Creating fittings by layout in Civil 3D is typically part of designing a pipe network. During the layout process, Civil 3D automatically generates fittings—such as elbows, tees, or reducers—where pipe segments meet or change direction. You can also adjust or add fittings manually if needed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Prepare Your Drawing Environment
Open Your Drawing:
Ensure you have your Civil 3D drawing open with the proper coordinate system and design settings.
Set Up Styles:
Open the Toolspace and go to the Settings tab.
Expand the Pipe Networks section and verify or customize your pipe network and fitting styles according to your project standards.
This setup ensures that when fittings are created, they follow your predefined appearance and behavior.
Step 2: Activate the Pipe Network Layout Tools
Access the Layout Command:
On the Home Tab under the Create Design panel, click the Pipe Network drop-down.
Choose Create Pipe Network by Layout.
This command activates the Pipe Network Layout Tools palette, which streamlines the design process.
Select or Create a Pipe Network:
If you already have a pipe network, select it.
Otherwise, you can create a new pipe network by following the prompts in the command line (select a network style, name, etc.).
Step 3: Lay Out the Pipe Network
Start the Layout:
Click in the drawing to define the starting point of your pipe network.
The layout tools will display a dynamic preview of pipe segments as you move your cursor.
Define the Network Path:
Continue clicking to add points along the desired path.
When you change direction significantly (for example, turning a corner), Civil 3D will automatically detect the change and propose inserting a fitting (typically an elbow) at the junction.
Review Dynamic Fitting Prompts:
As you lay out the network, pay attention to on-screen prompts indicating where a fitting will be created.
If the proposed fitting does not meet your design intent, you may adjust your layout point to modify the angle or later edit the fitting properties.
Step 4: Inserting and Editing Fittings
Automatic Fitting Creation:
Civil 3D will automatically place fittings at junctions where the pipe segments meet at angles that require them (for instance, elbows at directional changes).
Manually Adding or Adjusting Fittings:
To add a fitting manually:
Right-click on a pipe segment junction where you want to add a fitting.
Look for an option such as Add Fitting (or a similar command, depending on your Civil 3D version).
To edit an existing fitting:
Select the fitting (often visible as a symbol or annotation at the junction).
Right-click and choose Properties or double-click to open the fitting’s properties dialog.
Modify parameters such as swing angle, orientation, or connection type as required.
Step 5: Finishing the Layout
Complete the Layout Command:
Once you’ve defined all segments and reviewed the fittings, press Enter or right-click and select Finish.
