C3D - Structures and pipes - Improve level of detail in design

[mhvNPD59]

Hello everyone.

Our customers are starting to ask for more detailed 3D models than what I'm used to producing in C3D.

Because of this some assignments are now done in Open Roads as it seem like they can produce a 3D model with greater detail.

Is it possible to improve the level of detail (LOD) in C3D? If so do you have any suggestions as to where I can read up on it?

As of now I am delivering my projects with a LOD300 but I cannot deliver with LOD325 as the detail requirements of structures and pipes are just too great. LOD325 requires the structures to be shown with the corrugated shaft, concrete cone and inspection cover.

Pipes with bends and branches and also pipe connections.

A colleague of mine sent me this 3D illustration of a gully as it is in Open Roads.

I hope someone can point me in the right direction to how I can improve the LOD in C3D.

Thank you.

[drazen.galic]

Hi @mhvNPD59 ,

I don't have solution. Just would like to expose my opinion. I guess that LOD 300 (exact dimensions and fair well representation of structure) would be enough for design purposes (i.e. collision analysis). Design with 325 will result in unnecessary increase of details and consequently file size. I would prefer for such purposes hyperlink to more detailed scheme of structure, probably identical for many structures.

Also, I noticed something in your attached picture. For LOI it says "...2D texts indicating...". What is purpose of 2D texts? It will not be structured information which can be used properly in federated models (i.e. Navisworks). All the information should be (IMHO) formed with property set definition mechanism - information which are embedded in BIM model elements.

In the attached pictures it is mentioned DS475. If it is not problem, can you indicate where to find that material.

As I said, it is not solution nor answer to your post, I just loudly think.

Regards,

Drazen

[mhvNPD59]

Thank you for replying.

I agree with you that LOD 300 should be sufficient however I am not in charge of our contracts and cannot decide this by myself.

Should I interpret the missing replies as it is not possible in C3D to visualize structures and pipes in greater detail?

I hope not. I would prefer to continue using C3D instead of changing to Bentley Open Roads.

[drazen.galic]

Hi @mhvNPD59 ,

As I said I do not have solution for your problem and I exposed just my opinion. I completely understand your position.

I am not expert in part catalogs in Civil 3D, but as far as I understand it is possible to make arbitrary composition of user defined structures (think that pipes are not problem) . Also, what I know is that it is not simple and straightforward task. That impression came from various posts on discussion groups.

Regards,

Drazen