Functions

This section summarises the functions described in the Handbook in Drainage chapter.

Load point

Nominal width (mm)
Height1
Height2 (connection height)
Height reference: Sea level / ±0.00 / Storey
Storage location of load point graphics
Conn.type: up / horizontal / down

Tip

Clicking on a load point opens the property bar with the values of the relevant load point.

Chamber

Chamber parameters

Shaft type
Geometry of the chamber: circular/elliptical
Dimension (cm)
Shaft height (cm)
Upper edge (cm)
Height reference: Sea level / ±0.00 / Storey
Cone type: none / central / eccentric narrow / eccentric wide
Cone diameter (cm)
Cone height (cm)
Place (rotate, etc.)

The shaft is displayed directly in 3D, switching to the 2D view with Ctrl + K shows the reduced 2D depiction.

Tip

Label seepage chamber: same procedure as for the inspection chamber but click on an inlet point for the outlet. The label will also be automatically generated, the entries for the outlet in the chamber description must be manually deleted.

Circuit

Circuit parameters

Circuit type
Dimension (mm)
Start circuit
End circuit
Circuit back
Display attributes

It is important that the pipe layout is drawn in a way that is technically correct.
There are no 60° connections or multi-branch fittings, etc. available on the market.
The program takes into account the situation as entered, but when the shaped parts are generated this could lead to unrealistic results.

Minimum gaps to be observed:

Nominal width:	Distance x:
100 mm	16.0 cm
125 mm	18.5 cm
150 mm	20.5 cm
200 mm	25.5 cm
250 mm	30.5 cm

Automatic: If a circuit is drawn vertically over another circuit, ELITECAD uses the THREE LINE function to calculate a 45°-branch fitting automatically.

Slope calculation

The slope calculation determines the intended slope of the network, and a network analysis is also carried out.
This function will always be required after ending and expanding a circuit (including multi-part).

Errors in the analysis (e.g. intended slope undercut) are marked by a large cross, "model information" shows the message in the info window.

The intended slope applies as of the specified point until the load point or until the next "fixed" height point or until the next intended slope, in the direction of the last point in each case.

The intended slope is removed by an "x" in this area.

Set height

The height of every start and end point of a circuit can be moved and fixed using the "Set height" function.

The height of fixed circuit points can no longer be moved with a new slope calculation; only the intended slope is corrected.
A difference between actual slope and intended slope enables a drop to be inserted. (see "Set drop")

Observe height reference: Sea level / ±0.00 / Storey

The fixing on this point is removed with an "x".

Dimension

The nominal width of the circuits can be modified subsequently.

Adjust nominal width in the property bar, select relevant circuits, click Enter to perform the change and to complete the function.

Tip

For a clearer view, rotate the image into the 3D view (vertical circuits can be difficult to select in the top view).

Set drop

A drop overcomes a large height difference within a short distance. This function assumes that there is a difference between the actual slope and the intended slope. This must be defined using the "Set height" function (which requires a height point mid- circuit – see split circuit).

Process: click on the relevant circuit part, then determine the location from which the drop is to be calculated. This location can be determined with capture functions or be set by the program using the "Automatic" function. Next the alignment height is proposed by the system. For the third query, the angle for the alignment must be specified, which should be a standard value: (E.g.: 30, 45, 67, 87 or 90):

If the location was determined via the "Automatic" function, the drop will be inserted immediately.

If the position was determined manually and if the angle is less than 90, the following prompt appears:
Shift in which direction?
Next click on the desired direction and the drop is inserted.

The circuit parts take on the intended slope below and above the drop.

Tip

Before clicking "Set drop", always save a work copy, this function can in many cases not be reversed. Alternative: Drop, delete circuit parts below and above, then reconstruct.

Load point higher/lower

Depending on the definition, the relevant vertical circuit will be added upwards (attachments from above), or downwards (submerged pipe). The vertical lengthening of the axis is only visible once you rotate in 3D.

Before this function is used, the slope calculation must be up to date.

Connection between nominal width and length of the vertical circuit

Nominal width:	Length of vertical circuit:
100 mm	35.0 cm
125 mm	37.5 cm
150 mm	40.0 cm
200 mm	45.0 cm
250 mm	50.0 cm

The upper and lower point of the vertical circuit can be modified with "Set height". (If necessary, rotate image in the 3D view).

Three-line

Shaped parts (pipes, elbows, branch fittings and reductions) are generated.
The three-line layout is a 3D model and a separate object.
The function takes on all display attributes from "Circuit" and reduces the 2D display for the printout.
Key combination: Ctrl + K

Tip

The existing three-line layout is automatically deleted when the function is repeated, i.e. it does not exist in duplicate.

Label circuit

Labels circuits with material, nominal width, incline, and direction.
Example: PVC ø 125 mm 2 % incl. >>

The text is automatically placed along the line.

Circuit texts are associative and are immediately corrected when changes are made to material, nominal width and inclines.

Edit texts:

The text properties are predefined in the text parameter CIRCUIT and can be changed from there at any time.

Move or delete text:	Modify text:
Alt + click on text	Alt + double-click on text

Label underside pipe

Labels the underside of the pipe at the selected point as of the height reference set (sea level / ±0.00 / storey).
Example: B: -3.00

Edit texts:

The text properties are predefined in the text parameter CIRCUIT and can be changed from there at any time.

Move or delete text:	Modify text:
Alt + click on text	Alt + double-click on text

Label chamber

Labels parameterised chambers with I1, I2 .../O for inlets and outlets and with the general information of the relevant chamber.
Examples:

Edit texts:

The text properties are predefined in the text parameter CHAMBER and can be changed there at any time.

Move or delete text:	Modify text:
Alt + click on text	Alt + double-click on text

Quantities manager

The function "Create and print lists" generates a formatted bill of materials (following evaluation in DB).


If an individual element is clicked on, its values appear in the properties field of the Quantities manager.

Display bottom of pipe

Shows the height data of any given point on the circuit.

Reference plan

A reference plan is an ELITECAD drawing already created that is inserted "behind" the actual new drawing. All elements will be displayed in one colour only. When drawing you can access all of the capturable points in the reference drawing.

Whilst creating a template with auxiliary lines may be sufficient for smaller objects, for larger drainages it is very helpful to work with a reference drawing. The amount of work is no greater than when the drainage is traced out with auxiliary lines.

For the course example, the reference drawing was also stored in the "Reference plan" layer. The drawing can then be shown and hidden using the layer manager or the image properties parameter dialog.

Paste the reference plan

Menu INSERT > REFERENCE DRAWING

Load into… - Reference plan is imported into the saved storey Position… - Reference plan is imported into the active storey and can also be positioned Delete… - Delete and deactivate reference plan

Show/hide

The visibility can be set in the image properties parameter dialog.


On: visible in image and printout
Off: hidden

Settings

Menu SETTINGS > OPTIONS

Save mode: do not include in save always include in save selection for inclusion in save

Colour: Colour number in which the reference plan is displayed