Cut piles with surface

Question

Hi 
 I have a model like this, with the bedrock in blue. I would like to cut the piles along that surface, is that possible?

Regards, 
 Robert

Steve Cocchi · Answer

If you convert the Mesh to a Surface or simply start with a single surface, can you extend all of the piles downward past the Surface then use the Cut Solids by Curves tool to remove any remaining material on the underside of the surface?

Marc Thomas · Answer

Hi Robert, 
 Two steps: 
 
 create lines from each pile top centre down to the surface below to act as paths for the pile center lines. 
 Select all of the lines then the Place Column tool with the Place by: method set to 'Select Path', accept, one click to apply piles to all of the selected paths:

The lines are retained, not absorbed by the pile object so the paths can be modified and reused. The paths can also be in a reference file. There is no association between the line and the pile. 
 The quickest way to create lines of the correct length is to use the usual MicroStation array tools to the create lines of equal long length then trim them with the surface. 
 The path lines can also be inclined, the pile will follow them although the pile faces will be normal to the path so may need trimming/extending at the top for a clean junction with pile cap undersides.

Marc Thomas · Answer

Hi, 
 Could be that the surface that I tested with was too regular, I was able to convert your mesh to a b-spline surface but found some of the trimmed lines still projected. 
 I have an alternative method using the Move To Contact tool that works with the mesh contained in the file that you sent to me. 
 I've created an array of lines above your mesh: 
 
 Start the Move to Contact tool (F4 to search the ribbon for this tool), following the prompts, drag your mouse across the lines: 
 
 They will show as selected: 
 
 Define the direction to move, click on one of the lines and drag the mouse down: 
 
 Once moved the top of the lines can be trimmed to the appropriate top of pile height(s) then they can become paths as previously described: 
 
 Here with the solar direction adjusted (ensure Default Lighting is off in the view to use the solar settings) the shadows show each pile in contact: 
 
 Rotating the model (and turning Default Lighting back on so the underside of the mesh is not in total shadow) the edges of some of the piles can be seen, the base of the piles is flat, they do not conform to the mesh.

Marc Thomas · Answer

Hi Robert, Levi, 
 I used a front view however I was in MicroStation (for no particular reason, a MicroStation tool should work identically in OpenBuildings). 
 But...repeating the same operation in OpenBuildings fails with a 'no elements found' message. The is also the case with OpenBuildings MicroStation mode. That's annoying! 
 I'm sorry for leading you to some frustration! You can use MicroStation successfully for this operation without compromising the OpenBuildings content in the file. 
 I will file a defect and Service request on your behalf.

Raguram Jayaram · Answer

Robert, 
 1. Convert the mesh to SmartSurface. 
 2. (Pile being a "Form" element) Select the Modify Wall command and use the modify base height of form option to trim / extend the pile elements to the surface. 
 Please refer this short video clip. 
 
 Alternatively, if the surface and the position of the piles are expected to change repeatedly during design, Generative Components (in OpenBuildings Designer) can be used. 
 Best Regards, 
 RJ.

Cut piles with surface

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