BBES V8i – 08.11.07.03 and USACE 09Q4b Dataset (Unmodified) - Windows XP x32 and Windows 7 x64
Can someone confirm they can get desired results with BBES extractions using the 09Q4b USACE dataset? We have a few problems and I’ll restrict this post to one of them. We are using modified cells and a modified workspace / dataset, but I can reproduce these results with the 09Q4b workspace/dataset as delivered.
If we follow Bentley's Guide to USACE Extractions, our symbols that include fill in the compound cell, are not filled as they should be in the extractions. See example below using 2x4 recessed lights. The emergency lights should have part of them filled in the extractions.
Electrical Discipline Master Model with 4 Lights Only Using a Group Model and a Reference File
Extraction Model Result Using the Forward View Tab
Extraction Model Result from Extraction Definition Modified to Incorporate the Cut Plane Tab Settings
This results with the objects filled properly. However, everything is placed on the default level and color 0.
Our current workaround is to extract our electrical files with an "out of the box" installation of BBES V8i without reference to the 09Q4b workspace/dataset.
TIA,
If I understand correctly you're trying to output a Forward View fill, but the DEM does not support that - only hatching via a Part Mapping file. You could apply a dense hatch pattern to the part being mapped for FV hatch, which is what I believe others have done in this situation.
Resolved.
Thanks Steve. This got me thinking more about the Cut Plane settings. It turns out that both the Cut Plane and the Forward View play a part in the output. The problem with the workspace, at least for BBES, was the site level file, TS_BIM__TF.acfg, had the variable TF_DONOT_PRESERVE_SYMBOLOGY set to 1:
#.....................TF_DONOT_PRESERVE_SYMBOLOGY: # Forces Triforma to change the symbology of 2D components of compound cells in hidden line views. TF_DONOT_PRESERVE_SYMBOLOGY = 1
Until I figure out the reason for this variable, I undefined it in the TS_BIM_Ele.acfg which is processed after TS_BIM__TF.acfg. We have all building disciplines working with this workspace, so it may be needed for BBMS… not sure.
As for the Cut Plane, it is above all electrical elements in the lighting plan extraction. However, if the value of the Forward Sensitive Distance (Region Tab) is deep enough to include the lights, the Cut Plane settings are used as well and the 2D compound cell extracts with the fill and the correct level, color, style and weight.
Thanks for the help.
Mark Mates - BIM Manager - Mason & Hanger
This post has a little more info on that Config var:
discussion.bentley.com/.../dnewsweb.exe
It appears that it is needed to get BBMS to extract hidden linework properly. Otherwise, it is highly undocumented, since Google only finds this page and that page in a search.
That variable also shows up in TS_Dataset_09Q4a_v8i in TS_BIM__TF.acfg and USACE_Dataset_07Q3, USACE_Dataset_09Q4, and USACE_Dataset_09Q4a in USACE_03_Options.cfg.
I wonder if it is still required with Building Dinamic Views? We'll have to do some testing.
Thanks for following up, Mark. I'm glad to see you've got the kinks worked out! Though it does seem that the variable should be probably removed for BBES since it was a factor. Roger is correct in that it was added specifically for the way BBMS handles 2D symbols. And FWIW, I don't think any of this changes in AECOsim Building Designer.
AFAIK, this is one of a handful of variables that isn't defined out of the box and so is only altered on an "if and when needed" basis. And as Roger also noted it is for the most part undocumented. I wish I could tell you more, but since it comes up so infrequently there's not much more I can add.
Regarding the fill aspect, when the Sense Distance "catches" elements in the Forward View it adds them to the cut plane processing, where fills are available. I just wish that would have occured to me before! :-)
Roger and Steve, Thanks for the assitance. Noel helped a bit offline too.