Use AutoCAD Civil 3D pipe network features to draw 2D and 3D models of utility systems, such as storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and more.
You can create, edit, and delete pipe networks in plan view. You can also display pipe network parts in profiles and section views. Changes made to pipe networks in plan view are dynamically updated in any profile and section views.
Style-based rendering and labeling capabilities let you quickly create pipe networks with meaningful visual effects and data. For example, you can use many different styles to represent two-dimensional pipe networks in construction documents. You can also use visual rendering features to add realistic looking effects to three-dimensional pipe networks. Labeling features let you automatically add labels to identify specific types of pipes and structures within a pipe network.
AutoCAD Civil 3D also has interference checking features let you quickly identify areas where pipes or structures physically collide, or are too close to one another.
You can also import or export pipe network data using Autodesk LandXML format, or analyze pipe network data through an API interface or with support from external, third-party analysis programs.
AutoCAD Civil 3D includes extension applications that enable you to perform a variety of hydraulics and hydrology tasks on pipe network data. For more information, see Hydraulics and Hydrology Features.
Topics in this section
- Understanding Pipe Networks
In AutoCAD Civil 3D, a pipe network object serves as a container for managing pipe objects and structure objects that form a pipe network.
- Creating Pipe Networks
There are several ways you can create pipe networks.
- Editing Pipe Network Settings
Use pipe network settings to specify the default styles and behavior for pipe network commands.
- Editing Pipe Networks
You can edit a pipe network using a variety of methods.
- Displaying Pipe Networks
You can display pipe networks in plan, profile, and section views.
- Checking for Interferences
Interference checking lets you quickly identify pipe network parts that may be in conflict with each other.
- Part Properties
Use the Pipe Properties dialog box and the Structure Properties dialog box to view or edit properties associated with any given pipe network part.
- Part Catalog and Parts Lists
The pipe networks feature references a part catalog and a parts list that define the size, shape, and certain behavior of the parts (pipes and structures) you insert into drawings.
- Part Rules
Part rules are properties that affect how pipe network parts behave on creation and when you move or edit them.
- Labeling Pipe Networks
You can add labels to pipe network parts either when you create the objects or after you create them.
- Adding Pipe Tables
You can create tables that display information about pipes inone or more a pipe networks.
- Adding Structure Tables
You can create tables that display information about structures in one or more pipe networks.
- Rendering Pipe Network Parts
Render pipe network parts using the AutoCAD Render command.
- Using Hydraulics and Hydrology Features
The Hydraflow extensions allow you to peform a variety of hydraulics and hydrology analysis tasks on pipe networks created with AutoCAD Civil 3D or with the Hydraflow Storm Sewers Extension.
- Pipe Network Command Reference
You can use commands to quickly access pipe network functionality.
- Create and Connect Autodesk Connection Points
Connect to objects created by other programs using Autodesk connection points.