Module 05 of 5

Troubleshooting & Tips

Editing takeoff objects, the closely-spaced-contour-line rule, how Boring Logs work, and the troubleshooting index from the help file.

63 topics to read·12 quiz questions·pass = 75%

Step 1 · Read

63 topics in this module

Skim or read in order. Each topic links back here when you finish.

01
Boring Log OverviewSiteWorx/OS can use the data from boring logs to model the soil layers (strata) found on the site. The data entry process involves locating (taking off) the boring on the site and entering the data fo
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How are the volumes calculated and displayed?The volumes are calculated at the Calculations Tab . Based on what has been digitized, the volumes are determined by the Resolution setting. The higher the resolution, the more accurate but the longer
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Editing Takeoff ObjectsAll takeoff objects can be edited. Start by selecting a takeoff object . Right click to display the popup menu and select edit. The takeoff object will be displayed in its normal colors. Areas and Reg
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Taking off closely spaced contour lines.Care must be taken when a drawing has closely spaced contour lines. First it is important to make sure the grid size and resolution are fine enough to distinguish the contour lines. The calculation re
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Tips and TechniquesFile types How are the volumes calculated and displayed? How can I tell if my dwg file uses GPS coordinates? How do Boring Logs work? How do I change the display of the 3D drawing? How do I change the
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ToolbarsToolbars provide the means to control the program and perform tasks in SiteWorx/OS. The Calculation tab toolbar is shown above. If the SiteWorx/OS window is too narrow to display all the toolbars, Sit
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TroubleshootingWhy can't I see certain items which should be displayed? Why doesn't the increase or decrease elevation command work? Why can't I click on any other tabs? The calculated results appear incorrect, Why?
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Getting StartedSiteWorx/OS Overview Before Starting Your First Takeoff Your First Takeoff using the Practice Plan
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Review the drawingWhat is the scale? What is the highest and lowest elevation? Where are the project boundaries? Are there any excluded areas? Are there sub grade depths in the various paving and building slab areas? I
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Menu ToolbarOptions Menu Reports Menu Help Menu When the Drawings Tab is selected, the following menus become available. The CAD Menu is shown when working with CAD drawings. The Vector PDF Menu is shown when wor
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How often should I save the File?SiteWorx/OS has an Auto save feature. The save interval can be set to 2, 5, or 10 minutes. The project will only be saved, when the program is idle - not taking off a measurement. The information can
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Set the ScaleSet the scale by clicking on the Scale button at the Drawings Tab . If English scale is chosen you're able to select architectural or engineering scales by clicking on the down arrow under the Select
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Other Items to Note at the Takeoff WindowPlease note the following regarding the Takeoff window: All projects must contain a Project Boundary. Topsoil strip and topsoil re spread areas require a depth. You can have multiple topsoil strip reg
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About this Users' GuideThis users' guide is organized as follows: Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Getting Started Chapter 3 Menu Options Chapter 4 SiteWorx/OS Tabs Chapter 5 Other Important Information We highly recommend
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I am having problems with the reports, why?Do you have the latest printer driver for your brand of printer? Are you printing on a color or black and white printer? We highly recommend that you use an ink jet color printer.
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Boring Log SetupThe Boring Setup Dialog has two tabs: Setup Soil Types See also: Boring Log Overview . Boring Log Entry Dialog
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Strata Data EntryThere are three numbers associated with each log strata: Top Elevation Bottom Elevation Depth below Surface Only one of the three numbers must be entered for each strata. Top Elevation is entered auto
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Set Surface Elevation to 0Each boring log requires an associated surface elevation. Some logs have an actual elevation, and some do not. If the log does not have an actual elevation, check this setting and the surface elevatio
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Use for FillEach strata can be used for fill. If Default to Yes is selected, Use for Fill will be set to Yes when the strata is created. If Default to No is selected, Use for Fill will be set to No when the strat
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Default Expansion FactorEach strata has an expansion factor. The Expansion factor will be set to this value when the strata is created. It may be changed when the strata data is entered.
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TopsoilWhen using boring logs, topsoil is handled differently. Topsoil strip area is not used. Instead, check Strip Site of Topsoil on the Boring Log Setup dialog. The Topsoil Expansion Factor and Waste % ca
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StyleThese settings determine how a boring log is displayed on the takeoff. The available settings are: Point Style (default is Circle Cross) Color (default is Olive) Line Width (default is 2)
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Boring Log PropertiesAt the top of the properties tab is the Dialog button. Pressing this button will display the Boring Log Entry dialog . The following properties are available for boring logs: Boring ID Surface Elevati
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Boring Log Entry DialogThe Boring Setup Dialog has three tabs: Setup Soil Types Boring Log See also: Boring Log Overview . Boring Log Setup
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Boring IDThis displays on the takeoff area to identify the log. It is not required.
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Surface ElevationThis is the surface elevation at the boring point. Some logs provide an actual elevation, some set it to 0, and some do not provide an elevation. If the log does not provide an elevation, or it is 0,
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Cut by Soil Type ReportThis report displays the site cut broken down into the soil types defined in the boring logs . This report only not available if boring logs are used. See also Print Preview
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Setup TabThe Setup Tab contains the following settings controlling boring log data entry: Strata Data Entry Set Surface Elevation to 0 Use for Fill Default Expansion Factor Show Dialog Topsoil Style See also:
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Soil Type TabUse this tab to enter and maintain the list of soil types for the project. Each soil type has the following attributes: Soil Type - a short description of the soil type Swell Factor Topsoil - Check if
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Alignment InformationSkew is the angle of the selected drawing relative to the original drawing. Multiplier indicates the relative size of the current drawing relative to the first drawing. This information is for informa
