Don’t let data die on paper

software

Data should never die with a paper printed drawing. Often, work is done digitally, and a paper printed drawing is created. Then, later, someone extracts information from the paper print and tries to put the data back to digital format. This is an inefficient, time-consuming process and not conducive to digital project delivery (BIM),” says Peter Webb, director, Technocad.

Technocad believes that data should be reused by engineers, contractors and owners and gives an example where a design is made for an urban sewer reticulation system. Webb explains, “A Technocad software product called PipeMate will use data from a surveyor to create a digital terrain model. That digital terrain model is then linked into the design of the sewer reticulation system. If a pipe is moved or regraded, data on the ground levels and pipe grading is automatically updated into the design. Furthermore, once the design is completed, a bill of quantities is developed literally at the touch of a

PIPEMATE – GRAVITY RETICULATION SYSTEMS (SEWAGE AND STORMWATER)

• Provides an intuitive graphical approach to sewer and stormwater reticulation design and analysis, whereby basic information pertaining to the reticulation system is gleaned directly from the AutoCAD drawing

• Pipe networks are coordinated and layout and longitudinal section drawings are created automatically from parameters chosen by the designer

• All manhole numbering and pipe numbering is done

• Gives final working layout and longitudinal section drawings with the minimum amount of manual input

• Quantities are also calculated, both for piping and manholes

• Trench excavation volumes are also available

• The designer simply has to draw lines representing the gravity pipe network in plan in AutoCAD, connecting the plots/stands as required, creating a ‘dendritic’ drainage network in the process; line endpoints indicate manhole requirements – no manholes need to be drawn button. Drawings are the by-product of the entire process. Using the same, live data throughout the project is where one gets value out of Technocad software. Reusing digital data creates substantial time savings in digital project delivery.”

Sharing information is a pivotal part of the process. Software from Technocad enables everyone on the project to always use the correct, up-to-date data. This supports the ability of the project team to work collaboratively. It aids the workflow of the project – from concept to handover – and can still be used once the project is completed.

“The idea is to cut out silos of information and create a single source of truth. We believe that data should be connected to a design and should be live,” states Webb. Technocad software speeds up the design process from weeks to a few hours. “For example, with our PipeMate product, by merely inputting data, a full gravity reticulation system can be designed with all the appropriate checks, like making sure pipes tie up at manholes. When the software is given engineering parameters, it can create a design, giving the engineer or design technician more time to analyse massive networks and optimise that design. Then all the digital information is captured and can be used throughout the project and life of the infrastructure. The design engineer is always in complete control; the software merely speeds up the process,” he explains.

Other advantages

When a water reticulation project is handed over to the client, a data file should be added to the client’s GIS system with information on the pipe material, grading, diameter, class, location and closest manhole, among other attributes. This assists with ongoing maintenance. Often, paper drawings are stored in somebody’s office and nobody knows where they are when they are needed. When data is in a digital medium, it can be stored on a cloud-based system and it is easily accessible to everyone decades later. While Technocad’s software programmes are supplied with tutorials and electronic help files, Webb suggests that a two-day intensive training course will assist with rapid progress in utilising the software. “All training courses are held online and can be accessed by anyone in the world. They are tutorled and questions can be asked as delegates work through the material. We provide examples of designs of water reticulation systems as well as extended period simulation where pressures and flows can be monitored over time. In certain cases, we even make very specific videos to help a client resolve a query,” says Webb. Technocad’s clients vary – from small, ‘one-man’ companies to large, global corporates employing over 500 people. “Over the past 30 years, we estimate that nearly half of South Africa’s water infrastructure has used Technocad’s

WATERMATE – PRESSURISED WATER RETICULATION DESIGN AND ANALYSIS, ALSO INCORPORATING OVERLAND DISTRIBUTION PIPELINES

• Provides an intuitive graphical approach to water reticulation design, whereby information for the hydraulic analysis is gleaned directly from the AutoCAD drawing

• Can be used for networked systems and overland distribution pipelines

• Water networks have the nodes and pipes numbered and coordinated automatically – this allows for easy rearrangement of the network layout without having to manually renumber nodes and pipes

• Since work is done in AutoCAD, extra notes can be added, background aerial photographs and reference contour files can be attached

• Very fast static hydraulic analysis or time simulation of the water network is done with a selection of reservoirs and/ or tanks and hydraulic devices, which can be placed anywhere in the network

• Pipe information is stored in the drawing, and only has to be entered once

• The designer simply has to draw the lines of the water network in plan in AutoCAD, connecting the plots/stands as required, creating a closed/open-looped network in the process software. I think that this is because the software is easy to use and priced fairly, with different licensing options. It is important to Technocad that the client buys the right software that is best suited to their needs, so we work closely with potential clients from the very beginning to understand what they want from the software and what type of projects they plan to use the software for,” Webb concludes.