Create pipe network from multiple objects?

[rhdins]

Can I create a pipe network from multiple objects?

For example, I have 10 feature lines that I want to use to create one pipe network. Instead of creating 10 pipe networks one at a time, can I create one pipe network all at once?

Thanks.

[tcorey]

You would need to join the feature lines into one first.

Use the Joinfeatures command.

[troma]

That may not be possible, eg if the features aren't connected end-to-end but branching off in different directions, or not touching at all.

Another option is to create 10 networks, then merge them together.

[rhdins]

The feature lines aren't connected.

That's what I've been doing, is creating multiple pipe networks, then merging them.  I would like to be able to select all 10 feature lines and create one pipe network.

Any other ideas?  Maybe it's just not possible?

Thanks.

[C3D_TomR]

I like tcorey's suggestion. Add additional feature lines just to connect them for creating the network then joinfeatures. After you create the network from the single feature line, you can delete those dummy pipes from the network. Maybe mark the ones that need to be deleted with a magenta circle near the midpoint until the pipes are deleted from the new network.

[dean_petersen]

I have run into this too.

If you have a lot of 3D polylines to convert you can use Map3D to write them out as a .shp file first with Object data attacehd, then use the Insert Tab / Import dropdown / 'Import GIS Data' command to read that .shp file in as a pipe network. If you are carefull about the object data you can even assign different pipe sizes to all the pipes as it is created.

Explode the 3D polyiles to 3D line segments first. Then attach object data for Internal diameter, wall thickness and description that matches the pipes you want to use from your Parts List. Also use the Z1 and Z2 properties as elevation data in the .shp file. MapExport to a .shp file, then import it into C3D as GIS Data. It all ends up as one network.

It is a bit of extra to do, but if you have a large number of pipes it will be reasonably efficient.

[Jeff_M]

I prefer my solution. 

[dean_petersen]

Yep. That is nice. What does it cost?

[lim.wendy]

Hey Dean,

I've taken your idea and compile it into a video for better illustration. 

http://www.screencast.com/t/JM0KBtov6c

See also: http://docs.autodesk.com/CIV3D/2014/ENU/index.html?url=filesCUG/GUID-05A18F1A-ADAE-4103-9317-2F46A5C...

______________________________________________________________

If my post answers your question, please click the "Accept as Solution" button. This helps everyone find answers more quickly!

[Ntuthuko.]

Hi Jeff

I've just used your Sincpac-C3D solution and the pipe creation process does not capture elevations from the surface, so all my pipes have zero grade. I could overcome this by converting my polylines to 3D polylines, I guess. My primary concern however is that when I select 'Apply Rules' on one of the created pipes I get an error about a macro not being able to run, and so the rules remain unapplied. Can you or anyone please help me with that?

All assistance is appreciated.

Regards,

Ntuthuko

[EDIT]

My apologies. Converting polylines to 3D polylines not only solves the pipe grade problem but also enables the successful execution of the 'Apply Rules' command. Problem solved!

Regards,

Ntuthuko

[drazen.galic]

Hi Ntuthuko,

I saw several add-ins (like solution from Jeff_M -Sincpac), which correctly solve the problem of converting multiple Acad elements to Civil 3D pipe network. If you wish, take a look, to what we did (StudioARS - Urbano Visio). I am specially proud of one option, that we found a way to apply pipe and structure rules for the whole network at once (connected or not-connected). It is an option.

[jmeale]

This works! Awesome response. One thing I did notice though, make sure your parts list it set to have the diameter property or else you'll get errors & the network wont build.

[dean_petersen]

Man, I see Wendy and I posted that 10 years ago! Glad to know it's still useful!

Yes your internal diameters will need to match exactly to the pipe catalog diameters.

[dean_petersen]

Thanks for the comment.

[tony1978]

We have a tool that does that. Check out our CCLS Tools. You can create all your gravity pipe simultaneously with alignments with set coverage or use rule sets.

CCLS Tools