Sanitary pipe slopes across multiple structures

[Neilw_05]

I have survey data for an existing sewer network. I am now creating the network in C3D. Between the manholes there are numerous service laterals connected to the main, so at each lateral I have a null structure. Also, based on blue stake locations, the mains have deflections between the maholes so I have null structures at each deflection. The grade of the main needs to be constant between the manholes so now I have the problem of how to set the inverts at all the lateral junctions and deflections so as to have a straight grade along the run. Is there a way to adjust all those pipe segments in batch or do I have to create alignments and profile the pipes to make the adjustments? C3D 2013

[Anonymous]

You can pull up a spreadsheet of the pipe network and edit the pipe slopes here. In the prospector under PIPE NETWORKS right click the network you would like to edit and select EDIT NETWORK. This will bring up a toolbar with options for editing pipes and structures. There is an icon that looks like a spreadsheet on the right. This will open a page that allows you to edit the structures and pipes. It defaults to the structures but on the side there will be a tab to switch to pipes. 

[Neilw_05]

The problem with that approach is I have to figure out which pipes are in the same run, then I have to tally the lengths to calc the slope and then apply the slope to those series of pipes. It is a very tedious process to figure out and select the pipes which have a common slope if they are not sequential.

[Anonymous]

The only solution I can think would be this. I know if you make ONE pipe from structure to structure at a specified slope you can go back and insert the NULL structures and it will break the pipe into 2 seperate pipes with the same slope as the original. Im not sure this will work given there are deflections and one pipe wont be able to cover the alignment of the run.

[Neilw_05]

Can I create a 3D polyline, grade it end to end and snap my pipes to it? I haven't tried that but I expect it will be a pain to snap to the polyline since ACAD will probably snap to the next pipe or the node instead of the polyline.

[Joe-Bouza · Accepted solution]

You probaly know about this app at the exchange

https://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/CIV3D/en/Detail/Index?id=appstore.exchange.autodesk.com%3aslopeac...

[troma]

Do you really need the grade to be constant, or do you just need to label it as if it is constant?
Hmm, maybe for the sake of the laterals you do want it to be constant. But if it's just a labeling thing you can do a spanning label without actually adjusting the inverts.

[Neilw_05]

These pipes are going to be shown in profiles and used for conflict detection.

I'm now looking at the app in Joe's link.

[Joe-Bouza]

Maybe just as easy to layour profile >> FL from alignment>> pipe network ?
But I like the idea of the tool. if you get let us know if its any good

[Neilw_05]

The app Joe mentioned looks ideal for grading the main lines just as I need, but I think it is only a partial solution. The reason being the laterals would all need to be manually adjusted to the main lines after they are regraded. So it may be worthwhile if I can't find a better solution. I'll look into 3D polylines first.

One kudo for a great tip Joe.