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AIM: To create a 3D rendered model for a Residential Building in AutoCAD INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this project is to understand about to create a Plan in 2D, then convert it into 3D using AutoCAD 3D, applying materials and rendering. AutoCAD is primarily used for generating 2D sketches. While it is possible…
Samiksha dhole
updated on 12 Nov 2022
AIM: To create a 3D rendered model for a Residential Building in AutoCAD
INTRODUCTION:
The main objective of this project is to understand about to create a Plan in 2D, then convert it into 3D using AutoCAD 3D, applying materials and rendering.
AutoCAD is primarily used for generating 2D sketches. While it is possible to create 3D objects, AutoCAD is built around a flat, sketch-based interface. There is a wide range of pre-defined 3D objects in AutoCAD. These objects are cylinders, spheres and wedges and many more. But then users use 2D objects and modify them using the 3D commands accordingly. So, AutoCAD 3D commands like Extrude, Sweep, Revolve, and Union are used by the users.
Also, the user must know the importance of the Viewport feature if they are working on 3D Models. The viewport command allows the user to split the drawing area into different windows to project multiple views of the model. These include the top, front, left/right views of the object. This feature works great for the user and helps them to observe the model from different aspects. Some 2D and 3D tools which was used while working on this project is as follows;
2D tools:
Line: The line object is the most basic and common object in AutoCAD drawings of any discipline. Each segment is a line object that can be edited separately, assigning properties such as layer, line type, and line weight.
Construction Lines: Construction lines (also known as xlines) are temporary line work entities that can be used as references when creating and positioning other objects or line work. Construction lines are either circles or straight lines that extend to infinity in both directions
Polygon: Creates an equilateral closed polyline. We can specify the number of sides of the polygon and whether it is inscribed or circumscribed.
Rectangle: When using the RECTANGLE command, absolute or relative coordinate values are used to define the size of the rectangle. Actual dimension values are preferred to create the length and width of the rectangle. Command used- REC
Circle: Created a circle Command used - CIRCLE or C
Erase: The erase command is used to remove or delete objects from the drawing. The selected objects can also be removed with the help of the 'Delete' button on the keyboard. We can also delete faces, vertices, and meshes in 3D with the help of Erase command.
Copy: Copies objects a specified distance in a specified direction. With the COPYMODE system variable, you can control whether multiple copies are created automatically.
Trim: Trims objects to meet the edges of other objects. Command used: TR
Layers: Use layers to control the visibility of objects and to assign properties such as colour and line type. Objects on a layer normally assume the properties of that layer. However, you can override any layer property of an object. For example, if an object’s colour property is set to BYLAYER, the object displays the colour of that layer. If the object’s colour is set to Red, the object displays as red, regardless of the colour assigned to that layer. Command used- LAYER
Mirror: The mirror command in AutoCAD is used to create a copy (mirror copy) of the selected object. We can also delete the source object after mirroring the object. The objects that represent the same as the half of their object can be mirrored across a center line to create the other half of the object.
Offset: Creates concentric circles, parallel lines, and parallel curves. Command used: OFFSET.
Extend: Extends objects to meet the edges of other objects. To extend objects, first select the boundaries. Then press Enter and select the objects that you want to extend. To use all objects as boundaries, press Enter at the first Select Objects prompt. Command used: EX
Array: Creates copies of objects arranged in a pattern. We can create copies of objects in a regularly spaced rectangular, polar, or path array.
Move: The move command in AutoCAD is used to move objects at a specified distance and direction.
To move the objects with precision, we can use object snaps, grid snaps, coordinates, etc.
Rotate: Used to rotate objects in our drawing around a specified base point. To determine the angle of rotation, we can enter an angle value, drag using the cursor, or specify a reference angle to align to an absolute angle. Command used: ROTATE
Dimension: Creates multiple dimensions and types of dimensions with a single command. We can select objects or points on objects to dimension, and then click to place the dimension line. When we hover over an object, the DIM command automatically generates a preview of a suitable dimension type to use.
