This section provides step-by-step procedures, illustrations, and tips for creating pipe network content using Part Builder.
In AutoCAD Civil 3D, content is used to represent real-world pipe network parts such as pipes, manholes, catch basins, and headwalls. Pipe shapes are organized into the following part family categories based on the shape of the pipe: circular, egg-shaped, elliptical, or rectangular pipes. Structure shapes, such as manholes, catch basins, and headwalls, are organized into the following categories, or part families, based on shape characteristics: general structures, inlet-outlet structures (headwalls), junction structures (catch basins). Part Builder enables you to create and modify part families as well as individual parts.
When you create a pipe network part, you define the features of the part and how they are associated with one another. Each pipe network part represents a unique part family. You should analyze the pipe or structure catalog hierarchy to determine the best place to add part families. It is also important to notice the relationships between the different part sizes you want to create. The features you define in the model determine the flexibility you have to create multiple part sizes. You should look at the entire part you want to create, decide how to break it down into simple shapes, and determine the relationships to establish between the different shapes.
Creating a part with Part Builder involves performing the following tasks in the order they are presented below:
- Specify the part configuration.
You work in the parametric building environment to create single pipe network parts. While you are working in this environment, only one part can exist in a drawing. The individual drawings are associated with a part catalog to build a library of parts. You specify the type and subtype of the part to establish basic part behavior. For more information, see About Part Configuration in Part Builder.
- Create a 2D or 3D model of the part.
During this phase of the process, you create models of 2D pipe parts, or 3D structure parts, and use them to dynamically generate 2D views of the part. You build your part from features that are combined to define the part. The model is defined according to the size, shape, and position of its features. You can restrict how the features of the parts fit together. To better conceptualize the size and shape of the part model, you define dimensions, constraints, and modifiers that determine how your part is built. For more information, see About Modeling a Part in Part Builder, About Dimensions in Part Builder, About Constraints in Part Builder, and About Using Modifiers in Part Builder.
- Generate a preview image and define the insertion position of the part.
Once you have finalized the model, you generate a preview image for the part by taking a snapshot of the model. You also specify the placement position that you use to place the part in your drawing. For more information, see To Generate a Preview Image of a Part in Part Builder and To Define the Part Insertion Position in Part Builder.
- Validate and save the part.
Once you have finalized the model, you must validate and save the part. Validation checks the model and detects any errors that make the part invalid. You must correct all errors in order to successfully save the part and add it to a drawing. For more information, see To Validate and Save a Part in Part Builder.
Individuals who have experience with parametric modeling design, concepts, and techniques should be comfortable making use of the full spectrum of features available through Part Builder. Individuals with little or no experience with parametric modeling should be comfortable using the more basic Part Builder features, such as adding or changing part sizes in existing part families. For more information on these features, see To Edit Pipe Network Part Family Sizes.
Before using Part Builder, make sure you understand the following:
- Pipe parts created with Part Builder must have a width, a height, and a centerline. Therefore, any pipe shapes that do not meet this criteria are not supported in AutoCAD Civil 3D pipe networks. This includes open channel pipes.
- The section profiles of a pipe must have an enclosed loop. Therefore, it is not possible to create pipe types such as horseshoe shape or U-shape (open channel).
- Pipe part definitions must include a uniform wall thickness. Therefore, you cannot create pipe parts with varying wall thicknesses.
- Part Builder cannot create a rectangular box culvert shape that has chamfers on the inner diameter corners.
- When a pipe connects to a structure, there is a single point of connection between the pipe and the structure. Therefore, you cannot customize a pipe part to have two connection points at one end of the pipe, where it connects to the structure.
For more information, see the Pipe Networks chapter in the AutoCAD Civil 3D Best Practices Guide.
