Civil Immersion

Finding & patching holes in Civil 3D surface models

When working with Civil 3D surfaces, it’s a good idea to display the triangulation as “shaded” once in a while.  Using a shaded visual style, you can easily identify any holes that may exist in the surface model.  Sometimes holes are created as the result of an error in editing. (Deleting interior triangle lines is a common cause.) Likewise, holes can be introduced when multiple surfaces having non-matching boundaries are pasted together.

A surface hole represents a “void” in the data. These voids can cause errors in earthwork calculations, broken contours, and gaps in render materials.  No matter how you ended up with a hole (or holes) in your surface model, it’s important to close them up such that your surface accurately reflects the existing or proposed conditions.

If you are interested, I have created a quick video that demonstrates some strategies for patching holes in Civil 3D surface models.  

 

-Jeff

Tool for Tuesday: "-PURGE Regapps"

When it is time for some deep cleaning.

If you have used AutoCAD or any AutoCAD based product, you are no doubt familiar with the PURGE command.  In short, the PURGE command can help improve performance and reduce file size by removing unused items from your file.  (Layers, Blocks, Text Styles…)  Like I said, you know this already.

Having said this, there can still be some performance killing “residue” (for lack of a better term) left over even after a "Purge All".  These leftovers are unused "registered applications” and are not removed as part of a "Purge All" or even running the PURGE command multiple times. 

These applications are introduced when various Autodesk or third party apps are used with the .DWG.  Over time, they can replicate to other files when the host file is Xreferenced into another drawing.  When you couple this with the common practice of copying an older .DWG and then renaming it to create a newer .DWG, the amount of these unused applications can grow exponentially.  As the number increases, file performance can slowly degrade and even become unstable.   

If you would like to quickly eliminate these unused applications buried deep in your .DWG, use the Regapps function of the –PURGE command.  Note:  You MUST use the  –PURGE command as the standard PURGE command does not include the Regapps function. (See below)

Be sure to start with your xrefed files first and then move to the drawings where the files are being xrefed.  Performing the operation in the wrong order could reintroduce the apps back into your production files the next time you open the .DWG and the base files are xrefed.

-Jerry

Civil 3D corridor modeling workshops are underway!

This week I've been presenting some free Civil 3D corridor modeling workshops in northern Florida.  We've had a great turnout for the events, with Tampa having the largest crowd so far at more than 100 people.  Since these are full day training sessions we are able to cover a wide range of topics.  Everything from basic concepts to advanced roadway modeling and intersection workflows are being explored, and all of it is being demonstrated live using Civil 3D in conjunction with the FDOT state kit. 

I'd like to offer a special thank you to Bruce Dana and his excellent staff at the Florida DOT for organizing and hosting these events!


FDOT District 7 auditorium in Tampa Florida

Would you be interested in exploring the content presented at these Civil 3D workshops?  If so, I've included hyperlinks below...

Access via. YouTube...
Civil 3D Advanced Roadway Modeling https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjsw5HrA4MXkdH0GHIqx9rczoRzRApiDF
Civil 3D Advanced Intersection Modeling https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjsw5HrA4MXm2YP8T_H0D391KdjSAL7PZ

or Download...
Civil 3D Corridor Modeling training
Dataset used at the session (Unzip and place on your C: drive) http://a360.co/1Pte4xI
Step by step recordings - http://a360.co/1SYIDd7

-Jeff

 

Getting up and running using Subassembly Composer

When it comes to corridor modeling, Civil 3D provides a large number of subassembly parts right out of the box. Since these parts are also parametric, they can easily be modified to build assemblies capable of replicating a wide range of design requirements. Even with all of these options, the time may come when you can’t find the exact subassembly part you need “shopping off the rack”.

At times like this, you can easily create your own custom parts using Subassembly Composer. Subassembly Composer is an application that is included with your Civil 3D installation. Using Subassembly Composer you can author your own Civil 3D content, providing near limitless possibilities, without having to write custom code.  

If you are interested, I have created a quick series of videos to help you get up and running with Subassembly Composer. (The entire series takes less than an hour!)

 

Interested in learning more? Click the link below to watch Alan Gilbert use Subassembly Composer to build a road rehab subassembly that accommodates overlay and widening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng8SMwUjtgY&list=PLePCYzFL3CSBMfwmqM6hZmH6XlWs7Dimi

-Jeff

Tool for Tuesday: "Zoom to Object"

Where or where did my Xref go?

Have you ever Xrefed a .DWG into your current drawing and then had trouble finding it? Perhaps a coordinate issue caused it to be inserted into a different ZIP code than where you are currently working. Perhaps a scale issue caused it to become microscopic and therefore very difficult to find.

You know you inserted it because it shows up on the inserted list but instead of seeing it, you are now engaged in an expensive game of “Where’s Waldo”.

Most Civil 3D objects have a “Zoom to” option that makes finding them in your project very easy. Wouldn’t it be nice if the same functionality existed for things like Xrefs?

The good news is that it does by using the Object function of the Zoom Tool.

Leveraging this tool in conjunction with the Quick Select functionality available in the Properties window we can quickly find and then Zoom to practically anything in your drawing file.

Check out the 2 min. video below to see how…

 

-Jerry

Welcome to Civil Immersion!

Between Jeff and myself, we have nearly 50 years combined experience using and teaching Autodesk solutions in the Infrastructure industry. As a result, nearly every day we have the privilege of engaging with civil professionals across the country in an effort to help them get the most out of their investment in Autodesk software. During these engagements, we are often asked to respond to a wide variety of interesting situations ranging from “Efficient Workflows” to “Complete Implementations” to standard “How To’s...” to simple “Tips and Tricks”.

This year, we decided to capture our responses and then share them with others in real-time via. our newly created Civil Immersion blog.

On this blog you will soon find a wide ranging variety of content that is dedicated entirely to helping the civil user community maximize their use of Autodesk software. Because your time is valuable, the information will always be presented in a way that is clear, concise and easy to understand. We will also do our best to deliver content in a way that is both entertaining as well as informative.

Please subscribe or stop by often as we intend to provide updates on a regular basis. Finally, if you have a moment, please use the comments section to let us know how we are doing.

Thanks for visiting!

Jerry