WSP UK

Structures

Rhinoceros 3D User Guidance

April 2012
 QM

Issue/revision Issue 1 Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3

Remarks Draft

Date April 2012

Prepared by AMP

Signature

Checked by MOC

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Authorised by KM

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Project number

File reference

WSP UK Limited | Registered Address WSP House, 70 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1AF, UK | Reg No. 01383511 England | WSP Group plc | Offices worldwide
Contents

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Purpose of document 1

2 Acknowledgements 2

3 Where to Start 3

3.1 Internet Learning Resources 3

3.2 Recommended Reference Material 3
4 Brief Overview of Rhinoceros 3D 4

4.1 Main User base for Rhino 4

4.2 Why Rhino? 4
4.3 AutoCAD and Revit Versus Rhinoceros 4
4.4 Rhino Is NOT Normally used for: 6
4.5 Alternatives to Rhinoceros 6
5 Choosing between Static or Parametic Geometry 7

5.1 Static vs Parametric Geometry 7

5.2 Static Modelling (IMPLICIT Geometry) 7
5.3 Parametric Modelling (EXPLICIT Geometry) 7
5.4 Starting Geometry Expected From The Architect 8
5.5 Geometry Checklist 8
5.6 Checking the Quality of Imported Geometry 8
5.7 Work flow 9
6 The Basics 10

6.1 Working planes (UCS) 10

6.2 Drawing methods 10
6.3 Layers 10
6.4 Points, Vectors, Planes and Project Origin 11
6.5 Lines and Polylines 11
6.6 NURBS Curves 11
6.7 Mesh and Meshes 11
6.8 NURBS Surfaces and Polysurfaces 11
6.9 Querying object properties 11
7 Generating 3d Models Intended for Use with Analysis Software 12

7.1 Object Direction 12

7.2 Nodal connections 12
7.3 Curves or lines 12
 7.4 Surfaces or Meshes 12
8 Modelling Tips 13

8.1 Setting Up Your Working Environment 13

8.2 Useful Alias Key-In Shortcut Commands 13
8.3 13
9 Import and Export 14

9.1 Importing Geometry 14

9.2 Exporting Geometry 17
9.3 Know Issues 19
10 Presenting your Model 20

10.1 Colour Scheme 20

10.2 Use of Isometric projection and exploded Views 21
11 Advanced Features 22

11.1 Rhino Plugins 22

11.2 Customisation Of The Rhino User Interface 22
11.3 Rhino Scripting – Monkey 23
11.4 Parametric Modelling – Grasshopper 23
11.5 Programming – Visual Studio 2010 23
11.6 Grasshopper Assembly Wizard 23

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4 [Document title]
 1 Introduction

1.1 PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT

The Purpose of this document is to provide guidelines in order to standardise the way
Rhinoceros V4 and V5 (Rhino) models are created by WSP. It is strictly for internal use
only.

The document assumes that the reader has a working knowledge of Rhino and covers
modelling techniques and processes that if used correctly will produce predictable export
results to analysis file.

This document addresses certain aspects of modelling which are not obvious to the
occasional user or if there is a lack of guidance on which practices should be followed. It
is not intended to replace the comprehensive set of manuals that are provided
electronically with the package.

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 2 Acknowledgements

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 3 Where to Start

3.1 INTERNET LEARNING RESOURCES

For tutorials on how to use the aforementioned 3D CAD software please use the
following links:
Rhinoceros 4.0 http://www.rhino3d.com/tutorials.htm
and 5.0 Rhino 4.0 Level I and II Training Guides
Rhino 4.0 Users Guide

Grasshopper 1.0 http://www.grasshopper3d.com/page/tutorials-1

Grasshopper Primer, Lift Architects, Andy Payne, McNeel Rajaa Issa
(Needs updating to the latest version of Grasshopper)
Introduction to Grasshopper, McNeel, David Rutten (Developer)
Essential Mathematics for computational Design, McNeel, Rajaa Issa

Developers and RhinoScript101 McNeel, David Rutten

Programmers Rhino SDK
Grasshopper SDK
Grasshopper Assembly Wizard
Latest Version http://download.rhino3d.com/Grasshopper/1.0/wip/download/

