Advances in MicroStation 3D

Transcription

1 MW1HC515 Advances in MicroStation 3D Hands-on class sponsored by the Bentley Institute Presenter: Sam Hendrick, Senior MicroStation Product Consultant Bentley Systems, Incorporated 685 Stockton Drive Exton, PA

2 3D Overview 1-1 Basic 3D Concepts 1-1 Models 1-2 View Volume 1-3 Standard 3D Views 1-4 3D View Controls 2-7 View Rotation 2-7 Fitting 3D views 2-13 Clip Volume and Clip Mask 2-13 View display mode 2-19 AccuDraw in 3D 3-21 The AccuDraw Drawing Plane 3-21 AccuDraw and element placement in 3D 3-22 Using AccuDraw s rotated drawing plane to draw elements in 3D_ 3-26 Orthogonal drawing plane rotation 3-28 Tentative Snaps with AccuDraw D Tools D Tasks and Tool Boxes 4-35 Introduction to 3D tools 4-37 SmartSolid Construction Tools 5-51 Working Area D Construct tools 5-52 SmartSolid Modification Tools D Modify task 6-67 Conceptual modeling tools 6-67 Boolean tools 6-73 Meshes 7-93 What s New for MicroStation V8 XM Edition 7-93 Curves 7-94 Mesh modeling The Mesh task /30/07 1

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4 1 3D Overview You live in a three-dimensional world in which you can move and look in any direction. Typically, you work on designs constructing three-dimensional buildings and other objects. In the past, you designed these objects in 2D. Using MicroStation s 3D tools, you can produce accurate 3D models of your designs. From these 3D models, you then can create the construction drawings. Basic 3D Concepts When you work in a 3D model, all the familiar 2D drawing and viewing tools still can be used. Additionally, there are a number of 3D specific viewing, drawing, and construction tools that simplify working in 3D. You can view a 3D model from any direction and even move inside it. Using visualization tools, you can produce images, walkthroughs, or animations of the finished construction before it is built. With a little effort, you could create very simple 3D models using the 2D tools that you already know. In the examples shown below, you could create a 3D model like that on the left, using only the Place Block and Place Shape tools. To create the more complex model shown on the right, however, you would need to use several of the 3D tools. Rendered isometric view of a simple bracket created with 2D tools (left) and a more complex version constructed with 3D tools (right) 3/30/07 1

5 Models Before working with construction tools, you have to familiarize yourself with the 3D modeling environment and the basic viewing tools. Models MicroStation lets you create independent 2D and 3D models within a single DGN file. Each model is a separate entity within the DGN file. You can access models in a DGN via the Models pull-down menu or Models dialog box, in the Primary Tools tool box, or the View Group menu in the View Groups View box. In 2D models, you work on a design plane, similar to a sheet of paper. All 2D geometry is drawn on the design plane. Locations on the plane are defined by x- and y- coordinates. You can zoom in or out as required to work on small or large areas. Where necessary, you can rotate the view, which is like turning the drawing sheet. In 3D models, the 2D design plane becomes a 3D cube, known as the design cube. All geometry is drawn in this design cube. Locations in the cube are defined by x-, y-, and z- coordinates. When working in a 3D model, you still can use 2D geometry, but it can be placed in any orientation. For example, you can place a block horizontally, vertically, or at any other orientation that is required, within the design cube. Similarly, you can view design geometry from any direction. You can rotate the view cameras about any axis to 3/30/07 2

6 View Volume display the design from any direction. Additionally, you can place the view camera anywhere inside the model to let you work on, or view, specific parts of it. 2D design plane coordinates are expressed in the form (x,y). 3D design cube coordinates are expressed in the form (x,y,z). In the 3D seed files, provided with MicroStation, the Global Origin is located at the exact center of the design cube and assigned the coordinates (0,0,0). In 3D models, the coordinate system often is called the Rectangular or Cartesian coordinates system. View Volume MicroStation lets you have up to eight view windows open simultaneously. In a 2D model, each view window displays an area of the design plane. In a 3D model, each view window displays a volume of the design cube, often referred to as the view volume or display volume. Each 3D view window has a display area, as in 2D, and a display depth, or the third dimension. You can limit the display depth of a view by turning on the front and back clipping planes, which restrict the view to a specific slice of the design cube. When clipping planes are enabled, any element not contained within the front and back clipping planes of the view will not display. Many first-time 3D users think that they have accidently deleted elements, as no amount of zooming in or out makes them visible. In fact, the elements are located outside the display depth for the view in which they are looking. Nothing is visible in front of the front clipping plane and nothing is visible behind the back clipping plane. Only elements, or parts of elements, located between the clipping planes are visible. Just as Window Area lets you select a discrete area of a view, Display Depth lets you select a discrete slice or depth of a view. You can change the position of the clipping planes so that the missing elements are again visible, or you can turn off the front and back clipping planes. 3/30/07 3

7 Standard 3D Views When clipping planes are enabled, the standard view volume is defined by the size of the view window area and the front and back clipping planes (defining the display depth). View volume with the front and back clipping planes You can toggle either or both clipping planes, in one or more views, via the Clip Back and Clip Front settings in the View Attributes dialog box. In a 3D model, you can view a design in the design cube from any direction. You have all the 2D viewing tools, plus 3D specific tools that let you rotate views to any orientation, or add perspective. There are a number of standard views that you can use for quick rotations, or you can use camera tools let you specify a camera eyepoint and target. Standard 3D Views MicroStation has eight standard views Top, Front, Right, Isometric, Bottom, Back, Left, and Right Isometric. Standard view names describe the orientation of the design cube in the view, relative to the viewer, as follows: Top and Bottom displays the design cube as viewed from the top or bottom, respectively. The xy- plane is parallel to the screen, and you view the design along the z- axis. Front and Back displays the design cube from the front or back, respectively. The xzplane is parallel to the screen and you view the design along the y-axis. 3/30/07 4

8 Standard 3D Views Right and Left displays the design cube from the right or left, respectively. The yzplane is parallel to the screen and you view the design along the x-axis. Isometric and Right Isometric displays the design cube equally inclined from all three axes. You view the design from top left front corner to the bottom right back corner of the design cube (Isometric) or from the top right front corner to the bottom left back corner (Right Isometric). Only in the Top view is the model s axes aligned exactly with that of the view (or screen). Each view has axes relative to the screen. In the real world, you would move around the model. In the CAD environment, the screen remains stationary and you move the view cameras around the model. Exercise: Inspect views in a 3D model 1 Open model 3d_views_1, in 3d_views.dgn. This model was saved with four views open. They display the Top, Isometric, Front, and Right views of a simple design. Four views of the sample model 2 Note that each view displays the name of the standard view in the title bar. Whenever a standard view is displayed, its name appears in the title bar for the view. 3 Note, also, the ACS triad that is displayed in each view. This is an aid to orientation and shows the annotated arrows for the X and Y axes and a blue line 3/30/07 5

9 Standard 3D Views for the Z axis. You can toggle the display of the ACS triad in the View Attributes dialog box. Each view is displaying the same model, but from different directions. 4 Look at the Isometric view. You can see that each face of the model contains text describing its location. The top face has the word Top on it, the right face has the word Right and so on. Currently the view display is the default Wireframe. With wireframe display, you see the edges of surfaces and you can see through the 3D model. For example, in the Top view, not only can you see the word Top on the top face, but you can see the word Bottom (reversed), which is on the bottom face of the model. Of the four views, the Isometric view (View 2) gives you the best idea of what the model is. Typically, the Isometric and Right Isometric views are the easiest of the standard views to work with. Standard views can be very useful to orient yourself in a 3D model, but they are not the only rotations that you can use. Visibility of the view ACS triad When you have ACS Triad enabled for a view (in the View Attributes dialog box), the view will always display a triad. By default, the ACS triad is located at point 0,0,0 in the model. If the 0,0,0 coordinate point is visible in the view, then the ACS appears bigger and brighter than when the 0,0,0 coordinate point is not visible in the view. ACS triad when point 0,0,0 is visible (left) and not visible (right) 3/30/07 6

10 2 3D View Controls All the 2D view controls, such as fit, zoom in, zoom out, window area, and pan, can be used in 3D. As well, there are a number of 3D specific viewing tools that you can use. View Rotation When you work in a 2D model, you can rotate the view. Visually, this is like rotating the xy-plane about a perpendicular, or z-axis. When you are working in a 3D model, you can rotate the view about any axis (the x-, y-, or z-axis). Again, the visual effect on screen is like rotating the design cube. You can rotate any view to a standard view or to any other arbitrary view orientation. When you dynamically rotate a view, you can use either of the following methods: Click and drag Releasing the button completes the rotation. Data points Requiring a data point to start and a second data point to complete the rotation. The advantage with this method is that you can enter a reset in place of the second data point to return the view to its starting orientation. As well, you have the choice of two options that control the method of rotation: Cube rotation rotates the view as follows: Moving the pointer up or down rotates the view about its x-axis. Moving the pointer left or right, when Preserve World Up is: Enabled --- rotates the view about the model s z-axis. Disabled --- rotates the view about its y-axis Sphere rotation rotates the view about a center point. A dynamic sphere, and associated graphics, help you define the rotation. Slide settings let you control the size and transparency of the sphere as follows: Small/Large slide control --- lets you define the size of the sphere graphic in the view. 3/30/07 7

11 View Rotation Opaque/Clear slide control --- lets you define the transparency of the sphere in the view. Dynamic view rotation You can use dynamic view rotation to quickly rotate your model, maybe to access a face that would otherwise be behind another. Exercise: Rotating views (cube option) 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_1, in View 1 (Top view) select the Rotate View view control, with the following tool setting: Method: Dynamic Cube rotation Preserve World Up: Off Click the Show Extended Settings arrow to view the settings for Rotation. Cross-hairs appear in the center of the view, denoting the center of the rotation. 2 Enter a data point on the right side of View 1. The pointer changes shape and the cross-hairs change to a large dot, with a smaller dot at the starting position of the pointer. 3 Move the screen pointer to rotate the view interactively. Notice that moving the pointer: Vertically --- rotates the view about its horizontal (x) axis. Horizontally --- rotates the view about its vertical (y) axis. 4 Enter a Reset. This cancels the rotation and returns the view to its original orientation. 5 Again select the Rotate View view control and change the following setting: Preserve World Up: On. 6 Enter a data point on the right side of View 1. 7 Move the screen pointer to rotate the view interactively. Notice that moving the pointer: Vertically --- rotates the view about its horizontal (x) axis. Horizontally --- rotates the view about the model s (z) axis. This has the visual effect of spinning the model about its vertical (z) axis no matter what the rotation of the view. 8 Enter a data point to complete the rotation. 3/30/07 8

12 View Rotation 9 Try the Rotate View tool in other views. Now try rotating with the sphere option. Exercise: Rotating views (sphere option) 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_1, in any view, select the Rotate View view control with the following setting. Sphere rotation Cross-hairs appear at the center of the view and a shaded spherical object surrounds them. 2 Use the Small/Large and Opaque/Clear sliders to adjust the size and transparency of the sphere to your preference. 3 Enter a data point somewhere within the region of the sphere. The cross-hairs are replaced by a dot, with a smaller dot indicating the start point of the rotation. 4 Move the pointer to rotate the view about the center of the sphere. The arrow graphic that appears on the sphere gives you a visual indication of how you are rotating the view. 5 Enter a data point to complete the rotation. Rotating a view using the Sphere option Rotating to a standard view Following the preceding exercises, no doubt your views are quite different from when you started. You can use the View Rotation tool to return them to their original state, which were standard orientations Top, Isometric, Front, Right. These standard orientation can be selected from the Rotate View drop-down menu in each view. Other options are to use positional mapping key-ins, or you can open the View Rotation tools as a tool box. Remember that when you use key-ins, or the view rotation tools from the tool box, the tool applies to the active view. 3/30/07 9

13 View Rotation Exercise: Rotating to standard views using various view control options 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_1, select Rotate View from the Main tool box ( ), with the following setting: Method: Top 2 Enter a data point in View 1. 3 In any view, click on the Rotate View view control to open the drop-down menu and select Open as Tool Box. 4 Click in the title bar of View 3, to make it the active view. 5 In the View Rotation tool box, select Front View. View 3 (the active view) is rotated to a Front view. 6 Click in the title bar of View 4 to make it the active view. 7 In the View Rotation tool box, select Right view. 8 Click in the title bar of View 2, to make it the active view. 9 With focus at Home, press positional mapping keys to set View 2 to Isometric. Rotating a view about a selected point In the previous exercises, you rotated views about the default point the center of the view. Another option is to rotate the view about a defined point. Exercise: Rotate view about defined point 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_1, make View 2 active. 2 From the Main task, select the View Rotation tool ( ) with the following settings: Method: Dynamic Cube rotation Preserve World Up: On 3 Move the pointer to the cross-hairs in the center of the view, so that they are highlighted, and enter a data point. The highlighted cross-hairs now are attached to the pointer and can be moved to another location. 4 With the cross-hairs highlighted move the pointer to the left, snap to the left vertical edge in the view, and enter a data point. 3/30/07 10

