Jump to content

Benson Shaw

Member
  • Posts

    4,303
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by Benson Shaw

  1. Function definitely does not work! If Pad from Grade Limits worked as designed it would: 1. Create uniform grading at designated slope from pad to grade limits. 2. Create a level pad shaped by intersection with slope faces. 3. Place that pad at elevation of balanced cut/fill. It accomplishes 1 and 2, but completely misses 3. Hence the workaround. Workaround is time consuming! True, but other methods to accomplish 1,2,3 would also be time consuming. If working at mm precision for pad elevation, I think fewer than 10 attempts should resolve it . . . Workaround is imprecise. mmmm I think it is as precise as patience allows. Seems the slopes are correct as long as the value is keyed in at each attempt. The pad elevation and therefore Cut/fill balance are limited by construction precision, rather than vwx decimal precision. A millimeter deeper cut or 1deg steeper slope might flip the fill from import to export. Balance point is somewhere between at about 8 decimal points. Remove from program? Interesting idea. Or maybe disable it but show grayed out text in the menu with a “We’re working on it” notice? Add a date stamp or count down so we see interval to the fix. Also, just curious, @ landscape architects, is this a must have feature? use it on every project? Is there a common method without the command? Did it work in some distant, earlier versions? I have not seen earlier discussions here. -B
  2. @aage.langedrag, @Katarina Ollikainen, et al. Problems with the Create Planar Pad from Grade Limits are discussed in this previous thread: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/111998-creating-a-planar-pad-from-grade-limits-but-planar-pads-without-elevation/ But it went to wider issues, so starting new here. The big fail is that the command creates a pad at seemingly random elevation, instead of at a z value that would balance the cut/fill inside the Grade Limits. OK, I even suggested moving the DTM up/down to the pad elevation and recreate pads repeatedly to find balanced cut/fill then move entire assembly back to original z. Sorta works but fraught. I find now that a different command controls the pad elevation in the Pad from Grade Limits: Create Objects from Shapes > Site Modifier > Pad > set the elevation. Delete that new pad. Create Pad from Grade Limits will now match that elevation. Perhaps others have discovered this already, but offering here for the brain trust to pick at. Might help with fixing the bug. Video and file attached. Note: Pad via Objects from Shapes defaults to elevation 0, which explains why many tests of the Pad from Grade Limits creates a pad at z = 0. -B Pad from Grade Limits(2).mov Pad from Grade.vwx
  3. Bump Does anyone know what is reported by the volume calcs of a Pad inside a Grade Limits? -B
  4. @MGuilfoile That file name looks strange - like it's a repeat paste? Is Loft File 02.vwxLoft File 02.vwx correct file name? The forum definitely accepts vwx files, pretty much any version and from any OS. A file used to be refused if over a size threshold, but haven't seen any limit lately. Try again if you have the patience - drag/drop the file (the icon of the file) into that area for attachments just below the text area of each post. -B
  5. Maybe a ripple somewhere in the surface? Shelling greater than 4 inches creates a self intersecting volume, causing calculation fail? Sometimes a workaround is to shell to a value that DOES work, then, while the shell is selected, adjust the value in OIP (as opposed to starting a new shell at a higher value). 4 to 40 seems a stretch, but might work. Post a file! -B
