a look inside civil 3d cad coordination (management) at kimley-horn …€¦ · a look inside civil...

A Look inside Civil 3D CAD Coordination(Management) at Kimley-Horn (KH)

Bob Gilman – Kimley-Horn

A brief look at what it’s like to be a Civil 3D or CAD Coordinator for a 2700 person Civil Engineering firmwith over 80 offices (KH).

Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this class, you will have a better understanding of what it’s like to be a Civil 3DCoordinatior:

The topics will include but are not limited to:

· Organization of Kimley-Horn’s CAD Coordinator structure· What software are we currently running for Design· How and when do we roll out the next version of the software· Shared file organization· Civil 3D Customization· Guidelines or Standards· Training your users· Supporting your users· Building a relationship with Civil 3D users, resellers and Autodesk· And how do I get my normal project work done

About the Speaker

Bob Gilman is a civil Sr. Designer for Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. KHA ranks in thetop 50 of the ENR top-500 design firms. This year they placed number 7 on Fortune’smagazine’s top 100 companies to work for. He has over 25 years’ experience in the civilfield, and has worked on a wide variety of projects from land development, roadway andairports. Bob’s duties at KHA are the Mid America Regional CAD Coordinator. Before hearrived at Kimley-Horn he was the CAD Manager for 6+ years at BRW/Dames andMoore/URS.

A Look Inside Civil 3D CAD Coordination (Management) at Kimley-Horn (KH)

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About Kimley-Horn

Kimley-Horn is one of the nation’s premier planning and design consulting firms. With over2,700 staff members in more than 80 offices across the U.S., the firm offers full services in awide range of disciplines. These offices are organized into 6 regions. The regions are California,Mountain, Texas, Mid America, Southeast and Florida regions.


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Kimley-Horn’s CAD Coordinator Organization

KH CAD organization is a layered system with Dave Garrigues as the KH Frim Wide CADCoordinator. Then each region has a Regional CAD Coordinator (RCC) with the exception ofthe Mid America region which has 2. And each office has an Office CAD Coordinator (OCC).

Duties of a Dave Garrigues

Dave Garrigues has a wide variety CAD topics and issues he deal with. He is a part ofInformation Systems. He works with the RCC, IS and Production Managers on everything CAD.

Partial list of things Dave’s duties:

· AutoCAD and Civil 3D customization (LISP, custom Civil 3d programs, CUI,Ribbon and etc.)

· Works with Autodesk on any software issues encountered· AutoCAD, Civil 3D and Microstation training coordinator· CAD and production support· Conducts a bi-monthly call with RCC’s and IS personnel· Visualization· Presentation rehearsal

Duties of a Regional CAD Coordinator

The RCC work with Dave Garrigues on a wide variety of CAD issues and topics. The RCC havea support role but they also have production work and a Utilization Goal (UT) of around 85%.

Partial list of things RCC’s duties:

· KH AutoCAD and Civil 3D customization ideas· AutoCAD and Civil 3D testing· CAD and production support· AutoCAD and Civil 3D training· Bi-monthly RCC call· Monthly OCC call· Production


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Duties of an Office CAD Coordinator

The OCC will work with the RCC on a wide variety of CAD issues and topics. The OCC’s have asupport role but they also have a Utilization Goal (UT) of around 95%.

Partial list of things OCC’s duties:

· CAD and production support· AutoCAD and Civil 3D training· Monthly OCC call· Production

KH CAD Coordinators


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Civil 3D Software

Current Version of Civil 3D

KH skips every other version of Civil 3D unless it’s dictated by a client or a project team.Currently KH is using the 2015 version, with some older projects being finished in 2013 and allnew projects started in 2015.

Testing of the 2017 version will begin later this spring. We usually test for about 6 to 8 months.Each RCC tests the software focusing on their particular specialty. KH use OneNote to compilea listing of new features and any issue that maybe found.

While the RCC’s are busy testing the software our IS group is busy creating SCCM SystemCenter Configuration Manager installation packages. These packages are also a part of thetesting phase.

Installation of Civil 3D

Due to the large size of Civil 3D users we start off with small groups of about 10 per region totest the installation. We do this for 2 reason’s to test the speed of the installation and the rate ofsuccess. If everything goes good we increase the number of installations with the goal of beingable to do an entire office in a couple of days. With a goal of having completed firm wideinstallation in 2 months.


