Filter a Solid Model with Tunnels/Tubes

RockWorks | ModOps | Solid | Filters | Tunnel Clipping

Given a list of xyz coordinates that represent the axes of mine workings, tunnels, etc. ("tubes"), this program will either set all nodes for a designated solid model (e.g. ore grades, lithologies, porosity) outside or inside the tubes to a null value. For example, a tunneling operation could use this program to compute the volumes of various materials that are to be extracted from the tunnel(s). Conversely, a mining resource model could be subjected to a tube-filter whereby the mined regions, modeled by tubes, are removed from the model by setting the regions within the tubes to a null value.

The input file for the Tube-Filter program is identical to that used by the Utilities| 3-D | Tubes program. An example is provided by the "tubes_01.rwDat" sample file.

Feature Level: RockWorks Basic and higher

Menu Options
Step-by-Step Summary

Menu Options

• 3D Log Design
  If you decide to include logs with this diagram (3D Solid Diagram | Striplogs), click on this tab at the top of the window to set up how you want the 3D logs to look.
  See Visible Item Summary and Using the 3D Log Designer for details.
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• Rules & Filters
  Use these tabs at the top of the window to apply spatial filters, time/date filters, or stratigraphic rules to data being displayed in your 3D striplogs. (More info)
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• Data Columns: Click this tab to define the input columns from the datasheet.
  • X1: Click on the X1 item to select the name of the datasheet column that contains the X or Easting coordinate for one end of the tube.
    These coordinates can be in meters or feet, local coordinates, etc. See Defining your Datasheet Coordinates for more information.
  • Y1: Click on the Y1 item to select the name of the datasheet column that contains the Y or Northing coordinate for one end of the tube
  • Z1: Click here to select the name of the datasheet column that contains the Z or elevation coordinate for one end of the tube.
  • X2: Select the name of the datasheet column that contains the X or Easting coordinate for the other end of the tube.
  • Y2: Select the name of the column that contains the Y or Northing coordinate for the other end of the tube.
  • Z2: Select the name of the column that contains the Z or elevation coordinate for the other end of the tube.
  • Radius: Select the name of the datasheet column listing the tube radii.
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• Input/Output Models:
  • Input Model: Click to the right to browse for the name of the existing RockWorks solid model (*.RwMod file) to be filtered.
  • Output Model: Click to the right to type in the name to assign to the new solid model that the program will create, which results from the filtering operation.
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• Filter Options:
  • Filter Style:
    • Choose Nullify Interior Nodes if all model nodes that lie inside the tunnels are to be set to a null value.
    • Choose Nullify Exterior Nodes if all model nodes that lie outside the tunnels are to be set to the null value.
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  • Null Value: This should default to the RockWorks "null" value of -1.000e-27. You can type a different value here for a different replacement value.
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  • Filter Method:
    • Node in Tube (Fast): Choose this option if the filter is to simply look at the location of each solid model node - each individual node point - and determine if the node is inside or outside the tunnel.
    • Voxel in/Intersects Tube (Slow): Choose this if the filter is to determine if any part of the entire voxel surrounding the node is inside or intersects the tunnel. This option runs more slowly. See Solid Model Nodes versus Voxels for more information about the difference.
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• 3D Solid Diagram
  Insert a check here to display the output solid model as a 3D diagram.
  Click this tab to set up the diagram options.
  
  • Block Diagram
    • Isosurface: Click in the Isosurface radio button to display the solid model as if enclosed in a "skin." This view will be smoother than a voxel display. (More info)
      • Isomesh: Check this box to plot a series of polylines that represent three-dimensional contours at a user-defined cutoff. Click this tab to establish the settings. (More info)
    • Voxels: Click in the Voxels radio button to represent the solid model in the 3D display as color-coded voxels. You can choose to display either the Full Voxel, or just the Midpoint. Display of the midpoint only can significantly improve display time for huge models.
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    • Filter: Check this option if you want to restrict the isosurface or voxel display to a specific data range. This does not affect the model, only the display of the model. Enabling this permits you to create an initial display in RockPlot3D that eliminates the need to manually change the display attributes. More importantly, this capability if essential for initially displaying the solid in a pre-filtered state when creating animations and Playlist scripts.
      ! These filter settings can be changed once the diagram is displayed in RockPlot3D.
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    • Color Scheme: Choose the color scheme for the block model - automatic, table-based, etc. (More info)
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  • Striplogs: Check this item to include 3D logs with the solid model display. Click the 3D Log Design button at the top of the window to set up how you want the logs to look.
    • XYZ Clipping: Check this sub-item if you want to restrict the logs to a particular spatial area. (More info)
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  • Other 3D Solid Diagram Options: Use these checkboxes to append other layers to your 3D scene. (Summary)
    
    • Draped Image: Include an image in this 3D scene, draped over an existing grid surface. (More info)
    • Floating Image: Include an image in this 3D scene, floating at a specified elevation. (More info)
    • Perimeter Cage Include a 3D reference cage around the solid diagram. (More info)
    • Legends: Include one or more legends with the diagram.(More info)
    • Infrastructure: Display buildings, pipes, or other infrastructure with your 3D scene. (More info)
    • Faults: Include 3D fault ribbons with this scene. (More info)
    • Other 3D Files: Include other, existing, RockPlot3D ".Rw3D" files in this scene. (More info)
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  • Output Options: Use these settings to define whether the output scene is to be saved (or displayed as "untitled"), how the file should be named, and whether it is to be displayed after it is created. It also offers export options. (More info)
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Step-by-Step Summary

1. Access the RockWorks Datasheet program tab.
2. Open or create a data file that contains a listing of XYZ coordinates for each tube end.

   ! Click the Example button at the top of the window to load a sample file that is installed with the program.

3. Select the ModOps | Solid | Filters | Tunnel Clipping menu option.
4. Specify the menu settings, described above.
5. Click the Continue button to proceed.

   RockWorks will read the contents of the input solid model file and compare the location of each of its nodes or voxels (as requested) to the tubes you have defined, and replace the interior or exterior nodes (as requested) with a null value. The resulting solid model file will be stored under the declared output file name. If you have requested a diagram, it will be displayed in a RockPlot3D tab.

6. You can adjust any of the input options via the main Options tab to the left and then click the Continue button again to regenerate the model and display.
7. View / save / manipulate / print the image in the RockPlot3D window.
   

See also

• Adding this program to your Playlist
• Adding this program to your Favorites
• Save/load/view menu settings
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Back to Solid Menu Summary

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