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3D Constructions – 3D modelling of objects and extended architectural elements

One of the most important and versatile features available in Visual Building is free-form 3D modelling, which is included in the premium and pro versions of our software. 3D modelling not only offers you the possibility to construct your own 3D objects for the catalog, but also increases the construction capabilities of the software over and above those provided by the predefined building components.
3D constructions can be created by combining 3D elements, known as solids, of which there are four different types:

Button Solid Primitives Primitives: Basic predefined solids e.g. cube, cylinder, pyramid.
Button Extrusion Solids Extrusion solids: Created from a closed 2D contour for which a height is specified.
Button Rotation Solid Rotation solids: Created from a closed 2D contour which is rotated around a specified axis.
Button Sweep Solid Sweep solids: Created from a closed 2D contour which follows a defined path.

Once solids have been created in this way they can be edited with further functions such as merge and union, or using Boolean operations, to form new 3D constructions.

3D constructions can then be selected and saved as 3D objects in the catalog over the ‘Output>3D formats>3D object’ menu, can remain unchanged in the project and be saved with the project, or can be saved as individual entities in a special catalog. Which procedure is most suitable for a particular application, together with the basic functions and several obvious applications, is described in our manuals and the free training course in Visual Building, also available for download from the support menu.
In addition we provide training videos on our web site under ‘Support’ to further demonstrate certain topics and input techniques, and also there, we are glad to answer any user questions by email.

Some Examples for the Use of 3D Constructions

As already mentioned, applications for the use of 3D constructions are almost unlimited. Obvious examples, apart from creating 3D objects for the catalog, are construction and decorative elements on or around a building, such as:

- Carports
- Patio roofs
- Drainpipes
- Steel girders
- Balconies
- Moldings
- Baseboards
- Half-timbering
- Roads
- Fences
- ...

The illustration on the right shows a building with and without 3D constructions or 3D objects created from 3D constructions, with the exception of the car, people and trees, which come from the catalog.

In this project the following types of solids were used:

Sweep solids: For the window, cornice and foundation moldings, the road and pavements, the drainpipes, the balustrade parapet and the balustrade footing.
Rotation solids: For the balusters.
Extrusion solids: For the stoop, the canopy, parts of the fence and on various balcony elements.
Primitives: Cubes for the balustrade pillars, spheres for the steps, cylinders for the columns ....




A balcony example made with 3D constructions

An exterior balcony with sweep solids for the steel supports, the handrail and the sides of the platform. The remainder is made up of cubes.

Example of a carport

From cubes, extrusion solids and a sweep solid for the fascia board.

Drainpipes made with sweep solids

Simply draw a 2D path / contour consisting of lines, polygons and bows and let then follow a sweep solid this path. Select a round contour from the included 2D profiles catalog in our AEC section and just change the diameter.

Rose arch example

Cubes for the trellis and extrusion solids for the timber structure.

Examples of rotation solids

Various planters created from rotation solids.
3D Construction example
3D Constructions - Balcony Example
3D Constructions - Balcony Example
3D Constructions - Carport
3D Constructions - drainpipes
3D Constructions - Rose Arch Object
3D Constructions - Rotation solids
3D Constructions - Rotation solids

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