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Creating Pipe Networks from Objects

Product Documentation
Intermediate
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You can create pipe networks from existing objects in your drawing.

Using this method, you can automatically create a pipe network from entities such as lines, arcs, 2D and 3D polylines, feature lines, or alignments.

The following table lists the types of entities you can use to create pipe networks:

Entity

Description
Line Creates a pipe network from a line that you selected. The pipe network is inserted as a straight pipe with structures at each end.
2D polyline Creates a pipe network from lightweight or heavyweight 2D polylines.
2D spline polyline Creates a series of straight line segments using fit points to define pipe endpoints and structure locations. For more information about fit points, see the AutoCAD Help.
3D polyline Creates a pipe network using vertices in 3D to define pipe endpoints and structure locations.
Arc Creates a pipe network from an arc that you selected. The pipe network is inserted as a curved pipe with structures at each end.
Feature line Creates a pipe network from a feature line.
Alignment Creates a pipe network from an alignment.

You can select objects in the current drawing or from an Xref. You can create a pipe network that includes the types of pipes and structures you specify.

This method of creating a pipe network uses the Pipes and Structures insertion method. You cannot use the Pipes Only or Structures Only insertion mode with this command. If you want to create a single pipe, or a single structure using this command, create the pipe network with pipes and structures, and then delete the desired parts.

Using Vertex Elevations

For 3D entity types, you can select the Use Vertex Elevations option on the Create Pipe Network From Object dialog box. When this option is selected, the elevations of any vertices along the selected entity are used to set the elevations of the pipes created in the network. For 3D entity types, this option determines if the 3D vertex elevations are honored by the pipes created. When checking this option, rules are not applied as they would likely be in conflict with the vertex elevations.

By specifying the Vertex Elevation Reference, you choose the location on the pipe where the vertex elevation is located. The following options are available: Outside Top, Crown, Centerline, Invert, or Outside Bottom. The default is the pipe centerline.

Vertex Elevation Reference = Outside Top

To create a pipe network from an object

  1. Click Home tabCreate Design panelPipe Network drop-downCreate Pipe Network From Object.At the Command prompt, enter CreateNetworkFromObject.
  2. In the drawing, select the object.
    Note

    You can enter Xref to select an object from an Xref.

    You may be prompted to reverse flow direction. Press Enter or click OK to keep the current flow direction. Click Reverse to change the current flow direction. Flow direction arrows indicate the direction of the flow.

  3. In the Create Pipe Network From Object dialog box, specify a name for the pipe network.
  4. In the Description field, enter an optional description for the pipe network.
  5. In the Network Parts List field, select a parts list or accept the default parts list for this pipe network. For more information, see Pipe Catalogs and Parts Lists.
  6. In both the Pipe To Create and Structure To Create fields, select the types of pipes and structures to be used.
    Note

    You must select both a pipe and a structure type. After creating the pipe network, if desired, you can delete parts you want removed.

  7. To view or change the default layers that will be assigned to various pipe network parts, click Layers to open the Pipe Network Layers dialog box.
  8. To reference a surface and/or an alignment, select the item in the list, or click to select a surface and/or alignment in the drawing.
  9. If you want the originally selected object to be removed from the drawing automatically, clear the Erase Existing Entity check box.
  10. Select the Use Vertex Elevations check box if you want to use the elevations of any vertices along the selected entity to set the elevations of the pipes created in the network.
    Note

    For 3D entity types, this option determines if the 3D vertex elevations are honored by the pipes created. When checking this option, rules are not applied as they would likely be in conflict with the vertex elevations.

  11. If you selected the Use Vertex Elevations option, specify a Vertex Elevation Reference (Outside Top, Crown, Centerline, Invert, or Outside Bottom).
  12. Click OK in the Create Pipe Network From Object dialog box.

    The new pipe network is displayed in the drawing, and the pipe network name is displayed in the Pipe Networks collection on the Prospector tab.

Ribbon

Home tab Create Design panel Pipe Network drop-down Create Pipe Network From Object

Menu

Pipes menuCreate Pipe Network From ObjectAt the Command prompt, enter CreateNetworkFromObject

Command Line

CreateNetworkFromObject

Dialog Box

Create Network From ObjectCreate Pipe Network From Object


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