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Welcome to AutoTURN Pro Help


AutoTURN Pro Help provides everything you need to know to use AutoTURN Pro. Click the links below or use the Contents tab on the left to browse Help topics. Introduction If you are new to AutoTURN Pro, you might want to start here. Using AutoTURN Pro Help You can learn more about using this Help system and the other Help resources here. What's New Find out what is new in this version of AutoTURN Pro. Updates Check for the latest product updates. Technical Support Fill out the web form to receive help on a particular issue. AutoTURN Pro Website Browse the website for other information.

Disclaimer and Copyrights

Introduction
AutoTURN Pro is a 3D CAD-based program that simulates low speed 3D turning maneuvers on surface and mesh object terrains for highway vehicles. AutoTURN Pro operates in the AutoCAD or MicroStation CAD environments, and it may be used to define vehicles and determine vehicle tire tracking in 2D and 3D swept path envelopes of the vehicle body and body clearances. The program can be used in the design of road intersections, parking garages, loading ramps and most types of vehicular facilities where visualizing the design in 3D is desired. AutoTURN Pro calculates the location and orientation of the vehicle as you move the mouse or "steer" the vehicle through a series of maneuvers, or follow a pre-drawn path. The path is that of the location of the center of the steering axle of the vehicle, and is either generated by AutoTURN Pro or is pre-drawn in the CAD environment using a combination of arcs and tangents. Pre-drawn path segments can be combined into polylines or complex chains. AutoTURN Pro includes complete sets of standard design vehicles for a number of different countries (see Appendix -> Vehicle Library Source Documents). User-defined vehicles can be created where vehicle dimensions can be varied and turn limitations defined. Program output includes various combinations of tire, body, and clearance envelopes as well as full motion animation in 2D or 3D. AutoTURN Pro works in millimeters, centimeters, meters, inches, or feet units. Vehicle dimensions and path geometry need not be expressed in the same units. AutoTURN Pro simulations are based on the constant pursuit method of analysis.

Operating System Requirements


Server Windows Server 2000/2003/2008 Workstation/Standalone Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7

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Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7

Minimum CAD Platform Requirements


CAD Program AutoCAD AutoCAD Civil 3D MicroStation Minimum Version 2007 2010 XM

Transoft Solutions cannot guarantee compatibility with future versions of Windows, AutoCAD, or MicroStation.

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Program Limitations
The user is responsible for applying engineering judgment in interpreting and using program results and also obtaining the most suitable surface/terrain to be used in AutoTURN Pro. Familiarity with the software and its limitations is therefore important to ensure that the results produced by the software are applied appropriately.

Use of Design Guidelines


AutoTURN Pro is not intended to be a source for design information. The software must be used in conjunction with the most currently available design guidelines for the local jurisdiction. Where vehicle information is not specified in the design guidelines, logical assumptions have been made and noted for each vehicle (see Tools -> Vehicles -> To Create and View Vehicle Information). 3D simulations can only be created with 3D capable vehicles . To determine whether or not a vehicle is 3D capable, click Tools -> Vehicles -> To View a Vehicle's Details. The Displayed Data section is only available for 3D capable vehicles. When designing/analyzing with AutoTURN Pro, users must understand that the vehicles are created using idealized values to represent as closely as possible the outlines of real vehicles. The characteristics of the vehicles, such as the articulation angles, are also represented by idealized values.

Terrain - Surface and Mesh Objects


The user is responsible for providing terrain objects to be used in AutoTURN Pro. There are a variety of surface and mesh type objects available in AutoCAD and MicroStation. AutoTURN Pro only supports surface/mesh objects which meet the following criteria: In AutoCAD and MicroStation: A Polyface Mesh cannot have faces that have more than three visible or invisible edges. None of the faces can overlap with other faces. Each face of a Polygon Mesh must have four edges. In AutoCAD, a Polygon Mesh cannot have the fit/smooth feature applied - that is, only discrete vertices are supported. AutoTURN Pro 3D is not designed to handle extreme changes in terrain. Undesirable output may result when generating/placing 3D simulations on terrains with extreme changes in elevations over short distances.

