Generate Layout

Whenever a system is selected in a plan view, you can use the Generate Layout tools to specify slope and routing parameters for ductwork and piping, to view different layout solutions, and to manually modify layout solutions for the system.

Use the Generate Layout tools to create piping or duct layouts to connect system components. When creating either a single-level or multiple-level layout, you use the same workflow.

1. Open a floor plan that contains the system components for which you want to create the layout.

   If the components are on multiple levels, begin by creating a layout for components that are located on the same level.

2. Open a 3D view, and type w t to tile both views.
   Note: In a plan view, only the system components that are within the view range will be visible. You may need to redefine the view range in the View Properties. In a 3D view, all of the system components are visible.
3. Do one of the following:
   • If components for which you are creating a layout are not connected to a system, select the components that will be connected by a system.
   • If components for which you are creating a layout are already connected to a system, proceed to Create the layout.
4. Create the system to logically connect the selected components.
   Note: It is highly recommended that you connect the selected components to a system before creating a layout so that only connectors for the system type will be considered for the layout.
5. To create the layout, select one of the components that are connected by the system.
   Note: Layout selection is view-driven. If you select a component in a plan view, only components that are connected to the same system and that display in that plan view are considered for the layout. If you select a component in a 3D, section, or elevation view, all components that are connected to the same system, even if on they reside on multiple levels, are considered for the layout. This is because components on multiple levels display in these views. This is important when creating a layout for components that are connected to the same system but are located on different levels.
6. Click Modify Mechanical Equipment tabLayout panel (Generate Layout) or (Generate Placeholder).

   The Generate Layout tab appears providing various layout tools. A layout displays in the drawing area. The layout lines represent a physical connection to the components. This physical connection is created when the layout is converted to rigid pipe or duct. See Generate Layout Settings for a description of the Generate Layout options.

7. To remove a component from the layout, on the Generate Layout tab, click (Remove), and select the component.

   The component is grayed out, and the layout and solutions update.

   Tip: You can click (Add) from the Generate Layout tab to add a component that you previously removed from the layout. The component is no longer grayed out, and a layout and solutions update.
   Note: You add and remove components from a layout to get the layout solution as close to the design intent as possible. Only components that have been previously added to the system can be added to or removed from a layout. See Add Components to a System.
8. Do one of the following to address the upstream end of the layout:
   • To create a closed layout, proceed to the next step.
   • To create a layout that includes a base (upstream) component that you already placed and added to the system, proceed to the next step.
     Note: A base component must be placed and added to the system before including it in a layout. See Select Equipment.
   • To create a layout that has an open upstream connection, on the Generate Layout tab, click (Place Base), and place the base control in either the floor plan or 3D view.

     After placing the base, the layout and solutions update. The base control is removed after layout conversion resulting in an open connection. You can later connect the open layout to other layouts in the same piping system. This way you are connecting smaller “sub-assembly” layouts together into a larger layout that are logically connected to the same system.

     Note: You can place the base control on the same level as the components or on a different level. The base control acts as a temporary base (upstream) component. It is recommended that you modify the base control after placing it.
9. On the Generate Layout tab, click (Solutions).
10. Select a solution type that provides the closest layout for the design.

    You can modify the layout later in the workflow.

11. On the Options Bar, do the following:
    • Click Settings, and verify the settings for the components.
    • For Slope, specify the slope for the entire layout, if needed.

      If you want to slope individual segments, you can do this after you convert the layout.

12. To modify the layout lines, on the Generate Layout tab, click (Modify), and drag the layout lines to relocate or combine them.
    Note: Only adjacent layout lines can be combined. However, layout lines that connect to system components cannot be modified because they are necessary to connect the component to the layout.
    Note: A layout line can only be moved up to a tee or cross fitting in one action. You can select the line again, and move it beyond the tee or cross fitting.
13. On the Generate Layout tab, click (Finish Layout) to generate the layout.
    Note: If the conversion creates an incomplete run, undo the conversion (CTRL+Z), modify the layout in the problematic areas, and convert the layout. If the problem remains, see Generate Layout Troubleshooting.