14 View Rotation The cross-hairs now are located at the left vertical edge of the geometry. 5 Move the pointer away from the cross-hairs and enter a data point to define the start point of the rotation. 6 As you move the pointer to rotate the view, notice that rotation now is around the defined point. 7 Enter a data point to complete the rotation. 8 Return the view to an Isometric view. 9 Fit the view. Rotating a view to match the face of an element Sometimes, you will need to rotate a view so that it is parallel to the face of an element in the model. That is, the view camera is perpendicular to the required face. Where the faces of the design match standard views, you can use the standard view rotation tool. In a model such as in this example, however, the top face of the geometry slopes downward from left to right. You can see this clearly in the Front view. When you view the model from the top, the top face of the geometry is not parallel with the screen. When a face of the design geometry does not coincide with any of the orthogonal views, you can use another view rotation setting, 3 Points, that lets you rotate a view to align exactly with a face of the design. Just as a minimum of three points are required to define a plane, three points are required also to rotate a view so that a particular plane is parallel to your screen. The first two define the direction of the x-axis and the third defines the direction of the y-axis. AccuSnap can be used to snap to the points. Exercise: Rotate View 2 to align with the sloping top face of the geometry 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_1, in View 2 (the Isometric view), turn on display of the level named Markers. Level Markers contains location markers to assist with this exercise. 3/30/07 11

15 View Rotation 2 In View 2, select the Rotate View view control with the following tool setting: Method: 3 Points 3 Snap to the top left front corner of the top face, at location 1, and accept with a data point. This locates the first point on the x-axis for the proposed view. 4 Snap to the top right front corner of the top face, at location 2, and accept with a data point. This determines the direction of the x-axis for the proposed view. 5 Snap to the top left back corner of the top face at location 3. This defines the direction of the y-axis of the rotated view. 6 Accept with a data point. On acceptance of this point, the view updates to show the new orientation. 7 Fit the view. Left: The Isometric view, with the location points displayed. Right: After rotating the view Using this method, you can rotate views so that any plane in the design is aligned exactly to the view. The view, or the view camera, is rotated so that the screen for that view is parallel to the defined plane. Active Depth The Active Depth is a plane, parallel to the view or screen, which is always located within the Display Depth of a view. The Active Depth of a view determines where data points fall by default. If you enter a data point in a 3D view, without snapping to an existing element, it falls on the Active Depth plane. Two important points to remember about the active depth: If you try to set the Active Depth to be outside the limits of the clipping planes, it will default to the nearest clipping plane. 3/30/07 12

16 Fitting 3D views Whether or not you have the Front and Back clipping planes enabled in a view, the Active Depth still is restricted to be located within their values. One tool that, by default, relies on the Active Depth is the Rotate View view control. With this tool, the view rotation is performed about a point on the active depth of the view. You can, however, force the rotation to be about a selected point, which need not be at the active depth. You can use the Set Active Depth tool to define the active depth, but with the advent of AccuDraw this is no longer necessary. You can use AccuDraw to locate the 3D data points. In effect, AccuDraw lets you define the active depth interactively, as you work. Fitting 3D views In both 2D and 3D models, the Fit View tool lets you select whether the fit applies to elements in the Active file, References, Rasters, or All files associated with the view. In 3D models, you have further choices relating to the clipping planes and the Active Depth. When you fit a view in 2D, the area of the view is altered to display all elements located on the levels currently turned on. In 3D models, you have additional options when using the Fit View tool. Expand Clipping Planes If on, the view's Display Depth is adjusted, along with the view origin and magnification, so that all elements display that are on levels currently turned on for the view. If off, the Display Depth is not adjusted. Center Active Depth If on, centers the Active Depth in the fitted view. It is recommended that you enable Center Active Depth when fitting a view you later intend to dynamically rotate, or a view whose perspective you intend to change. Alternatively, if you want to add elements at the current Active Depth, you should disable this setting. Center Camera If on, the view camera is centered in the view. Clip Volume and Clip Mask During a design session, you may want to work on a particular element and, to do so, rotate it to view from various angles. When you do this with clipping planes set, however, parts may disappear or other elements appear in the display depth. MicroStation s Clip Volume tool lets you select a discrete volume, within the design cube, for display. You can use 2D or 3D elements to define the volume. When you use a 2D shape, the clipping volume is created by sweeping the 2D shape through the entire model. The sweep 3/30/07 13

17 Clip Volume and Clip Mask direction is perpendicular to the plane of the 2D element. When a 3D element is used, it defines the entire volume. Similarly, you may want to work on part of a model, while hiding another part of it. If the elements all are on the same level, you can use the Clip Mask tool to mask the elements that are not required. Applying a clip volume You can use a clip volume to isolate a part of the model so that you can work on it without the confusion from the display of other parts of the model. Exercise: Applying a clip volume to a view 1 Open model 3d_views_4 in 3d_views.dgn. 2 In the View Attributes dialog box, set the following: Apply to All: On Clip Back: Off Clip Front: Off Clip Volume: On 3 From the View Control tool box, or a view border, select the Clip Volume tool. The tool settings for this tool contains icons for the various options. 4 In the tool settings, click the Apply Clip Volume By 2 Points icon with the following setting: Display Clip Element: Off 5 In the Top View (View 1), enter data points at location markers 1 and 2. 6 Enter a data point in the Isometric View (View 2) to accept the clip volume. 7 Use the Rotate View tool to rotate View 2. Notice that only the elements in the clip volume are visible during the rotation. 8 In the View Rotation tool box, select Isometric View. 9 Fit view 2. 3/30/07 14

18 Clip Volume and Clip Mask No other elements appear in the view. Manipulating and modifying a clip volume With a clip volume active, you can restrict the display of elements to just those that you want to see. Once a clip element has been created, you can manipulate it to change the clip volume and the information being displayed. Exercise: Manipulating a clip volume 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_4, select the Clip Volume tool. 2 In the Clip Volume tool settings, click the Show or Hide Clip Volume Element icon. 3 Enter a data point in View 2. The clip element appears in all views. 4 Select the Move tool (3 + 2). 5 In View 1, snap to the clip element at location 1 and move it to location 3. 6 Fit view 2. Part of the front pump house now displays. 7 Select the Modify Element tool (7 + 1). 8 In View 1, identify the top right vertex of the clip element and modify it to location 4. 9 Fit View 2. 3/30/07 15

19 Clip Volume and Clip Mask The complete front pump house is displayed. Working with multiple clip volumes Each view in a MicroStation model may have a clip volume assigned to it. These may be indentical, or they can be different clip volumes. As well, you can save clip volume elements as named fences to let you recall them in any view. Exercise: Create a second clip volume 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_4, select the Clip Volume tool. 2 In the tool settings, click the Apply Clip Volume By 2 Points icon with the following setting: Display Clip Element: Off 3 In View 1, enter data points at locations 1 and 2. 4 Enter a data point in View 4. 5 Fit View 4. Views 2 and 4 now have different clip volumes applied to them. 3/30/07 16

20 Clip Volume and Clip Mask Saving clip volumes You can save clip volumes as named fences for later use. You then can apply them to any view. Exercise: Save the clip volumes 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_4, make View 2 the active view. 2 Select the Clip Volume tool. 3 Click the Expand icon (down arrow at lower right of tool settings). 4 In the expanded settings, click the Create Named Fence From Clip Volume icon. 5 In the Name field, key-in the name PH-1 and press <Enter> to complete. 6 Make View 4 the active view. 7 Click the Create Named Fence From Clip Volume icon. 8 In the Name field, key-in the name UP-1 and press <Enter> to complete. You now can apply these clip volumes to any view. Exercise: Apply saved clip volume to a view 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_4, make View 3 the active view. 2 In the Clip Volume tool settings, select the named fence PH-1. 3 Click the Apply Clip Volume By Named Fence icon. The view updates to display only the pump house. 4 In the Clip Volume tool settings, select the named fence UP-1. 5 Click the Apply Clip Volume By Named Fence icon. The view updates to display only the unloading platform. Saving clip volumes in this manner lets you quickly set up views to work on specific parts of a design. Once a clip volume is defined for a view, it remains with that view until you clear it. Tools such as the Fit View tool will not change the extents of a clip volume. 3/30/07 17

21 Clip Volume and Clip Mask Exercise: Clear a clip volume 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_4, with the Clip Volume tool active. 2 In the tool settings, click the Clear Clip Volume icon. 3 Enter a data point in View 2. 4 Fit View 2. The entire model is displayed again. Using a clip mask A clip mask has the opposite effect to that of the the clip volume. Whereas a clip volume defines what to display, a clip mask defines what is not to display. Procedures for creating and using clip masks are identical to those for clip volumes. Also, you can apply clip masks to views that have had a clip volume applied. Exercise: Apply and clear a clip mask 1 Continuing in model 3d_views_4, check that View 2 is the active view. 2 Select the Clip Mask tool from the View Control tool box or a view border. The Clip Mask tool settings are identical to the Clip Volume tool. Notice also, in the expanded settings, the saved named fences you created previously are able to be used with Clip Mask also. 3 In the Clip Mask tool settings, select the named fence PH-1. 4 Click the Apply Clip Mask By Named Fence icon. The view updates with the front pump house masked from the view. Fitting and rotating the view will not cause it to reappear. Clearing a clip mask uses the same procedure as that for a clip volume. 5 In the Clip Mask tool settings, click the Clear Clip Mask icon. 6 Enter a data point in View 2. 3/30/07 18

22 View display mode View display mode In each MicroStation view, you can set the display mode. Typically, for general design work, Wireframe display is used. It displays the boundaries of elements and lets you see through solids and surfaces to identify elements that are behind others in a view. Other options include rendered views with geometry displayed as smooth shaded or with hidden lines removed. Exercise: Setting the View Display Mode 1 Open model 3d_views_5, 3d_views.dgn. 2 In View 2, from the view border controls, select View Display Mode and select Display Mode Hidden Line. 3 Repeat this for Views 3 and 4, selecting Display Mode Filled Hidden Line and Display Mode Smooth, respectively. 4 Use othe view controls, such as Window Area, Zoom In/Out, and Rotate View in each of the views. Notice that the views retain their display mode as you manipulate them. Both Hidden Line and Filled Hidden Line have an option for turning on Display Hidden Edges, which displays the hidden edges as lighter weight dashed lines. Model with View Display Mode set to Smooth. 3/30/07 19

23 View display mode 3/30/07 20

24 3 AccuDraw in 3D When drawing in 3D, AccuDraw is an intelligent drawing aid that interprets the position of the pointer relative to previous data points, view orientation, and coordinate system. Using AccuDraw you can quickly enter additional data points that build on those placed previously. You can use AccuDraw by itself, or with a rectangular Auxiliary Coordinate System (ACS). The AccuDraw Drawing Plane AccuDraw was designed to work with the 3D drawing environment. You can work in a view other than one of the orthogonal views (such as Top, Front, and Right), but still draw in the orthogonal planes. Rotated views such as Isometric or Right Isometric display a design more clearly. When working in these views, if you want to draw an object on the Top or Front plane, you can simply rotate the AccuDraw compass to that plane using an AccuDraw shortcut. You do this by rotating AccuDraw s compass to an orthogonal plane with one of the shortcuts V (view), T (top), F (front), or S (side). No matter in which view you are working, you can use AccuDraw shortcuts to rotate its compass to the Top (T), Front (F), Side (S) or View (V) orientation Remember that the focus must be in the AccuDraw window for its shortcuts to work. 3/30/07 21

25 AccuDraw and element placement in 3D AccuDraw and element placement in 3D Placing elements in a 2D file is as simple as drawing on a sheet of paper. All elements are on one plane, the x,y plane. When you place these same elements in a 3D file, by default they are placed in the AccuDraw drawing plane. The AccuDraw drawing plane can be rotated to match the view being used, or else defined to be a particular rotation. In the following exercises, you will draw an open rectangular box, using 2D blocks. Exercise: Open the model and draw the base surface 1 Open model AccuDraw_01, in AccuDraw_3D.dgn. This model displays the ACS triad in each view, which indicates the directions of the 3 axes. You can toggle the display of the ACS triad in the View Attributes dialog box. For now, leave it displayed. 2 If necessary, turn on Main and Task Navigation in the Tools menu. 3 In the Task Navigation, open the Basic 3D task. 4 In the Attributes tool bar, set the following: Active Level: Geometry 5 With focus in the AccuDraw window, press <V> on the keyboard. This is the AccuDraw shortcut for View orientation. First, using the Top view, you will draw the base of the box. You will use AccuDraw to input precise dimensions for the block. Effectively, this part of the exercise will be no different from working in 2D. 6 Select the Place Block tool (Q ). 7 Enter a data point in the lower left corner of the Top view. 8 Move the pointer to the right and, with it indexed to AccuDraw s x-axis, key in 1.5 (do NOT enter a data point). 9 Move the pointer upward and enter Enter a data point to complete the block. 3/30/07 22

