MicroStation Customization

Note: Please read carefully before proceeding.

The GDOT Bridge Design MicroStation Customization for Microstation J is, essentially, a customized "workspace" - a set of files that includes Configuration files, Cell Libraries, Font and Line Resource files, Color Tables, User Commands, and any other files necessary to the operation of MicroStation.

Bridge Folder

The C:\Gdot\Bridge folder hosts the "workspace" specially designed for Georgia DOT Bridge projects. Use of this "workspace" and components ensures that the drawing standards set by the GDOT Office of Bridge and Structural Design is met, and can result in a quicker plan review and fewer markups. The tools and cells included in this setup can greatly reduce drafting and plan preparation time.

Microstation Configuration File

The file C:\Bentley\Program\MicroStation\config\msconfig.cfg, is the primary MicroStation configuration file. The GDOT Bridge Design Microstation Customization application uses the msconfig.cfg to control "switching" between the delivered standard Bentley Microstation workspaces, and the GDOT Bridge Design Customized "workspace". A GDOTBridge ON-OFF icon placed on the computer desktop accesses a Visual Basic form to control the "switching".

GDOT Bridge ON Button

• The GDOTBridge ON button copies the current "C:\bentley\program\microstation\config\msconfig.cfg", to "C:\bentley\program\microstation\config\amsconfig.cfg", in order to preserve any customization that may have already been done.
• It also does a secondary backup of the file "C:\bentley\program\microstation\config\amsconfig.cfg", to the folder: "C:\Gdot\Bridge\Graphics\config" for additional protection.
• Then, it copies "C:\gdot\bridge\graphics\config\jcmsconfig.cfg", the GDOTBridge customized version, to: "C:\bentley\program\microstation\config\msconfig.cfg".
• This allows the GDOT Bridge Design MicroStation Customization to take over from the Bentley standard setup.

GDOT Bridge OFF button

• The GDOTBridge OFF button copies "C:\bentley\program\microstation\config\amsconfig.cfg" to: "C:\bentley\program\microstation\config\msconfig.cfg".
• This restores the standard Bentley Microstation Workspace, and any customization that may have been done to it.

Creating a Backup

We highly recommend that, before loading the GDOT Bridge Design Workspace, you create your own backup of the file "C:\bentley\program\microstation\config\msconfig.cfg", in another location, to protect any customization that may have been done. This "backup" will need to be repeated each time you make changes to this file. If there has been no customization, there is no need to back it up. The file "C:\gdot\bridge\graphics\config\stdmsconfig.cfg" can be copied over and renamed in case it is necessary. If you have added your own workspace to the standard Bentley workspaces, of course it is of prime importance to keep a backup of all of your customized workspace components.

Customized Workspace Setup

The GDOT Microstation Homepage address is:
www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/roads/Pages/MicroStation.aspx . From this page, click on "Gdot Bridge Microstation Customization" and it will take you to the page where the install executables for the Customization package reside. There are two major components to load from this page to install the actual Customized "workspace" setup:

1. The actual "workspace" folders and files. This must be the first item loaded to your computer, as it creates the folders that the other programs will access. The "workspace" customization you download is based upon your operating system.
• GDOT Bridge Customization for Windows NT
• GDOT Bridge Customization for Windows 2000 and XP
2. GDOT Bridge Microstation Customization ON-OFF. This is a Visual Basic form that will act as a "switch" to turn on or turn off the GDOT Bridge Customized workspace. A GDOTBridge ON-OFF icon will be placed on the computer desktop to access this program. The program, as delivered, is in the OFF mode.
3. The GDOT Bridge Cell Library and Manual must be downloaded and installed in order to get the latest Cell Library (bridge.cel) and a manual of cells. The customization itself installs an older version of bridge.cel.

Optional Components Available for Loading

1. Bridge Design Basic Drawings
   This is a web page where basic sheets for PSC beams, bearing pads, walls, etc. can be downloaded. It is suggested that these sheets be downloaded on a "need only" basis as opposed to downloading the entire set as an archive. This ensures that you have the latest update available

Program Loading Constraints

1. The Windows Operating System, MicroStation and the GDOT Bridge Customization MUST be loaded to the (default) C:\ drive.
2. A System Administrator MUST load the GDOT Bridge Customization and ON-OFF executables. The Bridge Cell Library and Basic Sheet Manual and Bridge Design Basic Sheets may be loaded by any user.
3. If previously loaded, the GDOT Bridge Customization MUST be turned OFF and de-installed before it is re-installed.

A copy of this document is also available as a WORD document in the GDOT Bridge Microstation Customization folder "C:\Gdot\Bridge\Graphics\Cad Information" on your local hard drive.

• GDOT Bridge MicroStation Customization for Windows NT
• GDOT Bridge MicroStation Customization for Windows 2000 and XP
• GDOT Bridge Microstation Customization On-Off
• GDOT Bridge Cell Library and Manual Updated 2/6/12

Disclaimer: These programs have been deemed accurate. However, no warranty is expressed or implied, by the Georgia Department of Transportation as to the explicit accuracy and functioning of the program; nor shall the fact of distribution constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the Georgia Department of Transportation in any connection therewith.