topic Re: ACAD-SOLID FROM VOLUME SPACE in AutoCAD Forum

ACAD-SOLID FROM VOLUME SPACE

cturlington — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:26:28 GMT

Hello,

I am using AutoCAD 2016.

I have two surfaces, a design surface and an existing topo surface. The design surface is pond shaped and its perimeter, top edges tie-into the existing topo surface. A want to create a solid from the volume space between the two surfaces for a rendering project. I have tried using the Sculpt command that is supposed to do just that, but have not had any success getting it to work. I have created a solid of each surface that is 2-ft thick (thin shell) and tried to Union the top (existing) and bottom (design) solids together to make a completed looking solid. However, I have found that the processing is taking too long, so this method does not appear to be a very practical way to generate the solid that I need. Does anyone have any ideas what would be an effective way to get the solid of a volume space between two surfaces? I have Map3D and Navisworks software at my disposal if those would be a better choice?

Re: ACAD-SOLID FROM VOLUME SPACE

Alfred.NESWADBA — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:33:33 GMT

Hi,

>> I have two surfaces

What exact object type are they? When you select them and look to the property window or when you run command _LIST ... what type of object is shown?

>> I have tried using the Sculpt command

Do you mean SURFSCULPT? Because I don't know a command SCULPT.

In case of SURFSCULPT: Therefor you need to have a watertight situation. If your planed surface is above the existing ground and you don't have side-walls to close that 2 surfaces to a watertight (virtual) volume the command _SURFSCULPT can't bring you a 3D-Solid.

>> I have Map3D and Navisworks software at my disposal if those would be a better choice?

The best choice would be Civil 3D for that job.

- alfred -

Re: ACAD-SOLID FROM VOLUME SPACE

cturlington — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:48:02 GMT

Alfred,

The surfaces object type is an autodesk aecc tinn surface object. Yes, you are correct SURFSCULPT is the command. Initially, I extended my pond perimeter upwards beyond the exisitng topo to ensure there was a water tight volume between the two surfaces, but I got no results when I used surfsculpt command and selected the two surfaces...

Re: ACAD-SOLID FROM VOLUME SPACE

Alfred.NESWADBA — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:26:45 GMT

Hi,

>> The surfaces object type is an autodesk aecc tinn surface object

So you do have Civil 3D? In that case create a triangulated volume surface (the difference between your EG and FG), then start command _AeccExportSurfaceToSolid (more details to that option: >>>click<<<) and you get your 3D-Solid from that differential volume.

HTH, - alfred -

Re: ACAD-SOLID FROM VOLUME SPACE

JDMather — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 18:27:36 GMT

Can you attach your *.dwg file here?

Re: ACAD-SOLID FROM VOLUME SPACE

cturlington — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 13:57:20 GMT

Alfred,

I found the best way to create the solids was by creating the top and bottom to the surfaace volume separately. Creating a 3d solid from a volume surface has a flat bottom, most of my surfaces are not flat bottoms and union together the top and bottom takes too long. Applying layer control on the top and bottom segments of the solid, has the same appearance as a complete solid and much faster to generate...