When you are building models in Lineardraft, there are many automation features that'll save you time and effort, one of which is 'Multi-copy'. This feature will enable you to copy a structure and re-create it a number of times along a track alignment. The feature also allows for the copying of a 2nd structure along 2nd track.
Please Note
- It is not possible to use the multi-copy function on a portal structure, you will need to do these manually.
- The multi-copy will copy structures in the increasing direction of chainage when a positive value is used and a decreasing chainage direction when a negative value is used.
- The multi-copy function will only work if your tracks are a continuous line string, for example, you won't be able to copy structures over a broken line in the track reference file.
Top Tip
The multi-copy function is extremely useful, and not only allows you to copy structures, but all wires and equipment associated with it. Therefore, if you would like to be copy such items along with the structure, please ensure you create and attach/associate them first.
To multicopy structures use the steps below;
- Create the initial structure(s) and add any wires and equipment you need
- Select the 'Multi-copy' button from the Lineardraft Toolbar and follow the prompt to select a structure - this should be the structure that you want to copy. The 'Copy Structure' dialog will be displayed;
- In the 'Count' field, enter a number that is equal to the number of times you want to re-create the structure along track. A marker preview will be displayed in your design that indicates the place in which copied structure will be placed.
- 'Span Length' will adjust the distance between each copied structures. The span distance will be applied exactly to each structure span.
- 'Name Increment' allows you to increment the structure number by a determined amount, increasing by 2 for example, allows you to retain and odds/evens convention to your structure naming.
- Maintain Relative Foundation Height' - if this checkbox is ticked, the foundation height for each of the copied structures will carry across the same relative height to the High Rail Level (HRL) - as set out in your Project Presets.
- The next 4 checkboxes relate to wires and equipment. If selected, the checkboxes will allow you to copy all wires (both catenary and auxiliary) to each copy of the structure, alternate staggers at each individual wire point, copy all wire support equipment (both catenary and auxiliary) and to alternate between push off & pull off variants of cantilevers. Please note: It is not a requirement for all of these checkboxes to be ticked, nor is it a requirement to tick any of them at all. For example, if you design was on a curve, then you may not want to alternate the stagger or the cantilever variant - therefore you can leave these particular checkboxes unticked. If you want to copy structures only, then do not tick any of the wire checkboxes.
- The final option is 'Secondary Structure'. This allows you to copy the structure on the opposite side of the track at the same time as copying the original structure that you have chosen. Please note: Selecting a secondary structure will apply the same settings as specified for the primary structure. To add a secondary structure, click the 'Select' link and follow the prompt to select a structure within your design. Once selected, the structure number will be displayed in the 'Copy Structure' dialog, however there will be no additional markers displayed for the secondary structures as they will be placed directly opposite their primary counterpart.
- Once all options are selected and/or completed, click 'Confirm' and wait while the structures are built within your design. Depending on how many structures you have copied and the performance specification of your machine, this may take a few moments.