for working more efficiently with terrains in Bentley OpenRoads and MicroStation.
    Watch the video: https://youtu.be/RpTPMpMiLLg

    The first technique covers updating a terrain model using the graphical filter. This approach avoids unnecessary recreation of data and provides a clean way to rebuild a surface directly from selected geometry. It’s particularly useful in workflows where terrain updates are frequent or iterative.

    The video then outlines two methods for modifying terrain settings. Adjusting attributes through the Properties dialog allows quick, direct edits, while using element templates ensures consistent presentation and standards compliance across a project. Knowing when to use each method helps maintain both accuracy and visual clarity.

    Finally, the video demonstrates how to remove unwanted triangles-such as swipes-using the Delete Triangles by Line tool. It also shows what occurs when new data is added in the same location and how to restore a clean model using the delete option. This helps avoid irregular contours or unexpected triangulation patterns.

    These techniques focus on reliability and simplicity, supporting smoother day‑to‑day modelling and helping users produce more predictable, professional terrain results

  • 5 Practical Tips for Smoother Vertical Alignment Workflows in OpenRoads

    5 Practical Tips for Smoother Vertical Alignment Workflows in OpenRoads

    Vertical geometry is one of those areas where small gaps in workflow knowledge can lead to frustrating edits, unpredictable behaviour, or unnecessary rework. To help streamline day-to-day work, here are five simple but genuinely useful techniques for managing vertical alignments more confidently in OpenRoads Designer.

    1. Opening a Profile from Project Explorer
    Most users open a profile by selecting the alignment and waiting for the profile icon to appear. That works, but it’s not the only method. You can also navigate directly to the alignment in Project Explorer and right-click to open the profile view. This approach is especially useful when the hover icon doesn’t appear or when working in busy models.

    2. Placing Lines by Distance or Slope
    When placing vertical lines, you can key-in the desired value and lock either slope or distance. It’s a simple but precise way to control vertical geometry without extra steps.

    3. Ensuring Geometry Is Properly Connected
    If modifying a vertex gives unexpected results, the verticals may not be fully connected. Complex them together, try the modification again, and use the table editor if needed. Once connected correctly, edits become predictable and stable.

    4. Inserting a Vertex Graphically
    Using the Insert Vertex tool from the Home tab allows you to place new vertices directly in the profile view. It’s quick, visual, and avoids unnecessary dialog navigation.

    5. Matching Start and Finish RLs
    For islands or any vertical loop that needs to begin and end at the same RL, place horizontal lines at both ends and move the relevant vertices to match. This keeps the geometry clean and consistent.

    These small, practical techniques help minimise rework, reduce alignment issues, and keep vertical workflows efficient.

    5 vertical alignment tips

    Adam Lambert

    ​Kirk Kulbe​

  • Tired of re-snapping to the same points over and over?Introducing a feature that can save you a surprising amount of time -Persist Snaps.

    Tired of re-snapping to the same points over and over?Introducing a feature that can save you a surprising amount of time -Persist Snaps.

    Persist Snaps allow you to retain and reuse precise snap locations across multiple commands, effectively creating temporary reference points in your design file.
    They improve drafting efficiency, consistency, and accuracy -especially in complex layouts or when working from a consistent set of key locations.

    They let you “lock in” your snap locations across multiple commands, so when your geometry shifts, your connected elements stay coordinated. It’s like giving your design a set of temporary reference points that remember where everything belongs.

    In this short video, I’ll show you where to find the toggle, how to set your preferences so it sticks between sessions, and a few quick checks to see it working in both plan and profile views.

    Simple trick, big impact -fewer clicks, fewer mistakes, cleaner geometry.

    Watch the clip and see how it works in your own files.

  • Bentley’s New Ecosystem Catalog

    Bentley’s New Ecosystem Catalog

    Highlighting Bentley Systems and their extensive Ecosystem Catalog – a valuable resource connecting infrastructure professionals with solution partners advancing digital engineering, sustainable design, and productivity across global projects. We are proud to see CaddPro Pty Ltd featured among the “Applications & Plugins” that complement Bentley software.

    https://www.bentley.com/ecosystem-catalog

  • Bentley “Ruled” Relationships

    Bentley “Ruled” Relationships

    Curious how OpenRoads’ “ruled” relationships can supercharge your tangential element construction? My latest video tip guides new users through creating these elements, simplifying basic geometry tasks. OpenRoads’ dynamic “ruled” connections keep your alignments linked and editable, making it easier to build and adjust complex horizontal geometry or grade from a centerline. This quick, beginner-friendly tutorial shows how to leverage these relationships for smoother workflows and better productivity, helping you get the most out of your Bentley tools. I’ve checked—this tip brings a unique angle to OpenRoads’ capabilities. Watch it, share with your team, and drop your feedback! More tips coming soon.

  • MicroStation Copy Parallel

    MicroStation Copy Parallel

    Unlock MicroStation’s best command ever-Copy Parallel-to streamline your drafting without the hassle. This feature lets you duplicate entire elements, segments, or just portions with precision. Whether you’re working on complex alignments in OpenRoads or detailing in OpenRail, Copy Parallel simplifies your process. Colleagues have shared how it improved their workflows. Check the short video below for tips on using it effectively. Try it and share with your team!