The Bench automation tool allows users to create a bench in slopping or uneven ground, similar to the pit tool, but with the elevation of the base measured above the lowest point of the line input. This allows users to draw out the extend of the bench they wish to create, and have the automation create batters both below and above the bench to account for a sloping site.

To use the tool, users need to click on the extent of the excavation on both the high and low sides of the sloping site. The next steps are to choose a batter angle, as well as the height of the bench above the lowest point.

For long linear alignments such as roads or rail, the bench tool can be used to expand the cut of an existing road, or rail alignment. It can also be used to create a bench at the appropriate height to simulate the depth of the bulk excavation. The rail embankment can then be added back in via the embankment automation to create an approximate set of geometry for the new widened cut.

Depending on the complexity of the site, you may need to edit the input line a few times to iterate until you have generated the geometry you require.

To edit a automation, select if from the Automation instances window, or by clicking on the geometry in the model window, within the inspector you can then click edit, and change any of the input variables, or edit the input line.

When editing a automation input line, each individual point along the line can be selected with the mouse, and then moved with the movement gizmo. Users can also introduce additional points along the line by clicking at any point along the exsting line, and then move those new points to add more detail to the line input.

The pit tool can be useful when installing an additional lane to an existing road. Using the pit tool to widen the existing road cut helps make the installation process simpler and more accurate. The depth and shape of the cut can be tailored to the specific width of the new lane.

The pit tool can also be used to create a building cut/pad on a steeply sloping block. The tool can be used to create a custom shaped pit, perfect for creating a flush surface on the block for the construction of the new building.

The benefits of using the tool include being able to easily manipulate the ground layer and elevation surface to mimic the changes undertaken by bulk or detailed earthworks. This makes the tool an invaluable asset when working with GIS or BIM models, as it allows users to quickly and effectively create any changes needed to simulate real-world scenarios.