Problem:

How to make changes to Unit files in AutoPIPE?

Example: Change units used for displacement output from "mm" to "Dm"

Solution:

Yes, the units can be changed as needed. However, Highly suggest that all modifications be save to a non-default AutoPIPE unit file name. Example, do not make customized changes to the SI.UNT and safe the file for use in AutoPIPE. Instead open the SI.UNT file, make the necessary customizations to the file and save as a new filename not already used by AutoPIPE, ex SI-1.UNT (limit to ASCI naming convention, i.e. 8 characters)

Example:

Change units used for displacement output from "mm" to "Dm"

Procedure:

***IMPORTANT*** maintain column alignment and format in the unit file

1. Open Existing AutoPIPE Unit file (ex. SI.UNT, shown above) located in AutoPIPE installation folder. This file can be edited by any text editor (ex. UltraEdit, NotePAD++, etc..).

2. Find line for units used in displacements, i.e. #28. (see 4th column for line description). On line 29 of the file is the original unit and factor used for all results Displacements.  

3. Change name the unit of measure in first column from the original value (ex. "mm") to a new unit of measure ( ex. "dm")

4. Change the factor value in the 2nd column from the original value (ex. "25.4")  to a new value (ex. "0.254")

Question: why use a factor of "0.254"?

Answer: because 1 inch = 0.254 Dm, the original value which these factors are based on can be seen in the AutoPIPE.UNT file:

The AutoPIPE.UNT is the base UNIT file from which all other unit files are created from. Another words, starting with a fresh copy of AutoPIPE.UNT file save to a new filename ( 8 characters), modify the first column name to a new unit abbreviation, hand calculate the factor between the original unit of measure and the updated unit of measure, and enter that in the second column on the same row (remember to maintain column alignment and format). Update additional rows as needed. 

Example: change coordinates from Ft to inch or to mm: 

5. AutoPIPE only reads Unit files from 2 locations, save modified unit file to a new Filename.UNT. in one or both of these locations:

a. Model's folder

b. AutoPIPE's installation folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\Bentley\AutoPIPE...)

Notes:

a. Using AutoPIPE 10.xx.xx and higher, user cannot save directly to installation folder because it is a secure folder. Instead save to desktop, and then copy from desktop to installation folder. The following will be displayed.  

Press Continue, or ask your IT department for assistance. 

b. be careful that TXT was not appended to the filename when saved). 

6. Restart AutoPIPE, open an existing or new model in the application and specify the unit file as needed on AutoPIPE's General Model Options dialog:

Warning: being a custom modification, Bentley cannot be held responsible for the inaccuracy of a new / modified UNIT file content. It is your responsibility to verify the affected Input and Results modification made to the unit file:

Original Input and results:

Using newly created Unit file:

Difference between original value and updated value:

Dx = 0.022 mm, 

hand calculate conversion to Dm = 0.00022,

round off to 3 digits = 0.000

compare to AutoPIPE results, OK

Dy = -6.913 mm, 

hand calculate conversion to Dm = 0.06913

round off to 3 digits =  0.069

compare to AutoPIPE results, OK

Dz = -1.441 mm,

hand calculate conversion to Dm = 0.01441

round off to 3 digits = 0.014

compare to AutoPIPE results, OK 

Appears to be OK, but suggest spot checking another location to be sure.

Remember, being a custom module, Bentley cannot be held responsible for the inaccuracy of the new library
content. It is your responsibility to verify the program's output reports in order to confirm functionality of the newly customize library

See Also

AutPIPE's Unit files

Libraries - AutoPIPE

Bentley AutoPIPE