Text: We can use single-line text to create one or more lines of text, where each text line is an independent object that you can move, format, or otherwise modify. Right-click in the text box to select options on the shortcut menu.
Fillet: The fillet tool helps form round corners between any two entities that form a sharp vertex. Command used: FILLETEtc.
3D tools:
Revolve
Draw> Modelling> Revolve
Extrude
Draw > Modeling > Extrude
This AutoCAD 3D Extrude command allows the user to create a 3D object by extruding a 2D face along a line or path. For example, A cylinder can be created by selecting a 2D circle and extruding it along with a path.
Sweep
Draw > Modeling > Sweep
This command helps the user to extrude the 2D objects without the 2D face being orthogonal to the beginning of the path.
Union
Modify > Solids Editing > Union
This AutoCAD 3D command allows the user to combine two objects converting them into one single object.
Subtract
Modify > Solids Editing > Subtract
This command is opposite to the union command; this command works when there is a common area in both the objects. Then this command subtracts the object A from the object B.
Intersect
Modify > Solid Editing > Intersect
With this AutoCAD 3D command, the user is left with the area that is common to both the objects.
RENDERING
Rendering is the process of creating a raster image based on the 3D objects in a scene. A renderer is used to calculate the appearance of the materials attached to the objects in a scene, and how lighting and shadows are calculated based on the lights placed in a scene. Environmental and exposure settings of the renderer can be adjusted to control the final rendered image.
APPLYING MATERIALS
The material is assigned to the objects.
Applying a material using the tool Palettes
Applying a material by layer
Click Visualize tab Materials panel (expanded) Attach by Layer. Find
The material is assigned to all objects on the layer whose Material property is set to ByLayer. (ByLayer is the default for the Material property when you create an object.)
To remove applied materials
The material is removed from the object and replaced by the ByLayer material.
Etc.
OBJECTIVE:
The main objective of this project is to review and refresh almost most of the tools which will be used by a Professional engineer while drafting a 3D drawing. This will start from the initial drafting in 2D using lines and rectangles to rendering in 3D. The entire project can be completed in 14 steps and are as follows.
PROCEDURE:
Step 1: To draw the plan using AutoCAD 2D.
Type UN and press enter Under Drawing Units, select Architectural (feet and inches) Now the lower limit is set to 0', 0' and upper limit to 100', 100' Type Z enter to zoom and A enter to all. Default layers for materials like walls, windows, grills, steps and stairs, dimensions and text was made and was assigned with a colour. |
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Using the line, rectangle, construction lines the plan layout of a single residential building was prepared as shown. Doors and windows was provided at places necessary as shown in plan. By providing a suitable style all the required texts was also made |
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Using the DIMLIM command the dimensioning was completed. |
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The staircase and steps, Common corridor was made next. Using the mirror command, the plan prepared was mirrored to obtain the ground floor of residential flat as shown. The residential flat has the same plan throughout 4 floors. As plan layout is same throughout the entire designing will be carried out in the single residential building than the entire floor. In order to do that a copy of the single residential flat was made and all the works was carried on it. |
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STEP 2: To project walls to convert the plan from AutoCAD 2d to AutoCAD 3D. |
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Now in settings select 3D Modelling and visual style control to 2D wireframe to move to AutoCAD 3D. A copy of the residential flat was made to work with. View use is south west isometric view. Turn off all layers except the wall layer. Select the entire drawing and type J to join the entire drawing. Now click on Extrude command in the home tab and press enter, move mouse in upward direction and specify height as 9’6” and press enter. Now the 3D wall is formed. |
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Door Cut-outs: Using the REC command draw a rectangle connecting the top of all door openings. After drawing all the rectangles select the Extrude command in the home tab and press enter, move mouse in downward direction and specify height as 2’6” and press enter. Now the door cut-outs of 7’ is formed. Also it means that the lintel beam will be at a height of 7’ from the plinth level. |
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Now using the Union option in solid editing panel select the complete drawing to union all the elements in the drawing. Window cut-outs Now turn off the wall layer and turn on the window layer. Using the REC command rectangle was drawn across all the window portion at the plinth level. Select all the rectangles just formed and move rectangle upwards by 7’. All the main windows was extruded by 4’ and the small toilet windows was extruded by 2’ downward. Using the subtract option in solid editing panel the window rectangles was subtracted from the wall and thus the window cut-outs was made. |
