Category Archives: Programming

Modelling, Programming

Creating Custom Parameteric Pipe Structures in Civil 3D Part Builder

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Its not everyone’s favourite part of Civil 3D. But I get a lot of questions about it.

Civil 3D Part Builder has the ability to create custom parametric parts of all shapes and sizes. The video below will explain everything in detail, the rest of the blog further below will just run over the stumbling blocks you need to know.

Adding Custom Contexts

To add custom contexts you will need to go to this path and edit the “AeccPartParamCfg.xml”. You will need to restart civil 3D to see the changes in part builder

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\C3D 2016\enu\Pipes Catalog\Aecc Shared Content\AeccPartParamCfg.xml

Add your custom parameter in the <AeccParamDeclaration> section, just copy another one and change it to suit.

Then add your same context into the <AeccParamUsage> section further below. Make sure you enter it under the correct structure type.

Linking the Custom Context to the Dimensions

To create the link to the custom context parameters you will need to ensure your part is mostly finished first. Ensure you have a dimension in Civil 3D that represents the custom parameter, you will override it in the part’s XML

Now open the parts XML file it can be found in the catalog location here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: opening the part in part builder will reset these changes shown here and you will need to go and do them again

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\C3D 2016\enu\Pipes Catalog\ANZ Metric Structures\Junction Structures with Frames\AeccStructRectSlabTopRectFrameANZ_Metric_offsets.xml

Inside the XML you will need to find the dimension that represents the basepoint offset width.

IMPORTANT NOTE: opening the part in part builder will reset these changes shown here and you will need to go and do them again

So this is that the line should look like

Adding Custom Sizes

You can add custom sizes in this same XML.

Find the parameter you want to change and copy the lines down. Ensure you update the index number as well.

Updating the Catalog and Validating

When your done making changes you will need to update the catalog in civil 3D. Command PARTCATALOGREGEN, select structures or pipes, whatever you need.

I also recommend validating the parts in the catalog screen.

The results can be found here

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\C3D 2016\enu\Pipes Catalog\ANZ Metric Structures\Validate

Find your part name and open the txt file.

Everything Else!

I suggest watching the video above.

Enjoy!

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Office Tricks, Programming

How to diagnose computer performance issues

I have been having some serious performance issues lately with my DELL precision M6600, which is almost 5-6 years old now!

I finally found a way to determine if it is my hardware or my workflows. Quite pleased to say it was my hardware and I am not crazy. But here is how I found out!

Download the Passmark Perfomance Test tool from link below (Free 30 day trial). These guys test over 600 000 rigs or something like that daily and after you complete your test you can compare your results to people with a similar or identical rig. Very useful!

http://www.passmark.com.au/download/pt_download.htm

I tested using 8.0 when writing this.

1. After you load into the performance tool, go the system tab and take note of the key specs of your computer. You will need these to find other rigs similar to yours to compare to.

  • CPU type/speed/L3 cache
  • Total Physical Memory
  • HDD Rpm/Size
  • Video Adapter Description

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2. Go to “Baseline” Menu -> Manage baselines…

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3. Now go the “My baselines” tab and delete all the existing baselines that get placed in by default

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4. Then go to the “advanced search” tab and add in a few params. I added my cpu and clock speed and my model type

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5. Tick on as many baselines as you can see match your specs. You may need to play around with the search params. You can add up to 16 baselines.

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6. Now run the Benchmark! Make sure you close any working applications. If your on a laptop, make sure you plug your power supply in.

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7. You will get a nice little bar and some popups while it runs.. Even a jet flying around..

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8. When your done you will get a score like so.

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9. After you finish uploading you will get a popup with a link .. RECORD THIS LINK, As I haven’t been able to find it later! And its useful to be able to send to others etc..

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10. You can now see how your computer benchmarks against other rigs with similar hardware. I ran this test on an old desktop I found to replace my laptop. My laptops results are further below… Absolutely woeful!

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11. Laptop results

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