Interpretation of Program Results


AutoTURN Pro is primarily a kinematic model, meaning that it does not account for centripetal forces or road surface conditions other than dry pavement. A simple center of mass algorithm is incorporated in the software to ensure that reasonable output is obtained with respect to varying terrains. AutoTURN Pro produces geometrically idealized results that may be difficult to replicate exactly under actual field driving and road conditions. A successfully run AutoTURN Pro simulation does NOT suggest that all drivers can follow the defined path in real conditions, NOR does it imply that other driveable paths between the desired start and end positions are not possible. For the above reasons, AutoTURN Pro results should be used conservatively, with ample

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allowances added for clearances between vehicle tire track or swept path envelopes and road edges or obstructions.

Turn Speeds and Minimum Turning Radii


Turn limitations for standard design vehicles are generally based on the minimum turn radius as specified in the design guidelines for each jurisdiction. These are generally intended for speeds of less than 15 km/h (about 10 mph). For AUSTROADS vehicles, turn limitations are based on the absolute minimum radii, which are for speeds less than 5 km/h.

Unusual Conditions
If non-standard vehicle types, roadway surfaces other than dry pavement, or other unusual or nonstandard conditions are used, AutoTURN Pro may produce inaccurate results. Caution is advised when dealing with the following conditions for which program results have not been verified: Speeds greater than 15 km/hr (about 10 mph) where tire slippage and inertial forces become significant. Icy or otherwise slippery road surfaces because they tend to produce less tire tracking than dry road surfaces. Custom vehicles with multiple-axle bogeys consisting of three or more axles per bogey (as in heavy load movers). Vehicles where the ratio of the spacing between the fixed axles in a group to the wheelbase (the distance between axle groups) is 0.5 or more. Vehicles having more than four tires per axle. Vehicle parts with steerable rear axles. Vehicle combinations with multiple tractors. Vehicle combinations consisting of tractors with four or more trailing units. Rugged terrain / off-road condition. It is highly recommended that you obtain as much turning information as possible for non-standard vehicles from manufacturers and other sources so as to be able to verify and draw conclusions about AutoTURN Pros results.

Tight Maneuvers with Standard Vehicles


The standard design vehicles provided with AutoTURN Pro have turn limitations derived from the turning templates contained in the Design Manuals published by the corresponding jurisdictions (see Appendix -> Vehicle Library Source Documents). The primary purpose of these design manuals is to provide guidance for typical road design conditions. Consequently, in some cases the standard vehicles may have turning circles that are too large for situations where tight maneuvering is required, such as in loading areas or parking facilities. In these cases, it may be necessary to create user defined vehicles and provide turn limitations that allow the

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tighter, more realistic minimum turning circles. In AutoTURN Pro this can be accomplished by copying the design vehicle and setting higher values for the steering lock and articulating angles (see Tools -> Vehicles). CAUTION! The user must set steering lock angles that reflect the turn limitations of the specific vehicle being considered. Actual field measurements or manufacturers data should be used. Use of arbitrary angles will lead to misleading results.

Acceleration
AutoTURN Pro does not consider vehicle acceleration or deceleration. When simulations are generated from a stopped position, or to a stopped position, the vehicle is assumed to reach its final speed, or come to a stop, in a short enough distance that it can be ignored when determining the turn radius.

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What's New
Summary of What's New in Version Pro 3D
1. 3D tools: Select Terrain Generate 3D Arc Path Place 3D Simulation Continue 3D Simulation Delete Last 3D Section Analyze Punch Through Analyze Vehicle Clearance View Punch Through Place 3D Vehicle Delete 3D Vehicle Convert 2D to 3D Added Properties categories: General (3D Simulations) Envelopes (3D Simulations) Conflict Analysis 2D and 3D turn simulations are automatically checked for conflicts with CAD elements drawn on the user specified Obstacle layer/level. Vehicles -> Parts View -> Profile Data View contains access to the vehicle's 3D configuration: roofline, height, ground clearances, and connector heights. Place Adaptive Simulation: Combination of Place Simulation and Place Offset Simulation tools with an improved

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simulation algorithm. Ability to link simulations with polylines or alignments. Simulations are updated automatically when, for example, grip editing is performed on linked geometry. Regenerate Simulation: Recreates simulations to take into account any changes to elements drawn on the specified Obstacles layer/level that interact with the turn simulation envelopes. Manage InVision Data: Selectively adds/removes InVision data to/from the drawing for selected turn simulations to be used by the InVision product. Animation slider within enhanced Run Animation tool. Override angle for Special Transport vehicles is now independent of directional change in the articulating point for the trailer. Vehicle database changes: Added VNA-SP (alt) and SNA-BP (alt) to CSN (CZ) library Revised LKW 9M in RVS 2005 (AUT) library AutoTURN Pro ribbon menu provides access to AutoTURN Pro tools in AutoCAD 2010 and newer versions. (Toolbars are also still available.) Compatibility with AutoCAD 2012.

