How can I define fill cleanup?

To define the cleanup of a fill in TcpMDT, you mainly have two tools depending on whether you are referring to slope benching (stepped to settle the fill) or to topsoil stripping (surface cleanup of the natural ground).

Below, the procedures for both cases are detailed:

1. Definition of Benching (Slope Cleanup)

This process allows defining an excavation below the natural ground in fill areas to ensure the stability of the roadway.

• Access: You can do this from the menu Cross-sections > Benching Definition or within the command Define – Edit in the Benching tab.

• Application Methods: MDT offers two types of benching according to the desired geometry:

  • Type A: The width of the bench (horizontal section) is fixed, while the step height is variable.

  • Type B: The step height is fixed, with the bench width being variable.

• Required parameters: You will need to enter the Station up to which it applies, the Width of the step or bench, and its Height.

• Results: The program will automatically calculate the volume of the slope benching and reflect it in the final volume reports.

2. Cleanup by Topsoil (Stripping)

If the cleanup consists of removing the upper layer of the ground before placing the fill, it is managed through the Geology module.

• Configuration: In the Geology tab of the cross-section definition, you can assign a thickness of T.Vegetal (Topsoil).

• Application mode: You can enter a fixed thickness (parallel to the ground) or select a specific cross-section file if the cleanup has a variable depth.

• Exclusions: If there are areas where this cleanup should not be performed, you can use the Geology Exclusion Region option, designating closed polylines on the ground plan where the topsoil thickness will not be applied.

3. Visualization and Measurement

• Representation: When drawing the cross sections, if you check the box Draw Geology Layers, you will be able to visually display the cleanup or stripping lines.

• Reports: The software will generate detailed reports where the volume of Topsoil in fill (Veg.Ter.) and the volume of Benching are broken down, allowing you to know exactly how much material must be cleaned up before construction.

For cleanup that requires utilizing existing pavements, you could also explore the Reinforcements tab, which allows adapting the section to the current pavement using elevation tolerances.