Section along 3D polylines

[john551]

Hi, I'm using AutoCAD Civil 3D 2009 and have a question.

 

I have an dwg file containing a series of straight, parallel 3d polylines spaced out every 20m. Each 3d polyline in plan view actually contains multiple 3d polylines atop of one another which represent mining coal seams of varying elevations. How can I take a cross section, whether along or perpendicular, to these 3d polylines? I mostly use autocad for 2D work and so if you can provide a layman's method of how to do this I would appreciate it.

Thank you!

-John

[WtaDude0822]

Not sure if this is what you're after, but in model space, go View>3D Views>Left or Right...should give you a side view of your polylines.

[john551]

Thank you for the response.

 

What I'm looking for though is to be able to cut a section along the 3d model anywhere I need to and have that in 2d where I can have it on a grid with elevations. In a sense it's like being able to show 2d sections at certain sections through a lake. It's extremely common to do this especially in civil/mining engineering and other contractors have done it so it's not something new I'm proposing.

[ScribbleJ]

Sounds like you need a profile. Are you familiar with how Civil 3D (C3D) works? If so I can further your understanding on how to proceed.

 

First question appropriate here would be:

 

Do you know how to create alignments in C3D?

 

then

 

Are you familiar with styles in C3D?

 

If you can answer yes to those questions then your well on your way to accomplishing your task.

[john551]

Hi Scribble, I pray you are able to help me =) Sorry for short delay was just putting together a small dwg file to better explain what I'm doing here. I've uploaded a 800 kb dwg file to a server here:

 

http://www.transferbigfiles.com/e42d0723-d1ea-45b9-95f4-b12735fa8fea?rid=LGSBM9igrU3794NgE4dFlw%3d%3d#download

 

In it you will see 4 parallel 3d polylines lines, with multiple 3d polylines on top one another. An example section cut thru one of those is also in the file and is essentially what I am looking to (re)create. If you view and rotate the file in 3d you will see how all the coloured 3d polylines atop one another look (represents coal seams). I don't know how to create alignments or styles in C3D.

[john551]

The grid of elevations can be created ok; it's how to create a section of those seams that I am interested in as a start.

[ScribbleJ]

Sorry John. Unless your able to create alignments there is no way I can explain it all to you here to create what your needing.

 

Alignments are necessary to create profiles. Once you have your profiles created you can project your 3D polylines onto the profile grid to display your coal seams. Today is very busy and I am going to be leaving soon so I cannot go into it in detail now. I would suggest you do some research on how to use C3D so you will be prepare for this sort of thing in the future. This job might be a perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. It can be daunting without any knowledge of the software but it can be done. Look for some C3D tutorials on You Tube for alignments or maybe if you have access check out AutoDesk University's site for some info.

 

Good luck and I will check back tomorrow.