Conduits offsets will not connect

[Anonymous]

I am trying to get two conduits to connect and I keep getting an error as far as saying it can not come up with a routing. This is what I have: (1)2" conduit @ 11'-6" which is trying to connect to (1)2" @ 11'-7 1/2". I know in the field the workers can make the bends that will fit so why can I not do it. Well more of, why do I not know how to get the program to do this. I am running MEP 2018. 

Thank you in advance.

-Conrad

[JoeVernice · Accepted solution]

If auto-routing doesn't work, I find drawing the intended conduit path using lines and then snapping to each point helps. Just before snapping to the new elevation point, turn on the compass, change to the correct plane, then turn off the compass and continue drawing. See the attached file.

JMV

[Anonymous]

While sometimes bending small offsets in large size conduit is unavoidable, most of the time there is another way. Without knowing your exact situation, I would think the field guys would probably find a way to eliminate the small offset.

Another thing you can do is start running your second conduit with the compass on. Toggle the P key to set the compass on the right plane. Then turn the compass off with the C key. Now turn on the dynamic input and type in an angle like 5 degrees and click just ahead of the conduit. Now click on the other conduit connector. It should auto connect with the 5 degrees.

Sometimes I have to make the offset first, not worrying about the final elevation. Use the above technique. Then grip edit the elevation to match your other conduit. Then connect the two

Auto connect uses the predefined bends. As long as you set the first bend with dynamic input, the second bend should connect. Sometimes you have to try an even smaller angle. In your example a 10 degree bend would be the max. The two bends would almost be on top of each other in the bender. 5 degrees would probably be what the field guys would use. Depending on their accuracy they may get anywhere from a one to two inch offset when they were trying for 1-1/2".

Once you go over 2" conduit you move to a different bender. I would never make that small a bend with that type of bender. There's always a workaround.

[Anonymous]

Yes I know about using the compass and inputting the degrees. My issue is that I will make a full run at a single elevations, lets say 10'-0" (for easy numbers) and when I put my drawing in Navis Works to see if my 3D model is clash free I see I am hitting another trade's pipe (plumber). I can offset my conduit 2 inches to clear the clash yet the program (autocad) only wants me to do 15,30,45,60, and 90 degree turns. Yes the guys in the field can make these but I want to show it in my model so when other trades look at it they know I am aware of the clash and put my offsets to clear it. How can I change my elbows to include all degrees. even its its just whole numbered degrees.

[JoeVernice]

@Anonymous

I agree with @Anonymous, it is best practice to avoid small offsets in larger sized conduits.

The thread below explores making changes to the bend angle list and what is and isn't possible.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-mep-forum/autocad-mep-bend-angle-list/td-p/3550038

JMV

[RougeJedi]

Back the ends of the conduit up creating a larger gap for the auto-route to do its thing.

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@Anonymous wrote:
While sometimes bending small offsets in large size conduit is unavoidable, most of the time there is another way. Without knowing your exact situation, I would think the field guys would probably find a way to eliminate the small offset.

Another thing you can do is start running your second conduit with the compass on. Toggle the P key to set the compass on the right plane. Then turn the compass off with the C key. Now turn on the dynamic input and type in an angle like 5 degrees and click just ahead of the conduit. Now click on the other conduit connector. It should auto connect with the 5 degrees.

Sometimes I have to make the offset first, not worrying about the final elevation. Use the above technique. Then grip edit the elevation to match your other conduit. Then connect the two

Auto connect uses the predefined bends. As long as you set the first bend with dynamic input, the second bend should connect. Sometimes you have to try an even smaller angle. In your example a 10 degree bend would be the max. The two bends would almost be on top of each other in the bender. 5 degrees would probably be what the field guys would use. Depending on their accuracy they may get anywhere from a one to two inch offset when they were trying for 1-1/2".

Once you go over 2" conduit you move to a different bender. I would never make that small a bend with that type of bender. There's always a workaround.

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