Import DXF

Boundaries, support and other modeling entities (eg. slip surfaces and search objects) can be imported into SLIDE from a DXF file (AutoCAD Drawing Exchange File), using the Import DXF option in the Import sub-menu of the File menu. This allows users to digitize drawings in AutoCAD, for example, and import them into SLIDE. Importing entities in DXF format is equivalent to adding them using the options within SLIDE (eg. Add External Boundary, Add Material Boundary, Add Water Table, Add Support etc). That is, all the same rules apply, and entities will be automatically checked for validity, intersected if necessary, etc. To import modeling entities from a DXF file: 1. 2. 3. Select Import DXF from the Import sub-menu of the File menu. In the DXF Options dialog you will see, select the entities you would like to import, using the checkboxes provided. Select OK in this dialog, and you will see an Open File dialog. Select the required DXF file and select Open, and all entities you selected in the DXF Options dialog will be imported into the current SLIDE document.

NOTE: if boundaries already exist in your current SLIDE document when you use Import DXF, you may see a warning message if the imported boundaries are not compatible with the existing boundaries. For example, if you try to import a Material Boundary which is outside of the existing External Boundary. So always be aware of what is in your DXF file when you try to import entities. Layer and Entity conventions If you are using AutoCAD to create DXF files for import into SLIDE, use the following conventions for layering and entity type: SLIDE Object External Boundary Material Boundaries Water Table Boundary Piezo Line Boundaries Tension Crack Support Search Object Non-circular Surface LAYER EXTERNAL MATERIAL WATER_TABLE PIEZO TENSION_CRACK ANCHOR SEARCH NONCIRC_SURFACE

AutoCAD Entity Type Closed LINE / PLINE LINE / PLINE LINE / PLINE LINE / PLINE LINE / PLINE LINE LINE / PLINE LINE / PLINE