Add slicing plane constraints
With this function you can define, using the mouse, the orientation of a section line or section axis and create a number of slices through the block model and subsequently display these slices with the colour attributes defined using the BM GRAPHICS COLOUR ATTRIBUTES function.
To run this function: Choose Block model > Display > Add slicing plane constraints, or...
This function does not produce the outlines of the blocks which intersect the section plane, rather a slice of some nominal width is defined and the exterior faces of all blocks, or sub-blocks which exist within the volume of the slice are drawn.
The method by which the slices are created is by applying a number of parallel plane constraints to the block model. Identical results can be produced by defining the planar constraints manually by using the constraints form, but you will find that using the mouse is so much easier. The planar constraints extend to infinity in all directions and when using the mouse to define a section line, the planar constraints are projected INTO the computer screen.
This is a very useful method of viewing the block model as it permits you to easily look at the distribution of attribute values through the interior of the model by simply using the mouse.
Click and drag to define the slicing axis/plane
Using the mouse, perform a click and drag operation to define a line, the end points of which will be used to define either the first slicing plane or an axis from which perpendicular slices will be extracted. After releasing the mouse button the DEFINE SLICES FOR BLOCK MODEL form will be displayed to allow you to define the slice parameters.
Width of slices
Enter the width of each of the slices which will be extracted from the model. Half of this width is applied either side of the section planes to create the planar constraints.
Distance range of slices
It is possible to create a number of parallel slices by entering a range to define the distance between the centres of each of the slices.
Use as (section plane, axis line)
You may interpret the coordinates displayed as either
- defining each end of a slicing plane which is projected directly into the screen, or
- defining each end of an axis line where the slicing planes are normal to the axis line and the first slicing plane is located at the Axis start point.
Left end/Axis start Y, X, Z
The coordinates defined using the mouse for the Left end or the slicing plane or the start point of the Axis line are displayed. These values may be altered to some location of interest if necessary.
Right end/Axis end Y, X, Z
The coordinates defined using the mouse for the Right end or the slicing plane or the end point of the Axis line are displayed. These values may be altered to some location of interest if necessary.
Result
Various constraints which represent the many parallel planes defining the slices of interest are applied to the model to ensure that only the blocks of interest (in fact their exterior faces) are drawn.
If any colour attributes have been defined then these will be used to render the slices to better aid in the interpretation of the model.