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Summary of What's New in Version 7.0


1. 2. Support for Windows 7. Program Settings: Vehicle Library Display category sets which vehicle libraries to display in filter list of Select Current Vehicle dialog box. Program Settings: Vehicle Libraries category enables users to purchase and install extended vehicle libraries. Logging trucks: Two logging trucks in ALBERTA INFTRAHGDG (CA) library. Three logging truck types, including one with telescoping joint. Special transport vehicles: Special Transport library. Six special transport types. Other vehicle database changes:

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Florida Intersection Design Guide library. Edited VAGVERKET 2004 (SE) and CROW 2004 (NL) libraries. Generate Arc Path: Support for independently rear steered special transport vehicles. Cargo Details dialog box for setting cargo details. Support for three-part vehicle reverse maneuvers. Support for telescoping trailers. Generate Report: Override/Path angle information for independently rear steered vehicles.

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Summary of What's New in Version 6.1


1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Full support for 64-bit operating systems. Compatibility with the latest CAD software releases (MicroStation V8i and AutoCAD 2010). New Continue Simulation dialog box. SmartPath Tools: Maximum number of sections for simulations is now unlimited. Ability to force a straight line simulation for a vehicle traveling along an arc path added. Generating a straight line section is possible in the direction that the steering wheels can turn. Reverse Maneuvers: Generating reverse simulation envelopes improved. Reverse Corner Path: Reverse sweep angle range is from 1 degree to 160 degrees now. Ability to specify the tire sizing (width and diameter) and space between the tires on the same axle for a vehicle added. Dimension type settings moved from the type definition to the vehicle definition. Having only one wheel on an axle is possible now.

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Summary of What's New in Version 6.0


1. 2. 3. Full support for Microsoft Vista 32-bit. Compatibility with AutoCAD 2008. Vehicles: Major improvements made to the tool. New sorting and grouping capabilities added to the Vehicles database. Support for vehicle shapes that have chamfered or filleted corners added (envelopes are generated from the points on the radius or chamfer). Ability to replace vehicles in existing simulations with a user-selected realistic plan view matching the simulation vehicle's dimensions added. Ability to generate InVision 1.0 presentation data added. Ability to check out the License and extend the MAP expiration period added. Improvements made

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8. 9.

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to the authorization algorithm. Ability to draw all simulation elements on a single layer added. Forward Oversteered Path simulation supports setting exit offset to always calculate and use the minimum value. Ability to calculate the Inner Turn Radius for twopart vehicles added. Ability to specify different track widths for each Axle Group in a part of a vehicle added. Ability to create vehicles with more than one articulating angle added. Path Control: A dialog to display the dynamically changing radius added. Generate Template: Information reporting functionality improved to display in the table Articulating Angles for each vehicle part. Generate Template: The sweep angle at which the maximum steering angle was achieved is displayed now. Ability to load AutoTURN Pro in MicroStation from a desktop icon added. Ability to import specialized vehicle libraries added.

Current Vehicle
AutoTURN Pro's tools and features work with the concept of there always being a vehicle available to work with - the Current Vehicle. The Current Vehicle is used to generate simulations and is used in other tools to save time having to always select a vehicle as part of the process. The Current Vehicle is always the last vehicle selected in Vehicles (see Vehicles -> To Select the Current Vehicle). The Current Vehicle is used throughout AutoTURN Pro in various tools including: SmartPath Tools Generate 3D Arc Path Generate Arc Path Generate Corner Path Oversteer Corner Path Steer A Path Place 3D Simulation Place Adaptive Simulation

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Run Animation (on a path) Place Vehicle (on a path) Insert Profile Generate Template

Vehicles and Types


Each AutoTURN Pro vehicle is stored as a set of dimensions, but also references a separately stored vehicle Type definition. The Type definition includes: The number of parts (maximum of 20).