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Turn off the window layer and turn on the grill layer. In the same way windows was made rectangles was drawn at plinth level at the grills in the balcony. They are then moved upwards by 2’6”. Select all the rectangles and extrude them by 6’ in upward direction. Using the subtract option in solid editing panel the grill cuboids was subtracted from the wall and thus the balcony portion was made. |
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Floor Level: Using the polyline draw lines connecting the outer wall of the building at the top. Now Using the Move command, move the polyline made downwards to the plinth level. Using the extrude command extrude the polyline by 2’ hence forming the floor. |
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Common Corridor and plinth From the 2D plan created, using the polyline draw lines connecting the staircase, common corridor and lift room. Then with copy command copy the polyline and place it in 3D plan using the end points selected. Now extrude the polyline downwards by 2’ to obtain the common corridor. Also draw polylines at the plinth level throughout and using offset command offset it outward by 6”. Join all the polylines just created using the joint command and then extrude the polyline by 2’ upwards to create the plinth |
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STEP 3: To design the staircase |
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STAIRCASE In the layer panel turn on the staircase layer. Now using the press pull option in home tab press pull each step by 6” (6”, 12”, 18” etc.) that is in every successive step the extrusion height will be increased by 6”. Using the union option in solid editing panel union all the steps to become a single unit. |
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Using the press pull command in the solid editing panel press pull the bottom portion of staircase by drawing a line using the line command as required. It has to be done 3 times to remove all the below portions and to complete the loop. |
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Using the move command the staircase was selected and moved to the exact position in the 3D drawing using the end points. |
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STEPS: Turn off staircase layer and turn on the steps layer. Rectangle was made first as per the 2d dimension and then the 3 steps was extruded by Height of 6”, 12” and 18”. Use union command to join the steps. |
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Using the move command the steps was selected and moved to the exact position in the 3D drawing using the end points. Now with 3dmirror command mirror the steps with respect to a plane parallel to YZ plane that is we have to specify the planes by clicking on 3 points and step will be formed it at the other end of the corridor. |
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STEP 4:Designing and placing of 3D doors, swinging louver,sliding window, normal window and glass grill. |
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The 3D doors, swinging louver,sliding window, normal window and glass grill was designed using the tools polyline, sweep, extrude, union, 3D rotate, subtract command etc. |
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Applying materials: On the visualize tab click on material library and apply suitable materials for 3D doors, swinging louver,sliding window, normal window and glass grill as shown. We can apply materials by just dragging the materials from the library to the object which is to be materialized. |
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All of the materials was copied upto the number of times it was required, using th 3D rotate command it was rotated to the required direction and then they all are placed at their respective positions at shown. | ![]() |
STEP 6: Adding lights and colouring of walls | |
Wall colouring: Click on colour face tool in the solid editing panel to apply colours to each room faces as shown. Select the faces carefully and after selecting faces press enter and select the colour of our choice and click ok. Keep repeating this process until completion. Using the materials library in visualization tab the flooring was also applied. Also the plinth level was also assigned to stone materials. In the similar manner the corridor, steps and staircase was also applied with materials. |
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Adding lights: In order to apply lights a diagonal line was drawn in each room using the line command. In visualization tab select the create light option ,turn off the default lighting and then place the lights at the centre of diagonal, click on intensity factor click on 20 and click enter twice. Repeat this process and do it for other rooms as well. |
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Now select all the diagonal lines created and delete them. |
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Select all the lights created and move them downwards by 2’. |
