Slab? Floor? Pad?

[eric.anastas]

What's the difference between the following tools and the objects they create?


Floor in modeling
Pad in site
Slab in structure
Slab in foundations in structure


Eric

[ford347]

A pad is used to cut or add to a topography surface. I know for sure a cut, check me on the add. But you would use this between your footings of a home for instance and place your slab on that pad. If you don't, your topography will remain above your elements.

A floor and a slab are the same I believe, it will just automatically clasify the structural slab under a structural sub-category I believe. You could use either or. I'm sure someone will elaborate, but you can start to get a feel from here.

Josh

[HawkeyNut]

I actually use a pad with a designated material that has a cut pattern of gravel. I make the pad 4" thick and put my concrete slab on top of it. This way everything looks beautifully correct in section...

[ford347]

That's an idea, never though of that. I always just build my entire slab together.

Josh

[eric.anastas]

Will footings automaticly subtract from a pad? Seems like a handy tool but the building I'm working on has a ton of isolated spread footings at each column. Would I have to model pads around these footings to make it look right?

[Teresa.Martin]

Dear Eric;
No, the footings will not subtract from the pad. However, the footings will automatically cut the topo. For instance it you modeled a footing below grade and then cut a section, you will see that the footing will appear as required in that view. You can cut and/or join a floor slab with a footing though. I usually use the slab just to cut the initial topo. I turn it off and draw a floor slab in its place because floor slabs have a lot more options!
Cheers!