AutoCAD Exporting Tips for Developing Autopipe Model

What is the best method for utilizing autocad models to build your autopipe model? From what I can tell, the best you can do is import the node coordinates. Is there a simple way to also export the runs from autocad and import them into autopipe?

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  • Greetings Nicholas, 

    The largest problem is people believe that AutoCAD lines / solids contain information that can be read by other programs.  As of Nov 2021, the best exported file from AutoDESK AutoCAD is a DWG or DXF files. Unfortunately there is a large amount of information missing from both of these files needed by a stress program: piping geometry (Pipe Od, Pipe Wall thick, corroded thickness, mill thickness, SG of contents..), supports (type, bearing direction, sprint rate, etc..), material properties ( cold modulus, cold allowable, weld factors, density, poisson's ratio, etc..),  etc..

    It would be best if AutoDESK supported the industry standard of exporting a PCF file of their model. If AutoDESK exported such a file format then it would take but a few with a few minor tweeks here and there moments to import a fairly large model. Until then, the best would be to import the coordinates and type of component as seen here, and then update information inside of AutoPIPE. 

    Highly recommend that the AutoCAD community gets together to formally request AutoDESK deliver a better exported formatted file than DWG and DXF, suggest PCF.

    Regards,
    Mike Dattilio
    Design Analysis Engineering Group
    Senior Analyst Bentley Systems Inc
    =============================================================================

  • Is there a way to just import the node coordinates without specifying the 'From" and 'To' coordinates? Then I would like to connect the nodes manually in autopipe.

    I can export the x,y,z coordinates from autocad but it does not appear to have a way to export which nodes are connected. So I feel this way would be the most practical for importing model information. An additional method might be redefining the run node conditions. Is there an easy way to do this using the imported node coordinates?

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  • Is there a way to just import the node coordinates without specifying the 'From" and 'To' coordinates? Then I would like to connect the nodes manually in autopipe.

    I can export the x,y,z coordinates from autocad but it does not appear to have a way to export which nodes are connected. So I feel this way would be the most practical for importing model information. An additional method might be redefining the run node conditions. Is there an easy way to do this using the imported node coordinates?

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