Trench Element

The Trench element is used to define a linear path with a fixed width and defined depths. This element is most commonly used for trenches.

The properties that are exposed for this element are summarised below.

	Centrelines The edit button will open the take-off window so that you can define the centrelines which define the Trench. Note: Depths are specified with positive values Depths From This setting dictates from what surface the specified depths are relative to. ‘Ground’ can be selected or you can select the ‘Previous Element’ if you want the depths to be relative to the surface when the previous element in the calculation order is built. You can also select a named element. When the ‘Auto’ option is active ‘Depths From’ is dynamically set to the first absolute element above it in the calculation order. If there aren’t any, it is set to ground. The behaviour when ‘Auto’ is active is desirable in most circumstances. Width This is the width of the path. Mode This is used to specify if the element should have cut, fill or both. Most commonly cut and fill will be specified. Side Batter The Trench boundary is joined to the ground by side slopes. The Side Batters (set as a ratio of vertical to horizontal) dictate the angle of these slopes. You can set different side batter angles for side slopes that cut into the ground and for those that fill into it. You can set the side batter to either External or Off. Turning side batter Off will result in the Trench being joined to the ground with vertical sides. Between the Cut and Fill ratios is a double-arrow button which, when depressed, will synchronise Side Batters.

Centrelines
The edit button will open the take-off window so that you can define the centrelines which define the Trench.

Note: Depths are specified with positive values
Depths From
This setting dictates from what surface the specified depths are relative to. ‘Ground’ can be selected or you can select the ‘Previous Element’ if you want the depths to be relative to the surface when the previous element in the calculation order is built. You can also select a named element. When the ‘Auto’ option is active ‘Depths From’ is dynamically set to the first absolute element above it in the calculation order. If there aren’t any, it is set to ground. The behaviour when ‘Auto’ is active is desirable in most circumstances.
Width
This is the width of the path.
Mode
This is used to specify if the element should have cut, fill or both. Most commonly cut and fill will be specified.
Side Batter
The Trench boundary is joined to the ground by side slopes. The Side Batters (set as a ratio of vertical to horizontal) dictate the angle of these slopes. You can set different side batter angles for side slopes that cut into the ground and for those that fill into it. You can set the side batter to either External or Off. Turning side batter Off will result in the Trench being joined to the ground with vertical sides.
Between the Cut and Fill ratios is a double-arrow button which, when depressed, will synchronise Side Batters.

Estimate linear structures such as trenches, roads and causeways with the Proposed Earthworks : The Path video. For more complex roads, consider using a Feature Surface with varying level outlines and a centre line (defined by a break-line), or contours.