Expand segment to elevation

You can use this function to make a copy of a selected segment and expand it up to a constant elevation, or contract it down to a constant elevation. You can use a maximum bench height as an additional control to ensure that the expanded segment does not exceed the required maximum bench height.

To run this function: Choose Design > Expand segment > To elevation, or...

• In the Function Chooser, type EXPAND SEGMENT TO ELEVATION, and press ENTER.

Note: This function works on both open and closed segments.

Select the segment to be expanded

Select the segment of interest in Graphics.

Fields on the Expand segment to elevation form

Field	Description
String	The string number of the selected segment. Display only.
Segment	The segment number of the selected segment. Display only.
Minimum Z value	The minimum Z value of the selected segment. Display only.
Maximum Z value	The maximum Z value of the selected segment. Display only.
Define the method of expansion
Target elevation	The elevation to which the selected segment is to be projected. New points will be inserted into the selected segment to ensure a precise change at the target elevation if the selected segment spans the target elevation.
Maximum bench height	The maximum bench height when expanding the segment. If you do not want to limit bench height, use a high value such as 9999. Note: The maximum bench height must be a positive value.
Z direction	The Z direction determines whether the points on the selected segment are projected up to the target elevation, or down to the target elevation. up: Up to the target elevation. The position of any points which are currently above the target elevation will be the same in the new segment. down: Down to the target elevation. The position of any points which are currently below the target elevation will be the same in the new segment.
Horizontal direction	expand: The selected segment is expanded to create the new segment. contract: The selected segment is contracted to create the new segment.

Result

All segments of the selected string are copied and modified according the settings. The new segments are drawn in Graphics. Any loops which form as a result of contracting portions of the segments are removed.

The string number of the new segment is the next number after the string number of the selected segment.