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AutoCAD and Civil 3D Resource Files

Resource Files

KH have 2 different folders where AutoCAD and Civil 3D resource files are stored and shared.Both are out on the M:\ drive. One is M:\Cadd and the other is M:\KH\CAD\Autodesk. Both ofthese folders are organized by versions and have access restrictions placed on them.

M:\CADD Folder

The M:\CADD folder is the location that an office will store information it’s user need to work onprojects. The same folder structure is used for each version. When we upgrade to a new versionthe folders and files are copied to the new version folder. Certain files like fonts, hatch patternsare copied from the software installation folder. We do this because a new features in 2015 maynot be able to be used in version 2011. There are various users who will have read/write accessto this folder.

OVERVIEW OF THE M:\CADD FOLDER

Note:There are 2 Library folders the 2015 and a Library folder. The 2015 Library folder is for versionspecific user information. The Autodesk Library folder is for non-version specific information.


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Complete M:\CADD\AUTODESK\2015\LIBRARY FOLDER


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M:\CADD\AUTODESK\LIBRARY FOLDER

M:\KH\CAD\Autodesk Folder

The M:\KH\CAD\Autodesk folder is the location that all the firm wide information is stored andshared. Unlike the M:\CADD\AUTODESK folder those folders are replicated to each office in thefirm. Any changes made are instantaneously across the wide area network. The folder structureis ever changing depending on what customization is done. Most users have no idea that thisfolder exist and what’s in it. This folder has the strictest read/write access with only a Dave anda couple IS staff that have the ability to make changes.


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U:\CADD\Autodesk Folder

The U:\CADD\Autodesk folder is the location that a user’s CUI, Command Aliases, ActionRecorder and other user custom files are located. This allows user’s to hop on any PC and haveall their personal settings.

Profile Settings

KH uses a custom profile. The profile has a wide range of paths and settings pre-assigned soeveryone is reading the same settings when Civil 3D is launched. The profile settings are storedin the KHA_C3D15v1.arg file. The most important settings are on the File Tab. This is thelocation that allows you to set support search paths, plotter locations, plot style, templates, etc.

To add a profile path copy your Civil 3D shortcut right click on the shortcut and under theShortcut tab and in Target box add the path. The /p is the switch to load the profile.

OUR profile path "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD2015\kha_custom\KHA_SmartCADLaunch2015ARG.exe" "/ld 'C:\ProgramFiles\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2015\AecBase.dbx' /p 'C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD2015\kha_custom\KHA_C3D15v1.arg'"


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Listing of KH search paths added in the profile.Support File Search Paths

Trusted Locations

Customization Files


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Printer Support File Path

Template Settings

Tool Pallettes File Locations

Action Recorder Settings


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Civil 3D Customizations

KH has a wide variety of customizations from lisp routines, ribbons and toolbars to a smartlaunch utility.

Lisp Routines

Currently KH has about 300 or so custom AutoCAD and Civil 3D lisp routines and programs.Dave G does the majority of the programing with help from other staff. The more complexprograming we have help from some of our in house developers.

User can access some of the lisp routines using the KHA-FW ribbon and Toolbars.

The KHA-FW ribbon and toolbars are loaded into the kha2015-enterprise CUI located on thenetwork. Placing the CUI on the network allows us to easily make changes and modifications sothat all the users get the updates.

Smart Launch

Smart launch is something new. This customization came about when users launching Civil 3Dwithout the proper network pathing. When this happens it can mess up the CUI and profile.

Dialog box when no network drive are available

When you select Local Drives it will map temporary network drive using the C:\ drive.


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Guidelines or Standards

Whether you call them Guidelines or Standards they are an important part of getting everyoneon the same page. You can make them as simple as a 1 or 2 page document or a 100 pagemanual. The key is to make them simple with important information.

What are Guidelines or Standards?· Blocks, Details And Borders· Templates· Standard folder structure· Drawing Naming Convention· Example plans

Blocks, Details and Borders

All Blocks, details and borders should be inserted into the appropriate templates. But it is also agood idea to store them in folder on a shared network drive. Providing a little organization willhelp the user easily navigate to what they are looking for. KH stores all their blocks, details andborders on the M:\CADD\AUTODESK\2015\Library.

M:\CADD\AUTODESK\2015\Library\Blocks


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M:\CADD\AUTODESK\2015\Library\Borders and Details

Note:That any blocks or details we receive from others are stored in a folder named after the client orwhoever provided the information.


