Compound (Boolean) Geometry in SketchUp with Solid Tools

Compound (Boolean) Geometry in SketchUp with Solid Tools

When you need to create complex geometry in SketchUp, it is often better to break an item into positive (solid) parts and negative (void) parts that you can then subtract from each other with SketchUp's Pro's Solid Tools. In this example, I am showing this process for a cast steel structural connector, but the principle applies to many other shapes as well. Because this process uses solid geometry from beginning to end, the result is also a solid and therefore easily 3D printable. Side view My model doesn't replicate the geometry of this piece exactly, but this is an example of such geometry Tutorial Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrhfJjT8YBQ Links Some of the tools I used here are: SketchUp's built-in tools: Solid Tools (specifically the Subtract tool) Parallel-projection camera view Hide / show FredoCorner Extension - One of Fredo6's excellent extensions that allows you to round corners...
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Construction Site Logistics Planning with SketchUp

Construction Site Logistics Planning with SketchUp

In this tutorial I cover various approaches for construction site logistics planning in SketchUp. This begins with importing an accurate geolocated site, constructing a rough building model from a plan, and then laying out the construction site with pre-made components from the 3D Warehouse. This is then followed by crane location planning. As I mention in the video, the goal here was to use the 3D environment for rough (but realistic) logistics planning. Adjust the techniques as needed for your projects. Also, for more documentation options, check out SketchUp's LayOut software. Tutorial Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdXnFYDpens Links The Turner Construction Logistics Collection that I mention in the video can be found here. One example (a site trailer) is embedded below as an interactive 3D model. Did you like this tutorial? Got any images of your construction sites that you planned this way? Let me know below in the comments....
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Placing Wind Turbines with my Random Tools Extension

Placing Wind Turbines with my Random Tools Extension

In this tutorial I use the example of a large wind turbine array to show how useful my Random Tools extension for SketchUp can be in making things look more realistic - by rotating turbine blades in this case. Tutorial Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHuqTEaOtI0 Tutorial Steps Time needed: 10 minutes. The three main steps to prepare a component for use with SketchUp's Random Tools extension are also illustrated below. For this example it is best to use a component, not a group. As I show in the video, grouping the rotor blades will not allow the extension to properly place its center at the rotation axis. Therefore, start by selecting the rotor blades and the axle and using the "Make Component" tool. In the Make Component tool, we then need to place its axis at the center of rotation. Click the "Set Component Axis" button and then place the axis as shown below. Now you can use the "Randomize Objects" tool from the Random Tools...
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Intro to Coding in SketchUp with the Ruby Code Editor

Intro to Coding in SketchUp with the Ruby Code Editor

This video provides an introduction to Ruby scripting with the Ruby Code Editor extension in SketchUp. Scripting in SketchUp is also a good "intro to coding" exercise because you not only learn a usable scripting language (Ruby), you can even use it to create 3D models that you can manufacture (e.g. 3D print) afterwards. Tutorial Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKz6m7sR-uw&feature=youtu.be This is a free sample instructional video from the book "Architectural Design with SketchUp: 3D Modeling, Extensions, BIM, Rendering, Making, and Scripting" (2nd Edition). I discuss this topic more in detail in that book's Chapter 7. Want more of these videos? If you own the book, use the password from the inside cover to gain access to all of my remaining videos on Wiley's website: http://www.wiley.com/go/schreyer2e. If you don't yet have your own copy, follow the links in the sidebar to get one. It is a great reference for SketchUp!...
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Importing and Scaling Images

Importing and Scaling Images

In this video tutorial I cover importing raster images into SketchUp and scaling them for 3D modeling. A typical case would be a scanned building plan that needs to serve as a basis for modeling architectural features. This is an important basic skill that you will often need. Tutorial Video https://youtu.be/gBt-x9EZf48?list=PLxUo4IvucruefSR-dwEs7pHAjQZgoOhw0 This is a free sample instructional video from the book "Architectural Design with SketchUp: 3D Modeling, Extensions, BIM, Rendering, Making, and Scripting" (2nd Edition). I discuss this topic more in detail in that book's Chapter 2. Want more of these videos? If you own the book, use the password from the inside cover to gain access to all of my remaining videos on Wiley's website: http://www.wiley.com/go/schreyer2e. If you don't yet have your own copy, follow the links in the sidebar to get one. It is a great reference for SketchUp!...
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