  6. Aaargh! My opinion based rant: This concept trivializes the powerful and multi use Class and Layer components of Vectorworks. I suspect this is some legacy of early days in Vectorworks to help those transitioning from other software, confronting for first time ever “something” beyond class. Anyway, it is an assertion, merely rhetoric with some truth or usefulness to it, but very limited in outlook. I think as training and core concept knowledge it is at best a tip for someone struggling. It is not even close to worthy of Core Concept mastery status nor inclusion it the cert tests. Individual designers and offices will adapt the Vectorworks Layer and Class system to meet their individual workflows and efficiencies, which may be quite successful even though different from the expected dogma. Layers and Classes are two of several amazing sorting mechanisms in Vectorworks. One could also include Data Vis, Saved Views, Referenced files, Resource Manager items, various Styles, and more. All can be used in combination to sort, isolate, organize or otherwise aid in design, presentation, build, maintenance, archiving of our work. Layers and Classes are remarkable, flexible, and not at all limited to What or Where! One can use layers OR classes to sort for What, Where, When (Project phases? Design iterations?). Some would even include How (CNC paths?) or Who/Why (Specs? Notes?). And, about another question based on an assertion, with a dogmatic answer: Which is the MOST IMPORTANT palette? *(Spoiler Alert, can you guess? - the test writers and curators want answer spelled backwards below) My answer - The Palette I am currently working with. All the others are non important at this moment. OK. End of Rant. Knock me down if you like. -B *(PIO)
  7. Site model. Single Grade Limits. Single Planar Pad inside the Grade Limits. Elevation of Pad causes both Cut and Fill. Cut/Fill values in OIP are same if Site Model is selected or if Grade Limits is selected. This makes sense. Cut/Fill values if Pad selected are not same as SM or GL values. What volumes are reported if Pad is selected? -B
  8. Regarding original topic about the Pad from Grade Limits: I call this the Move the Mountain to Mohamed Workaround. Problem - Planar Pad from Grade Limits command places pad at z=0 instead of at z=Value where desired slope produces cut/fill balance. Solution - Move the DTM and all extant site mods down (usually) by that z Value, run the command, make adjustments to balance the cut/fill, return DTM and all its modifiers up to original z. Needed: 3d Marker at an Anchor point, eg one end of a 3d Poly at one corner of the DTM. Estimate of distance to move the DTM down. Midway between Grade Limits (GL) high and low points. This was only OK. Better estimate uses Center of Mass of the patch of terrain mesh enclosed by the GL. To find this, duplicate the DTM to a blank layer. Crop it to outline of the GL, Ungroup. Delete components except the mesh. Apply Model>Volumetric properties. Note the Center of Mass z value. This is the estimate. Delete the little patch of mesh. Value of desired slope. Process: Place the Marker at Anchor point. Move the DTM (and Site Mods) straight down by estimate value. Use Move 3d for this. Select the GL and run the command. Update the DTM. Update the Cut/Fill calculation. Note the cut/fill values. Close enough? Select and move everything back up to the anchor point via Move By Points. Update again. Not close? A choice: 1. Adjust the pad up or down, eg 1mm increments. Update each time. Repeat until balance achieved. This also changes the slope (maybe unnoticeable), but easy because DTM and Calc updates both available in Pad OIP. 2. Delete the Pad. Adjust the DTM up/down in increments. Update DTM. Select the GL. Run the command. Update DTM and Calcs. Repeat as needed. Slope refreshes to desired value each time. Move the assembly up to Anchor Point via Move by Points. Repeat this process for each Grade Limits on the DTM. Might be a good idea to move completed Pads to a storage layer that does NOT affect the DTM, so they do not confuse current work. Return all Pads (or Duplicates) to effective layer when all are adjusted and the DTM is at the original Anchor position. Update the DTM. -B
  9. @line-weight Thanks for comments! I was just experimenting with the geometry and found one way. Rise/run vs angle is about same effort, but extruding the perpendicular DOES provide both rise and run from OIP, which can be convenient. "Facia", sorry, I should have said abutting face. That was my point, anyway. I didn't take it as far as the construction detail. As you say, the mitre join is way to go. Roof joinery has such interesting challenges, design as well as build. -B