26 AccuDraw and element placement in 3D 11 Fit each view. Note that the block appears as a line in both the Front and Right views, where it is edge on to the view, like looking at a sheet of paper edge on. Next, you will use the Front and Right views to draw the corresponding front and right faces of the box. You may remember that each view has an active depth, where data points fall by default if you do not snap to an element. Here, you will snap to the existing block that you just drew and use AccuDraw to keep the pointer at that depth in the view. Exercise: Use Front and Right views to draw corresponding faces for the box 1 Continuing in model AccuDraw_01, select the Place Block tool (Q ). 2 In the Front view, snap to the left end of the existing block, which appears as a line in this view, and accept with a data point. 3 Move the pointer to the right and, with it indexed to AccuDraw s x-axis, key in Move the pointer upward, enter 0.5, and enter a data point to complete the block. 5 Fit each view. For the right face, you can snap to existing elements to place the points. 6 Select the Place Block tool (Q ). 7 In the Right view, snap to the right end of the base (the horizontal line), and accept with a data point. 3/30/07 23

27 AccuDraw and element placement in 3D 8 Still in the Right view, snap to the top of the front surface (the vertical line), and accept with a data point. As you do this, check in the Isometric view to ensure that you are snapping to the correct points and that the block is being placed correctly. 9 Fit each view. To complete the box, you can use the copy tool to copy the existing faces to create the opposite sides. When you copy an element in 3D, it retains its current orientation. That is a vertical face remains vertical, a horizontal face remains horizontal, and so on. Copy the existing faces to complete the box 1 Continuing in model AccuDraw_01, select the Copy Element tool (3 + 1), with: Copies: 1 2 In the Front view, identify the block representing the front face at its lower left vertex. The face is attached to the pointer. As you move the pointer in the other views, the front face element retains its current orientation. 3/30/07 24

28 AccuDraw and element placement in 3D 3 Using the Isometric view, snap to the back left vertex of the base block and accept to complete the copy. 4 Reset. 5 In the Right view, identify the block representing the right face at its lower right vertex. 6 Using the Isometric view, snap to the back left vertex of the base block and accept to complete the copy. 7 Reset. 8 Use the View Display Mode view control to change the Isometric view display to Hidden Line. 9 Use the Rotate View tool to rotate the Isometric view to check that you have correctly drawn all the surfaces for the open top box. As you can see, placing elements in 3D is no more difficult than in 2D. In this exercise, you used MicroStation s views to correctly orient the elements. Of the four views, the Isometric view best displays the model. You can see the three faces quite clearly. In the following exercises, you will work in the Isometric view and let AccuDraw correctly align the elements. 3/30/07 25

29 Using AccuDraw s rotated drawing plane to draw elements in 3D Using AccuDraw s rotated drawing plane to draw elements in 3D You have seen, in the previous exercise, how AccuDraw works with the view orientation to help you place elements in a 3D model. Now, you will look at how you can use AccuDraw, in a single view, to place elements aligned with any of the orthogonal views (Top, Front, Side). Exercise: Place an element in the Top view orientation 1 Open model AccuDraw_02, in AccuDraw_3D.dgn. This model has been saved with four view open and arranged with the Isometric view much larger than the others. This view will be used for drawing. 2 With AccuDraw active, select the Place Block tool (Q ). 3 Enter a data point at bottom center of the Isometric view. 4 Move the pointer and note in the other views that the block is at an angle in other views. It is being drawn parallel to the Isometric view, which does not align with the orthogonal views. 5 Use the AccuDraw shortcut <T> to set AccuDraw s drawing plane to a Top orientation. Notice that the AccuDraw compass rotates to a Top view orientation in the active (Isometric) view. Note also that the block now is aligned correctly in the orthogonal views. 6 In the Isometric view, move the pointer to the right, with it indexed to AccuDraw s x-axis and key in 3. 7 Move the pointer to the left and key in 2, followed by a data point. The block is placed in the horizontal (top) plane. 8 Fit each view. In a similar fashion, you can place elements in the Front and Side alignments using AccuDraw s <F> and <S> shortcuts. 3/30/07 26

30 Using AccuDraw s rotated drawing plane to draw elements in 3D Exercise: Using AccuDraw s Front and Side rotations 1 Continuing in model AccuDraw_02, select the Place Block tool (Q ). 2 In the Isometric view, snap to the rightmost vertex of the existing block and enter a data point. 3 Use the AccuDraw shortcut <S> to change AccuDraw s drawing plane to the side orientation, which equates to the Left and Right orthogonal views. 4 Without entering a data point, snap to the vertex upward and left of the start point. 5 Use the AccuDraw shortcut <O> to relocate AccuDraw s origin to this point. 6 Move the pointer upward, indexed to AccuDraw s y-axis and key in 1 7 With the pointer still indexed to the y-axis, accept with a data point. 8 With the Place Block tool still active, snap to the upper right vertex of the block just placed. 9 Use the AccuDraw shortcut <F> to switch AccuDraw s drawing plane to the front rotation. 10 Snap to the front left vertex of the horizontal base block and accept with a data point. 3/30/07 27

31 Orthogonal drawing plane rotation Orthogonal drawing plane rotation AccuDraw s drawing plane lets you work in any view, while still maintaining the correct plane for the elements being drawn. You can still snap to elements that are not on the current drawing plane and AccuDraw responds accordingly. When you work in 2D, AccuDraw s drawing plane axes change depending on the active tool and the location of the previous two data points. Similarly, as you draw in 3D, you may observe the drawing plane axes change as you enter data points. The alignment of the drawing plane depends on the tool being used and the location of the previous data points. For 3D models, the three previous data points are considered as this is the minimum requirement to describe a planar surface. Where less than three data points have been placed, the view orientation is considered also. This becomes clear in the next exercise. As you work through the exercise, use the other open views to check the orientation of the element being drawn. Exercise: Automatic drawing plane rotation in AccuDraw 1 Open model accudraw_03 in AccuDraw_3D.dgn. This model has been saved with Top, Isometric, Front and Right views open. The Isometric view has location markers displayed. 2 Select the Place SmartLine tool (Q ) with following tool settings: Segment Type: Lines Vertex Type: Sharp Join Elements: Enabled 3 In the tool settings, click the arrow at bottom right to open the SmartLine Placement Settings and ensure that Rotate AccuDraw to Segments is enabled, then click OK. 4 Snap to the center of the circle at location 1 and accept with a data point. Note that AccuDraw s drawing plane currently aligns with the view. 5 Snap to the center of the circle at location 2 and accept with a data point. AccuDraw uses the two data points, plus the view to set the drawing plane orientation. This results in a drawing plane that is not in alignment with any of the standard Top, Front or Side drawing planes. 6 Snap to the center of the circle at location 3 and accept with a data point. AccuDraw s drawing plane now aligns itself with the plane of the three data points (1, 2 and 3). In this case the points are aligned with the Top drawing plane. 7 Continue snapping to the centers of the circles at locations 4 and 5, noticing for each point how the drawing plane aligns with the three previously placed data points, such as: 3/30/07 28

32 Orthogonal drawing plane rotation Point 4: Side (from points 2, 3 and 4) Point 5: Front (points 3, 4, 5). 8 Reset to finish. As the SmartLine is drawn, AccuDraw s drawing plane changes orientation Other tools that rely on the view orientation also can be used with AccuDraw. For example, the tools for Mirror, Rotate Element, and Array, all use the view orientation to define the direction of the mirror or the axis of rotation. Exercise: Using AccuDraw to mirror copy 1 Open model AccuDraw_04 in AccuDraw_3D.dgn. This model has been saved with a large Isometric view to work with, and smaller Top, Front, and Right views to use as check views. 2 Select the Mirror tool (3 + 5), with the following settings: Mirror About: Vertical Make Copy: On All other settings Off. 3 Identify the end chair at location 1. Notice that the AccuDraw compass indicates that it is in View mode. When you move the pointer, the chair is mirrored about a vertical line in the Isometric view. 4 Use the AccuDraw shortcut <T> to set AccuDraw to Top view rotation. 5 Notice now, that the chair is being mirrored about a vertical line in Top orientation. You can seen this clearly in the orthogonal views. 3/30/07 29

33 Orthogonal drawing plane rotation 6 Snap to the table base, at location 2, and accept with a data point. 7 Reset to complete the operation. 8 Change the Mirror About setting to Vertical 9 Identify the side chair at location Snap to the center of the table edge, at location 4, and accept with a data point. 11 Reset to complete the operation. Similarly, you can use AccuDraw to define the axis of rotation when rotating elements. Exercise: Use AccuDraw to rotate elements 1 Open model AccuDraw_05 in AccuDraw_3D.dgn. 2 Select the Rotate tool (3 + 4), with the following settings: Method: Active Angle Set angle value to 90 3 Copies on and set to 3 Other settings Off. 3 In the Isometric view, identify the chair at location 1. 3/30/07 30

34 Tentative Snaps with AccuDraw 4 Snap to the center of the table base, at location 2, and accept with a data point. 5 Reset to complete the operation. Tentative Snaps with AccuDraw There will be many occasions in 3D work when you will locate elements relative to others already present in the model. In 2D, all elements were on the same plane. In 3D the elements often are on different planes. In the following example, you will place a SmartLine to represent a paved area for a building complex. In this exercise model, the building complex is represented by a simplified solid. Exercise: Draw the paved area for the building complex 1 Open model AccuDraw_06 in AccuDraw_3D.dgn. 2 Select the Place SmartLine tool (Q + 1) with following settings: Segment Type: Lines Vertex Type: Rounded Rounding Radius: 1.5 Join Elements: Enabled 3 In the Isometric view, snap to the vertex at location 1 and accept with a data point. 4 Use the AccuDraw shortcut <T> to switch to the Top plane. 5 Move the pointer down to the left and with it indexed to the x-axis, press <Return> to constrain the point to this axis (do not enter a data point). 6 Snap to the vertex at location 2 and accept with a data point. 3/30/07 31

35 Tentative Snaps with AccuDraw As you snap to the vertex, AccuDraw displays a dashed line (perpendicular to the x-axis) back to the point being placed. This is just as you would expect in 2D. 7 With the pointer still at location 2, press <Return> to constrain the next point to the y-axis. 8 Snap to the vertex at location 3. As you snap to the vertex, AccuDraw displays a dashed line from the snap point vertically down to the plane of the element being drawn and then across to the point being placed. 9 Accept with a data point. 10 Again position the pointer and press <Return> to constrain the next point to the y-axis. 11 Snap to the vertex at location 4 and accept with a data point. 12 Constrain the next point to the y-axis. 13 Snap to the vertex at location 2 and accept with a data point. 3/30/07 32

36 Tentative Snaps with AccuDraw 14 Reset to finish. 3/30/07 33

37 Tentative Snaps with AccuDraw 3/30/07 34

38 4 3D Tools As well as the 2D tools with which you already are familiar, working in 3D requires tools that are specific to 3D. 3D Tasks and Tool Boxes MicroStation s 3D tools are contained in tasks that group the tools logically. These vary from the basic 3D tools through to the more complex surface and solid modeling tools. As well, you still can use the 2D tools in a 3D model. Basic 3D task Contains the Drawing tool box, plus 3D specific tools for creating primtive solids, extrusions, revolutions, converting solids to surfaces (and vice-versa), and editing primitive solids. Basic 3D task 3/30/07 35

39 3D Tasks and Tool Boxes Surface Modeling task Contains the Drawing tool box plus tasks for construction, and modification of surfaces and mesh elements. Solids Modeling task Contains all the tasks from the Surface Modeling task, plus tasks that are specific for constructing and modifying solids. 3/30/07 36

40 Introduction to 3D tools Feature Based Solids Modeling task For parametric modeling, MicroStation has advanced solids modeling construction and modification tools. These are contained in the Feature Based Solids Modeling task. Introduction to 3D tools In earlier exercises you have placed 2D elements in 3D models. Here, you will start working with 3D tools, placing and creating 3D elements. 3D Primitives Many 3D solids and surfaces can be created from one or more of the 3D Primitives. Each of the 3D tasks includes tools for these elements. Using these tools, you can construct a slab, sphere, cylinder, cone, torus, or wedge. Each tool has the following settings Type: Lets you select from Solid or Surface. For elements other than a sphere, this setting determines whether or not the element has caps or surfaces at each end. Axis: Lets you choose how the axis for the element is defined. You can select from Points, Screen X, Y, or Z, or Drawing X, Y, or Z. Other settings are specific for each tool. 3/30/07 37

41 Introduction to 3D tools Place Slab Probably the most useful of all primitives, the Place Slab tool can be used to draw any rectangular or cubic object. Using this tool you can construct a box shaped solid or surface. Element specific tool settings are as follows: Orthogonal: When enabled, the sides are perpendicular to the base. Length: If on, specifies the length. Width: If on, specifies the width. Height: If on, specifies the height. Slabs placed as Solid (left) and Surface (right) Exercise: Creating slabs 1 Open model 1-Slabs, in primitives_01.dgn. 2 If necessary, open the Basic 3D task. 3 Select the Place Slab tool (W) with the following tool settings: Type: Solid Axis: Drawing Z Orthogonal: Off Length: On and set to 100 Width: On and set to 80 Height: On and set to 60 4 In the Isometric view, enter the first data point at location 1. 5 Move the pointer to the right of location 1 and enter a data point to define the direction for the length. 3/30/07 38

