CE 111 Engineering Design Graphics
Geometric Constructions Handout (GCH)
Computer Constructions (DR-5)
Although MicroStation is equipped with a rich selection of “built in” geometric objects
and construction tools, you will use the geometric construction techniques illustrated in
the Geometric Constructions Handout to complete the drawings in this exercise. The
MicroStation tools you are allowed to use are only those, which emulate the function of a
traditional drafting instrument or technique. These tools are as follows:
MicroStation Tool Analogous Drafting Instrument
Place Line Pencil and Straight Edge
Place Arc by Center Compass, Dividers
Place Circle by Center Compass
Place Point or Stream Curve French Curve, Adjustable Curve
Length, Radius, Angle Options Scale, Triangles, Protractor, Compass
Axis Lock T-Square, Triangles
Grid Lock Scale, T-Square, Triangles
Snap Lock & Any Snap Mode T-Square, Triangles, Eyeball
Mirror Tracing Paper
Delete, Trim, Extend, etc. Eraser Shield
You will use the following seed files to complete this exercise: dr-5-1sd.dgn, dr-5-
2sd.dgn, dr-5-3sd.dgn, dr-5-4sd.dgn, dr-5-5sd.dgn, dr-5-6sd.dgn and dr-5-7sd.dgn.
Change the (DR. BY) “drawn by” to your name and change the (DATE) before printing
each drawing. You will use these seed files to practice proper construction techniques
using only the tools listed above in MicroStation to simulate conventional mechanical
drawing equipment. Refer to the Geometric Constructions Handout for help in
completing each exercise. When printing your drawings show all constructions required
to complete each drawing.
DR-5-1, Constructing Lines Tangent to two Circles
Using tangent snap draw a line tangent to the bottom of the two circles shown in dr-5-
1sd. Then snap to the endpoint of each tangent point using keypoint snap and draw a
line to the center of each circle using center snap. Change the linestyle to dimension
and use the dimension angle tool to display the angle formed by each tangent line and the
line drawn to the center of each circle. The angle displayed should be 90° indicating that
the line is tangent to the circle and is drawn properly. You are essentially repeating what
has been done on the topside of the two circles.
