Adding pipe and structure size to part list in Civil 3D

In Civil 3D, managing the sizes and types of pipes and structures is essential for designing effective pipe networks. The Part Catalog and Parts List are key tools that help engineers select, organize and document components like pipes and structures. This article will explain the basic concept of Part Catalog, Parts List, Pipe and Structure, and guide you through the process of adding pipe and structure sizes to the Parts List in Civil 3D.

The Part Catalog is a collection of predefined parts that are used in the design and creation of storm sewer, sanitary sewer, or other pipeline systems. The catalog contains a wide variety of pipe sizes, materials and structures that you can use in your design. The catalog is customizable, and users can add new parts or modify existing ones to suit project-specific requirements.

The Part Catalog serves as a central repository where users can select the appropriate pipe and structure parts based on material, size and specifications. For example, it may include different types of pipes like concrete, PVC or ductile iron, and structures like manholes, inlets or catch basins.

A Parts List is a list of all the pipe networks parts (such as pipes, structures and fittings) that are included in a specific design or project. It is dynamically generated based on the parts selected in the drawing, allowing engineers and designers to manage and modify the pipe network components easily.

The Parts List provides valuable information such as part types, sizes, material specifications and quantities, which can be used for cost estimation, reporting and material procurement. The list is typically linked to the Part Catalog, ensuring that the parts chosen during design are available in the catalog and properly documented.

Pipe refers to the components used to convey fluids or gases, typically in stormwater, sanitary sewer or water distribution systems. They are essential parts of pipe networks and are defined by their type (material), diameter, length and slope.

Pipes can be made of various materials, such as:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• Concrete
• Ductile Iron
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Pipes in Civil 3D are not only physical objects but are part of the system being modelled for flow analysis, trenching or any necessary calculations. When added to a Parts List, the size and material of the pipe will be reflected in the project’s report.

Structure are manmade components in a pipe network used to manage the flow of liquids or gases. Structure serves as junctions or transition points within the pipe network and may include:

• Manholes
• Inlets
• Catch basins
• Outfalls
• Valves

Structures in a pipe network are typically used for flow control, access points or to change the direction, size or material of the pipe. When modelling a stormwater or sewer system, you place structures where the flow must be diverted, stored or accessed.

Term	Definition	Role in Design
Part Catalog	A library of predefined parts (pipes, structures, fittings) used for network design	Centralized source of parts for pipe and structure design, ensuring consistency in materials and sizes
Parts List	A table that lists the parts (pipes, structures) used in the network, including sizes and materials	Helps manage and document the parts in the network, displaying quantities and specifications for tracking
Pipe	The physical component that carries water, sewage or other materials between structures	The primary element of a pipe network, determining the flow of materials between structures
Structure	A component like a manhole, catch basin or junction that connects or interacts with pipes	Provides critical connections between pipes and helps manage or alter the flow of the network

Adding Parts List Generally in Civil 3D #

For sanitary sewer and storm sewer, pipe and size can be added by:

1. Go to the Modify tab, click the Pipe Network in the Design section and you automatically go to the Pipe Networks tab.

2. In the Network Tools section, click Parts List and select Edit Parts List. A ‘Parts List’ window is opened.

3. Click the ‘drop-down’ button at ‘A’ and select ‘Edit Current Selection’.

4. Expand ‘B’ and select any part list to be edited. (e.g.: Storm Sewer).

5. Click the icon button at ‘A’ and the ‘Network Parts List – Storm Sewer’ popup window will be opened.

6. Go to the ‘Pipes’ section, right-click the ‘Storm Sewer’ and select ‘Add part family…’ to open the ‘Part Catalog’ window.

7. Choose the new pipe type to be added and click ‘OK’.

8. To add size to the newly added pie, right-click the new pipe and select ‘Add part size…’ to open the ‘Part Size Creator’ window.

9. Adjust the parameter to be added or just tick ‘Add all sizes’ to add all sizes available in Civil 3D for the new pipe and click ‘OK’.

10. Expand the newly added pipe to check the size added to its list.

For water reticulation pipe/pressure network pipe, the step is similar to sanitary sewer and storm sewer pipe except for the first step:

1. In the ‘Modify’ tab, click the ‘drop-down’ button in the ‘Design’ section and select the ‘Pressure Pipe Network’ to go to the ‘Pressure Networks’ tab.

2. Repeat steps 2 ~ 9 from the sanitary sewer and storm sewer pipe steps to add new pipe type and size.

You may refer to the video below for a better visualization.

Adding Parts List using MCIntegrator #

MiTS users can also use MCIntegrator to add/adjust Part Catalog and Parts List in Civil 3D.

1. Go to the ‘MES’ tab and click the ‘Machine’ button in the ‘Parameters’ section to open the ‘Machine Settings’ window.

2. Click ‘I understand, CONTINUE’ and a new window will open to set up your Network Catalog and Parts List.

3. Click on the ‘Gravity Network Catalog’ at the ‘Network Catalog’ tab to configure the pipe catalog and structure catalog to be used in the ‘Pipe Network Catalog Settings’.

4. Go to the ‘Parts List’ tab and click on the ‘Gravity Parts List’ or “Pressure Parts List’ to adjust the network pipes components to be used accordingly.