Unable to add appurtenances or fittings to existing pressure pipe

[haillee.nunn]

I have a drawing with pressure pipe networks that was created using parts based in 2023. Since I've updated my Civil 3D, the path based PPN ribbon is what pops up. I want to insert a GV right after the 90 bend shown in the screenshot, but when I try C3D keeps prompting to select the place to insert. I recall having to break pipes before and inserting GVs at the joint, but I can't even break the pipe. I can only break pipe runs, but this is not a pipe run. Screenshot one shows the pipe I've selected that I want to add a GV, the ribbon shown is for path based. Screenshot two shows if I disconnect my pipe from the bend and act like I'm going to extend the pipe the correct ribbon shows up, however, I still cannot add a GV. Any thoughts? This project has been on hold and I'd like to avoid having to recreate the network to make changes as we're at the tail end.

[MSchille-1994]

Can you go into the the Prospector and verify that there are no Pipe Runs listed under your Pressure Network? 

When the Pipe is disconnected from the 90° bend, can you add a Gate Valve to the end of that Pipe? 

If so, can you then select the Gate Valve and click on the + Grip and add a Pipe from there to the 90° Bend?

[HEBC3D]

This is what I would check first, to see if your pipe run still exists. You might be running a command to add the appurtenance that is meant for part-based networks and not path based networks, which I believe can break your pipe run.

Also just go to your fitting properties and check the connections or check what your pipe is connecting to to verify if they're separated.

[haillee.nunn]

I do have one pipe run but it's for a hydrant assembly and would not have anything to do with this pipe. But I'm wondering if having path based and part based in the same drawing causes problems... I have disconnected the pipe from the bend and tried to add a GV but it does not work. I can click the plus and add more pipe and connect that to the bend but it won't add a GV. 

[haillee.nunn]

This was never a pipe run. It was made part-based. The problem is it is showing the path-based ribbon. When I disconnect the pipe from the bend and click the plus the ribbon then changes to the part-based ribbon, but won't add a GV. The screenshot shows the fitting properties and one side is open so it is for sure disconnected when I attempt this.

[MSchille-1994]

What happens when your run this command?  What comes up on the ribbon?

_aecceditpressurenetwork

[haillee.nunn]

 Just shows my pressure network

[haillee.nunn]

At this point, I'm not looking to fix it but find a workaround. My workaround is to make a new pipe run in the middle of my network here. It is not actually connected, but I just needed it visually for my profile. This will do. Moving forward my company's standard is path based so shouldn't run into this unless we have to open old projects. 

 

[haillee.nunn]

Oh I misread your message, the ribbon looks like this

 

[MSchille-1994]

I think you are finding the Civil 3D is really pushing Pipe Runs in their Pressure Networks.  This really sucks when you just want to draw a single part for something.  However, I think that you can still have part based networks.

Could you possibly post your drawing here and I will take a look inside of it?

[haillee.nunn]

Here is the dwg. I left the pipe run I inserted. There is another location to the west that I need to add a GV, but haven't done my cheat yet. I added a leader pointing out the two locations. Maybe you can get it to work at the second location.

[MSchille-1994]

So you have a Pipe Run in that location named Pipe Run - (6).  I can add valves in that Pipe Run.

What I'd do is detach the Pipe Run, grip edit the Alignment location to where you want to start and end the Alignment, Re-Link the Pipe Run to that revised Alignment, and last, add in the valves you want.  Yes, this will create a Pipe Run, but I believe this is the only way to achieve what you want.

[haillee.nunn]

Yes, pipe run 6 was not there when I made the original post. I added that this morning as the only workaround I could find. I can add valves to that too. But if you go to the other location west where I labeled ADD GV TO PPN, you can't add a GV unless you make a pipe run. Very frustrating that I can't seem to make part based changes. I appreciate your help though! We don't show the pressure networks in plan, just a polyline so I'm just looking to make it look fine in my profile at this point.

[MSchille-1994]

I am not sure how this network was originally created.  You can create Path Based networks where you can have individual parts and add to them like you want, but your network looks like it was created using a Layout Based network, which require Pipe Runs.  You cannot mix the two though.

Yeah I am not sure why Autodesk did this, except many of their programmers I believe are "computer" programmers and not "civil engineers" that understand the design and drafting process of a project.

[haillee.nunn]

The network would have been created by drawing a polyline first to represent the proposed horizontal alignment and then Create Pressure Network From Object and selecting the polyline. It's been two years since this was originally made, but at the time I had never seen pipe runs where the pipe is an actual alignment. Maybe it was called a pipe run then but it didn't have the alignment feature where you make adjustments to the pipe alignment, but rather clicked the grips of the bends to make adjustments. 

I'll do my cheat here and hope I never need to open old drawings again! Gotta love when a project is put on hold for 18 months due to easement acquisitions. 🙂 

[MSchille-1994]

Yeah, unfortunately that can be the nature of the biz.  It has happened on my projects multiple times over the years.  I have used Pipe Runs enough now that I am comfortable with them and I have learned little tricks to work with them so the plans looks like they really should.  It takes time, but it's worth it in my book.