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STEP 7: Adding chajja and 3D mirroring of the flat. |
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The chajja/ sunshades was made next using the polyline and have to make sure to turn on the dynamic UCS. The sunshades was made by extruding the lines drawn using polylines by 18’ |
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MIRRORING OF THE FLAT: Now with 3dmirror command mirror the FLAT with respect to a plane parallel to YZ plane that is we have to specify the planes by clicking on 3 points and the flat will be formed it at the other end. Now using the union command join the two plinth. Repeat the union command and join the walls as well. |
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The two flat are to be mirrored again to finish the floor. Now with 3dmirror command mirror the FLAT with respect to a plane parallel to YZ plane that is we have to specify the planes by clicking on 3 points and the flat will be formed it at the other end. Thus the four flats are now created as shown. The staircase portion was not selected while mirroring, as I decided to provide a lift room there |
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STEP 8: Adding lift room and roof |
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LIFTROOM: Lifts was made next using the rectangle, extrusion, union, slice and materials was applied from the materials browser in the visualization tab. Lighting was also applied as done above. |
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ROOFING In 2d wireframe draw a polyline across the plinth. Using the move command move it upwards by 9’6” Using the extrude tool extrude it upwards by 6”. |
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Staircase and lift projection upwards: Now draw a rectangle along the outer boundary of staircase room and lift room. Select the rectangles and extrude it upwards by any height. Using the subtract tool subtract the lift room and staircase room from the roof to make space for them. |
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STEP 8: Designing and placement of staircase rails | |
The railing of staircase was drawn next. Copy the stair from the building to outside so that we can work on it. Click on cylinder in the modify panel and create a cylinder of radius 1” and height as 2’6”. Copy this cylinder and place it on each steps as shown. |
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Using the polyline draw a line such that it connects all the cylinders just made at the centre and at the top portion. A circle of radius .5” was drawn. Using the sweep tool, the circle was selected and applied it to the polyline created. Now using the copy tool copy the polyline by 6”, 12” and 18” and place it 3 times at the distances mentioned. |
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Now materials was applied from the materials library in visualization tab. The handrail and steps was assigned with materials of our choice. |
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The handrails was then moved and placed in the correct position as shown. |
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STEP 13: Adding mumty, parapet wall and copying floors |
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In the 2D wireframe visualization with front view select the complete building, deselect the lifts from top to bottom till the plinth level and copy and place it at a distance of 10’ in upward direction. |
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Now isolate the roof of the 1st floor After that guard wall was built on both sides of corridor in the 1st floor using polyline, extrude and turning on dynamic UCS |
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Now unhide the roof as shown. |
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Select the roof and copy it to a height of about 20’ from 1st floor. Select the complete first floor now and copy it and place at 10’ and 20’ from top. After that the mumty was created at the top using the rectangle, offset, extrude, subtract, and move commands. The door cut-out was made and a door was placed at the top |
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Now using a polyline a line was drawn across the roof completely and offset it by 6” to the inwards and again by 3” Now delete the outer polyline. Now using the extrude command extrude it by 2’6” upwards to make the parapet wall |
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STEP 14: Rendering | |
Rendering at eagle’s eye was done here. The camera was placed at necessary places around the whole building at some height. Grass Site work was applied at floor from materials library in visualisation tab. Rendering was done and the resultant images from different camera position is as shown. |
RESULTS:
A residential flat of four floors was designed and rendered as shown
The 2D plan of the building is as follows:
The residential flat after applying all the necessary designs and settings is as shown.
The complete ground floor plan comprising of four residential flats.
2D wireframe view of the entire building is as shown
Realistic view of the complete residential appartment is as shown.
Rendered and final image of the building at eagle eye.
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