Hello,
My question:
I am working on a large network model consisting of approx. 260k pipes and junction and numerous pumps, tanks, valves, etc. The network was developed using modelBuilder with data source type .shp (GIS data base was provided by client) and extended by multiple missing lines using modelBuilder with data source type .dxf (CAD) and / or import of sub-models. Model building worked fine during elaboration of the network.
Unfortunately, after finalization of steady state and EPS analysis of the network (multiple scenarios and alternative have been added) the extension of the network (which is intended by the client itself) using modelbuilder or import of sub-model is not working anymore. Do you have experienced something similar?
Splitting the model into several smaller sized models and deleting scenarios, alternatives, selection sets, etc. not used allows extension of the network using modelbuilder. Is my model just to big to handle the syncronisation? Do you have any recommendation if something disturbes the syncronisation process?
More details thereto below:
In the last couple of months I have created a quite large water network model consisting of 6 major areas for a network development master plan. Bases of the model was GIS data received by local water authorities. Since these data was not up to date numerous transmission & distribution lines, networks, etc. were missing and have been collected in CAD data format. Following steps were performed for development of the model:
1. Creating model using modelBuilder with data source type .shp (GIS data).
2. Adding missing networks by compiling missing lines, etc. in comprehensive CAD files and adding to the model either by
a. Using modelBuilder with data source type .dxf (CAD)
b. Using modelBuilder with data source type .dxf (CAD) in separate model and export / import as sub-model to the master (created from GIS)
Above model development worked fine resulting in a final model of the overall network of the 6 areas with approx. 260k pipes and junctions. Size of model results from clients request to model until lowest consumer level.
After completion of the hydraulic analysis of the network and growth of the scenario and alternative (active topology, physical, initial settings, operational, etc.) structure, including
1. Base Scenario divided into 6 Sub-Scenarios "Area 1 - 6"
2. Each Sub-Scenarios divided into 4 time steps "2017 - 2031"
3. Each time step with partially different network development solutions
the model expansion by using modelBuilder as described above are not working anymore. The software always collapses after quite some processing time, either by using direct syncronisation or import of sub-model. Do you have experienced something similar?
I have created a separate model just for one of the 6 Areas by deleting all remaining parts of the network, scenarios, alternatives, selection sets, etc. which drastically reduced the size of the model. With this smaller model the expansion of the network works. Is my model just to big to handle the syncronisation? Do you have any recommendation if something disturbes the syncronisation process?
Thank you for your response
Best Regards
Florian
Hello Florian,
Are you getting any error while importing or combining the sub-model? Please refer the below mentioned article which explains in detail the procedure for importing and combining sub-models and also provides some troubleshooting guidelines.
Combining models with Submodel Import
Are you getting any error while analyzing the large model (260k) pipes? Are you getting some error while analyzing like "The number of active in this model exceeds the number of allowed for your license"? Generally this type of user notification comes up when you have a limited pipes license. If this is not the case, you need not worry about how large your model is.
User Notification: "The number of active in this model exceeds the number of allowed for your license"
If you are getting any error or user notification while importing sub-models then please share a screenshot of the error for reference. Also please share your system specifications and model files (along with any GIS, CAD data you might have used for the ModelBuilder tool)for testing. You can upload the model files by referring to this article;
Sharing Hydraulic Model Files on the Haestad Forum
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Yashodhan Joshi
Dear Yashodhan,
Thank you for your prompt reply. I am not having any trouble importing the sub-model or using the modelBuilder for adding the DXF file when working with the reduced model as meantioned in my request. Also analyzing of the large model is ok.
Only when I try to combine the sub-model or adding the DXF file with modelBuilder the software does not react anymore after some time. No error or user notification is given.
I have uploaded the model on the Bentley Sharefile System adding forum thread URL, since the data is confidential. ZIP folder includes
- the main model
- the sub-model to be added
- alternatively the modelBuilder file including the .dxf file to be added
I am working with WaterCAD Version 08.11.06.58.
Thank you for your further investigation
BR Florian
Thank you for sharing the model files. We tested your model and sub-model and were able to reproduce the issue you faced while importing sub-model (software does not react). However we converted your sub-model into a DXF and were able to import it successfully.
Please allow us some more time for further testing.
Hello Yashodhan,
Thank you for your response. I appreciate your attempt for further investigation. Kindly provide your feedback as early as possible, since I am having an upcoming meeting with our client, where I would like to clarify this issue.
I too was able to reproduce the model hang when trying to import a submodel into your large, main model. I noticed that significant CPU usage continues to occur. I do not know if this operation will ever complete as I cancelled it after about 20 minutes, but from my testing, it appears that the problem may be related to the model's .DWH file.
I was able to import the submodel by first deleting the DWH file. This file stores information on how the network appears in the drawing pane. This file is recreated when the model is re-opened. When doing this, I noticed the DWH file save reduced from about 250 MB to about 130 MB. See the following wiki article for more information on improving performance of large models:
How to increase model performance / reduce run time
Deletion of the DWH is mentioned under the section "Opening, saving, entering data, panning, etc"
I suspect that the long delay could also be caused by the large number of vertices for the pipes being imported from the submodel. Pipe AJM-UAQ-P-6 has 1498 vertices.
On an unrelated note, there are some disconnected lateral connections in the submodel network. For example junction "AJM-UAQ-J-5" is overlapping the aforementioned main pipe and is not connected to it. This could be caused by how the linework was created or how the elements were imported via ModelBuilder. See related article: Junctions appear to overlay a pipe instead of connecting to it
I also noticed that you are using V8i SELECTseries 6. I highly recommend upgrading to the CONNECT Edition; you can read about some of the advancements in the CONNECT Edition here:
What's new with WaterGEMS and WaterCAD CONNECT Edition
What's new with WaterGEMS and WaterCAD CONNECT Edition Update 1
Jesse DringoliTechnical Support Manager, OpenFlowsBentley Communities Site AdministratorBentley Systems, Inc.
Answer Verified By: Sushma Choure