42 Introduction to 3D tools 6 Move the pointer above location 1 and enter a second data point to define the direction for the width. 7 Enter a third data point to define the height direction to complete the slab. When all settings are enabled, you merely define the direction of each dimension. This is useful when you want to place a number of slabs with exactly the same values in one or two dimensions. If they are all identical, the Copy tool can be used after placing the first slab. When only placing one slab it is just as easy to use AccuDraw, as the next exercise shows. Exercise: Draw a slab using AccuDraw 1 Continuing in model 1-Slabs, with the Place Slab tool still active, change the following tool settings: Axis: Points (AccuDraw) Length, Width and Height: Off 2 In the Isometric view, enter the first data point at location 2. 3 Use the AccuDraw shortcut <T> to switch to the Top plane. 4 Move the pointer to the right and with it aligned to the x-axis, enter Enter a data point to accept. 6 Move the pointer to the left, enter 80, and accept with a data point. Notice that AccuDraw automatically switches now to the correct plane in order to enter the height. 7 Continuing in the Isometric view, move the pointer upward, enter 60, and accept with a data point. When Orthogonal is disabled, you can create skewed slabs, where the sides and height are not restricted to being perpendicular to each other. Place Sphere tool With this tool, you can construct a sphere with two data points, one for the center of the sphere and a second to set the radius. Element specific tool settings are as follows: Radius: When on, specifies the Radius. 3/30/07 39

43 Introduction to 3D tools Exercise: Draw a sphere 1 Open model 2-Spheres, in primitives_01.dgn. 2 Select the Place Sphere tool (E) with the following tool settings: Axis: Points Radius: On and set to 50 3 Enter a data point in the center of the isometric view. 4 Move the pointer around and notice that the axis of the sphere follows. 5 From the Axis option menu, select Drawing Z. 6 Move the pointer around and notice that now the axis of the sphere is locked. 7 Enter a second data point to complete the sphere. 8 Reset to finish. Place Cylinder tool A cylinder is defined by three data points, the center of its radius, then the radius, and finally the height. Element specific tool settings are as follows: Orthogonal: If on, the center line of the cylinder is perpendicular to the base. Radius: If on, specifies the radius. Height: If on, specifies the height. Cylinder placed as a solid (left) and surface (right) Exercise: Draw a cylinder 1 Open model 3-Cylinders in primitives_01.dgn. 2 Select the Place Cylinder tool (R) with the following tool settings: Type: Solid Axis: Drawing Z Orthogonal: On 3/30/07 40

44 Introduction to 3D tools Radius: and Height: Off 3 In the Isometric View, place data points at locations 1, 2 and 3, to define the center of the base, the radius, and the height, respectively. Looking at the other views, you can see that the cylinder has been constructed relative to the Drawing Z axis. In the Top View, it appears as a circle, while in the Front and Right views it is seen as a rectangle. You can use the Modify Element tool to reposition the base or top of cylinders. Place Cone tool Similar to the Place Cylinder tool, the Place Cone tool requires a fourth data point to define the Top radius of the cone. Element specific tool settings are as follows: Orthogonal: If on, the center line of the cone is perpendicular to the base. Top Radius: If on, specifies the top radius. Base Radius: If on, specifies the base radius. Height: If on, specifies the height. Cone placed as a solid (left) and surface (right) Exercise: Draw a cone 1 Open the model 4-Cones in primitives_01.dgn. 2 Select the Place Cone tool (T) with the following tool settings: Type: Solid Axis: Drawing Z Orthogonal: On 3/30/07 41

45 Introduction to 3D tools Top Radius:, Base Radius:, and Height: Off 3 In the Isometric View, place data points at locations 1, 2 and 3 to define the center of the base, the radius of the base and the height of the cone respectively. 4 Move the pointer around in any view and notice that this controls the radius of the cone s top. 5 Enter a fourth data point, in any view, to define the top radius and complete the cone. OR Enter a Reset to set the top radius to zero. Looking at the other views, you can see that the cone is aligned with the design file s z-axis. In the Top View, it appears as two circles joined by lines. In the Front and Right views, the cone appears as a trapezoid. You can use the Modify Element tool to reposition the base or top of cones. When Orthogonal is disabled, you can draw skewed cylinders and cones. With Orthogonal turned off, skewed cylinders and cones may be drawn. Additionally, you can use the Modify tool to skew them after they have been constructed. Place Torus tool A torus is a round donut-shaped object that is defined by four data points; the start point, the center point, the sweep angle, and the secondary radius. The primary radius is the one the torus is swept around and is the distance between the start point and the center point. The secondary radius defines the inner radius, or the radius of the torus circular section. Element specific tool settings are as follows: Primary Radius: If on, specifies the primary radius. Secondary Radius: If on, specifies the secondary radius. 3/30/07 42

46 Introduction to 3D tools Angle: If on, specifies the sweep angle. Torus placed as a solid (left) and surface (right) Exercise: Draw a torus 1 Open model 5-Torus in primitives_01.dgn. 2 Select the Place Torus tool (A) with the following tool settings: Type: Solid Axis: Drawing Z Primary Radius: On and set to 80 Secondary Radius: On and set to 25 Angle: Disabled 3 In the Isometric View, place data points at location 1 and 2 to define the start point and (direction of) center point, respectively. Point 2 defines only the direction of the center point, because the Primary Radius dimension is defined in the tool settings. 4 Move the pointer and notice that it controls the sweep of the torus. 5 Enter a data point to complete the torus. Place Wedge tool A wedge is constructed by revolving a rectangular section about an axis. It is defined by four data points. The first data point defines a corner of the wedge, the second data point defines the center point of the wedge and the point to rotate about, the third data point defines the sweep angle and the fourth data point defines the height of the wedge. Element specific tool settings are as follows: Radius: If on, specifies the radius. Angle: If on, specifies the angle. 3/30/07 43

47 Introduction to 3D tools Height: If on, specifies the height. Wedge placed as a solid (left) and surface (right) Exercise: Draw a wedge 1 Open model 6-Wedges in primitives_01.dgn. 2 Select the Place Wedge tool (S) with the following tool settings: Type: Solid Axis: Drawing Z Radius: On and set to 100 Angle: Off Height: On and set to 50 3 In the Isometric View, place data points at location 1 and 2 to define the start point and (direction of) center point, respectively. Point 2 defines only the direction of the center point, because the Radius dimension (100) is defined in the tool settings. 4 Move the pointer and notice that it controls the sweep of the wedge. 5 Enter a data point to define the sweep angle. 6 Enter a data point to define the direction of the height dimension for the wedge. Extruded and revolved solids/surfaces Where you have to create complex and or curved solids/surfaces, often you can create them from a profile element. You can extrude a profile in a straight line, with the Extrude tool, or in a circular path, with the Construct Revolution tool. 3/30/07 44

48 Introduction to 3D tools Extrude tool This tool is used to construct 3D solids or surfaces from 2D profiles. It lets you extrude, or project, a planar 2D element along an axis to create a 3D object. Thus, lines become planes, circles become cylinders and blocks become slabs. When complex shapes or SmartLines are used as the profiles, quite complex solids or surfaces are possible. Tool settings are as follows: Type: Solid or Surface. Orthogonal: When on, the sides are perpendicular to the plane of the base element. Distance: When on, defines the distance of the projection. Spin Angle: When on, defines the angle through which the 2D element rotates (counter-clockwise) about the axis of projection (maximum 360 ). To correctly specify the rotation, you must select the shape at the point about which the rotation is to occur. X Scale and Y Scale: When on, specifies the scaling factor for the shape as it is being projected. Scaling is uniform about the point at which the shape is identified. Both Directions: When on, the extrusion is constructed in both directions from the profile. Use Active Attributes: When on, the surface or solid of revolution is created with the element using the active attributes. When off, the surface or solid of revolution is created with the element taking the attributes of the profile element. Keep Profile: When on, the original profile element is kept. When off, the profile is deleted. Exercise: Extruding a profile 1 Open model SS_01a, in basic_solids.dgn. The model is part of an observation platform. Profiles for the support columns are ready to be extruded. 2 Select the Extrude tool (D) with the following settings: Type: Solid Orthogonal: On Distance: On and set to 3.0 3/30/07 45

49 Introduction to 3D tools All other settings off. 3 In the Isometric view, identify profile number 1. 4 Move the pointer above the profile, so the extrusion is upward, and accept with a data point. You can extrude multiple profiles, in a single operation, by first selecting the profiles with the Element Selection tool. Exercise: Extruding multiple profiles 1 Continuing in model SS_01a, select the Element Selection tool (1) with selection mode set to Block. 2 In the Isometric view, draw a block around the remaining 3 column profiles. 3 Select the Extrude tool (D) with the same settings as before: Type: Solid Orthogonal: On Distance: On and set to 3.0 All other settings off. 4 Enter a data point to view the extrusion. 5 With the pointer above the profiles, so that the extrusion is upwards, accept with a data point. 3/30/07 46

50 Introduction to 3D tools Extrusions may have a scale applied to them, or a spin angle, or both. Exercise: Extruding with Spin Angle and Scaling 1 Open model SS_01b, in basic_solids.dgn 2 Select the Extrude tool (D) with the same settings as before: Type: Solid Orthogonal: On Distance: On and set to 8. Spin Angle: On and set to 45. All other settings off. 3 In the Isometric view identify the left profile. 4 Move the pointer upward and accept with a data point. 5 Change the following settings: Spin Angle: Off X Scale: On and set to 0.75 Y Scale: On and set to Identify the center profile. 7 Move the pointer upward to extrude in that direction and accept with a data point. 8 Turn on Spin Angle, with it set to Identify the right profile and extrude it upward. Results of extruding with Spin Angle (left), Scale (center) and both (right). With Orthogonal turned on, all extrusions are perpendicular to the plane of the element being extruded. The position of the pointer merely defines whether the projection is up or 3/30/07 47

51 Introduction to 3D tools down from the profile. If you turn off Orthogonal, you can define the extrusion to be in any direction. Construct Revolution tool Where you require a curved extrusion, you can use the Construct Revolution tool. As with the Extrude tool, this tool also is used to construct 3D solids or surfaces from 2D profiles. In effect, a profile is revolved about an axis to create a solid or surface. When complex shapes or SmartLines are used as the profiles, quite complex solids or surfaces are possible. Settings for this tool are as follows: Type: Solid or Surface. Axis: Defines the direction of the axis about which the revolution is performed. Options are: Points or Points (AccuDraw); Screen X, Y, or Z; Drawing X, Y, or Z. Angle: Defines the sweep angle of the revolution (about the axis). Use Active Attributes: When on, the surface or solid of revolution is created with the element using the active attributes. When off, the surface or solid of revolution is created with the element taking the attributes of the profile element. Keep Profile: When on, the original profile element is kept. When off, the profile is deleted. Exercise: Create a solid by revolving a profile 1 Open model SS_02 in basic_solids.dgn. 2 Select the Construct Revolution tool (F) with the following tool settings: Type: Solid Axis: Drawing Z Angle: 360 Other settings off. 3 In the Isometric view, identify the shape at location 1. 3/30/07 48

52 Introduction to 3D tools The proposed solid is displays. Note that your pointer now controls the axis of the revolution. As you move it the radius changes and the solid changes in size, accordingly. The pointer controls the location of the axis 4 Snap to the center line at location 2 and accept with a data point. The solid is completed. 5 In View 4, from the view border controls, select View Display Mode and select Display Mode Smooth. You can turn off the level Default to remove the location markers and center line. Rendered image of solid created as a revolution Using the Construct Revolution tool, you can create complex curved 3D solids from a 2D shape or complex shape. Equally, you can revolve an open element, such as a line string or an arc to create a curved surface. Editing existing solids/surfaces In a later section, you will learn about Feature Solids and the ability to edit their parameters at any time. In the preceding exercises you were working with standard solids, but still you have two tools for basic modifying of existing solids/surfaces. 3/30/07 49

53 Introduction to 3D tools Convert 3D tool When placing 3D Primitives you have the choice of creating them as Solids, or Surfaces. When you accidentally use the incorrect setting, you can convert the element with this tool. Edit 3D Primitives Where you have placed 3D Primitives with incorrect dimensions, you can use this tool to modify them. Settings for the tool vary, depending on the 3D primitive selected. 3/30/07 50

54 5 SmartSolid Construction Tools SmartSolids differ from the simple solids that you have worked with so far in that they let you create and modify more complex solids (and surfaces). Solid models can include such physical properties as weight, volume, and surface area. This is in contrast to surface modeling, where only the surfaces of an object are stored. If you cut holes in the faces of a surface modeling object, you see inside the object. When you work with SmartSolids and you cut into an object, you see the faces of the cut. Surface modeling example (left) and solid modeling example of same object (right) SmartSolid tools are contained in three sub-tasks of the Solids Modeling task: 3D Construct 3D Modify 3D Utility 3/30/07 51

