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Recent content by sketchhwyman

  1. sketchhwyman

    Turf reinforcement for overflow parking

    I am designing a perking lot for a church. For their weekly services they need about 35 parking spaces. They will also need an additional 25-30 spaces for larger events they hold maybe 5 times per year. Originally, we were just going to provide a paved lot with 65 spaces, but for various...
  2. sketchhwyman

    Pond Design Software

    We used to have PondPack, and I would agree with the other posts here. It was overly complicated, the output was ridiculous (hundreds of sheets of just numbers), and it was overpriced compared to others. We switched to Hydraflow Hydrographs and I am very happy with it. It is very easy to use...
  3. sketchhwyman

    Temporary Bridge Needed

    The time frame is probably about 4-6 months from now. The client is the state DOT, and as you may guess the budget is as cheaply as you can do it (within parameters). I'm trying to provide them with a reasonable cost estimate before it goes out to bid. I have not been able to find a suitable...
  4. sketchhwyman

    Temporary Bridge Needed

    I am designing an onsite detour for a project in central NY. The detour will require a temporary bridge with a span of 130', a curb-to-curb width of 42', a skew of 30 degrees, and a pedestrian walkway on one side. HS-20 loading. I have looked all around and spoken to representatives from...
  5. sketchhwyman

    Where to find online car turning templates

    Update: There is a British company called Savoy Computing Services that makes a software package called AutoTrack. I have not used it, but it appears to have the same functionality of AutoTurn at about 1/2 the price. I found it because it is now the standard software for NYSDOT.
  6. sketchhwyman

    Poll - Pond Routing Software

    Lots of great posts on this forum. We have been using PondPack, but since we are a small firm we have been looking for a less-expensive alternative without losing capability. Also, PondPack seems needlessly complicated. From what I have read here, Hydraflow Hydrographs seems like it may be...
  7. sketchhwyman

    Signal Phasing

    I'm a traffic engineer in Rochester who over the past few years has gotten into signal timing/phasing myself. First of all, I would say thoroughly read through Chapter 11 of the Highway Design Manual and try to understand it. Secondly, try to get your hands on some recent plans with signals on...
  8. sketchhwyman

    Proper contouring of cul-de-sac

    Fortunately we don't have to worry about homeowners since it is not a residential street. But I like the idea of just grading the through street as it should be and just continuing that cross-slope all the way across the cul-de-sac.
  9. sketchhwyman

    Proper contouring of cul-de-sac

    I should add that the cul-de-sac is intended to be a "temporary" installation (less than 5 years) until the next phase of the road can be built. Therefore, islands and drainage structures are being avoided.
  10. sketchhwyman

    Proper contouring of cul-de-sac

    I am looking for information on the proper contouring of an offset bulb cul-de-sac. I am assuming there should be a high point at the center of the cul-de-sac, and then it should slope away from this in all directions. How do I make this blend into the crown of the roadway that is coming in...
  11. sketchhwyman

    Where to find online car turning templates

    I have looked for the same thing myself with no success. If you don't want to purchase AutoTurn your options are: 1) Buy a set of the plastic templates. 2) Reproduce the turning diagrams from the AASHTO green book within a CAD program. 3) NYSDOT has a cell library of turning templates for...
  12. sketchhwyman

    Pond Liner options

    Thank you SlideRuleEra. Is it economical to install in a very small pond (the one I am designing now is only about 0.15 acres in size)? Also, any experience installing it in a bedrock situation? It looks like the surface needs to be well prepared and smooth, though this is surely the case...
  13. sketchhwyman

    Pond Liner options

    I am designing a pocket pond here in NY, and I need a pond liner to sustain the permanent pool. NYSDEC Stormwater Manual lists acceptable options: (a) 6-12" of clay soil (b) 30 mil polyliner (c) bentonite (d) chemical additives. I'm looking for advice on performance/cost benefits for the...
  14. sketchhwyman

    What is the rationale for the Channel Protection Volume?

    Here in New York, the DEC's Stormwater Manual says that you should detain the CPv for 24 hours. You use an average flow rate through your outflow oriface based on an average head. For example, if the full depth of your CPv extended detention pool is 4 feet, you assume an average flow rate...
  15. sketchhwyman

    AutoTurn alternative

    Is anyone aware of a good, quality, less-expensive alternative to AutoTurn that will work with MicroStation? I work for a small firm and the $3100 cost is prohibitive, especially since it is something we would not frquently need to use. Also, I have quite honestly not been happy with the...

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