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The type of each part including the arrangement of articulating points. The number and arrangement of axles and wheels. The type of steering. Once a type exists, a vehicle can be quickly created based on the type. This eliminates the need to make many detailed decisions regarding numbers of parts, articulating points, tires, axles, etc. each time a vehicle is created. When creating a vehicle, only the following information needs to be input: The dimensions of each part. The vehicle's steering lock angle . The steering's lock to lock time . The articulating, pitch, and row angles of each part (for multi-part vehicles). The diameters of the tires. 3D capable vehicles also contain the following information: The roofline that is associated with each part. The height of each part. The ground clearances (front, wheelbase, and rear as applicable) of each part. The connector heights of each part (for multi-part vehicles). AutoTURN Pro includes a wide variety of vehicle types from which new vehicles can be quickly created. However, users can also create their own custom types (see Tools -> Vehicles -> To Create a New Type). Note: 3D capable vehicles are comprised of one or two parts (i.e. articulating components).

Current Terrain
The current terrain is used by a number of different 3D tools that require a terrain upon which to generate/place a 3D turn simulation. The current terrain concept allows you to perform various operations repeatedly without having to continuously re-select the terrain object. It is important to remember that only one terrain can be current at any one time, and it can be any supported surface or mesh element: AutoCAD: Polygon Mesh Polyface Mesh Civil 3D Surface

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Note: Set the MESHTYPE system variable to 0 in versions 2010 or later of AutoCAD to create compatible polygon or polyface surface objects. MicroStation: Mesh Note: Use Mesh from Points or Mesh from Contours instead of Mesh from Element when creating meshes for use with AutoTURN Pro. Both AutoCAD and MicroStation: TORUS Grading Model NEXUS Grading Model The current terrain is the last selected surface or mesh object. The current terrain is set by using the Select Terrain tool (see Tools -> Select Terrain). If a terrain has not yet been selected when a 3D tool requires one, you will be prompted to select a terrain at that time. The selected terrain becomes the current terrain and will be used for subsequent 3D tools until the Select Terrain tool is used again to select a different terrain. These functions act on the current terrain: Generate 3D Arc Path (see Tools -> SmartPath Tools -> Generate 3D Arc Path) Place 3D Simulation (see Tools -> Place 3D Simulation) Convert 2D to 3D (see Tools -> Convert 2D to 3D)

SmartPath Tools Overview


SmartPath Tools allow you to automatically generate a vehicle path and simulation. This is done on the fly by moving the mouse in the direction of travel. The SmartPath Tools account for a vehicles speed and for lateral friction and superelevation , as explained in the sections below.

Speed, Lateral Friction and Superelevation


The minimum turn radius of a generated path is determined from either the vehicles minimum turning radius as calculated from the steering lock angle , or from a minimum turning radius calculated from the vehicles speed, lateral friction and superelevation. The larger of these two radii is used. Minimum turning radius as a function of speed, lateral friction and superelevation is calculated using the following AASHTO formula: V2 R= 127 (e + f)

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R = radius (m) V = speed (km/h) e = superelevation (m/m e.g. 0.02 = 2/100) f = friction (e.g. 0.03) Default lateral friction and superelevation factors used in AutoTURN Pro are based on AASHTO (2004) values. The default values can be overridden at the time a simulation is created.

Steering Wheel Turn Rate


AutoTURN Pros SmartPath Tools generate vehicle paths that account for the maximum rate at which the steering wheel can be turned by incorporating spiral sections into the generated path. The spiral sections transition the steering wheels between their initial angle and the angle required to turn toward the target point. Steering wheel turn rate is determined from the lock-to-lock time and the vehicles speed. The lockto-lock time is defined as the time it takes an operator to comfortably turn the steering wheel from one steering lock position to the opposite side. Conservative lock to lock times are assumed for all standard design vehicles.

Reverse Maneuvers
Reverse maneuvers are generally considered to be performed with single part vehicles and can not be carried out by vehicles with more than three parts. Lateral friction and superelevation are not accounted for in reverse maneuvers; however, the steering wheel turn rate is. Reverse maneuvers are carried out at 6 mph (10 km/h) or less, speeds at which these factors should be negligible (see Tools > Reverse Maneuvers).

Pre-Drawn Paths
Turn simulations created from pre-drawn paths do not account for speed, lateral friction, superelevation, or steering wheel turn rate. Only forward maneuvers are possible with pre-drawn paths. Reverse maneuvers must be carried out using the SmartPath Tools. 2D reverse maneuvers must be carried out using the SmartPath Tools. The path must be created using either a series of connected lines and arcs, or a single polyline (for AutoCAD) or a single complex chain (for MicroStation). Splines (for AutoCAD) and B-splines (for MicroStation) are also supported. The pre-drawn path can not be longer than 6600 feet or 2000 meters.

