Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
• Exact materials and fittings as they would be installed
• Generalized materials and fittings
The first approach is to think of pipe types from the perspective of the
installer. The pipe type is related to the material and style of fitting used.
For instance, both chilled- and hot-water mechanical pipes, 3′ (900 mm) in
diameter and under, are commonly constructed from copper with soldered
or brazed sweat-joint fittings. This should be the basis of your pipe type.
The benefit of this approach is a more detailed and accurate model. But
the downsides can be overwhelming as well. Many systems could vary in
materials and fittings, and the engineers may or may not know the material
for the system at the time of modeling. And of course, in some cases, having
too many material choices and fittings can overwhelm even the most
knowledgeable modelers. This is a significant challenge when a company
wantstotargetahigh-detailleveloftheBIMmodel,butattheendoftheday
it would accomplish only what the person behind the computer is capable
of. And in this case we are not talking about computer skills but engineering
knowledge.
The second approach is to simplify things a bit and create pipe types that
wouldcovermorereal-worldsystemsunderasinglepipetype—forexample,
Gravity and Pressure. The gravity pipe type can be used for systems such
as waste, grease waste, storm drain, and overflow leader. Pressure can be
usedfordomestichotwater,domesticcoldwater,hydronicsupply,hydronic
return, and glycol. The limitations of this method are less-accurate models
and volumes of the individual systems. Perhaps a combination of the two
can be considered: generalization could be applied to most systems, except
those for which volume calculations or the real size of fittings is of
significant importance.
Tomodifyandcreatenewpipetypes,intheProjectBrowserchooseFamilies
Pipes Pipe Types and then right-click the Standard type. Select
Duplicate. This creates the additional pipe types you will need for your
project. Next, right-click the duplicated pipe types and rename them to the
pipe types you require. It is preferable to rename them to the pipe material
type selected under Pipe Segment. You can find out or change the pipe
material under the Pipe Segment selection by right-clicking the pipe type
and choosing Type Properties Routing Preferences.