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Templates

Templates are the biggest part of standardization. They will hold your layers, blocks, dimensionstyles and Civil 3D style. I like to think there are 2 kinds of templates. One has everything forboth existing, proposed and plan sheets. It would contain all layers, blocks, dimension style,Civil 3D styles, etc. in one drawing. The other kind divide this information up into task specifictemplates. There are benefits in both cases I’ve listed some pros and cons below.

Everything in one templatePro:

· Ease to maintain one Civil 3D.o All the layers, blocks, etc. for existing, proposed and plan sheets.o One location for Civil 3D Styles.

·Cons:

· So many layers in one drawing can become overwhelmingo Example existing, proposed layers can add up to thousand of

layers when xrefed together.o You may not need Civil 3D layers in a signing and striping

drawing.· Overabundance of Civil 3D styles in drawing

o All the styles for cogo points, surfaces, alignments, profiles, pipenetwork etc. can become overwhelming. Plus everything has alabel styles this can be allot of unused info in a drawing.

· What about non Civil 3D drawingo All the Civil 3D styles not needed in a 2D line work drawing.

Removing all the Civil 3D styles can be time consuming.o Civil 3D styles add to the number of unused layers that cannot be

purged.

Multiple templates 2D and Civil 3DPro:

· Cleaner drawing.o Civil 3D task specific templates.

§ Templates for creating surfaces, alignments and profiles,corridor and sections and plan sheets.

o 2D drawings.§ Cleaner drawings for just 2D base maps, details and sheet

borders.§ No excess layers that can’t be removed.§ File size will be smaller

Cons:· More files to maintain.


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If you decide to divide them up into task specific try to create a user friendly naming convention.And organize the templates folder so that it easier for users to find the template they need tostart with.


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Standard Folder Structure

Setting up a standard folder structure will make it easier on everyone. This allows users to jumpfrom project to project and know where to find all the info.

KH TWC Projects Folder Structure


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Drawing Naming Convention

It is always a good idea to have a drawing naming convention. This keeps everyone on thesame page when working on a projects. And will help eliminate project confusion and possiblyrework.

KH TWC Civil 3D Base File Naming

The following table outlines suggested naming abbreviations for Civil 3D base drawing.These drawings will be stored in the project\ CAD\Design Files folder.

Drawing Drawing Drawing Names Descriptions TemplateEXDTM Existing Digital Terrain Model KHA_TWC-EXDTM-3D*

SURVEY Existing Survey Points and Topo KHA_TWC-EXDTM-3D*

ALIGN-PROF Roadway, Transit Line or Trails Proposed Centerline Alignmentand Profile KHA_TWC-C-ALIGN_PROFILES-C3D

CORR-XSEC Corridor and Cross Sections KHA_TWC-C-CORRIDOR_XSEC-C3D

STORM Existing and Proposed Storm Sewer KHA_TWC-C and V-UTIL-C3D

SAN Existing and Proposed Sanitary Sewer KHA_TWC-C and V-UTIL-C3D

WATR Existing and Proposed Watermain KHA_TWC-LANDSCAPE-TWC

GRADE Proposed Grading KHA_TWC-GRADE

POND Proposed Storm Water Ponding KHA_TWC-GRADE

First 9 digits are a project number or common project name

o or 3D 123456789-ALIGN_PROF.dwg

o or 3D designateCivil 3D design

Base drawing name.


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KH TWC 2D Reference Base File Naming

The following table outlines suggested naming abbreviations for a referenced base drawing.These drawings will be stored in the project\ CAD\References folder.

Drawing Drawing Drawing Names Descriptions Template

CONSTG1 Thru 9 Construction Staging 1 thru Stage 9 KHA_TWC-PRDWY

EXPROP Existing easement lines, right of way,property lines, section lines, monuments KHA_TWC_EXTOPO