For further information please refer to the Sector TWG SharePoint site on
Parametrics

http://sharepoint.se.wspgroup.com/DTLG/Sector/parametrics/default.aspx

This site contains manuals/tutorials example definition files announcements along

with draft TRM’s

3.2 RECOMMENDED REFERENCE MATERIAL

 Inside Rhinoceros 4 , Thomson Delmar Learning, Ron K. C. Cheng

ISBN 9781418021016
 Advances in Architectural Geometry 2010, SpringerNewYork, Cristiano Ceccato,
Lars Hesselgren, Mark Pauly, Helmut Pottmann, Johannes Wallner
ISBN 9783709103081
 Architectural Geometry, Bentley Institute Press, Helmut Pottmann, Andreas Asperl,
Michael Hofer, Axel Kilian
ISBN 9781934493045
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 4 Brief Overview of Rhinoceros 3D

4.1 MAIN USER BASE FOR RHINO

Rhino was originally developed for the Marine Industry, specifically for modelling
complex curvature of yacht hulls and Glass fibre moulds. However it was then quickly
adopted by Product designers, Automotive Engineers and Jewellery makers.

The last to finally adopt the software were Architects and Engineers

Figure 1 CAD development time line

4.2 WHY RHINO?

During project inception it is important that the project leaders decide what modelling
software would be deemed appropriate. The Architect occasionally sets a precedent to
use particular software and may even set out file exchange protocols in there contract.
As a team we must be careful to respect these wishes and choose wisely, as the
incorrect decision can have negative connotations for all future work phases.

4.3 AUTOCAD AND REVIT VERSUS RHINOCEROS

AutoCAD
 Models 3D solids this can lead to difficultly in constructing complex geometry and can
be challenging to edit once created
 Limited import and export options
 Limited set of geometry tools

Revit
 Revit is an Object based modeller
 It is a True Building Information Modelling environment
 It stores additional information about object other than geometry
 Designed with 2D drawing deliverables in mind and has extensive WSP
customisation to assist with this

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  Can be restricted by type of object being modelled especially when considering
complex geometry

Rhinoceros 3D
 Models in surfaces and joined surfaces
 If collections of surfaces form a closed volume these are known “Breps” (Boundary
Representations).
 Models can be rotated during most commands to assist in construction.
 Same snaps as AutoCAD
 Geometry can be selected before or after a command is initialised objects selection
is preserved after each command, so commands can be chained together rapidly
 Smooth scrolling 33-50fps even in larger models.
 Additional drawing constraints include project to construction plane and Planar
Drawing.
 Large selection of Plugins this will be will discussed later
 Extensive import and export options
Geometry tools above and beyond the standard AutoCAD
 Intersect any plane, ray, curve, surface or Solid with any other object, operation can
be on many elements at once
 Closest distance to surface from point
 Shortest path on surface between two points (Geodesic curves)
 Array and orient objects on surfaces
 Curve and surfaces rebuilding including smoothing
 Curves can be shattered into numerous segments in one operation.
 Surfaces can be subdivided and converted into meshes.
 Meshes can be repaired and quadrangulated.
 3D objects can be flattened developed and smashed into flat shapes so physical
models can be made.
 Shell objects to give them thickness (Rhinoceros V5 only).
This list is by no means extensive…

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 4.4 RHINO IS NOT NORMALLY USED FOR:

 BIM. Rhino is NOT intended to replace Revit or any other BIM platform
 Paper space drawings
 construction phase of projects (At Present…)
 High end Rendering. Render features are basic in V4, thankfully improved in V5. For
top quality photorealistic renders the use of plugins Accurender Maxwell 3D Studio
Max is highly Recommended
 You need to learn some new terms and concepts - Surface domains, NURBS, UVW
Coordinates etc…..
4.5 ALTERNATIVES TO RHINOCEROS

Bentley Microstation and Generative Components

Autodesk Maya
Autodesk 3D Studio Max
Autodesk Vasari

Which are beyond the scope of this document

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 5 Choosing between Static or Parametic
Geometry

5.1 STATIC VS PARAMETRIC GEOMETRY

Static Geometry Parametric Geometry

 Geometry is drawn once and will not  Geometry is generated by inputs that
change. can be variable.
 If changes need to be made to items  Changes to input will effect geometry
user will need to re-drawn and modify that is dependent on that input
 Repetitive operations may be time  Repetitive operations such as drawing
consuming i.e. Drawing several trusses can be avoided by developing
trusses of different profile will require overall governing principles and then
each truss to be drawn manually applying that to each truss and letting
the code derive the truss

5.2 STATIC MODELLING (IMPLICIT GEOMETRY)

Advantages
 Predicable and conventional work flow
Disadvantages
 Time consuming
 Prone to error

