Create models of pressurized utility networks, such as water supplies and natural gas pipelines (as well as non-pressurized cable networks) using a semi-automated approach of converting CAD linework representing the network. Typically, you will start with a design file and finish by modeling trenches around the networks.

Note:Before you begin, confirm the integrity of the CAD lines you want to import and convert into pipe runs. Make sure there are no gaps or overlaps. These can also be somewhat cleaned up by running the Project Cleanup command after import.

Following are the basic steps for this workflow. For more detailed instructions, see Create Utility Site Improvements.

Steps:

Commands:

1.

Open a project or start a new project.

Open Project

New Default Project - Use the default template.

New Project - Choose a template.

2.

Import any site data and utility network data you need, e.g.:

• Site plan (.pdf or .png)
• Original ground (OG) or finished design (FD) grade contours (.dxf)
• Utility line design (.dxf, .dwg, .dgn)

Import

3.

Add your PDF or image data to the model.

Georeference Vector PDF and Import Vector PDF Data

or

Place Image

4.

Arrange and filter your Plan View and 3D View, and review your imported data.

Tip: Use the Isolate Layers mode to make reviewing your layered data easier.

3D View

View Filter Manager (VFM)

4.

If you see any errors in the data, run data prep commands to clean the data up.

This is an optional step that is not necessary if your data is already clean. If you do not run through this workflow, you may simply want to run Project Cleanup.

If you imported contour lines at elevation 0.0, you may also need to elevate them. Otherwise, they will not form the original ground (OG) surface in the next step.

Site Data Prep Workflow

5.

Create an OG surface out of any imported contours.

Tip: Change the transparency and other visible properties of the surface in Properties so you can see the utility network through the surface.

Create Surface

6.

If the imported lines lack elevations (or are at 0.0.), edit the elevations of the line end points so that they have the desired depth of cover when the lines are converted into pipes.

The line elevations determine the centerlines of the utility lines/pipes.

Select each line, right-click and select Edit. Then set the elevation for each end point to the correct elevation.

7.

Create utility categories for pipes and nodes.

Then create pipe and node site improvements.

Node types include fittings, junction boxes, and manholes.

Material and Site Improvement Manager > Create Site Improvement

New Utility Category > New Utility Category Object

8.

Create a utility network to contain the utility lines and nodes you will create next.

Create Utility Network

Create utility runs to group specific series of pipes and nodes. If needed, you can edit which pipes got into which runs later..

Create Utility Run

9.

Automatically create pipes/cables and nodes for the network from the draped and offset CAD lines.

Create Utility Line

10

Edit properties on the automatically created utility lines and nodes to make corrections to pipe and node types and node elevations.

Press F11 and select each object that you need to edit.

Properties pane

11.

As needed, break utility lines and insert additional nodes where they were not included in the imported designs.

Insert Utility Node

13

Add the utility lines to the runs. Move any misplaced lines to other runs.

Edit Utility Run

18.

Edit or reverse utility runs to change the stationing direction of utility lines in a utility run.

Tip: You can use the Explore Object command to see the direction of stationing on a run.

Reverse Utility Run

19.

Review the networks in graphic views to confirm that your pipes connect to your nodes correctly, and that the network's elevation is correct relative to the OG surface.

Plan View

3D View

Surface Slicer View

20.

Create a trench template.

As needed, specify the:

• Basic cross-sectional shape
• Backfill layers
• Side slope angles
• Depth zones

Trench Template Manager

21.

Insert the trench template.

Insert Trench Template

22

Create a trench surface for each run in the network.

Create Trench Surface

23.

Check and clean up the trench surface.

Select and Edit or delete the linestrings that were automatically created to model the trench.

24.

Run a Utility Takeoff Report to compute subgrade volumes and pipe and node quantities for your network.

Utility Takeoff Report