Toposurface... err, but what about a rock'o'surface

[john hainsworth]

Hi Guys - happy new year to you all & a tester for you lateral thinkers...

Any thoughts how I might create different strata layers using (ideally) topo tools...

I'm trying to model 1) an existing topo surface, 2) a proposed surface (and found these easy), but I'd also like to set 3) a rock head profile beneath.

I have thrashed around with graded regions (and so phases), pads etc (why do thes ahcve to flat bottomed??) but can't get cut patterns to distinguish the differing materials (oh, and the poche depth setting is not helpfull for me here)...some success, but and I'm pretty concened that the resulting phase filters might get cumbersome later on the real job.

I've also tried doing the rock profile in a separate model, exporting to dwg, reading into a generic family and then to the model - all ok but no depth to rock head when I cut in section - hmm, but I'm now wondering if 'curtain system by face may help - I'll keep you posted - but any thoughts would be greatly appreciated..

cheers
J

[simonwhnz]

Hi John,

Been thinking about this and came up with a sort of workaround. Did all of this in Revit so the strata is only on one plane. It could be modelled more fully in AutoCAD / Anything else.

Basically, I created an in-place site family. As you can see from the image, I then created some additional Subcategories which allow for material by category AND visibility control. No pad, just a void to cut the 'topo' and then place a floor where needed. The driveway is an in-place floor.

If you really wanted, a real topo could be draped over the top.

Regards


Simon

[john hainsworth]

Nice one Simon
I was coming to a similar conclusion, but stopped mid way and bounced onto other things
I like your approach - it looks just what I need and I'll give it go now on the real job - good to know its been 'guru tested'
cheers
John

btw - a stunning image !

[mattp]

Hi Simon,

Good workaround. The existing revit tools for topography are limiting if you need to show several surfaces. Any chance you could send me a copy of the revit file you created the multi-layer in-place site family in? I am trying to do a similar thing and it would be good to interrogate your model...

thanks
mattp