55 Working Area Working Area Solids modeling requires greater accuracy than that required for surface modeling. The Solids field in the Working Areas section of the Advanced Unit Settings dialog box lets you set a working area that determines the degree of accuracy for solids calculations. This setting is required by the Parasolid solids modeling engine used by MicroStation. It defines an upper bound that limits the extents of any single solid such that it can be modeled to a fixed precision. This precision value is displayed in the Advanced Unit Settings dialog box as Solids Accuracy. What settings you use will depend on whether or not you require compatibility with V7 projects. For best results: In the Resolution section, set storage unit to Meter. In the Working Areas (each axis) section: For V8 projects: Input 1 (Kilometer) For V7 projects: Input 0 With V8 projects, this will set the Solids Accuracy to 1E-008, which also is the Parasolids default. If you then make any changes to the Resolution setting, changing the Solids value back to 1 Kilometer will restore the Solids Accuracy to 1E D Construct tools Previously, you have worked with the Extrude and the Construct Revolution tools to create solids from profile elements. These tools are included also in the 3D Construct task, along with the more complex SmartSolid construct tools. With these tools you can create solids or surfaces from existing elements, such as: Extrude or revolve profile elements, either open or closed. Extrude a profile element or a circular section along a defined path. Shell out an existing solid (create an empty space in the solid). Add thickness to an existing surface. Loft a surface between a rectangular and a circular section. 3D Construct tool box 3/30/07 52

56 3D Construct tools Extruding along a path Previously, you have created solids by extruding profiles in a straight line or revolving them about an axis. Another option is to specify a path element that the profile is to follow as it is extruded. When using a profile, you can specify that the extrusion is attached to the path element, or that it uses the path element to define the direction of the extrusion from the current location of the profile. Extrude Along Path tool Typically, this tool can be used to create items such as pipework, ductwork, or handrailing. You have the choice of creating the extrusion with a profile, or by specifying the outside and the inside radii where a circular solid or a hollow pipe is being constructed. Tool settings are as follows: Type: Solid or Surface. Profile is Circular: If on, lets you select Inside and Outside radii for the extrusion profile. If off, you can select an existing element as the profile. Create B-Spline: If on, the extrusion is created as a B-spline surface or solid. Inside Radius: and Outside Radius: (Profile is Circular on, only) If on, lets you specify the inside and outside radii for a circular profile. Extrude Along Path tool settings for selected profiles (left) and for circular profiles (right) When Solid is selected for Circular extrusions, the ends are capped. If Surface is selected, the extrusions are open. Circular extrusion along path with Type set to Surface (left) and Solid (right) 3/30/07 53

57 3D Construct tools Exercise: Extrude a circular pipe 1 Open model SS_03a in basic_solids.dgn. 2 In the Task Navigation, activate the 3D Construct task (Solids Modeling > 3D Construct). 3 Select the Extrude Along Path tool (E) with the following tool settings: Type: Solid Profile is Circular: On Inside Radius: On and set to 20 Outside Radius: On and set to 25 4 In the Isometric view, identify the dashed path element with a data point anywhere along its length. 5 Accept with a data point, to view the construction. The proposed pipe is calculated and displayed. 6 Accept the construction with a second data point. The circular pipe extruded along the path element. When using a profile as the template for the extrusion, you have two choices. You can: Create the extrusion directly from the position of the profile element, offset from the path element. or Create the extrusion by attaching the profile to the path element. 3/30/07 54

58 3D Construct tools Exercise: Create an extrusion offset from the path element 1 Open model SS_03b in basic_solids.dgn. The Isometric view ready for the exercise 2 Select the Extrude Along Path tool (E), with the following tool settings: Type: Solid Profile is Circular: Off Attachment: Path to Profile 3 Identify the dashed path element with a data point, anywhere along its length. 4 Identify the green profile with a data point. 5 Accept with a data point, to view the extrusion. The proposed extrusion is calculated and displayed. 6 Accept the construction with a data point. 7 Fit view to see the offset extrusion in each view. Where required, you can specify that the extrusion is attached to the path element. You do this by snapping to the profile, at the point on it that you want attached to the path element. In the following exercise, you will use this feature to construct handrails. Exercise: Create an extrusion attached to the path element 1 Open model SS_03c in basic_solids.dgn. 2 Select the Extrude Along Path tool (E) and change the following tool setting: 3/30/07 55

59 3D Construct tools Attachment: Profile to Path 3 Identify the green path element with a data point, anywhere along its length. The path highlights. 4 In View 3, snap to the left red profile element at location 1 (midpoint of segment). 5 Accept with a data point. 6 Enter a data point to view the proposed extrusion. 7 Accept the construction with a data point. 8 Repeat this procedure to construct a handrail along the yellow path, using View 3 to snap to the right red profile at location 2 (midpoint of segment). 9 Set View 4 s View Display Mode to Smooth and use the view controls tools, such as Rotate and Zoom In/Out, to inspect the construction. After extruding the handrails Checking in the other views, you can verify that the extrusion follows exactly the alignment of the path element. Shell Solid tool You can use the Shell Solid tool to hollow out a solid, leaving it with walls of a defined thickness. Where necessary, you can specify that one or more faces are removed to create an opening. Tool settings for this tool are as follows: Shell Thickness: Sets the wall thickness for the remaining faces of the shelled solid. 3/30/07 56

60 3D Construct tools Shell Outward: If on, material is added to the outside of the existing solid. The existing solid defines the inside of the walls of the shelled solid. Selecting/deselecting faces for removal After selecting the solid for shelling, as you move the screen pointer over it, the face nearest the pointer highlights. Placing a data point selects the highlighted face, which then remains highlighted. To select additional faces, hold down the <Ctrl> key and move the pointer over the solid to highlight the face. You then can use <Ctrl> data points to select additional faces for removal. To select a face that is behind another face in the view, enter a data point, or <Ctrl> data point, on the face, which will highlight the nearest face. Then Reset until the required face highlights. Resetting also can be used to deselect the last face selected. Subsequent resets deselects faces in the reverse order. The last face selected is the first face deselected. In the following exercises, you will create shelled solids both with and without openings. Exercise: Create a shelled solid with no openings 1 Open model SS_04a in basic_solids.dgn. 2 Select the Shell Solid tool (R) with the following tool settings: Shell Thickness: 5 Shell Outward: Disabled 3 In any view, identify the green hexagonal solid with a data point. The solid highlights. As you move the pointer over the solid, the various faces highlight in a heavier weight dashed line. 4 Move the pointer away from the solid, so that no faces are highlighted, and enter a data point. 3/30/07 57

61 3D Construct tools The solid is hollowed out. As there are no openings, rendering the view would display only the outside surface. The solid before (left) and after (right) shelling with the Shell Solid too Exercise: Create a shelled solid with the top face removed 1 Open model SS_04b in basic_solids.dgn. 2 Select the Shell Solid tool (R) with the same settings as used previously: Shell Thickness: 5 Shell Outward: Disabled 3 In the Isometric view, identify the red hexagonal solid with a data point. The solid highlights. As you move the pointer over the solid, the various faces highlight in a heavier weight dashed line. 4 Move the pointer over the solid until the top face highlights, then enter a data point. The top face now is highlighted as a heavier weight solid line. 5 Accept with a data point. The solid is shelled and the top face removed. The solid with the top face highlighted (left) and after completing the shelling (right) 3/30/07 58

62 3D Construct tools 6 Set View 4 s View Display Mode to Smooth and use the view controls tools, such as Rotate and Zoom In/Out, to inspect the construction. You can use any view to highlight the faces. For example, if you move the pointer into the Top view, the top face is nearest the pointer and is selected immediately. Generally, a rotated view, such as the Isometric, is easier to use because you can see exactly which surface is highlighted. When shelling a solid, you can select multiple faces for removal. Exercise: Shell a solid with several faces removed 1 Open model SS_04c in basic_solids.dgn. 2 Select the Shell Solid tool (R) still with the same settings as used previously: Shell Thickness: 5 Shell Outward: Disabled 3 In the Isometric view, identify the yellow hexagonal solid with a data point. 4 Move the pointer to location 1 and enter a data point to attempt to highlight the rear face. The data point highlights the Top face, which is the face that is nearest to you in the view. 5 Reset to deselect the Top face, and highlight the face behind it, the rear face. 6 Press the <Ctrl> key and move the pointer to location 2, to highlight the top face, and enter a <Ctrl> data point to select it. 7 Still pressing the <Ctrl> key, move the pointer to location 3 to highlight the front face and enter a <Ctrl> data point to select it. 8 Releasing the <Ctrl> key, accept with a data point. 3/30/07 59

63 3D Construct tools The solid is shelled and the three selected faces are removed. The solid with the surfaces to be removed highlighted (left) and after the shelling operation (right) Where a solid has rounding and/or one or more holes through it, the Shell Solid tool recognizes these and shells around them accordingly. Exercise: Shell a solid containing rounding and holes 1 Open model SS_04d in basic_solids.dgn. 2 Select the Shell Solid tool (R) with the following tool settings: Shell Thickness: 5 Shell Outward: Disabled 3 Identify the green solid with a data point. 4 Move the pointer over the solid until the top surface highlights, then enter a data point. The top surface of the solid highlighted. 3/30/07 60

64 3D Construct tools 5 Accept with a data point to complete the shelling. The solid after shelling and removing the top surface. 6 Set View 4 s View Display Mode to Smooth and use the view controls tools, such as Rotate and Zoom In/Out, to inspect the construction. Rendered view of the shelled solid Using the Shell Solid tool can save you considerable modeling time, in particular when the design has uniform thickness walls, as in the previous example. Working in the opposite direction, you can create solids from surface elements. Earlier, you used the Extrude tool to create a solid from a planar surface. If the existing surface is not planar, however, the extrude tool will not work. In these cases you can use another tool, Thicken To Solid. Thicken To Solid tool You can use the Thicken To Solid tool to add thickness to an existing surface, thus creating a solid. On identifying the surface, an arrow displays showing the distance and direction of the thickening to be added. If Add To Both Sides is on, arrows display in both directions. If Thickness is not turned on, then thickening is added graphically, with the amount of thickening defined by the screen pointer. If Add To Both Sides is off in these cases then the screen pointer also defines the direction of the thickening. Tool settings for this tool are as follows: Add To Both Sides If on, the thickness value is added to both sides of the surface. Thickness If on, the value in the field determines the amount of thickening added. 3/30/07 61

65 3D Construct tools Keep Original If on, the original surface is retained. In the following example, you will extrude a line string and then thicken it to create a section of office partitioning. Exercise: Draw a shape and add thickness 1 Open model SS_05 in basic_solids.dgn. This model has two office cubicles, with a line string showing the centerline for the proposed partitioning. 2 Select the Extrude tool (Q), with the following settings: Orthogonal: On Distance: On and set to In any view, snap to the red line string and accept with a data point. 4 Move the pointer upward to direct the extrusion upward and accept with a data point. 5 Select the Thicken to Solid tool (T) with the following settings: Add To Both Sides: On Thickness: On and set to 25 Snap to the extrusion and accept with a data point. The shape highlights and arrows appear, showing the direction and size of the thickening. Because you are adding thickness to both sides of the surface you don t have to worry about the direction of the thickening. 3/30/07 62

66 3D Construct tools 6 Accept again, to complete the thickening. Loft Block to Circle tool Hidden Line view of model after thickening the extrusion When you need to create a transition from a rectangular section to a circle, you can use the Loft Block to Circle tool to create the required solid or surface. Settings for this tool let you define: Type: Solid or Surface Axis: Sets the direction of the surface relative to AccuDraw, the Screen coordinates, or the model s (Drawing) coordinates. Orthogonal: If on, the axis is perpendicular to the sections. Top Radius: If on, sets the radius for the circular section. Base Length: and Base Width: If on set the length and/or width of the rectangular section. Height: If on, sets the height of the surface. A typical application for this tool may be in designing air conditioning ductwork, as shown in the following example. Exercise: Creating a transition from rectangular to circular section 1 Open model SS_06a in basic_solids.dgn. 2 Select the Loft Block to Circle tool, with the following settings: Type: Surface Axis: Drawing Z Orthogonal: On All other settings off. 3/30/07 63

67 3D Construct tools 3 Snap to the vertex of the rectangular section, at location 1, and accept. 4 Snap to the opposite vertex, at location 2, and accept. This defines the length of the rectangular section. 5 Snap to the vertex, at location 3, and accept to define the width. 6 Snap to the center of the circular section, at location 4, and accept. 7 Snap to the edge of the circular section, at location 5, and accept to define the radius of the circular section. The surface is constructed. 8 In the Isometric view, turn off level Location Markers. 9 Set the Isometric View Display Mode to Smooth and use the Rotate View tool to check the construction. Rotated view showing the new surface Where the two existing elements are not symmetrical, you can turn off Orthogonal to create an offset transition. 3/30/07 64

68 3D Construct tools Exercise: Create an offset transition from rectangular to circular section 1 Open model SS_06a in basic_solids.dgn. 2 Select the Loft Block to Circle tool, with the following settings: Type: Surface Axis: Drawing Z Orthogonal: Off All other settings off. 3 Snap to the vertex of the rectangular section, at location 1, and accept. 4 Snap to the opposite vertex, at location 2, and accept. 5 Snap to the vertex, at location 3, and accept to define the width. 6 Snap to the center of the circular section, at location 4, and accept. 7 Snap to the edge of the circular section, at location 5, and accept to define the radius of the circular section. The surface is constructed. 8 In the Isometric view, turn off level Location Markers. 9 Set the Isometric View Display Mode to Smooth and use the Rotate View tool to check the construction. Rotated view showing the new surface 3/30/07 65

