Material Layer

Edit the properties of the selected layer in the database view.

Tab: Material

Type
Select one of the following:
  • COVER - Surface layer. Other than sheets, for example, roof panels, matched boards and floor coverings.
  • FRAMING - Load bearing frame.
  • NAILING - Additional frame layer.
  • SHEET - Sheathing layer
  • SLAB - Concrete slab.
  • INSULATION - Insulation.
Index
Running number of the structural layer. The running number of the basic layer of the structure is 0. The layers below the basic layer are numbered with negative numbers starting from one, and the layers above the basic layer respectively with positive numbers, for example:
Material
Change the layer material by clicking the Select button. The function opens a new database view.
  • If the layer type is FRAMING, the Framing Area Assembly Library database view is opened.
  • If the layer type is different, the Layered Area Components database view is opened.
Move the cursor on the desired row and click the OK button. With this selection, you can define the visualization properties of the layer and the material code that is collected into the material list.
Thickness
The thickness of a layer is defined by the selected material. If necessary, you can type the desired value in the text field. If the thickness of the structure depends on a parameter, you can calculate it by clicking the Calculate button.
Overlap Horizontal, Overlap Vertical
This property sets the layer edges to extend beyond the edges of the basic volume. Enter the overlap value in the text field.
  • Overlap, Horizontal - The horizontal edges of the layer extend beyond the edges of the basic volume.
  • Overlap, Vertical - The ascending edges of the layer, for example the ends of a gable roof slope, extend beyond the edges of the basic volume.
You can view the overlaps in the model when you select a detailed representation for the structure by expanding the layers of the structure.
U Value
The U-value is used in the energy calculations. Indicative U values have been determined for the building components in the structure libraries included in the basic software delivery. The U value must be determined for the basic layer of a volume.
Display in 2D
When this check box is selected, the edge line of the layer is presented in the floor plan.
Edge Follows Parent Edge
When this check box is selected, the edge of the layer follows the edge of the basic volume in the detailed presentation of the building's 3D model. This property is significant, for example, in roof structures. When the edge of a layer has been defined to follow the edge of a basic volume, the layers positioned above the basic volume conform to the selected eave shape.

Tab: Geometry

Surface Prop.
Defines the surface properties in the model. Select and edit the properties by clicking the View button. Select the surface material in the LightWorks Material Mapping database view.
Hatch Properties
Defines the hatch properties in the drawing. Select and edit the properties by clicking the Edit button. Select the properties in the Hatch Geometric Properties dialog box.
2D Line Props
Defines the line properties in the drawing. Select and edit the properties by clicking the Edit button. Select the properties in the Line Geometric Properties dialog box.
3D Line Props
Defines the line properties in the model. Select and edit the properties by clicking the Edit button. Select the properties in the Line Geometric Properties dialog box.
Cross Section
Defines the layer's cross section hatch which will be added in the vertical cross section created from the building's 3D model. Select and edit the properties by clicking the Edit button. Select the properties in the Hatch Geometric Properties dialog box.
Texture File
A texture file can be either a drawing or a model file.
  • 2D drawing - You can texture the surface of a structural layer with a 2D hatch. Draw the basic hatch shape and save it as a drawing file (*.vxp). Enter the name of the file in the Texture File field. The program will generate a machining polyline by copying the basic shape (A) repeatedly.If you are using the hatch included in the basic software delivery, the name of the drawing file is panel120.vxp.
  • 3D model - You can define an accurate presentation method for the cover layer of a roof by using a model file. The model files included in the basic software delivery are saved in the ../system/macros/areas folder:
    • corrugated.vxm - Corrugated sheet
    • kolmiorima.vxm - Corrugated sheet for a felt roof.
    • mach_seamed.vxm - Machine seamed sheet metal
    • ormax.vxm - Tile roofing
Texture Side
Defines the surface of the layer to be textured. Select either of the following from the list:
  • 0 - Bottom plane
  • 1- Top plane
Texture Dir in Slope
Defines the direction of the texture hatch on a slope. Select either of the following:
  • 0 - The direction of the slope (A).
  • 1 - Perpendicularly towards the slope (B).
In a non-sloping structure, the direction of the texture hatch is defined by the parameter Texture Angle in XY-plane.
Texture Angle in XY-plane
Defines the direction of the texture hatch in a non-sloping structure. Select the angle from the list, or type a value in the text field. The angle is defined in relation to the x axis.
Display Hatches as Lines
When this property is selected, the hatch of the layer is exploded to lines. This enables you to snap to the line points.
If the hatch is dense, a lot of lines are created. This may make the model slower to handle.

Note

  • The texture is only displayed in the model after you have selected the following representation for the structure:
    • Select the accurate representation for the structure by using the context-sensitive menu function Presentation > Accurate.
    • Select the detailed representation of structural layers by using the function Expand Layers.