MIDAS/Civil provides virtually all the functions supported by CAD programs. Creating nodes and elements is a simple matter as if you are drawing a picture.

Especially, Project Nodes enables the user to project and move the previously entered nodes onto a specific line or surface. This is a useful tool when creating partial, detail analysis models for a complicated geometric configuration.

Extrude Elements is another powerful tool that creates elements by elevating the element hierarchy. That is, new elements are created from nodes to line elements, from line elements to planar elements and from planar elements to solid elements.

For efficient model data entries, other convenient functions (Point Grid, Line Grid, Snap, UCS, etc.) and auto-modeling tools (Structure Wizard, Auto-Mesh Generator, etc.) are supplied.

PI type Bridge pier modeled with solid elements created by Extrude (Projection)

In addition, various convenient functions (Point Grid, Line Grid, Snap & User Coordinate System (UCS)) and Structure Wizards are provided for automating the modeling process. The use of UCS comes in handy when modeling planes or sections of irregular shapes.

Some regularly shaped structures such as Truss, Arch, Frame, etc. can be readily modeled using Structure Wizard, which are then inserted into the total structure. Especially, Bridge Wizard minimizes the time required to model a suspension bridge or cable stayed bridge that exists in various shapes. This permits generating accurate models and performing analyses of many different design alternatives in a very short time frame.

Complete models of Suspension Bridge/Cable Stayed Bridge (including cable tensions) auto-created by Wizard