  10. Glad for your successes. Temporary isolation you describe is a great strategy. Make Saved Views for repeated visits to those limited layer/class sets. To easily return to "normal" view, keep a Saved View with ALL the normal visibilities. Grouping objects for work, then ungrouping is another quick isolation. Use the Menu bar buttons switch between Layer Plane and Working Plane contexts. The tilda key temporarily disables snaps. Esc key clears the acquired snaps. Holding the space bar temporarily activates the Pan function by default. But while you hold the space bar, you can also enable and use any other tool - click in the tool palette. This is helpful if you have a snap acquired, but need a different tool. -B
  11. @girwin Would this help with roof face tilting? -B
  12. Some recent posts about roof face with cross slope made me curious. It is a geometry problem. Here is one solution in a simple rectangular context. Process starts at a control edge with known High/Low points - edge of adjoining shed roof, top of a sloped wall, etc, plus the proposed high point. Things needed for parameters of the Roof Face command, all determined via vwx geometry: 1. Locate the roof face axis = a level line across the imagined new roof face at height of the control edge. (h=4 in example). Analysis tool helps this. 2. Locate the the line perpendicular to axis from control edge low point, and . . . 3. Find the angle along that line from control edge low point up to the axis height. Video note - A 3d poly was created to represent plane of the new roof and find the axis. 3d poly is a perimeter. Analysis tool needs surfaces. 3d Poly was converted to Mesh. NURBS surface would also work. Analysis tool happy. Wish/Enhancement - Roof Face command adds a 3d 3 point mode, sort of a hinge: Select the roof face footprint. Click the control edge low. Click the control edge high. Click the roof face high point. The command runs. The current modes, including 2nd Click Height, all employ axis parallel to ground plane (or maybe working plane - too confusing!). -B Dbl Tilt Roof(1).mov
  13. If roof style datum is Top shouldn’t the option place top of roof face at the height? Sorry, can’t test for myself at the moment. Will try to look into it later. -B
  14. Trying to make roof face via the pref labeled "2nd Click Height". Here is Help text: 2nd Click Height Creates a roof slope based on a mouse click position (this option only available in Top/Plan view). Enter the Height for the second mouse click. Working in Top Plan, with normal snap options. 1. Number of clicks and what they accomplish: I think(?) this process actually requires 3 clicks. Is this incorrect in both the dialog and the Help? Clicks 1 and 2 establish the axis for the slope, similar to the other modes. A 3rd click is required to complete the command, same as other modes. 2. Snaps gone Snaps work as expected for Clicks 1 & 2 No shaps available for 3rd click. No acquisition of points, edges or edge extensions. Tabbing into smart cursor allows entry of the L field, but that produces roof face with incorrect height. -B RoofFace(1).mov
  15. Another item to look at is textures. Before you went to solid fill, were those hardscapes and walls textured? eg via a vwx Material? Some textures (including textures associated with Materials) include "high density" parameters, esp things like Noise in the Reflectivity, Transparency, and Bump settings. A simpler texture might help the PDF. -B
  16. @StageCrafter You might like the Vectorworks Create Contours tool and the Shell tool. The shells can be hollowed out via PushPull (Sub Face Mode) or Solid Sectioning. I contoured from the center axis. Perhaps better to offset the start plane to avoid a dbl thick center element. Use Extract tool, Face Mode, Create Planar Objects to get the full scale edges for CNC. This can all be scaled down for the 3d print. -B Mesh to Contour v2024.vwx
  17. Ha! Have not looked at cursor settings in last few OS upgrades. -B
  18. I intermittently see the cursor arrow enlarge temporarily if I move the mouse vigorously, eg shake it side to side. Need to observe more - might be system wide rather than only in vwx. Cursor returns to usual size after a second or less of calm mouse. Normal speed moves do not engender this effect. I attribute effect to my bargain basement Logitech mouse, and/or default MacOS mouse driver, but never tried to chase it down. I installed SteerMouse long ago, but for some reason removed it. Perhaps posted problem could be conflict with or setting in a custom mouse driver? -B