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Boring Log TabThe top of the dialog displays the properties of the boring log: Boring ID Surface Elevation Color Line Width Point Style Notes Cancel and Save buttons Below that is a list of the strata for the log.
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Soil Type Lookup DialogDouble clicking on the Soil Type Combo on the Soil Layers tab displays the Soil Type Lookup Dialog. This dialog can also be displayed by pressing the Soil Types button at the bottom of the tab. Select
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Soil Layers TabThis tab displays the list of the strata for the log. To enter a strata: Create a new strata record by pressing the + button or by pressing the down arrow key when on the last strata. Soil Layer will
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Soil Type EntryThere are three ways to enter or select a soil type. When the cursor or mouse pointer is placed on the Soil Type field, the field changes to a combo box. Clicking on the button at the right of the com
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Cancel and Save ButtonsThese buttons are enabled when changes are made to the Boring Log. Press the left button to discard the changes. Press the right button to save the changes. Note: Changes will be automatically saved w
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TablesSome of the data in SiteWorx/OS is presented in tabular form. The following keystrokes can be used to move around in the table and edit the data in the table. Left Arrow - moves the cursor left one co
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Negative BackfillNegative back fills result when the subsurface layers associated with a Over cut area rise above the proposed surface elevation. One cause of this error is calculating with too low a resolution. Try c
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Moving Around the DrawingShift - Left Mouse Click zooms in on the drawing. Shift - Right Mouse Click zooms out on the drawing. Mouse Wheel Up zooms in on the drawing. Mouse Wheel Down zooms out on the drawing. Ctrl - Right Mo
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How to take off a slab on or below gradeDuring the creation of the surface model, SiteWorx/OS effectively creates a design line for all surface and basement elevations. Depending on the information given, there are two ways to correctly tak
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Raster drawing cacheSiteWorx/OS will cache the last four drawings used in the project. This provides faster switching between drawings. However, drawings are not pre-opened. To be put in the cache, a drawing must be sele
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MultithreadingSiteWorx/OS makes extensive use of multithreading. Opening a project, the drawing is loaded in second thread while takeoff is loaded. Proposed and existing surfaces are created in separate threads. Bo
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Help Button/PointerClicking on the help button in the upper right corner of the window changes the mouse pointer to an arrow with question mark. Moving the mouse pointer over a control and clicking the left button displ
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Layer SelectionThere are three ways to select which layers are displayed. Layer List This is the easiest when there are a small number of layers. Layers Dialog Use this when there are a small number of layers and th
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How can I tell if my dwg file uses GPS coordinates?If the GPS coordinates of the project are known, Click on Drawing Info item on the Help Menu . This displays information for the drawing, including the extents. If the coordinates of the project are c
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Edit Popup MenuThis menu contains command used when editing a takeoff object. Delete Point Change to Arc Undo Cancel Edit Finish Edit
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Delete PointFirst select the point with the cursor. Then right click the mouse to display the popup menu . Select Delete Point. The point can also be deleted by holding down the Alt key and left clicking the mous
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Change to ArcAn arc requires three points. Select the middle point with the cursor, right click to display the popup menu and select Change to Arc. Before: After: Because the middle point is used, the first and la
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UndoEditing operations can be undone by pressing the Undo entry on the popup menu . Removing an inserted point may require two presses. The keyboard shortcut for undo is Ctrl-Z.
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Cancel EditChoosing this menu entry will stop editing the takeoff object and discard all changes.
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Finish EditChoosing this menu entry will stop editing the takeoff object and save all changes.
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Move PointSelect the point to be moved with the cursor. Then depress the left mouse button and drag the point to the desired location. Release the mouse button to drop the point at the new location. Note: : Whe
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Insert PointTo insert a point between points A and B, place the cursor on the line connecting them. Click the left mouse button and a point will be inserted. Alternatively, depress the left mouse button and drag
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AntialiasingEnables and disables Anti aliasing for raster drawing display.
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Change ElevationWhen editing a takeoff object, point elevations can be changed for areas, design lines and trenches. The elevation dialog will be shown to set the elevation. Th change an elevation: Select the point t
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Calculation Error MessagesTrenches This error occurs when the bottom of the trench is above the proposed elevation. Caused by improper proposed elevations or improper trench invert elevations. Check Takeoff. This error is only
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OpenPress this menu command to open a drawing file for takeoff use. It will display the Open Drawing Dialog . Drawing files may also be opened by dropping them on SiteWorx/OS. The first drawing opened est
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Main WindowThe SiteWorx/OS main window consists of 4 parts, from top to bottom: Window Title ( how to customize ); Menu Bar ; Tabbed Work Area ; Status Bar .
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Takeoff ObjectsTakeoff objects are Project Boundaries, Included Project Boundaries, Excluded Topsoil Strip, Included Topsoil Strip, Excluded Topsoil Re spread, Included Topsoil Re spread, Excluded Contour Lines, Exi
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OvercutSet Overcut to a positive number to enlarge the cut for an area. The dimension is in feet or meters. The drawing below illustrates an Overcut. The Overcut surrounds the entire area. The layers in the
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Color or Line ColorThis property applies to all takeoff objects . It defines the color of the line or point displayed in the takeoff area . If applicable, it also specifies the color of the fill for area elevations and
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Line WidthThis property applies to all takeoff objects. It defines the width in pixels of the line associated with the object.
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Point StyleThis property applies to point elevations and boring logs. It defines the shape of the point associated with the object.
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NotesThis property applies to all takeoff objects, except point elevations and contour lines. It can contain up to 1024 characters of alphanumeric data.