Yes, AutoPIPE can import / export files with CAESAR.
The File> Import> Caesar II Neutral (*.cii) command is a means for importing CII neutral files created from Caesar II models. These drawing must first be prepared in their native program before being imported into AutoPIPE. The process involves two main steps:
To export a model from AutoPIPE to Caesar, convert the AutoPIPE model *.DAT into a *.CII format, Select File> Export> Caesar II Neutral (*.cii).
AutoPIPE and CAESAR share a lot of commonality in function but do not share the same concepts of programming. Caesar uses various types of elements to create a model, whereas AutoPIPE model is built by defining a series of piping points where each successive point is reliant on the DELTA distance offset from the previous point back to the ORIGIN point. However, both approaches result in the same model and hence components can be mapped from one to another. Caesar neutral files do not contain all the information defined by the user. The missing information cannot be translated into AutoPIPE. In general, all data on the Caesar main spreadsheet and all auxiliary spreadsheets is translated into AutoPIPE. This includes all piping geometry (except fiberglass), supports, pressure and temperature loading, forces and moments, displacements etc.
Occasional loads (wind, earthquake and dynamic load) cannot be translated and should be redefined in AutoPIPE.
See AutoPIPE online help for all the details of importing / exporting files between these applications.
Please see the following AutoPIPE help section:
Help > Contents> Search Tab> enter "CAESAR" (include the quotes), press List Topics button, double click on the selected topic from the list provided to see more information.
ATTENTION: Be sure to note the limitations on the "Caesar CII Mapping" help page
Select the appropriate hyperliink below for addition information:
IF you are still having issues with importing / exporting CAESAR cii file that is beyond that covered in the AutoPIPE’s online Help, please submit a Bentley service request with the AutoPIPE model, CAESAR file, screen shots of exactly the problem with related node numbers from both models for each occurrence to be reviewed. Add all files to a single ZIP file to be attached to the service request.
Import / Export CAESAR (cii) or Areva PDMS (cii)
Bentley AutoPIPE