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

Intergraph Smart 3D Space Management

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English
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Intergraph Smart 3D
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Space Management
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Smart 3D Version
12 (2018)

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 both straight lines and arcs. 

Using the Type box, you can associate the volume with a design specification from the catalog database. 

In the Space Management task, you can create customized volumes in the location that you need and with the shape that you need using Place Volume Along Path . This command is especially useful for volumes that need to have an unusual, custom shape or that must negotiate around specific objects in the model. For example, if you need to leave adequate space for a crane, stretcher, or other equipment to reach a particular location, Place Volume Along Path allows you to specify the path where 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, the software projects a two-dimensional cross-section along the path that you specify in the model to create the volume. The path determines the location of the volume in the model. The cross-section defines the shape and dimensions of the volume.

Defining paths

When you define the path along which a cross-section will be projected, you can choose from straight lines or arcs. If you want to break the path at a particular point, you can select No Line . You can also control all aspects of the path by specifying the types of turns, 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-sectional type, you can change the dimensions and the cardinal point of the cross-section 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 graphic, you can see that the cardinal point is located in the center of the cross-section. If the cardinal point were moved to another location, the actual path would be 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 is defined as you sketch. In other words, the cross-section surrounds the path and is attached to the path exactly as you sketch it.

The faces of the volumes created using Place Volume Along Path can be located by the SmartSketch service.

Place Volume Along Path Ribbon

Create Path Ribbon

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