3D Objects from Surface

Command Description

The 3D Object From Surface command allows you to select a top surface and use a depth, elevation, or second surface to create a 3d solid object.  No boundary is required, however one or many closed boundary strings can be applied when creating the 3d solids to limit the area of the surface being used. 

Command Photo Demo Video

1. Click in the Surface selection field and select the surface.
    
2. Optionally select one or more closed linestrings to be used as boundaries. Click Options button for additional selection options.
    
3. Pick a Mode from the list:
   • “Depth” will apply a value from the surface to create the solid. A positive number applies in a downward direction and a negative number will be applied in an upward direction.
   • "Elevation" will project the surface up or down to an entered elevation.
   • "Surface" - will project the “Top” surface to the “Bottom” surface chosen. The resulting solid can only be created where the 2 surfaces exist over each other. 
4. A vertical Offset can be applied to the Top surface. A positive number applies in an upward direction, and a negative number applies in a downward direction. 
    
5. Enter a BIM Group name for the new object. This will be saved in the project explorer under the BIM Data.
    
6. Enter a Name for the new 3d object.
    
7. Select a Color for the new 3d object.
    
8. Select or create a Layer for the new 3d object.
    
9. The Chord tolerances are applied when using linestrings that contain curves.
   • Horizontal – This applies to horizontal curves.
   • Vertical – This applies to vertical curves.
10. Do either of the following:
    • Click Apply to create the 3d solid and keep the 3D Objects From Surface command pane open.
    • Click Close to end and close the 3D Objects From Surface command pane.

Tips: Sometimes the 3d object created is not formed correctly from the surface. This can often be fixed by one of the following methods.

• If using an imported surface, try recreating the surface in TBC using the original surface as the member or use the surface cleanup tool. 
• Use a boundary string with the surface.
• If using a boundary, use the Line Node Clean-up tool to make sure the boundary string is clean.

 Example: 3d pavements