How do I draw a curved double line?

[Mark Taylor]

I would like to draw 4" flex drain pipe on my plan. Is there a way to do draw a bezier double line or 2D/3D pipe object?

Thanks,

Mark

[CipesDesign]

You might try the OFFSET tool. Draw the shape first, then offset it to create the "double". Look in VW's Help for more info on the offset tool.

[mike m oz]

For 2D you can use the Board (generic) option of Architect's Linear Material tool.

for 3D there is no option. You can draw a Nurbs path and after editing the vertices to get the shape you want use Extrude Along Path. This path can then be edited via the 3D Reshape tool. To do this effectively you will need to use the different limiting modes in conjunction with appropriate views. Be warned this is not particularly intuitive and would be much easier if there was a 3D nurbs path tool which had the ability to draw a 3D path by entered X, Y and Z vertice values.

[Mark Taylor]

Thanks,

The offset tool will work for now.

It would be nice to draw a 3D pipe object on a 2D terrain view and then tell it to SendToSurface:-6" depth:10' max radius (for an irrigation line, for example) and then have VW drop to 6" underground. The same could be used for a flex drain pipe, except that we would need to choose a starting depth and then by sections, perhaps, define a slope.

Thanks again,

Mark

[CipesDesign]

You can do it using "Extrude Along Path" and maybe even from simple extrudes, but you might have to build it from a series of parts. I never have too much with this sort of thing, because in reality it'll get built from straight pipe sections and angles (or sweeps), all of which can be modeled pretty easily in VW's...

[jbrhwy]

Mark

Take a look at Charles Chandler's Land Planning Tools (http://scs-inc.us/default.php?page=products&subPage=Products/Land%20Planning/Default), sewer & water line tools are 3-D, & if you need any modifications contact Charles.

[monkey]

why dont you use the 2D double lined polygon and then use the polysmoothing command under the modify menu. thats what i would do, or the offset option,

not sure on the 3D though

[Mark Taylor]

Thanks jbrhwy,

I did check out the tools on this website and may use them or contact the company for a custom tool.

Mark

[Mark Taylor]

Thanks monkey,

I tried the poly smoothing command, but it does not retain the parallel nature of the two sides. Also, I could not find a way to control the radius of the bend, even when setting the "Arc Radius" in the "Obj info" pallet.

At this point I will stick with the offset tool.

Mark