GDL Import from DWG Block

[Anonymous]

Dear People
I have created a 3D block in AutoCAD that I would like to import in ArchiCAD and use it as railings pattern in most of my projects.It is shown in the attachment.How can I import it in ArchiCAD?I must say that the use of this specific railing is the only reason for me returnig to AutoCAD from now and then.
Please help.

[Djordje]

chris_pap wrote:
I m sorry Djordje but I am not capable of creating by myself in ArchiCAD neither by slabs etc. nor with TrussMaker.

Instead of giving you a fish, let's teach you how to fish

First, check the TrussMaker link at http://www.graphisoft.com/support/archicad/archiguide/techtipsept2002.html

What you have to do is draw the center lines of your railing in an S/E window, set different pen color for the members of different size, and start TrussMaker. If the S/E line is at your railing axis, and the storey is correct, the object will be automatically placed. Make sure to save it in the project library.

Second, try to find the book called Object making with ArchiCAD, by David Nicholson Cole, published by Graphisoft. Basic stuff like what you need is VERY well described there. AFAIK a new edition is being prepared to cover the 8.x changes in object handling, but the old one will suffice.

[Anonymous]

Thank you SO MUCH ejrolon!!!!!
I am truly grateful.
Thank you very much.I hope one day I will be able to do the same thing for you...
Thank you Djordje for your advice and your immediate response to all my rookie questions so far!!

[Eduardo Rolon]

No problem I was bored.

BTW as Djordie says "learn how to fish"

It only takes a couple of minutes to do it, the procedure is simple:

1) draw everything using walls, slabs or combination.
2)make sure the elements are in their proper z coordinate.
2a) All this is done in the story view drawn as it looks in elevation
3) Go to the 3D view and using the window settings get the model to be shown in top view, this is the tricky part until you get use to it. Remember that you drew it in elevation on the story window, so you have to choose the front elevation icon instead of the roof icon.
4)After you are sure you have the object looking as a top view, select all and then choose from File- GDL Objects- Save 3D Object As-

That's it

[Djordje]

ejrolon wrote:
No problem I was bored.

BTW as Djordie says "learn how to fish"

It only takes a couple of minutes to do it, the procedure is simple:

1) draw everything using walls, slabs or combination.
2)make sure the elements are in their proper z coordinate.
2a) All this is done in the story view drawn as it looks in elevation
3) Go to the 3D view and using the window settings get the model to be shown in top view, this is the tricky part until you get use to it. Remember that you drew it in elevation on the story window, so you have to choose the front elevation icon instead of the roof icon.
4)After you are sure you have the object looking as a top view, select all and then choose from File- GDL Objects- Save 3D Object As-

That's it

Tell the man how to put the bait on! 😉

The stuff you are modeling with slabs etc should:

- be on the storey with elevation 0
- start at the origin - either a corner or the middle of the whole structure; for example, if you are modeling a door or a window this way the origin HAS TO be in the middle.

See you fishing!

[Anonymous]

Ejrolon,

Great post, brief and effective.Unusually useful!