Importing the Civil 3D model into InfoDrainage for stormwater design

Step-by-step

InfoDrainage is very powerful in its ability to calculate the appropriate sizes and types of stormwater drainage system elements. For this reason, it is advantageous to import CAD files that were started in Civil 3D and complete the hydraulic design in InfoDrainage.

To import a Civil 3D hydraulic model into InfoDrainage:

1. Click File > Open.

2. Select a file exported from Civil 3D as an InfoDrainage file—in this example, Initial Model.iddx.
3. Click Open.

Notice the Plan View updates to show the imported model.

To load rainfall data:

4. On the ribbon, Rainfall/Pollutants tab, Rainfall panel, click Rainfall Manager.

5. In the Rainfall Manager, under the Rainfall Manager Items, expand Design Storms and select FSR.

Be aware that the example rainfall data is for demonstration only. Be sure to research and use the appropriate rainfall study data for your local project.

6. In the toolbar, click Add (+) to load the FSR data.

7. In the Parameters tab, ensure the Region is set to England and Wales.
8. In the M5-60 (mm) type box, enter 20.0
9. Set the Ratio R value to 0.400.

These values are representative of the south of England.

10. Under Storm Profile, enable Summer.
11. Enable Winter.
12. Click the Return Periods tab.

13. Keep the Use checkbox enabled.
14. In the Return Period (years) cell, enter 2.

15. Click the Storm Durations tab.
16. Click Default to select the default storms and durations.

17. Click OK.

Viewing the pipes and manholes in profile view can help you determine how the design needs to change:

18.  In the Tree View, right-click Flow Paths and select Add.

19. In the model, click the upstream manhole on the left.
20. Click the last manhole on the right.

The manholes and pipes highlight, and in the Tree View, the Flow Path is listed.

21. In the Tree View, right-click the Flow Path and select Show Profile.

In the Profile – Flow Path dialog box, notice the manholes and pipes are all set at the same level and depth going down the slope. This is because they have not yet been designed to handle the correct amount of runoff for this area.

Now that you have successfully imported the Civil 3D model into InfoDrainage, you can finish the hydraulic design.