Customizing Civil 3D Pipe Networks
January 1, 2008
By ASCENT
AutoCAD Civil 3D Pipe Tools by Autodesk enable users to create pipe networks for storm sewers, sanitary sewers, etc.
AutoCAD Civil 3D Pipe Tools by Autodesk enable users to create pipe networks for storm sewers, sanitary sewers, etc.
To speed up and standardize your creation of pipe networks, consider customizing your Catalogs and Part Lists.
• Catalogs. Pipe catalogs contain part and dimension specifications for underground pipes and structures. They include circular, egg-shaped, elliptical, and rectangular pipe cross-sections. For each pipe shape, the catalog tracks inner and outer pipe diameters and wall thicknesses.
The Structure catalog includes specifications for inlets, junction structures (circular, rectangular, or eccentric), with or without frames, and simple junction shapes (rectangular or circular). The Structure catalog consists of tables and lists that define allowable sizes, thicknesses, and heights.
To review the catalogs, browse to and select one of the . HMTL files located in (by default) C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersApplication DataAutodeskC3D 2008enuPipes Catalogsubfolders.
You can also edit the catalog using the Part Builder functionality (click Pipes>Part Builder) to add new pipes or structures, or to change the specifications of existing ones.
• Parts Lists. Catalogs are not accessed directly from a drawing; they are used to populate the part families that form a Part List, such as Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer.
Parts lists are specific to each drawing and are listed in the Settings tab under the Pipe Network heading.
To access a parts list, right-click on its name and select Edit. In the Parts list editor you can edit the components of a part family or add new part families from the catalog.
By taking the time to create a task-specific part list when creating networks, you will only be presented with appropriate pipes and structures when using them in a drawing. For instance, if you predominantly use ductile iron (DI) pipe for water lines, you can create a part list that only contains the DI part list. Consider customizing your drawing templates to include detailed, task-specific Part Lists, which can greatly speed up the design process.
CCE
CAD Tips are supplied by ASCENT of Mississauga, Ontario. ASCENT is a leading developer and publisher of professional training products and courseware for engineering software applications. www.ASCENTed.com