5.3 PARAMETRIC MODELLING (EXPLICIT GEOMETRY)

Advantages
 Can Generate large quantities of detailed geometry from generic rules
 Full control of element connectivity
 Rapid response to architectural change i.e. changes in FL to FL heights or massing
 Data can be outputted in a variety of formats i.e. CAD formats, XLS, TXT, XML for
interchange with analysis and BIM platforms
 Efficient in storing large quantities of 3D Data 8Mb *.gh = 150Mb *.3DM
 Software constantly updated and improved due to user feedback

Disadvantages

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  Initial set up can be time consuming.
 Engineers can generate virtually any form this can lead to build ability issues and
over complex models
 Large definitions can require very powerful computers lower spec machines respond
slowly and can hang.
 Definitions can be unstable if poorly written i.e. infinite amounts of geometry
produced (Fractal).

5.4 STARTING GEOMETRY EXPECTED FROM THE ARCHITECT

At the start project that involves the interchange of complex 3D building set out
information it is important to establish logical methods of communication

An experienced Architect should have a firm idea of what our structural team will require.
However sometimes our requirements are not met

I have indicated some of the major items below as a checklist depending on the project
being considered some items may not be required this is left at your discretion

5.5 GEOMETRY CHECKLIST

 Geometry statement for Envelope (not essential but very useful for
understanding the geometry of the building)
 Grids (Lines and Arcs at Z={0})
 Project origin (Shared and Local)
 Façade Envelope build-up 2 x surface (inner and outer skin)
 Offset surface to column S.O.P. (to intersect with gridlines)
 Floor Surface or closed curves
 Slab openings or slab cutting volumes
 Floor reference Levels (as pts or reference planes or lines)
 Any wire models describing framing (extrusions are more difficult to work with)

5.6 CHECKING THE QUALITY OF IMPORTED GEOMETRY

Objects imported from the Architect should be checked for quality

 Direction of curves
 Alignment of curve and surface control points (Press “F10” key to reveal)
 Surface Analysis tools to check curvature and continuity
 Surface UV divisions to check parameter space
This comes through experience of adoption other users geometry as inputs for our
processes and understanding what works well with the tools we have available.
Whilst the quality of the imported geometry may have little impact on non-Parametrically
modelled structures it will not take long to notice matters arising and errors to occur in a
parametric model.

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 5.7 WORK FLOW

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 6 The Basics

6.1 WORKING PLANES (UCS)

6.2 DRAWING METHODS

Project
Planar
6.3 LAYERS

Layer members into groups these can be based on selection set in model or trial size
group if auto design is being considered

Layer (Parent) Sub-layer (Child)

01GRID

02COLS 02L1C900C40

03BEAMS
03WALLS 03L1W250

04SLABS 04S400

05TRUSS 05TR01TC
05TR01BC
05TR01DIA
05TR01VERT
05TR01BRACE

Please NOTE if you are using the Grasshopper SAP 2000 script you can directly import
the following:

FRAMES ELEMENTS

trial sizes
Group names
End releases
Element orientation

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 6.4 POINTS, VECTORS, PLANES AND PROJECT ORIGIN

6.5 LINES AND POLYLINES

6.6 NURBS CURVES

6.7 MESH AND MESHES

6.8 NURBS SURFACES AND POLYSURFACES

Case Curvature min Curvaturemax Case Description

A. zero zero If both principal curvatures are zero, the

surface is locally flat (planar)

B. zero non-zero If one of the principal curvatures is zero, the

product of both must also be zero. Hence,
we've got a cylindrical surface.

C. positive positive If both principal curvatures have the same

sign, the product of both must be positive and
we have a spherical (synclastic) surface.

D. positive negative If the principal curvatures have opposing

signs, the product of both must be negative
and we have a hyperbolic surface (anticlastic).

