Tutorial - Opening a Block Model Parameter File
There are five files associated with a block model:
| .bmf | The block model file itself. |
| .bdf | The block definition file containing all the parameters defining the block model. |
| .bef | The block estimation file that contains the calculation parameters. |
| .ber | The estimation run file. |
| .bcf | The block calculation file that contains customized scripts. |
All of these files are especially useful in the event of audits or documentation. Â However, this tutorial will deal exclusively with the block definition file (.bdf), the parameter file that defines a block model. Â Opening a block definition file is useful if you need to make edits to a block model, repeat the construction of an existing block model, or view the details of a block model's construction for documentation purposes.
To begin, navigate to Block > Construction > Open Definition... Â Â This will open up a window into the current project folder showing all block models available for viewing.
Select the file bm50x50.bdf and click
. Â This will open up the Block Construction panel as shown below. Â This is the block definition file. Â It contains the coordinates of the block model, orientation information, list of variables, block sizes, roles of various triangulations and more. Â For a complete explanation of all the attributes of the block definition file please refer to Related topics at the bottom of this page.