Spline-based component - wall

Tools: Wall

You can use Spline-Based Component to draw walls as splines by means of control points. This works just like entering splines in the Design task area. The arcs are approximated by a polyline: This results in short, straight segments of linear components, which you can address as a single entity.

Note: You can define the Number of segments for spline-based components in the Options - Components and architecture page - Wall entry area.

Note: Quantity takeoff of curved and circular components is based on the segments.

Note: If you have already drawn the spline or other 2D elements, the Entity-Based Component type is better.

To draw a spline-based component

• The Wall tool is open. You have already defined the wall’s parameters.

1. Click Spline-Based Component.
2. Use the input options to define whether you want to Use the starting point for connection or Use the end point for connection when you have finished entering points.

   Note: If you do not define a connection, the program uses the natural connection conditions.

3. Place the starting point of the spline.

   The component is attached to the crosshairs. The preview shows the direction of extension and the position of the component axis. The previews of walls are complete with all construction layers and surface elements.

4. Check the preview to see whether the component’s direction of extension is correct. If it isn’t, click Reverse offset direction on the context toolbar to change the direction.

   You can change the direction of extension at any time, even while entering components.

   Tip: While entering elements, you can quickly change the component axis by means of keyboard shortcuts or in the dialog line. In the case of walls, you can also change the component axis by means of drag-and-drop editing in the Properties palette.

   

   To modify the component axis in the dialog line, do the following:

   • Use the TAB key to activate Set component axis.
   • After you have placed the start point of the wall, the following options are available:
     • Press the + (plus) key to tilt the wall about the axis.
     • Press the '-' key (minus) to move the axis within the component to the default positions; this is the same as clicking , and in the wall's Properties dialog box.

   You can also modify the component axis using shortcuts.

   The following shortcuts are available for modifying the component axis:

   • Using CTRL+^, you can tilt the wall about the axis; this is the same as clicking on the Wall Context toolbar.
   • Using CTRL+<, you can move the axis within the component to the predefined positions; this is the same as clicking , and in the wall's Properties dialog box.

   

   The following shortcuts are available for modifying the component axis:

   • Using CTRL+^, you can tilt the wall about the axis; this is the same as clicking on the Wall Context toolbar.
   • Using CTRL+<, you can move the axis within the component to the predefined positions; this is the same as clicking , and in the wall's Properties dialog box.

   In addition, the dialog line provides a convenient way of modifying the component axis using the keyboard.

   To modify the component axis in the dialog line, do the following:

   • Use the TAB key to activate Set component axis.
   • After you have placed the start point of the wall, the following options are available:
     • Press the + (plus) key to tilt the wall about the axis.
     • Press the '-' key (minus) to move the axis within the component to the default positions; this is the same as clicking , and in the wall's Properties dialog box.
5. Place more points (up to 99).
6. Select the Esc key to finish.
7. If you have selected the Use starting point for connection or Use end point for connection option in the input options, you are now prompted to select a connecting element or to enter a connecting angle.
8. Select the Esc key to finish.