Profiles and vertical design
A profile is the vertical story of an alignment: the existing ground and the designed grade. Learn to create both, and design grades with vertical curves.
In this lesson you will
- Create a surface profile and profile view
- Design a vertical profile with PVIs and curves
- Understand grades and K values
- Add bands and labels
Surface profiles and profile views
- 1Home › Profile › Create Surface Profile; choose the alignment and EG surface; Add.
- 2Click Draw in profile view and pick a location; set vertical exaggeration (e.g. ×10) in the profile view style.
- 3The dashed line is the existing ground along the centreline.
Designing the grade
- 1Home › Profile › Profile Creation Tools, pick the profile view.
- 2Choose Draw Tangents with Curves; set curve type and length/K value.
- 3Click PVIs (points of vertical intersection) along the view; Civil 3D adds vertical curves.
- 4Use the Profile Grid View to type exact chainages, elevations and grades.
Grades and vertical curves
Grades are expressed as percentages (+2.5% rises 2.5 m per 100 m). Crest and sag vertical curves smooth grade changes; their size is often expressed by K (length per 1% change in grade), with minimums set by standards for sight distance and comfort. Balance cut and fill where possible, and keep minimum grades for drainage (often around 0.5% for kerbed roads — check your standard).
Bands and labels
Bands below the profile view show data at intervals: existing and design elevations, cut/fill depth, chainage, horizontal geometry. Label PVIs, grades and curve data. Profile view styles and band sets belong in your template.
Quick reference
| Command / tool | How to start it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Create Surface Profile | Home › Profile | Samples a surface along an alignment |
| Profile Creation Tools | Home › Profile | Designs vertical geometry |
| Profile Grid View | Profile Layout Tools | Edits PVIs numerically |
| Profile View Properties | Select view | Bands, extents, style |
Common mistakes
Profile view looks flat.
Increase vertical exaggeration in the view style.
Drainage ponds on a flat section.
Keep a minimum grade or add high/low points deliberately.
Exercise
Design a road grade
- Create the EG profile and a profile view for your alignment.
- Design a grade with three PVIs and vertical curves.
- Keep grades between 0.5% and 8% and check K values against a standard you choose.
- Add elevation and cut/fill bands.
You should end up with: A design profile with sensible grades and curves.
Checklist
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Lesson quiz
A +3% grade rises how much over 100 m?
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