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src/bonsai/docs/guides/authoring/material_assignment.rst

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+Material Assignment
+===================
+
+This section covers how to assign and customize materials in your BIM model using the Bonsai.
+
+Types of Material Definitions
+-----------------------------
+
+In BIM, materials can be defined in several ways:
+
+1. Single Material: The simplest approach, where an object has one material.
+2. Material Constituent Set: For objects with multiple materials (e.g., a window with an aluminum frame and glass glazing).
+3. Material Layer Set: Used for objects like walls or slabs, defining layers of different materials and thicknesses.
+4. Material Profile Set: Typically used for structural elements, defining materials in relation to a specific profile shape.
+
+Basic Material Assignment
+-------------------------
+
+To assign a material to an object:
+
+1. Select the object in the 3D viewport.
+2. Go to the Material Properties panel.
+3. Click "New" to create a new material.
+4. Give the material a name.
+5. Set the material type (single, constituent set, layer set, or profile set).
+
+Material Categories
+-------------------
+
+Materials should be categorized for easy identification and scheduling:
+
+- In IFC4 models, materials are automatically grouped into categories (e.g., concrete, steel, wood).
+- For IFC2x3 models, materials may appear uncategorized.
+
+To view all materials in your project:
+
+1. Go to the Materials schedule in the Bonsai panels.
+2. You'll see a list of all materials used in the model.
+
+Best Practices for Material Naming
+----------------------------------
+
+- Use standardized naming conventions for materials.
+- Names should match how materials are tagged in drawings, schedules, and specifications.
+- Avoid using color codes as material names.
+
+Material Properties
+-------------------
+
+In IFC4 models, materials can have associated properties:
+
+1. Select a material in the Materials panel.
+2. Look for the "Common Properties" section.
+3. Set relevant properties for the material (e.g., density, thermal properties).
+
+Note: IFC2x3 models have limited support for material properties.
+
+Profiles for Structural Elements
+--------------------------------
+
+For structural models, especially steel structures:
+
+1. Use Material Profile Sets for elements like beams and columns.
+2. Name profiles according to standardized codes in your region.
+3. In IFC4 models, profiles can have associated structural properties.
+
+To view profiles:
+
+1. Look for the Profiles schedule in Bonsai panels.
+2. You should see a list of all profiles used in the project.
+
+Color vs. Material
+------------------
+
+It's important to distinguish between an object's color and its material:
+
+- Color is a visual property for rendering and display.
+- Material defines the physical properties and composition of the object.
+
+Avoid merging these concepts; an object can have a material without a specific color, and vice versa.
+
+Saving and Exporting
+--------------------
+
+Remember that Bonsai .ifc files cannot currently save textures from image files. To preserve both BIM data and detailed materials:
+
+1. Save your project as a .blend file to retain all material and texture information for rendering.
+2. Also save as an .ifc file to store BIM data.
+
+Always maintain both .blend and .ifc versions of your project to ensure all information is preserved.
+
+IFC Version Considerations
+--------------------------
+
+- IFC4 provides better support for material properties, categories, and profiles compared to IFC2x3.
+- Consider migrating to IFC4 for more comprehensive material information and structural analysis capabilities.
+
+See Also
+--------
+
+- :doc:`../../structural_analysis/index`
+- :doc:`../../costing_and_scheduling/index`