6.9 QUERYING OBJECT PROPERTIES

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 7 Generating 3d Models Intended for Use
with Analysis Software

7.1 OBJECT DIRECTION

7.2 NODAL CONNECTIONS

7.3 CURVES OR LINES

7.4 SURFACES OR MESHES

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 8 Modelling Tips

8.1 SETTING UP YOUR WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Gradient view

8.2 USEFUL ALIAS KEY-IN SHORTCUT COMMANDS

Users with an AutoCAD background may find the following alias keys useful generally
the predictive command line in the Rhino User interface dramatically speeds up building
Geometry

C '_Copy
CC '_Circle
DI '_Distance
EX '_Extend
F '_Fillet
G '_grasshopper
GU '_GrasshopperUnloadPlugin
L '_Line
MI '_Mirror
PL '_Polyline
PP '_Point
R3 '_Rotate3D
RO '_Rotate
TR '_Trim

8.3

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 9 Import and Export

9.1 IMPORTING GEOMETRY

If you are receiving information from sources other than Rhino it is very important to ask
for the correct Export settings in order to achieve a stable / clean / error free geometry.
Each software manufacturer has different export features
 Revit
You can access Revit export via the Revit drop down as below

Options are accessed through “…” button

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 Go to the “Solids” Tab and choose “Export solids as: ACIS solids

Go to the “Units & Coordinates” Tab and choose “Coordinate System: Shared

Go to the “General” Tab and choose “Export to file format: AutoCAD 2004

 AutoCAD

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  Bentley Microstation v8i
You can access Microstation export options via FILE => EXPORT…

Expand Entity Mapping by clicking on the “+” and change selected below to ACIS Entity

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 9.2 EXPORTING GEOMETRY

Exporting geometry and other properties to

Rhino Exports to many different formats

However most engineers and technicians prefer the following Exports:

CSV / Excel file
DWG / DXF
FBX
IFC
TXT file
Please note that the Text based files may require some scripting / Programming to
generate a usable format this is more advanced method and best left with users with a
knowledge of programming.

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 Programs that accept DWG/DXF

 CSI – ETABS (DXF only)

 CSI – SAP 2000
 S-Frame
 Robot
 RAM Elements
 and many others…

You can access Rhinos export options via FILE => EXPORT…
The default setting is export file as a Rhino file (*.3dm) instead choose DWG/DXF.
(Depending on software)
The options menu will appear Choose “Edit Schemes…” and change the following mesh
and curve options. Now save the new Scheme as “2004 Analysis” all models exported
to AutoCAD format will be conditioned correctly

General and Surface options

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 Curve options

9.3 KNOW ISSUES

Mesh import into ETABS Triangular elements are not translated correctly from the 3D
face data in DWG / DXF file. An additional

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 10 Presenting your Model

10.1 COLOUR SCHEME

Rendering Rhino models is an effective and rapid way of sharing ideas and annotated
diagrams can complement and clarify design reports.

By using the following colour scheme we can present information in a consistent manor
for our reports

Object Colour Render Properties

Description R G B Description Transparency/Gloss
Slabs Grey
Beams (Major) 40 85 175 Blue
Beams (Major) Grey
Walls 237 230 160 Yellow
Columns (Major) 220 150 85 Red
Columns (Minor) Grey
Sections Red
Façade T = 50 G = 75
ETFE clear 164 200 200 Light Blue T = 50 G = 75

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 10.2 USE OF ISOMETRIC PROJECTION AND EXPLODED VIEWS

Often the best way to explain a structure is to use an exploded Isometric view
By using “Section Tools” Rhino Plug in you can adjust the view of the model to show
section cuts of Key floors

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 11 Advanced Features

11.1 RHINO PLUGINS

One of the major benefits of Rhino is the experimental nature of Mc Neel as a company
if they want to release a new set of modelling tools for Rhino but not affect the main
program, they tend to release a Lab project in the form of a Plugin. These (*.rhp) files
can be dragged and dropped into the workspace to load. A list of the most relavent
plugins are listed below, the list is by no means extensive for further plugins refer to link .

11.1.1 Section Tools

11.1.2 Panelling Tools
11.1.3 Rhino Nest
11.1.4 Evolute Tools
11.1.5 Weaverbird
11.1.6 PDF Creation

11.2 CUSTOMISATION OF THE RHINO USER INTERFACE

Due to the open architecture of Rhinoceros, users are encouraged to develop their own
programs to interact with core software. Lab projects promote niche requirements and
assist users into obtaining the right results. Active discussion forums online mean
questions are answered promptly or in fact already answered by other users queries.

Figure 2 how programming language interacts with the main rhino software

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 11.3 RHINO SCRIPTING – MONKEY

11.4 PARAMETRIC MODELLING – GRASSHOPPER

11.5 PROGRAMMING – VISUAL STUDIO 2010

11.6 GRASSHOPPER ASSEMBLY WIZARD

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Appendices, Figures & Tables
WSP Rhinoceros 3D Manual Parametrics TWG