Creating a Pad

A pad is a 3D polygon representing the shape of an element which is to be added to, and normally, modifies, the site model. The modifier can be applied to the existing or proposed site model; the site model is modified when the site model is updated. Draw a pad with the Site Modifiers tool, or draw a polyline and then select the Create Objects from Shapes command to change it to a pad object (see Creating Objects from Shapes).

2. Draw the pad object. Pads can be drawn closed or open (open pads are sometimes called “break lines”).

If this is the first time the Site Modifiers tool has been used, the Object Properties dialog box opens. Accept the defaults and click OK.

4. If the pad is sloping, enter the Slope value (positive for rising, negative for falling), and select the slope definition unit (Angle or Percent in the SlopeDef field).

A slope arrow is automatically drawn on the pad, indicating the direction of the slope. The bull’s-eye at the start of the slope arrow indicates the zero elevation point of the sloping pad. Select the control points of the slope arrow to move either end. Deselect Show Slope Arrow to hide the slope arrow.

Parameter	Description
Config	Indicates the type of modifier object
Elevation	Sets the reference elevation of the pad at its control point; if a Z-height is also specified, the resulting elevation is additive
Slope	Determines the angle of the pad; if the value is zero, the pad has no slope, and the following two parameters are not displayed
SlopeDef	Select Angle or Percent to determine the slope units
Apply To	Specifies whether the site modifier applies to the existing or proposed site model
Show Slope Arrow	If selected, displays a modifiable slope arrow and the current slope in Top/Plan view; Show Slope Arrow only displays if the slope is a value other than zero
Update Calculations	Updates the area and volume calculations displayed in the Object Info palette for the area of the site model located under the site modifier
Site model area and volume data	Displays the area and volume information for the site model area located under the site modifier; select the units for the area and volume. For more information, see Site Model Properties.

The Site Modifiers tool generates a 3D pad polygon modifier that is always planar.

6. The site model requires updating to reflect the pad modification. Select the site model and click Update from the Object Info palette.

For predictable results, pads should not overlap. All pads should be either completely inside or completely outside of all grade limits. Pads, including those that may be incorporated into plug-in objects (such as landscape walls) cannot cross outside the grade limits.

Creating a Pad

Parameter

Description