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Conflict Analysis
Turn simulations are generated by taking into account any user drawn CAD elements on the specified Obstacles layer/level that interact with the vehicle body and body clearance envelopes of turn simulations (see Properties -> Conflict Analysis Category). The portions of those elements that conflict with the vehicle body and body clearance envelopes of turn simulations are highlighted to indicate that a conflict was detected. In addition, a note is added at the first and last vehicle position in the turn simulation to draw attention to a conflict somewhere within the turn simulation. In 2D simulations, the conflict analysis is carried out on lines, arcs, polylines, and complex chains. In 3D turn simulations, however, the conflict analysis is only carried out on lines. Elements contained within blocks or external references are not evaluated. Note: The conflict analysis is performed while generating or placing turn simulations (i.e. SmartPath Tools, Place Adaptive Simulation, Place 3D Simulation, Regenerate Simulation). It is not performed when visualizing 2D simulations (i.e. Run Animation and Place Vehicle). However, it is performed when visualizing 3D simulations with Place 3D Vehicle.

Tutorials
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AutoTURN Pro features interactive tutorials that run in a CAD environment. The tutorials take you step by step through various aspects of the software allowing you to quickly become familiar with the software. By running the tutorials, you are actually using AutoTURN Pro to complete the tutorial steps. Each step of the tutorial requires a specific action which must be completed correctly before the tutorial will advance to the next step. We feel that this positive feedback provides an advantage over other methods of learning which can let you get lost or confused along the way. See Tools -> Tutorials for instructions on accessing the supplied tutorials and for creating userdefined tutorials. Note: Users require the Advanced access level to create tutorials (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).

Using AutoTURN Pro Help


AutoTURN Pro Help contains information and links to online resources to help you using AutoTURN Pro. In the Help window, you use the left pane to locate Help topics. The tabs above the left pane give you several ways for finding the topics you want to view. The right pane displays the topics you select.

Accessing Help
You can open this Help file from within AutoTURN Pro in any of the following ways: Click the Help button in any AutoTURN Pro dialog box. OR Click the OR Click Help in the AutoTURN Pro menu. Help button on the AutoTURN Pro toolbar.

Finding Information in Help


The tabs on the left side of the Help window provide different methods for finding information (see Find Information in Help).

Using Searches
A basic search using the Search tab consists of the word or phrase you want to find (see Use Searches).

Printing Help Topics


The quickest way to print the current topic is to right-click within the topic, and then click Print (see Print Help Topics).

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Find Information in Help


The tabs on the left side of the Help window provide different methods for finding information. To locate a specific word or phrase in the current topic, use the CTRL+F keys.

Contents Tab
Presents an overview of the available documentation in a list of topics and subtopics. Allows you to browse by selecting and expanding topics. Provides a structure so you can always see where you are in Help and quickly jump to other topics.

Index Tab
Displays an alphabetical list of keywords related to the topics listed on the Contents tab. Accesses information quickly when you already know the name of a feature, command, or operation, or when you know what action you want to perform.

Search Tab
Provides full-text search of all the topics listed on the Contents tab. Allows you to perform an exhaustive search for a specific word or phrase. Displays a ranked list of topics that contain the word or words specified in the keyword box.

Use Searches
A basic search using the Search tab consists of the word or phrase you want to find. The basic search rules are as follows: Type your search in uppercase or lowercase characters; searches are not case-sensitive. Search for any combination of letters (a-z) and numbers (0-9). Do not use punctuation marks such as the period, colon, semicolon, comma, hyphen, and single quotation marks; they are ignored during a search. Group the elements of your search using double quotation marks or parentheses to set each element apart. Note: When you use the Search tab, all topics that contain the word or phrase that you specify are listed. This includes the text in topic titles and labels, not just the topic text.

Print Help Topics


The quickest way to print the current topic is to right-click within the topic, and then click Print.

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The

Print button on the Help toolbar provides these print options: Print the selected topic (recommended). Print the selected heading and all subtopics.

Note: When you select the second option, you may get numerous printed pages, depending on how many subtopics the currently selected topic contains.

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