To import Shapefiles with an elevation attribute:

- In a 3D model, create a new Import node.

- In the Feature Parameters pane, set the Elevation to the property that specifies the elevation.  If the elevation units in the SHP file differ from those in your DGN apply a conversion factor:   [Contours.CONTOUR] * 3.2808333 

You can verify that the data was imported to the proper elevation by snapping to the element and reviewing the coordinates in the Message Center.