EXTOPO Existing Topo KHA_TWC_EXTOPO

EXUTIL Existing Utilities KHA_TWC_EXTOPO

EXVEG Existing Vegetation KHA_TWC_EXTOPO

PRDWY Proposed Roadway Layout KHA_TWC-PRDWY

-PATT Proposed Roadway Pattern or Hatching KHA_TWC-PRDWY-PATT

PIRRIG Proposed Irrigation KHA_TWC-LANDSCAPE-TWC

PLSCAPE Proposed Landscape KHA_TWC-LANDSCAPE-TWC

PLIGHT Proposed Lighting KHA_TWC-TRAF-SIG

PREM Proposed Removals KHA_TWC-DEMO_REMOVALS

PSIGN Proposed Signing and Striping KHA_TWC-TRAF-SIG

PSITE Proposed Site Layout KHA_TWC-PSITE

PTRAF-SIG Proposed Signal System KHA_TWC-TRAF-SIG

PSTRUCT Proposed structures KHA_TWC-STRUCTURES

PUTIL Proposed Utilities KHA_TWC_PUTIL

PROW Right of way KHA_TWC-PRDWY

TRAFCTRL-1 Thru 9 Traffic Control stage 1 thru stage 9 KHA_TWC-PRDWY

First 9 digits are a project number or common project name

x123456789-PRDWY.dwg

x is for xref fileBase drawing name.


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KH TWC 2D Plan Sheet Naming

The following table outlines suggested naming abbreviations for Plan Sheet drawings.These drawings will be stored in the project\ CAD\Plan Sheets folder.

Final Thoughts on Guideline or Standards Manual

It is always a good idea to have a guideline or standards manual. This allows will allow a user tolook up information instead of asking someone. You should at the minimum include some of theinformation that was previously covered. This manual will never be complete as the softwarechanges, how things are done it will always be a work in progress. Just remember don’t getannoyed by the user who questions everything in the manual. Because he or she is the one whois actually reading it.

First 9 digits are a project num ber or com m on project nam e

12345679_ALG

Plan sheet nam ing designator.


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Training Your Users

There are a variety of ways to train you users. You can do class room setting, video, webinarsand the old standby shadowing a user all are great options. But not every user likes to betrained the same way. KH uses a variety of all the above.

KH Training Options:· Dave G. conducts custom training Civil 3D training based on the discipline.· Warflix.com (http://www.wareflix.com/) 1,000’s of hours of training video from

basic AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, Microsoft and Microstation and you can post yourown (private)

· Webinars various topics these are run by RCC and Dave G.· Brown bags various topics run by either RCC or OCC.· Shadowing RCC and OCC sitting down with users showing how to do a specific task

on their project.· Quick Cards

Supporting Your Users

The OCC’s provide direct users support in their office. The RCC’s provide more of a boardfirmwide support role and are used as a backup to the OCC. RCC’s tend to deal with more oftechnical support problems.

Things to remember when providing support.· When a user call try and solve the problem right then and there.· If you are unsure of how to solve problem give them options to try while you

research the issue.o Run Audito Purge the regappso Purge everything out of the drawingo Reset the scalelisto Delete everything out of the C:\Users\user.name\AppData\Local\Tempo Restart PCo Have another user open the drawing to see if they get same results.o Have user log into another PC and open the drawing and vice verse to see if

they same results.· Google the problem· Call your ReSeller

Just remember your user is probably stressed out about the problem. And we all know thatdrawings only get flaky when there is a deadline. When you solve problem explain to the userwhat they may have done to create the issue.


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Building a relationship with Civil 3D Users, resellers and Autodesk

It is important to try to build relationship with other Civil 3D users, resellers and if possibleAutodesk. These are the people that can help you solve problems or show you a different wayof doing something. They can also lead to new employment opportunities.

Minnesota Civil 3D Users Group

The Minnesota Civil 3D Users Group is a local Civil 3D users group in the Twin Cities area. Wemeet 2nd Tuesday of every other month somewhere in the Twin Cities area usually anengineering company or a resellers office. The people presenting are fellow Civil 3D users andtopics vary. For more information see the website http://mnc3dug.com/.

User Event

Minnesota University and Autodesk University are prime events to network and buildrelationships with other users. The amount of information and knowledge you can gain fromthese events is astronomical. They are well worth the price of admission.

Resellers

Get to know who your reseller is. Resellers have a ton of knowledge and experience. If youhave problems or are stuck on how to do something they can help. They are well connected andare exposed to all kinds of problems.

KH and Autodesk

KH has a strong relationship with Autodesk. We are constantly giving them suggestions on howto improve the software. If we run into an issue with Civil 3D we can usually find someone atAutodesk to help.

And how do I get my normal project work done

This is probably the hardest part of being a CAD Coordinator. On any given day you can bepulled in 10 different directions. Within KH we have more than one person a user can contact toget help. If I have a deadline it’s easy to reach out to another OCC or RCC. But there are a lot ofdays that I’m taking work home. I think this is the price of being in the role of a CAD Coordinatoror Manager. The one thing you cannot do is turn a user away when they need help.

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