Generating an INP File from a DXF FileGenerating an INP File from a DXF FileIf .INP files need to be generated from DXF files for analysis with the DOE-2 engine, several steps are required to properly import and format the file in the Vectorworks Architect product prior to exporting it.
AutoCAD building plans are often broken up into several files, which are then cross-referenced (x-ref) to a master file. Prior to importing into a Vectorworks file, all of these files must be pulled into the master file. Essentially, all of the information about a building must be present in one file for the export to recognize the relationships among adjacent building levels and spaces on each of those floors. See DXF/DWG and DWF File Import.
Vectorworks classes are roughly equivalent to AutoCAD layers. When importing the DXF file, the layers should be imported as Vectorworks classes. The Vectorworks program allows the specification of the base elevation (Z value) of layers; therefore, Vectorworks layers are typically used to separate the different building levels in the drawing. Once these layers have been established with the appropriate Z values, it is much easier to draw on the layers without having to specify base heights of each object.
The Export DOE-2 command uses the layer Z values to determine the Z value of each floor in the INP file. After importing a DXF file, first create a layer for every building level, and then assign a Z value to that layer. In addition, assign a delta Z value. In a normal drawing created with the Vectorworks Architect product, the delta Z controls the default height (at object creation time) of all walls on that layer. The Export DOE-2 command uses the delta Z as the space-height.
To create a layer for a building level, select Tools > Organization. On the Design Layers tab, create and set properties for the building level layer. See Creating Layers and Setting Design Layer Properties.
Once the layers have been defined, define the spaces. Polygons may already exist for all the spaces; if so, convert the polygons to spaces with the Create Spaces from Polys command (see Space Settings).
The Vectorworks program has a dedicated object type for walls. A Vectorworks wall is a complex object type which is a combination of lines, arcs (in the case of rounded walls), polygons/polylines, and fill patterns. The Vectorworks Architect product adds more functionality to wall objects by attaching a record with a description field.
The Export DOE-2 command checks for wall objects along the perimeter of the spaces in the drawing. If walls are found, it checks for a wall record. If this is found, the description field is exported as the construction type for that segment. If no wall record is present, the command exports the wall’s class name as the construction type. If it does not find a wall object on any particular space vertex, a default construction type for the wall on that vertex is assigned. The default construction types are “Default Exterior Wall” construction and “Default Interior Wall” construction.
If the walls in the original DWG file were drawn with multi-lines, importing the multi-lines as Vectorworks walls is recommended. If the original draftsperson did not use multi-lines, then the walls must be manually drawn. The walls must be on the same layer as their respective space objects. In other words, first floor walls must be on the same layer as the space objects for the first floor.
The Export DOE-2 command determines the difference between windows and doors on the basis of the attached record. If the symbol has a door record attached, the symbol is exported as a door. If it has a window record attached to it, or no record at all, it is exported as a window.
To export windows and doors, walls are required. Inserting windows and doors into Vectorworks walls is much easier than creating them mathematically within the DOE-2 interface. Vectorworks walls normally “contain” the windows and doors, essentially as nested objects. The associativity of windows and doors with their parent walls allows the Export DOE-2 command to recognize which windows/doors are associated with which walls, and export them to the appropriate place in the INP file. Ensure that when inserting the windows and doors into the walls, they create a wall break. Otherwise, they are not considered associated with the wall.
AutoCAD blocks can be used, which convert to Vectorworks symbols during the DXF import. The length of the window/door, parallel to the wall, is exported as the width. For windows, the elevation of the lowest part of the window is exported as the Y value.
