Insert 3D Blocks

Use the following procedure to insert 3D blocks along a road.

This function is very well suited for positioning pillars, railings, lampposts, or other similar structures along the road.

First, you have to draw a 3D surface model of the bridge/structure along which 3D blocks are to be positioned/inserted. To draw a 3D surface model, run the tool 'Draw 3D Face Model'.

Note: 3D surface model is to be drawn on a separate AutoCAD drawing file so that the Y-axis in AutoCAD indicates the vertical axis of the final positioned detail. In other words, the Y-axis ought to be along a pillar or a railing post. It is also important to have the correct insertion point on the detail drawing on which the detail is being drawn. For a bridge pillar, the recommended insertion point is centrally at the top of the pillar, while for a railing post, a point at the bottom of the post should be used. The insertion point can be controlled using the AutoCAD BASE functions.

• Draw a cross-section of the bridge/structure onto AutoCAD drawing before you begin. Use the tools 'Draw Cross Section'.

• Run the tool 'Insert 3D Blocks'. The tool can be accessed from the following locations. This function inserts the blocks in the same way as AutoCAD's Insert command and positions the selected block along the road.

Find the function here:

Ribbon: Bridge > 3D Insert 3D Blocks

The dialog box 'Select the name of the block to be drawn' will pop up. Select the file that is to be inserted. 

After you have selected the file/block to be inserted, command prompts for:

The reference point for the block (road or structures point):

This point will determine the point on the structure cross-section in relation to where the block is to be positioned. If you have a constant cross-section with the same cross-slope along the entire structure, it does not matter which point you choose, but with varying cross-sections, it is important to select the correct point.

• Insertion point for the block - The insertion point is a freely defined point in AutoCAD at which you define the horizontal and vertical distance between the reference point on the structure's cross-section and the insertion points for the blocks.

• Enter Station for the start <m> - Define the start station for the block to be inserted.

• Enter Station for the end <m> - Define the end station for the block to be inserted. As a default, the station of the first key cross-section will be selected as the start station. Similarly, the station of the last key cross-section will be selected as the default value for the end station. You will have a free choice of any station between these two stations.

• Distance between blocks <m> - Define the distance between blocks. The distance between blocks is measured as the distance between the insertion points for the blocks along the centreline.

• Disconnect Undo (Y/N) ? <No> - Select desired option. When drawing a 3D surface model, it might be a good idea to switch off the Undo function to avoid large temporary files.

Drawing 3D model, ESC to cancel.

If you wish to cancel the function, you should press ESC.

Layer

The blocks will be inserted into the current layer.