  19. @Neves+Creative Inc. Seems like two problems here. 1st is how to draw your intended design. 2nd is how to build to the design. I think best approach to drawing is extrudes. As you found, NURBS curves and surfaces resulting from Bend, Shell, etc have facets and snap issues at high zoom levels. The math is correct (OIP lengths, areas, etc), but the graphics can get confusing. Regarding draw - post back if help needed with any of this The Luaun, the stiles, the rails - all should be represented by extrudes of 2d Polylines or other 2d basic shapes. Start with a long poly (spline is fine) for the whole curve. To determine segment for each flat, place a locus and duplicate it along path with 10' interval (or 4' if flats are standup). Use the Split tool, point mode, to cut the poly into the smaller segments at each locus. Use each segment 3 times. Here are the basics: 1. Offset tool, Closed mode, 2.5" for the stile - extrude to 3/4" for the bottom stile. Later on, you will Duplicate and move z for top stile 2. Offset tool (other side of the poly), Closed mode, .125" for the sheet - extrude to 4' or 10' depending on orientation. 3A. Rectangle tool, 3 point rotated mode - Draw footprint of a rail (eg 2.5"x.75") on top surface of one end of the stile extrude. 3B. Duplicate Along Path (the flat segment), Tangent, Keep orig Position (uncheck the Center on Path). choose spacing or required number of rails. 3C. Extrude to height of flat less 2xstyle thickness (eg 1.5"). You may need to duplicate a rail and move/rotate to provide one at other end of stile. Regarding build I think many issues will point back to providing some tolerance. Different radii will produce different stretch/compress amounts of the 2 faces of the Lauan. Minimal amounts at 1/8", but noticeable on the drawing. I think not to worry. Design the frame stiles and rails to desired shape and dimension. When attaching Lauan to the frame, it may overhang (trim it!) or may come in shy (caulk or other filler). Because of real world material and craft variances, you will never achieve perfect fit. Lumber is not straight or even constant dimension. Cutting the curved styles (CNC? Jigsaw by hand? Routers?) will produce variances. Parts may not assemble without small gaps. Multiple parts of cut lumber may not be EXACT to the vwx design precision. Bending the sheets may not fit intimately to the (imperfect) curves. Sheets may not be perfectly square. The frames, even with braces and corner blocks may not be perfectly square, the bent sheet tension may bow or flex the frames, etc, etc, blah, blah, buuulah. Anyway, my advice, design and build the frames as close a possible to desired dimension. Trim or fill the sheet edges as needed. -B
  20. Post a file with object(s) showing the flipped image textures. That suspended box has correct image, so guessing a model problem rather than a render setting. -B
  21. Long ago it was checked by default. A guess - Perhaps in your version to version up-saving the file vwx “remembered” and switched to the default setting. Especially suspect would be one or other of these past few versions defining certain features as legacy (phase out). -B
  22. Yikes - no responses yet? Hope you solved already. Several ways to do this. Here is one way with basic Extrude Along Path. That final step with adjusting the location of the Profile is needed because vwx defaults to the center of the profile as the extrude datum. There are some workarounds, but this is the basics. Full shape of the profile is not revealed in the catalog. Does the bottom actually have that little return bend? Post again if more info needed. -B Planter.mov Raised Bed.vwx
  23. Peter's post time signature showed "9 hours ago" when I viewed last night 12/24, 11:pm (west coast USA). Thinking that this was a Christmas eve tradition, I tried a restart for the annual joy before the midnight hour. Alas, no animation! Was I somehow not a good enough Vectorworkser ALL YEAR??? Realized that Peter must be way ahead in some earlier international time zone. Tried again in the morning of 12/25 local time. And there came the the elf in his sleigh drawn by the reindeer! YAY! (good boy, after all) -B
  24. I never tried before, but found that during local time on 12/25/xx, every Vectorworks quit/restart shows the animation. At least until the day times out. Or maybe if the reindeer get tired? -B
  25. Really great again! Found a typo in heading for random Y rotation. -B
×
×
  • Create New...