Part Builder is intended primarily for users who are experienced with parametric modeling design and with pipe network features.
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 Editing Part Family Sizes.
Before using Part Builder, make sure you understand the following:
Before using Part Builder to create or modify pipe network parts, it is important that you create and save a backup copy of the AutoCAD Civil 3D pipe network part catalogs and support files. These files are installed by default in: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Civil 3D2013\enu\Pipes Catalog. Create and save a backup copy of this folder and its contents, including all subfolders and their corresponding content.
- 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.