Leaning wall

[Pat McNinch]

How can I best create a 10 to 12' high retaining wall ( in x1 ) that A) has a slightly flattened S shape to it, while B) the entire wall leans 5 to 10 degrees into the grade behind it, and C) has tapered down ends to it? I know I could make a repetitive polyline solids stepping back wall but wondered if anyone else maybe had another idea. Thanks in advance for any input.

[Gene Davis]

2D molding polyline will do it, but I cannot make it track grade as will a retaining wall.

[Pat McNinch]

Two out of three requests ain't bad though. It might be an option.

[louis]

I would make a fence profile and then have the fence follow the terrain to impersonate a retaining wall.

[Pat McNinch]

Because it's 5 it's time to drive, but I may further pick your thoughts on that one Louis. ( tomorrow )

[DougM]

Potential in Sketchup

[Pat McNinch]

Sweet. Looks great.

[Curtis Johnson]

I wonder if you couldn't create a custom curb profile and use that? I don't have time to experiment right now.

[Rusty]

Great idea, Curtis. That works. Only on a flat lot though I think

[Curtis Johnson]

Rusty:

I was thinking that it could be used in conjunction with the "terrain break" tool (or whatever it is called) and placing the base of the curb (i.e., the retaining wall) on the lower side of the break. Might require a little manual manipulation - I won't know until I try it. Maybe you can beat me to it ... I am a little strapped for time right now so won't be able to get to it right away.

[Pat McNinch]

I haven't done very much with terain generation with my work. Where will I find the custom curb profile?

[Curtis Johnson]

Pat:

Custom implies that it is one you would make yourself and save in the Library so you could use it again. What version of CA are you using?

[Curtis Johnson]

Pat:

The article in the link below shows you how to create a custom molding profile:

http://www.chiefarchitect.com/suppor...?faqNumber=166

You would use the same techniques for creating a custom curb profile that I think you should be able to use as a tapered retaining wall.

[Pat McNinch]

I will do that. Thanks to all for the input, and any more that might come along.

[Glenn Woodward]

Pat,

You can get exactly wht you want by using a 3D Moulding Polyline.
Draw your polyline the shape of the wall in plan, assign a custom Moulding that you have drawn to represent the leaning wall.
In a 3D view, you can then slope the ends of the wall down and bury the bottoms in the terrain.

Attached is a quick one I just made in about 10mins using a crown molding attached to the 3D Molding Polyline.