69 3D Construct tools 3/30/07 66

70 6 SmartSolid Modification Tools Solids created with the 3D Primitives tools and the 3D Construct tools provide the basic building blocks for more complex 3D solids. Here, we look at the solids modifying tools, which are contained in the 3D Modify task. These include push-pull modeling tools for conceptual modeling. 3D Modify task With the tools in this task you can: Draw (edges) on the face of a solid. Modify a face, edge, or vertex, of a solid. Remove one or more faces from a solid. Taper the face of a solid. Construct a solid from the union, intersection or difference of two or more solids. Place a cut in a solid. Fillet or chamfer the edge(s) of a solid. Edit 3D Primitives. Using these tools, you can create the initial conceptual design, or add the finishing touches to a 3D model. For example, you can create the underlying solid for a model from 3D primitives and then carve away the unwanted sections to create the finished article. 3D Modify task opened as a tool box Conceptual modeling tools Using the first two tools in the 3D Modify task, Draw on Solid and Modify Solid Entity, you can quickly construct a conceptual solid to represent your design. 3/30/07 67

71 Conceptual modeling tools Draw on Solid tool Used to create an edge on a solid by drawing a line, line string, block, circle, shape, or imprinting a curve, onto the face of a solid. Options in the tool settings let you define the type of edge to be drawn. The solid, including the newly created edges, vertices, and faces, may be modified with the Modify Solid Entity tool. Edges may be deleted using the Delete Solid Entity tool. By default, the tool recognizes the nearest faces of solids and aligns the drawing plane with the selected face. For the Imprint Curves option, you can select a face located behind another by entering one or more Resets. Modify Solid Entity tool Used to manipulate a face, edge, or a vertex, of a solid by pushing or pulling it interactively. Icons in the tool settings let you select from All, Face, Edge, or Vertex, when selecting the item to modify. These determine what you can modify, and how you select them. All: Lets you select a visible face, or any edge, or vertex, on a solid. Face: Lets you select a face on any identified solid. By default the nearest face is selected, with Resets letting you select hidden faces. Edge: Lets you select any edge on a solid. Vertex: Lets you select any vertex on a solid. Other settings: Distance: Lets you define the distance for the modification. Extrude Faces: (All or Face selected only) If on, the selected face is extruded. If off, the face is relocated and the adjacent sides adjusted. Full Dynamic: If on, dynamic display shows the modified element as you move the pointer. If off, an arrow graphic indicates the direction and extent of the modification. Working with conceptual modeling tools In the following example, you will start with a simple slab, add edges to it, and modify it to represent a house design. Exercise: Create a conceptual model of a house 1 Open model SSM_01a, in smartsolids_modify.dgn. 2 In the Task Navigation, activate the 3D Modify task (Solids Modeling > 3D Modify). 3/30/07 68

72 Conceptual modeling tools 3 Select the Draw on Solid tool (Q). Options for this tool are: Draw Line, Block, Circle, or Imprint Curves. 4 If necessary, in the tool settings, click the Draw Line icon. 5 Identify the solid at location 1, (accepting with a data point). 6 Move the pointer upward to the right so that the top face highlights and AccuDraw s compass aligns with the face. 7 With the pointer indexed to AccuDraw s X axis, enter a data point. 8 Reset to complete. Notice that the line is extended to the opposite edge of the face. 9 Identify the solid at location 2, (accepting with a data point). 10 Move the pointer downward so that the vertical face is highlighted. 11 With the pointer indexed to AccuDraw s Y axis enter a data point, then a Reset. 12 The line is extended to the bottom edge. The two lines that you just drew on the faces of the slab form edges that may be manipulated with the Modify Solid Entity tool. As well, the faces bounded by these edges also may be modified with the same tool. Exercise: Modify an edge and a face 1 Continuing in model SSM_01a, select the Modify Solid Entity tool (W), with the following settings: All (icon): Selected Distance: On and set to 2.0 Extrude Faces: Off Full Dynamics: On 2 Identify the edge on the top face of the slab. 3/30/07 69

73 Conceptual modeling tools 3 Move the pointer upward and, with it indexed to the Y axis, accept with a data point. 4 Identify the right section of the front face, at location 3. 5 Move the pointer so that the face is moved outwards and accept with a data point. 6 Similarly, identify the left section of the face, location 4, and move it inwards 2 meters. As you modified the faces, the sloping roof line was honoured. If Extrude Faces had been on, then the selected face would have been extruded with no account taken of the sloping roof. Try it for yourself. Modify face with Extrude Faces on 1 Continuing in model SSM_01a, select the Modify Solid Entity tool (W), with changes to the following settings: Face (icon): Selected Extrude Faces: On Other settings as for previous exercise. 2 Enter a data point on any edge of the solid. The solid highlights. 3 Move the pointer onto the front face on the right (below location 3) so that the face is highlighted, and enter a data point. 4 Move the pointer down to the right, to extrude the face, and accept with a data point. 3/30/07 70

74 Conceptual modeling tools The face is extruded 2 meters. Notice that the top of the modification does not continue the slope of the roof line in this case. You can use the Draw Line option option to draw shapes on a face of a solid, as well asa lines. Other Draw on Solid tool options let you draw Blocks, Circles, or Imprint Curves. Exercise: Imprint a curve onto faces of a solid 1 Open model SSM_01b, in smartsolids_modify.dgn. This model contains a slab and a b-spline curve above the slab. 2 Select the Draw on Solid tool (Q). 3 In the tool settings, click the Imprint Curve icon. 4 Click anywhere in the area of the top face of the green slab. The solid highlights with the top face further highlighted. 5 Identify the red b-spline curve. The curve highlights. 6 Accept to imprint the curve onto the top face of the solid. 7 Identify the green slab at location 1. The nearest face highlights. 8 Reset to highlight the lower face. 9 Identify the red b-spline curve. 3/30/07 71

75 Conceptual modeling tools 10 Accept to imprint the curve onto the lower face of the solid. As with the earlier example, you can modify the new faces that have been formed by the imprinted curve. Modify one of the newly created faces 1 Continuing in model SSM_01b, select the Modify Solid Entity tool (W) with the following settings: All (icon): Selected Distance: On and set to 2.0 Extrude Faces: Off Full Dynamics: On 2 Identify the rear section of the top face, at location 2. 3 Move the pointer upward and enter a data point. When you want to delete part of a solid, you can use the Delete Solid Entity tool. This lets you select one or more faces, edges, or vertices. Exercise: Deleting solid entities 1 Open model SSM_01c, in smartsolids_modify.dgn. This model contains a completed version of the model used in the previous exercise. 2 Select the Delete Solid Entity tool (E). 3/30/07 72

76 Boolean tools 3 Identify the imprinted curve on the bottom face at location 1. The curve highlights. 4 Accept to delete the curve. 5 Identify the top face at location 2 (with a data point). 6 Use a <Ctrl> + data point to identify the curved face at location 3. Both faces now are highlighted. 7 Accept to delete the faces. Left: After selecting the two faces. Right: After deleting the faces. Boolean tools Three tools in the 3D Modify tool box let you unit, intersect, or subtract, solids. They let you, for example, create a complex solid from two or more existing solids. Construct Union tool With the Construct Union tool you can unite, into a single solid, two or more overlapping solids or solids that have coincident faces. This is very useful for amalgamating several separate solids into the basic solid from which the finished model can be produced. In the tool settings, Keep Originals lets you choose to retain in the model the First, Last, All, or None of the original solids. When constructing a union of solids, you can use the Element Selection tool to select the solids first, or select the tool first, then the solids. When you use the first method, the color of the resulting solid is that of the (selected) solid that was placed in the file first. When you use the second method, the color of the resulting solid is that of the first solid selected. 3/30/07 73

77 Boolean tools Exercise: Construct the union of solids, using PowerSelector 1 Open model SSM_01d, in smartsolids_modify.dgn. 2 In the Task Navigation, activate the Solids Modeling task. As with the other exercise, you will work in the Isometric view, which displays two copies of a simple window frame, each created from six slabs. You will now consolidate these individual solids into a single entity. First, you will select the solids using the PowerSelector tool. 3 From the Main task, select the Element Selection tool (1) with the following tool settings: Method: Block Mode: New 4 In the Isometric, Top, or Front view, place the PowerSelector block around all elements of the window on the left. The selected solids highlight. 5 From the 3D Modify task, select the Construct Union tool (R + 5) with Keep Originals set to None. 6 Enter a data point to accept the union. The separate solids are united into a single solid. The resulting solid is red because one of the red slabs was placed in the model before the other slabs. Wireframe Isometric view of solids before (left) and after (right) being united into a single entity When you select the solids individually, the color of the first solid selected is the color that is used for the combined solid. Exercise: Construct the union of solids, selecting each solid separately 1 Continuing in model SSM_01d, with the Construct Union tool still active. 2 With a data point, identify one of the green frame members in the window on the right. 3/30/07 74

78 Boolean tools The slab highlights. 3 With data points, identify the remaining slabs that make up the window, so that all are highlighted. 4 Enter a data point to accept the construction. The solids are united into a single green solid. If you happen to miss one or more of the solids, you can repeat the process, adding the solids that were left out, remembering that the first solid chosen defines the color of the united solid. IConstruct Intersection tool Using the Construct Intersection tool, you can create a solid that is the intersection of two or more overlapping solids. In the tool settings, the Keep Originals setting lets you choose to retain in the model the First, Last, All, or None of the original solids. When constructing an intersections of solids, you can select the solids first, followed by the tool, or you can select the tool first, then the solids. When you use the first method, the color of the resulting solid is that of the (selected) solid that was placed in the model first. When you use the second method, the color of the resulting solid is that of the first solid selected. Where you have 2D elevations of a design, often you will be able to use them to create extrusions of each elevation. From there you can use the Construct Intersection tool to create the finished solid. In the following exercise, you will construct a 3D chair from the intersection of extrusions created from its front, side and top views. Exercise: Create a solid from the intersection of two existing solids 1 Open model SSM_01e in smartsolids_modify.dgn. Displayed are three sectional views of the chair. First you will extrude these sections. 2 Select the Extrude tool (E + 1) with the following settings: Type: Solid Orthogonal: On Distance: On and set to 600 All other settings off. 3/30/07 75

79 Boolean tools 3 In the Top view, identify the green shape and extrude it to the right, through the red shape. 4 Repeat the previous step for the violet shape, extruding it upward through the red shape. 5 In the tool settings, change the distance setting to In the Front view, identify the red shape and extrude it downwards through the previous extrusions. 7 Select the Construct Intersection tool (R + 6) with Keep Originals set to None. 8 With data points, in any view(s), identify the red, green, and violet solids. All solids highlight. 9 Accept with a data point to complete the construction. The resulting solid is red because the red solid was the first chosen. Hidden line view of the completed chair. Construct Difference tool With the Construct Difference tool you can subtract from a solid the volume of one or more overlapping solids. Additionally, you can subtract a part of a solid back to an intersecting surface. 3/30/07 76

80 Boolean tools In the tool settings, Keep Originals lets you choose to retain in the model the First, Last, All, or None of the original solids. Exercise: Construct the difference between solids 1 Open model SSM_01f in smartsolids_modify.dgn. Displayed is a green cone, with a blue cylinder overlapping it. 2 Select the Construct Difference tool (R + 7) with Keep Originals set to None. 3 With a data point, identify the green solid. The solid highlights. 4 With a data point, identify the blue cylinder. The blue cylinder highlights. 5 Accept, with a data point, to complete the construction. Before (left) and after (right) subtracting the blue cylinder from the green solid. Where you want to subtract several solids, you can select them all prior to accepting. 6 Turn on level Tap Cutouts in the Isometric view. Additional red cylinders now display. 7 Select the Construct Difference tool (R + 7) with Keep Originals set to None. 8 With a data point, identify the green solid. 9 In turn, identify each of the red cylinders so that they are all highlighted. 10 Accept with a data point to complete the subtraction. Where multiple solids are to be subtracted, often it is quicker to use the Element Selection tool to select them all prior to selecting the Construct Difference tool. Exercise: Alternative method to construct the difference between multiple solids 1 Open model SSM_01g, in smartsolids_modify.dgn. 2 Use the Element Selection tool to select and highlight all the red cylinders. This can be done most simply in the Front or Right view. 3/30/07 77

81 Boolean tools 3 Select the Construct Difference tool (R + 7) with Keep Originals set to None. You are prompted to Identify solid to subtract from. 4 With a data point, identify the green solid. The solid highlights. 5 Accept, with a data point, to complete the construction. 6 Use the View Display Mode tool to set the Isometric view display to smooth to view the finished solid. You can use this same tool to subtract part of a solid back to where a surface intersects it. This can be useful for creating solid ground surfaces. In the following exercise, you will subtract part of a slab back to a B-spline surface representing the existing ground for a construction project. For this kind of construction, the part of the solid that is retained is defined by the surface normals of the surface element. You can check the direction of the surface normals and, if necessary, reverse them with the Change Normal Direction tool. Exercise: Subtract a solid back to a surface 1 Open model SSM_01h, in smartsolids_modify.dgn. The model contains a slab and a B-spline surface. 2 Select the Change Normal Direction tool (A ). The Change Normal Direction tool is located in the Modify Surfaces sub-task of the Surface Modeling task. 3 Identify the orange B-spline surface. 4 Reset to leave them pointing downward. If you enter a data point, it will reverse their direction. 5 Select the Construct Difference tool (R + 7), with Keep Originals set to None. 3/30/07 78

