Description

This virtual training course, part of Minnesota LTAP's new Roadway Design Using AutoCAD and Civil 3D series, teaches students how to use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software to design a simple county roadway.

During the course, each student will complete the layout of a two-lane roadway. Students will also learn how to plot to scale in layout space. Real survey data for a two-lane county road will be used, and students will design their road using current Minnesota Department of Transportation standards and guidelines.

The course will provide an introduction to Civil 3D, the civil CADD software. Before taking this course, students should have a basic knowledge of AutoCAD software and an existing understanding of road design principles and practices.

Course Format

The course starts with an instructor-led live orientation session followed by a weekly two-hour pre-recorded lecture and self-paced classroom lesson, and a weekly live instructor-led discussion session.

The self-paced lesson will be accessible each Monday of the assigned teaching week followed by a live, instructor-led discussion session each Friday of the same week. Students are encouraged to attend the discussion sessions to hear a recap of the week’s lesson, get help with their assignments and ask questions.

In addition to the weekly lectures, the course includes Civil 3D assignments that must be completed during the same week as the lesson. Students are expected to watch the weekly recorded sessions prior to each Friday live session to maximize the value of the meeting. All assignments will be turned in by email to the instructor. Access to your own or your agency's Civil 3D software (any version) is required.

Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Describe how Civil 3D works in an AutoCAD drafting environment.
• Import survey data.
• Create a base 3D surface and topographic map from the survey data.
• Create a horizontal alignment.
• Create a vertical alignment and profile.
• Create subassemblies and assemblies for use in cross-section development.
• Create a corridor and cross sections.
• Plot their civil construction drawings to scale.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for anyone who would like to learn how to use computer software to draft or design civil projects. Students should have a basic knowledge of AutoCAD and an existing understanding of road design principles and practices before taking this course.

Course Instructor

Emma Ren is an instructor for Minnesota LTAP and the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota. She is also an experienced instructor at Minneapolis College, where she teaches architecture courses, including AutoCAD, as well as courses on mechanical and electrical systems. She holds a BS in urban planning from Beijing Forestry University and an MLA in landscape architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Her academic background is complemented by professional experience at the Urban Construction Bureau in China, where she contributed to the planning and development of urban street systems.

Course Access and Technical Requirements

This training is offered via the course management system Canvas. For more information about Canvas, accessing the course, and technical requirements, please visit the course web page.

Credit

• 1.0 Roads Scholar Program Civil Tech Level II Certificate credit.

• To the best of our knowledge, this course meets the continuing education requirements for 20.0 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and 2.0 CEUs.

Sponsors

This course is presented by the Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) at the Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota. Minnesota LTAP is sponsored by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This course is subsidized through funding from LRRB and FHWA.