Problem Description

AutoPIPE: Import/export to CEASAR

Can AutoPIPE import / export to CAESAR?

Troubleshooting question/answers

TR Number:
Product: AutoPIPE
Version: 09.04.00.19
Area: General, import
Problem ID#: 75697

Solution: 

Yes, AutoPIPE can import / export files with CAESAR.

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.

 Be sure to note the import limitations on the "Caesar CII Mapping" help page.

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.

Troubleshooting:

Question 1.   Imported CII file with segment origin points are reset to 0,0,0.

A1. Apparently the problem is not with AutoPIPE but with CAESAR. This is a known issue as logged under the following:

http://65.57.255.42/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=47224&Searchpage=1&Main=10494&Words=Coord&Search=true#Post47224

According to this forum discussion,  Richard Ay from Intergraph created a EXE file and sent to the user. Please contact CAESAR tech support requesting this updated file. This issue can be reproduced by creating the CII file in CAESAR and re-opening the same CII file back in CAESAR.

Question 2. Problems with importing AutoPIPE files

A2. Typical import mapping issues are covered in AutoPIPE's online help. Please see the AutoPIPE help section mentioned above. You may need to make adjustments to the CIIMAP file. Note that this file is not free format.  Format of each section is fixed (rows and columns).  Items outside these sections are not read.

Question 3.

After importing a CESAR file into AtuoPIPE found that after pressing the toolbar button "Show Pipe Properties" does not have an option to view "ALL" Pipe identifiers. Did the import corrupt the program?:

A3. No, the prorgram is functioning correctly. Sounds like you are using a newer version of the application. There is a new tool called "Show Options" used for viewing the different settings applied to a model ie. Pipe Properties, Press, Temp, Pipe Insulation, Hydrodyamic data, Weight, Connected segments, etc...

Use the Tool bar button "Show Pipe Properties" to see information on a specific "Pipe Identifier".

or

Use View> Show Options> drop down to see color plots with many more dynamic features to review data in a model.

 Whenever upgrading to a new version of the application, please review the "readme_autopipe.htm" file located in the application folder,"C:\Bentley\AutoPIPE Selectseries", for very valuable information about the new version. In addtion, see AutoPIPE Help> AutoPIPE News> settings , enable  Bentley Releases & Bentley AutoPIPE options, press Refresh Button, search for the release notice of a particular version,  at the bottom of the posting is a URL to a web page with more details about a release. Example:

Bentley AutoPIPE V8i SELECTseries 4 (Commercial Release - v09.05.01.02 English) Now Available!Thu, 27 Jun 2013 17:08:00 EDTThe AutoPIPE V8i SELECTseries 4 version 9.5.1.2 is a nuclear QA and maintenance release which replaces version 9.5.0.21. There are 3 critical and 3 major errors fixed in this release plus the following minor enhancements addedImport/Export- Batch processing Option for Thermal Transient Analysis- Batch processing Option for generating input *.mdb file- Batch processing Option to export model as NTL- Batch processing Option to hide the program screenGraphics- Display north arrow on graphical plotGeneral- Bundle AutoPIPE Nozzle with AutoPIPE program- Rename "Plus" edition to "Advanced" editionAnalysis- Increase number of time history steps to 10,000To view the full defect list for AutoPIPE v9.5.1.2, go to the link below.Http://selectservices.bentley.com/en-US/Support/Downloads+And+Updates/Readme/Bentley+AutoPIPE+v09050102.htm

Also, consider taking an official AutoPIPE training class as there are many small tips an trick that are published but people newer know about. Many season veterans benefit from an semi annual training class to keep skills and knowledge about the program current.