82 Boolean tools 6 Identify the green slab. 7 Identify the orange B-spline surface. 8 Accept to complete the operation. The part of the solid that is retained is below the surface, in the direction that the surface normals were pointing. Before (left) and after (right) subtracting the solid back to the B-spline surface. Using the 3D primitive solids, extrusions and the three boolean tools, you can create the basics for quite complex models. Other tools in the 3D Modify task let you add cuts, fillets and chamfers. Cut Solid tool With the Cut Solid tool you can place a cut in a solid using a template or cutting profile. Cutting profiles may be open or closed elements, but open elements must extend to the edge of the solid. When you use an open element as a cutting profile, the identification point for the solid determines the portion of the solid that is retained. If Split Solid is enabled, however, no material is removed. In these cases, the solid is merely split at the cutting profile. Tool Setting Cut Direction Cut Mode Cut Depth Split Solid Keep Profile Effect Sets the direction of the cut, relative to the cutting profile s Surface Normal. Both: Cuts both directions from the profile s plane. Forward: Cuts forward from the profile s plane (in the direction of the Surface Normals). Back: Cuts back from the profile s plane (in the reverse direction of the Surface Normals. Sets the limits of the cut. Through: Cuts through all faces of the solid. Define Depth: Cuts into the solid a defined distance. (Cut Mode set to Define Depth only) Sets the depth of the cut. If on, no material is removed from the solid; it is split into two or more segments. If on, the original cutting profile remains in the model. 3/30/07 79

83 Boolean tools In the following example, you will use a template of the earthworks cross-section to place a cut in the existing ground section that you created previously. You will see that you can change the settings for the cut prior to accepting. Exercise: Place a cut using a cross-section template 1 Open model SSM_02a, in smartsolids_modify.dgn. 2 Select the Cut Solid tool (R + 8), with the following settings: Cut Direction: Forward Cut Mode: Through Split Solid: and Keep Profile: Off 3 In any view, identify the green solid. 4 Identify the red cutting profile. Notice that the direction arrow for the cut is pointing away from the solid. This is clearly visible in the Top, Front, and Isometric views. 5 In the tool settings, change the following: Cut Direction: Back Notice that the direction arrow now points toward the solid. 6 Accept to make the cut. If you had enabled Split Solid, then the cut would have split the solid, but not removed the cut section. You could use this procedure when you want to measure the volume of the material being removed, using the Measure Volume tool. The cut volumes could be stored on a separate level for future checking. 3/30/07 80

84 Boolean tools When you have multiple cuts to apply to a solid, you can perform the operation in one step by selecting all the cut profiles prior to selecting the tool. For example, you could create a shell of a building and then draw blocks for the windows and doorways. These could be cut in a single operation. The direction of the cut is controlled by the surface normal of the cutting profile and the Cut Direction setting of the Cut Solid tool. In the following example, the cutting profiles all have their surface normals pointing away from the center of the building. Exercise: Place multiple cuts in a solid 1 Open model SSM_02b, in smartsolids_modify.dgn. 2 Select the Element Selection tool (1) and use it to select all of the red cutting profiles. 3 Select the Cut Solid tool (R + 8), with the following settings: Cut Direction: Forward Cut Mode: Through Split Solid: and Keep Profile: Off 4 Identify the green building shell with a data point. 5 Accept with a data point to complete the cuts. The openings for the doorways and windows are cut through the solid. Before (left) and after (right) cutting the window and doorway openings. Where you want to place cuts only part way through a solid, you can set Cut Mode to Define Depth and specify the Cut Depth. In the following exercise, for example, you will cut slots into a timber stairway stringer to accommodate the steps. The profiles for the steps have been located on the face of the stringer. 3/30/07 81

85 Boolean tools Exercise: Place a partial cut in a solid 1 Open model SSM_02c, in smartsolids_modify.dgn. 2 Select the Element Selection tool (1) to select all the red rectangular profile elements. All the cutting profiles are highlighted. 3 Select the Cut Solid tool (R + 8), with the following settings: Cut Direction: Both Cut Mode: Define Depth Split Solid: and Keep Profile: Off While you only require the cut to be in one direction, you can use Both in this situation because the profiles are on the surface of the solid. This saves time checking the direction of the profiles surface normals in order to select the correct cut direction. 4 Identify the green solid. 5 Accept to complete the construction. Hidden line view of the completed stringer Fillets and Chamfers You can use the Fillet Edges and Chamfer Edges tools to apply rounding or chamfers to one or more edges of a solid, extruded surface, or surface of revolution. From a basic solid, you can add fillets and/or chamfers to produce the finished design. 3/30/07 82

86 Boolean tools Fillet Edges tool Tool settings for this tool let you define the radius of the fillet and whether to select tangential edges. Tool Setting Radius Select Tangent Edges Effect Defines the radius of the fillet. If on, edges that are tangentially continuous are selected and filleted in one operation. Chamfer Edges tool Tool settings for this tool let you define the trim distances for the chamfer, whether to select tangential edges, and the option to reverse the trim distances for the chamfer where they differ. Tool Setting Distance 1 Distance 2 Lock Control Select Tangent Edges Flip Direction Effect Sets the distances to trim back the faces. If the Lock Control is on, then both distances are constrained to the same value. If on (closed) Distance 1 and Distance 2 are constrained to the same value. If off (open) Distance 1 and Distance 2 may be different values. If on, edges that are tangentially continuous are selected and chamfered in one operation. When Distance 1 and Distance 2 are different, reverses the direction of the chamfer and the values that the faces are trimmed. Selecting edges for filleting or chamfering After identifying the solid, as you move the screen pointer over it, the edge nearest the pointer highlights. Entering a data point selects the highlighted edge, which then remains highlighted. To select additional edges, simply hold down the <Ctrl> key and move the pointer over the solid. You then can use <Ctrl> data points to select any additional edges for chamfering or filleting. 3/30/07 83

87 Boolean tools Deselecting edges for filleting/chamfering Where you select an incorrect edge, a Reset deselects the edge. Where you have selected a number of edges, consecutive Resets will deselect the edges in the reverse order. The last edge selected is the first edge deselected. To fillet/chamfer one or more edges of a solid, extruded surface, or surface of revolution: Select the Fillet Edges or Chamfer Edges tool. Identify an edge to fillet/chamfer with a data point. The solid highlights with the selected edge highlighted in a heavier weight line. Enter a data point away from any of the edges to accept the construction. or Using <Ctrl> data points, identify additional edges to be filleted/chamfered. Enter a data point away from any of the edges to accept the construction of fillets/ chamfers at all the selected edges. Correcting an incorrectly construced chamfer When you construct a chamfer with different values for Distance 1 and Distance 2 it may be that it is in the wrong direction. That is, Distance 1 and Distance 2 are applied to the wrong faces. To correct a chamfer that is constructed in the wrong direction: Undo the chamfer(s). Enable Flip Direction. Reconstruct the chamfer(s). Let s now look at how the fillet and chamfer tools work in practice. For the exercise, you will finish off a glass topped table, adding rounding and chamrers to its basic form. Basic model (left) and completed model (right) 3/30/07 84

88 Boolean tools Exercise: Fillet an edge of a solid 1 Open model SSM_03 in smartsolids_modify.dgn. 2 From the 3D Modify task, select the Fillet Edges tool (R + 9) with the following tool settings: Radius: 20 Select Tangent Edges: Disabled 3 With a data point, identify the inside edge of the table s frame at location 1. The solid highlights with the selected edge further highlighted. 4 Move the pointer away from any edges and accept with a data point. The fillet is constructed for the selected edge. Left: the selected edge highlighted. Right: the completed fillet. Multiple edges can be filleted (with the same radius) in the one operation. Exercise: Fillet the remaining edges of the frame 1 IContinuing in model SSM_03, with the Fillet Edges tool still active, identify the inside edge of the frame at location 2. The edge highlights. 2 While holding down the <Ctrl> key, move the pointer over the solid and notice that the edges highlight as the pointer passes over them. 3 Enter a <Ctrl> data point at locations 3, and 4. These edges now highlight along with the first edge selected. 4 Releasing the <Ctrl> key, move the pointer away from any edges and enter a data point to complete the construction. All three edges are filleted. 5 In the tool settings set: Radius: 45 6 Use <Ctrl> data points to select the outer edges of the frame near locations 1 through 4. 3/30/07 85

89 Boolean tools 7 Move the pointer away from any edges and enter a data point to complete the construction. When applying fillets to a solid, you should consider the order in which the fillets are applied. Because you filleted the corners of the table frame first, you will now be able to fillet the edges of the frame in one step, using the Select Tangent Edges setting. Exercise: Fillet the vertical edges of the table frame 1 IContinuing in model SSM_03, select the Fillet Edges tool (R + 9) with the following settings: Radius: 7.5 Select Tangent Edges: Off 2 Identify the verticaledge of the table frame at location 5. Notice that only the straight section of the edge highlights. 3 Enter a reset and set the following: Select Tangent Edges: On 4 Again identify the edge at location 5. 3/30/07 86

90 Boolean tools Notice that the entire edge highlights this time. 5 Accept, away from the solid, to complete the construction. 6 Complete the table frame by filleting the remaining seven vertical edges, along with their tangent edges. When you select an edge for a fillet or chamfer, and the wrong edge highlights, you can enter resets until the correct edge highlights. If you are selecting multiple edges, using <Ctrl> data points, still you can use resets (without <Ctrl>) to highlight the correct edge prior to proceeding. You may need to make use of this method during rounding of the corners of the table top. Exercise: Round the corners of the table top 1 IContinuing in model SSM_03, select the Fillet Edges tool (R + 9) with the following settings: Radius: 40 2 Enter a data point on the lower left vertical edge of the blue table top. If the incorrect edge highlights, enter resets until the short vertical edge is highlighted. 3 Use a <Ctrl> + data point to select another of the vertical edges of the table top. If the incorrect edge highlights, release the <Ctrl> button and enter resets until the correct edge highlights. 4 Repeat the previous step to select the remaining corners of the table. 3/30/07 87

91 Boolean tools 5 When all four corners are selected, accept with a data point away from the solid. Chamfers are applied in an identical manner to fillets. In this example, you will add chamfers to the upper and lower edges of the glass table top. Exercise: Chamfer the upper and lower edges of the table top 1 Continuing in model SSM_03, select the Chamfer Edges tool (R + 0) with the following settings: Distance 1 and Distance 2: locked together and set to 5 Select Tangent Edges: On 2 Identify the top edge of the blue table top. The entire edge highlights. 3 With a <Ctrl> + data point, identify the lower edge of the blue table top. Both edges now are highlighted. 4 Move the pointer away from the highlighted edges and accept with a data point. Detail showing corner of table top before (left) and after (right) chamfering the edges. 3/30/07 88

92 Boolean tools Taper Solid tool Used to taper one or more faces on a solid. The amount of taper applied is controlled by the Draft Angle setting. Tool Setting Draft Angle Add Smooth Faces Effect Sets the angle to be applied to the taper. If on, any tangentially continuous faces are included with the selected face. If off, only the selected portion of the tangentially continuous face is tapered. Selecting the face(s) to taper After identifying the solid, as you move the screen pointer over the it, the face nearest the pointer highlights. Entering a data point selects the highlighted face, which then remains highlighted. To select additional faces, simply hold down the <Ctrl> key and move the pointer over the solid. You then can use <Ctrl> data points to select any additional faces for removal. To select a face that is behind another face in the view, enter a data point (or <Ctrl> data point) on the face, which will highlight the nearest face. Then Reset until the required face highlights. Deselecting faces to taper Where you select an incorrect face, a Reset deselects the face. Where you have selected a number of faces, consecutive Resets will deselect the faces in the reverse order. The last face selected is the first face deselected. Defining the taper origin After selecting the face(s) to be tapered, the next data point defines the start point for the taper. This can be a point above or below the selected face. Let s work on an example to see this tool in action. Exercise: Taper a single face 1 Open model SSM_04a in smartsolids_modify.dgn. 2 From the 3D Modify task, select the Taper Solid tool (R + 4), with the following tool settings: Draft Angle: 5 3/30/07 89

93 Boolean tools Add Smooth Faces: Off 3 Identify the solid, so that it highlights. 4 Move the pointer to location 1 and enter a data point to highlight the face. The selected face (only) highlights in a different color. 5 Snap to the vertex at location 2, and enter a data point to set the starting point of the taper. 6 Snap to the vertex at location 3, to define the draft plane normal vector for the taper. 7 Accept to taper the selected face. Left: Identifying the face. Right: After tapering the face. In the previous exercise, you tapered just the selected section of a face that is tangentially continuous around three sides of the solid. Where required, you can taper all sections of such a face in one step. Exercise: Taper multiple (tangentially continuous) faces 1 Open model SSM_04b in smartsolids_modify.dgn. 2 Select the Taper Solid tool (E), with the following tool settings: Draft Angle: 5 Add Smooth Faces: On 3 Identify the solid so that it is highlighted. 4 Move the pointer to location 1 and enter a data point to further highlight the face. The selected face highlights, along with all tangentially continuous faces. 5 Snap to the vertex at location 2, and enter a data point to set the starting point of the taper. 6 Snap to the vertex at location 3, to define the draft plane normal vector for the taper. 3/30/07 90

