Exercise 2: Creating a Pipe Network by Layout

In this exercise, you will create a pipe network using the Autodesk Civil 3D pipe network layout tools. The pipe network is associated with a surface and alignment, and uses parts taken from a standard parts list.

This exercise continues from Exercise 1: Creating a Pipe Network from a Polyline.

Specify pipe network creation parameters

  1. Open Pipe Networks-1B.dwg, which is located in the tutorials drawings folder.

    This drawing contains an existing ground surface, an alignment, and existing ground and layout profiles for the alignment. It also contains a surface exported from a corridor that uses the alignment as its baseline.

  2. In the drawing window, zoom to the area on the alignment between station 7+00 and 11+00.
  3. In Toolspace, on the Prospector tab, expand the Pipe Networks collection, then right-click Networks. Click Create Pipe Network By Layout.

    Alternatively, you can click Home tab Create Design panel Pipe Network drop-down Pipe Network Creation Tools Find.

  4. To select the surface taken from the corridor, in the Create Pipe Network dialog box, in the Surface Name list, select ROAD1_SURF.
  5. In the Alignment Name list, select ROAD1.
  6. Click OK.

    The new pipe network is added to the Toolspace Prospector tab, Pipe NetworksNetworks collection, and the Network Layout Tools toolbar is displayed. The network currently is empty. You will add parts to the network in the following steps.

Draw contiguous pipes and structures

  1. On the Network Layout Tools toolbar, in the Structure List, expand Eccentric Cylindrical Structure. Select Eccentric Structure 48 Dia 18 Frame 24 Cone 5 Wall 6 Floor.
  2. In the Pipes List, expand Concrete Pipe. Select 18 Inch Concrete Pipe.
  3. Ensure that Pipes and Structures is selected.
  4. Ensure the Upslope/Downslope option is set to (downslope).
  5. On the command line, enter ‘SO to activate the Station Offset Civil Transparent command.
  6. In the drawing window, click one of the alignment station labels to select the alignment ROAD1.
  7. On the command line, enter 700 as the station.
  8. On the command line, enter -15 as the offset.

    A catch basin is placed at the specified point. The offset is designed to position the catch basin so that its outside edge is flush with the outside edge of the road shoulder.

  9. With the Station Offset command still active, create another structure by entering 800 for the station and -15 as the offset.

    A second catch basin is created. The two structures are connected by a pipe of the type specified in the Pipe list. The pipes follow a downhill slope based on the corridor surface terrain and the design rules for the type and size of pipe. Later, you will view the vertical placement of the pipes you created in a profile view.

  10. To change the direction of the vertical pipe network layout, toggle the Upslope/Downslope button to .
  11. With the Station Offset command still active, create additional structures with an offset of -15 at stations 9+50, 11+00, and 12+50.

    As you place the catch basins, connecting pipes are created with slope values specified by the design rules and the Upslope/Downslope setting.

  12. Press Enter to end the Station Offset command.

Draw a curved pipe with a structure

  1. Pan until you can see the segment of the alignment between station 12+50 and Station 13+00.
  2. With the drawing command still active, on the command line, enter C to begin creating a curved pipe.
  3. On the command line, enter ‘SO.
  4. Create a structure at the end of the curved pipe by entering 1300 for the station and -15 as the offset.
  5. Press Enter to end the Station Offset command.
  6. Press Enter to end the drawing command.

To continue this tutorial, go to Exercise 3: Adding Parts to a Pipe Network.

Parent topic: Tutorial: Creating a Pipe Network