Place Volume Along Path Command - Intergraph Smart 3D - Help - Hexagon PPM

Intergraph Smart 3D Compartmentation

Language
English
Product
Intergraph Smart 3D
Subproduct
Compartmentation
Search by Category
Help
Smart 3D Version
13.1

Sketches a path in three-dimensional space, defines a cross-section, and projects the cross-section along the path to define a volume. The path can consist of straight lines, arcs, or even breaks in a line.

While using this command, you can associate the volume with a design specification from the catalog database. You can also add or subtract volumes to or from the overall volume.

This command is especially useful for volumes that need to have an unusual shape or that must negotiate around specific objects in the model. For example, if you need to leave adequate space for equipment to reach a particular location such as fire evacuation route, Place Volume Along Path allows you to specify the path along which the equipment needs to travel as well as the appropriate amount of clearance that must be left on all sides.

When you place a volume along a path, a two-dimensional cross-section is projected along the path that you specify. The path determines the location of the volume in the model. The cross-section defines the shape and dimensions of the volume.

The following picture shows a path (yellow) and a rectangular cross-section projected along that path. The resulting volume is shown in green.

Defining Paths

When you define the path along which a cross-section is projected, you can choose from a straight line or an arc. Or, if you want to break the path at a particular point, you can select No Line . You can also control characteristics of the path by specifying the types of turns (bend, cornice, or chamfer), the dimensions of the turns, and the plane for the path.

Defining Cross-Sections

When you define the cross-section for the volume, you can select from a standard set of cross-sections defined in the reference data, or you can sketch your own two-dimensional cross-section.

When you use a standard cross-section type, you can change the dimensions and the cardinal point on the Cross-Section tab on the Volume Properties dialog. The cardinal point of the cross-section is important in determining the shape and location of the resulting volume. The cardinal point is the point at which you want the software to attach the cross-section to the path. All standard cross-section types have cardinal points from which you can choose.

For example, in this image, you can see that the default cardinal point 1 is located in the center of the cross-section. If you select another cardinal point, the resulting volume and the location of the volume along the path are different.

When you sketch a cross-section, you must sketch the cross-section on the two-dimensional plane that is orthogonal to the first leg of the path. The software displays this plane, which is perpendicular to the path, as you sketch the cross-section. The cardinal point also displays as you sketch.

Editing Customized Volumes

After creating customized volumes, you can edit them. The edit path ribbons allow you to modify the arcs, turns, or straight segments that are part of an existing path, either at placement or afterward.

Create Path Ribbon

Place Volume Along Path Ribbon

Edit Path Ribbon

What do you want to do?