Create bulk water network from multiple 3D polylines in Civil 3D

Civil 3D does not provide a built-in tool to convert multiple source objects into a single pipe network. The only available method is to convert each object individually into its own pipe network and then merge all the networks manually.

If you are familiar with Devotech iDAS, you may know that the Stormwater, Sewer, and Water Reticulation Wizards allow you to select multiple source objects of different types when creating a pipe network, which significantly reduces design time.

However, when creating a bulk water pipeline, the iDAS Bulk Water Wizard expects a single continuous linear object, such as a 2D polyline, 3D polyline, or horizontal alignment, since it is programmed to automatically generate a vertical alignment based on the surface profile.

So how should you approach this design task?

Simply use the Devotech iDAS Water Reticulation Wizard instead:

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This approach is more suitable for bulk water pipelines when you have multiple source objects or if you want to assign elevations directly from the source objects, rather than allowing the software to design the vertical alignment automatically.

Keep in mind that the Water Reticulation Wizard includes an option to assign elevations from the source objects, which makes it well-suited for this type of workflow.

In Devotech iDAS, you can also adjust the rim elevations of all pipe network structures using the Adjust Inverts command. Additionally, by temporarily treating the bulk water pipeline as a stormwater network, you can generate profile views for all branches simultaneously.

For a step-by-step demonstration, watch the video below: