One of the greatest advantages of Autodesk Civil 3D is the dynamic connection between various types of objects. This also applies to pipe networks, where pipes and structures can be connected to a Surface and an Alignment. This ensures real-time data on stationing, offsets, and elevations.
You can create custom part catalogs for pipes and structures, which are then used to model pipe network elements in Layout and Profile. Labels can be added to all pipe network elements and will automatically update with any updates to the model.
Despite these advantages, editing pipe networks in Civil 3D can present certain limitations. Especially in large and complex projects with long networks and many elements, adjusting pipe elevations, slopes, and materials can become a time-consuming and repetitive task.
To simplify these tasks and improve productivity, we at KobiLabs have developed a set of tools that significantly improve pipe network editing, allowing designers to focus on more important tasks rather than manual data input.
Below, we first review the native Civil 3D options for editing pipe networks. Then we introduce KobiLabs tools and compare them with built-in Civil 3D functionalities.
How to edit pipe network in Civil 3D?
There are several methods for editing pipe networks in Civil 3D.
1. Edit Pipes Directly Through the Pipe Properties Dialog
Use this standard method to adjust each pipe individually. Update properties one by one with full control over each element.
2. Edit Multiple Pipes at Once Using Panorama – Pipe Network Vista
This allows you to edit multiple pipes simultaneously in the table-style format, similar to Excel. It makes bulk edits quick and easy, but offers limited calculation capabilities.
3. Edit Pipes Using Grips in Profile View
Easily adjust pipe elevations and slopes by dragging grips directly in the profile view.
For more control, apply Pipe Rules to set parameters like minimum and maximum lengths, slopes, and more. While these rules provide basic automation, they tend to be limited in real-world design scenarios.
Detailed Process Using Pipe Properties:
- Select the pipe in Plan or Profile View
- From the contextual ribbon, choose Pipe Properties
- On the Part Properties tab, locate the Geometry section
- Here you can modify the start and end elevations and the slope.
In the same tab, under the Part Data section, you can also edit:
- Pipe material,
- Inner Pipe Diameter,
- Other attributes.
How Much Time Does Manual Editing Take?
Editing 50 pipes means repeating the same process 50 times. You must also account for drops between pipes, as the start elevation of the outlet pipe often differs from the end elevation of the inlet pipe in the same structure.
Typically, it takes 30 to 60 seconds to edit one pipe, resulting in 25 to 50 minutes for 50 pipes.
A Faster Solution: Pipe Editor from Kobi Toolkit for Civil 3D
A Faster Solution: Pipe Editor from Kobi Toolkit for Civil 3D
To save users time, KobiLabs developed the Pipe Editor command, part of the Kobi Toolkit for Civil 3D.
With Pipe Editor, you can edit parameters for a single pipe or multiple pipes at once:
- Select the start and end pipes in Plan or Profile View
- Enter the desired start and end elevations, slopes, and drops
- Lock up to three parameters (start elevation, end elevation, slope, drop); the fourth is automatically calculated
Conclusion
Instead of spending 25 to 50 minutes editing a pipe network, with Pipe Editor you can complete the task in under a minute. That’s up to 50 times faster than using manual methods.
It’s worth noting that this comparison is based on a small project with just 50 pipes. On larger projects or recurring tasks, the time savings are even more significant. When compared to the hourly rate of a CAD designer, it’s clear that the annual cost of the Kobi Toolkit for Civil 3D ($245/year) pays for itself with a single such task.
And Pipe Editor is just one of over 40 tools included in the Kobi Toolkit for Civil 3D. Competing toolsets often cost more while offering far fewer tools.
We deliberately chose a lower price because we know you may not need all 40+ tools – perhaps only 10, or even just one. But even using just one of them will save you more time and money than the cost of the annual subscription.
That’s why we can confidently say:
With KobiLabs tools, you’ll work faster, smarter, and more efficiently.
Download a 15-day free trial, here. (No credit card required).
Learn more about this tool, here.
