In the previous blog, Sharing a Custom Civil 3D Pipe Network Parts List, we explore the process of finding and setting the Parts Catalog. Access and connection to the shared Parts Catalog is critical when working with multiple team members. This is the same for your Parts List.

Parts Catalog and List

While the Parts Catalog is a separate folder/file structure shared company-wide via a network drive location, the Parts List is in the Civil 3D template. The parts created in the catalog need to be related, with relevant part sizes and loaded within a parts list. These require configuration adapt to the styles and settings for projects.

Building a Parts List

First, it is important that your parts list reflects the variety of material types, sizes and uses within the built environment. Whether that be existing networks, networks which have been or need to be demolished, or proposed networks. As you can see from my parts lists, I accommodate different options, which are necessary in projects you work in. However, let’s take a closer look. You may wonder why I have a single parts list for Ex Gravity networks and separate parts lists for Pro Sanitary and Pro Storm networks.

To discover, create, copy or edit parts within a list, select the appropriate option in the dropdown button to the right.

The overall list of parts may be a bit overwhelming at first, but…

Looking closer, you see the single Ex Gravity parts list accommodates gravity sewer networks, which have sanitary, storm and combined sewers intertwined. This is a common occurrence through most of the U.S.

Looking further, each “type” (i.e. storm vs. sanitary) accommodates the common materials encountered in the field during surveys of existing pipes and structures, as well as sizes. Quick tip: Name the specific part how you consistently want that part labeled in plan/profile/section views of your drawings.

The same is said about structures. Each size, configuration and type of manhole or inlet can be accounted for in your parts list. However, it must relate to parts that exist within the current Parts Catalog your workstation connects to. This underscores the importance of sharing the catalog with all members of your team.

As long as that is included within your custom pipe network parts, the entire network of pipes and structures can be placed, swapped, projected and labeled the exact same way you would handle what comes out of the box with Civil 3D.

Placing Pipe Network Structures

I’m personally a big fan of utilizing the ‘SO station and offset transparent command for placing pipe network structures.

To project into a Profile View, select a pipe or structure from plan. In the contextual ribbon, pick the “Draw Parts in Profile” button.

Conclusion

To take the custom parts list a step further, the next logical progression is to build out your Pay Item ID’s to facilitate your QTO process!

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This blog is written by Sr. Civil Technical Specialist Bryan Tanner, ACP, ACI. If you have any questions or need help with your Civil needs, please email us at whyATG@atgusa.com.