94 Boolean tools 7 Accept to taper the selected faces. Left: Identifying a section of the tangentially continuous face. Right: After tapering the face. Edit 3D Primitive tool At times, you may place a number of 3D primitives, extrusions and/or revolutions as a starting point in creating a more complex solid. After you have placed any of these elements in a model, you can use the Edit 3D Primitive tool to modify them by editing their parameters. Dimensions available for editing depend on the 3D primitive element chosen. 3D Primitive Slab Sphere Cylinder/Cone Torus Wedge Extrusion Revolution Editable parameters Length, Width, and Height. Radius Top Radius, Base Radius, and Height Primary Radius, Secondary Radius, and Angle Radius, Angle, and Height Distance Angle of revolutions Where you require greater flexibility with parametric editing of solids, you should work with feature solids. These are covered in a later section of this course. To edit a 3D primitive Select the Edit 3D Primitive tool. Identify the solid. Accept, to open the edit dialog box. Make changes, as required, to the parameters. Click OK to affect the changes. You can see how this tool works for yourself. A number of example solids are present in model SSM_05, in smartsolids_modify.dgn. 3/30/07 91

95 Boolean tools 3/30/07 92

96 7 Meshes This module will cover some of the basic procedures to create surface models using MicroStation Curves, Surfaces and Meshes. Let's begin with an update on these tasks for MicroStation V8 XM Edition. What s New for MicroStation V8 XM Edition Mesh Modeling Mesh modeling tools are added to the surface modeling tool set. Processing of mesh elements is much faster in MicroStation V8 XM Edition Select Update 2. Meshes are polygonal objects arranged in 3D to make a surface. Construct Surfaces by Section In the Create Surfaces task, the Construct Surface by Section or Network tool is replaced by the Construct Surface by Network and Construct Surface by Section tools. 3/30/07 93

97 Curves Construct Surface by Section You can create closed surfaces with the Construct Surface by Section tool. The Closed in V option, when enabled, automatically uses the first section curve as the last section curve to create a closed surface. Control Start and End Tangency The Construct Surface by Section tool's Start and End Continuity settings let you control how the surface is constructed. When set to Tangent and an edge of a surface is selected, for example, the tangency of the surface is considered. This creates a smoother transition from the original surface to the new surface. Reverse Section direction (normal) during selection You now can reverse the direction of a section element by entering a <Ctrl> -data point. Previously, you had to exit the tool and use the Change Element Direction tool to reverse the direction of these elements. Choose Edges, Faces or Surfaces for Section Section elements that may be chosen as cross sections include the edges of solids or surfaces. Using the Construct Surface by Section tool, you can create a surface between selected edges of two existing surfaces. Multiple edges are selected with <Ctrl> -data points. Extend Surface Operation of the Extend Surface tool is simplified, and the tool supports SmartSurfaces. Curves One important aspect of creating Site models, is to first create contours. There are several tools you could use, but we will use the Surface Modeling > Curves task. 3/30/07 94

98 Curves EXERCISE: Using curves to create contours 1 From the MicroStation Manager, select User: examples and Project: General and open Mesh.dgn. 2 Create a new 3D Design model called Curves. 3 Use the Surface Modeling task and choose, Place B-Spline Curve (D+1+1) and use the following tool settings: 3/30/07 95

99 Curves 4 Draw a closed B-Spline curve, whose width and height are approximately 100 units. Reset to complete the command. 3/30/07 96

100 Curves 5 Scale (3+3) (with copy) the closed curve by 75%. 3/30/07 97

101 Curves 6 From the Drawing task use the Place Block (W+1) command to place a block in the center (representing our building site). 3/30/07 98

102 Curves 7 Use the Move command (3+2) to move each to a unique elevation. Place the Block at the bottom, so that in the Front view it looks like: 3/30/07 99

103 Curves 8 From the Surface Modeling task use the Construct Surface by Section tool (R+1) to create the surface between the two outer contours. 3/30/07 100

104 Mesh modeling 9 Repeat the Construct Surface by Section between the inner contour and the Block. You can reverse the surface normals while selecting by holding down CTRL+data. You have now created a surface representing a site. Further editing may be a bit of a challenge as you cannot Boolean surfaces. However, you can Boolean Meshes. Mesh modeling What is Mesh Modeling and why do we need yet another way to model something. The advantage of surface modeling is accuracy and that accuracy is needed in the construction or manufacture of items. On the other hand if you want to measure the amount of soil that needs to be removed for a building we are not as concerned about a wheelbarrow load of dirt plus or minus. The primary use of mesh modeling is all about measuring soil or modeling soil or the volume of a lake or underground plume, etc. For example, we could use meshes to calculate the surface area for a pond liner or a liner for a waste facility. The Mesh boundary can also be 3/30/07 101

105 The Mesh task extruded to create either a Smart Solid or a Feature Solid. The solid can then be meshed and united with a Boolean to create a larger mesh volume. Finally, we can also use it for capturing 3D Studio (*.3ds) meshes and saving them to MicroStation V8 DGN format. The most common use of mesh modeling is the ability to model landscapes from survey data or topological data. Mesh Modeling is not about extreme accuracy but about approximations. With a mesh the object is broken down into triangles or polygons (sometimes referred to as Tessellation) that can be used to approximate the volume of surface of an object that would normally take hours to get an exact volume of surface area. If you are interested in the volume of something rectangular then there is no advantage to converting this a mesh since all you are doing is totaling the six sides of the volume. This is something that we can do with a simple calculator. But if you need to figure the amount of dirt to be removed for a building then you could spend several hours trying to calculate this by hand. The Mesh model breaks up complex geometry into several simple geometric elements that can totaled to give an approximation. Soil work with a 40 ton earth mover is not an exact science and neither is a mesh model. Mesh modeling can be considered like the calculus that you learned way back when. The more mesh profiles you have the closer your approximation you will be to reality. The Mesh task The mesh task can be started from the Surface Modeling task. 3/30/07 102

106 The Mesh task The first icon allows the creation of meshes. The middle icon are the Boolean operations and the last icon is the modify mesh tools. Creating a Mesh Meshes can be created in three ways: Mesh by Element or Shape Mesh by Contours Mesh by Points The Mesh from Element tools allows you to convert any surface or solid to a mesh element. Tolerance settings control the accuracy of the shapes/mesh compared to the original surface or solid. The Keep Original toggle is On by default. 3/30/07 103

107 The Mesh task EXERCISE: Creating meshes from Elements 1 Continue in the Curves model. 2 Draw a Sphere (W+2) solid and copy (3+1) it 5 times. 3 Select Create Mesh (F+1) by Element and use the following tools settings: 4 Reduce the chord tolerance to 0.5 and select the next sphere. 5 Reduce the chord tolerance to 0.1 and select the next sphere. 6 Reduce the chord tolerance to 0.01 and select the next sphere. 7 Reduce the chord tolerance to and select the next sphere. As we decrease the tolerance we create a finer mesh. 3/30/07 104

108 The Mesh task The Mesh from Contours tool will be very useful if you have existing contours. Perfect for site design. The new addition to V8 XM is the contours do not need to be closed to create the mesh. Use the Element Selection tool to select all the elements that you want to be included in the mesh. The Mesh by Points works the same as the Contours. Chances are you would get this data from an external source instead of creating a bunch of points. For example, from CloudWorx. When the mesh is created it is created on the active level and not on the level that the data is on. Best practice is to create the data on one level and the mesh on a separate level to have control of the data. EXERCISE: Creating a Mesh from Contours 1 Undo the previous surface creations. 2 Use Element Selection to select all the contour elements (including the Block). 3/30/07 105

109 The Mesh task 3 Use the Mesh from Contours command and data once in the view. EXERCISE: Reverse the Contours 1 Undo the creation of the surfaces. If you exited then the original contours should still be there. 2 Reverse the position of the contours, by putting the large contour on bottom and the block on top. Move the top contour down 20 units and the middle contour down 10 units. 3 Select the three contour elements. 3/30/07 106

110 The Mesh task 4 Use Mesh from Contour and turn on Expand to Rectangle. The reason that we create a Mesh Boundary and not use the topo line is that the topo line is usually a b-spline and will create gapes if used for the bottom surface. By extracting the boundary of the mesh the exact shape will be used to create the bottom with an exact fit. The Boundary tool will create a series of line elements in the same graphic group so it is best to have the graphic group lock on. Mesh Booleans Meshes can be combined to create volumes or larger mesh surfaces or they can be subtracted from one another. The Mesh Boolean tools help here. 3/30/07 107

111 The Mesh task The Mesh.dgn is an example of a site project where you have an existing terrain and a finished terrain. The two can be combined to calculate the volume of material that will be removed or added. EXERCISE: Using Mesh Boolean tools to create a completed site 1 Open model: Existing Terrain Mesh and turn on Solar Light and render the view with Ray Trace. 2 Open the References dialog and the Models dialog. 3 Drag the model: Building Site Design Mesh into the References dialog. 3/30/07 108

112 The Mesh task 4 Choose method: Coincident. The green mesh is the proposed site mesh and that it extends above the existing terrain. You can subtract the green mesh from the yellow mesh to create the finished site mesh. 5 Use the Copy Element command (3+1) to copy the green mesh into this model. 6 Turn on the level, Building Site Mesh. 7 Turn off the display of the Building Site reference. 8 Select Mesh Boolean and Mesh Intersect. 3/30/07 109

113 The Mesh task 9 Select the yellow mesh and then the green mesh. Data to accept. If you do a mesh difference you will get a volume that will be the dirt volume that will be removed. EXERCISE: Using Mesh Boolean Difference 1 Undo the previous command. 2 Select Mesh Boolean and Mesh Difference. 3 Select the yellow mesh and then the green mesh. 4 Use the measure volume tool on the newly created mesh. 5 Volume is: cubic meters. 3/30/07 110

114 The Mesh task 6 Undo All. Combining Feature Models and Meshes Problem: I am building a bridge and need to calculate the volume of concrete needed for the bridge pier on bedrock. The rock surface is known and I have a DTM model of it. I know what I want for the pier but modeling that in relation to the rock isn't going to be easy. The boss wants the concrete volume now! Solution: Create the pier with a Feature model and extend it through the DTM or the mesh. Use the Feature Modeler Boolean subtract to remove the bottom of the pier by selecting the mesh. Measure the volume of the remaining feature model and you will have a true volume. No need to convert the Feature Model to a mesh. You could do that but the results will not be as accurate. If the Mesh is too fine you may be looking for too much accuracy with the mesh. In that case you either convert the Feature Model to a mesh or reduce the accuracy of the mesh model with the Decimate Mesh tool. This will reduce the accuracy of the bedrock but not the accuracy of the feature model. Modify Mesh Decimate Mesh allows you to reduce the mesh accuracy with the tool. At this time we can only reduce the accuracy and not increase the accuracy. Stitch Mesh will combine mesh elements into a single mesh. Split Mesh will divide a mesh element into parts. Clean Up Mesh will simplify a mesh (remove superfluous facets). Unfold Mesh will unfold a mesh element into a flat pattern. This will not take the place of sheet metal unfolding. The unfolding or flattening is by a random face instead of a selected face. Reverse Normals will reverse the surface normals of a mesh element. 3/30/07 111

115 The Mesh task Extract Boundary will extract a mesh element outer boundary. Useful to extract and extrude down to create a solid base. For example, a simple workflow would be: 1 Create contours 2 Create Mesh 3 Extract boundary 4 Extrude to form sides 5 Stitch mesh and sides 6 Boolean to add bottom 7 Compute volume >EXERCISE: Using the Decimate Mesh tools 1 Continue in the Mesh.dgn and open model: Building Site Design Mesh. 2 Turn off level Existing Terrain. 3 Use Element Information > Geometry to get a face and vertex count. 4 Select Modify Mesh and Clean up mesh. 3/30/07 112

116 The Mesh task 5 Select the green mesh and data to accept to see results. 6 Use Element Information to review the changes in face and vertex count. 7 Undo and experiment with the other Mesh Modify tools. EXERCISE: Decimate Mesh tools continued 1 Select Decimate Mesh, use the following tool settings: 2 Read the prompt, select the Building Site Mesh and accept. 3 Redo to the Boolean Subtract operation on the Existing Terrain and Building Terrain. 4 Measure the volume and note the difference in volume from the last calculation. 3/30/07 113

117 The Mesh task EXERCISE: Using 3D Studio Files 1 From File > Open, set your Files of Type to: 3D Studio (*.3ds) 2 Open HMI_Eames_Sofa_3D.3ds. 3 Note that the file is Read-Only. 4 Choose File > Save As and save as a V8 DGN file to edit. Thanks for attending!! 3/30/07 114