Software for design, calculation and analysis of storm and sanitary sewage networks

The basic topological elements of the Softplan topological model are nodes and sections. They then automatically form arrays, branches and systems. Arrays and branches can be merged, splitted and edited. In this way, you can create your own topological units.

The advantages are:

• defining and editing data for multiple elements at once
• drawing longitudinal sections according to arrays or branches for the whole system at once
• intelligent selections of topological elements

Softplan offers a large number of intelligent topology selections:

• sections,
• nodes,
• arrays,
• branches,
• from station to station,
• from node to node,
• etc.

In the software, it is also possible to create your own sets of saved selections. Standard CAD selection can also be used in all functions.

Selections are found in all functions. Using selections, it is possible to easily and quickly:

• set network elements (trenches, pipes, manholes, etc.),
• preview and mark the elements in the plan,
• draw longitudinal and cross sections,
• set terrain heights and all other necessary data

Softplan catalogs store information about:

• pipes,
• manholes,
• trenches,
• fittings,
• top layers,
• etc.

Catalogs are edited through Microsoft Excel or Softplan interface. Catalog exchange can be done with other members of the project team. They can also be placed on a network location where multiple designers can use them simultaneously.

The configurations contain saved data and Softplan function settings. They are used to run and perform numerous functions such as:

• labels of elements,
• thematic mapping (color coding),
• preview of data through the tables,
• queries,
• data import and export,
• drawing longitudinal sections (profiles) and cross sections,
• etc.

It is possible to use several different configurations for the same function. By editing the configuration applied in the drawing, all parts of the drawing drawn with that configuration (e.g. longitudinal section configuration) are automatically updated. Configurations used in the project are saved in the drawing. They can be shared with other Softplan users through DWG files. They can be stored on a local disk to be used in other projects or in a network service so that several designers can use them simultaneously.

Softplan previews (tables) are the fastest way to check project data. They are based on configurations. In the program, it is possible to select several predefined configurations that have standard data for sections and nodes. Existing previews can be edited, and new ones can be created with arbitrary data. 

Data shown in previews can be sorted by filters. Previews can also be used for direct data input such as invert elevation and terrain height, and for renaming. The content of the preview can be copied to clipboard and pasted into CAD table or any Microsoft application (Excel, Word).

Previews are also integrated into other functions of Softplan (e.g. for intersection analysis, hydraulic calculations).

Project data available in Softplan can be used in all functions of the software:

• labels,
• longitudinal sections,
• import and export functions,
• previews (tables),
• etc.

The data includes, among other things, hydraulic calculation data, geometric data, excavation data, etc.

Users can choose to import and export, create and input their own defined data. This data can be used in the same way as standard data. It is possible to create an unlimited number of such data. It is also possible to create function data that is used to dynamically calculate certain value according to a given formula.

It is also possible to assign additional network data. These data can be associated with a station or a station range. They are thus ideal for describing the damage, inspection results and the condition of pipes. Queries are a quick and easy way to search and filter items.

Using queries for data filtering is an easy way to find items according to various criteria (one or multiple). It is possible to create the location and data queries and combine them with functions such as data previews, thematic maps, marking, labels, etc.

Queries are configuration-based, which means they can be prepared once and then stored on a disk and used on other projects. They can also be defined as dynamic, which allows the user to enter the limiting criteria each time they run it.

Vector and raster underlays can be imported to Softplan and placed in the corrrect geographic location. Softplan enables input of a large number underlays, that can be easily switdhed on and off, depending on the area of interest.

In Softplan it is possible to import map and terrain elevation data from Google Maps. The points that are imported this way can be used to create a Terrain surface for conceptual solutions.

Softplan has its own module for creating terrain surface (digital terrain model). The surface can be created by using various options.

For example, it can be directly imported from:

• SHP,
• database,
• text files

It can also be crated by using CAD elements in the drawing:

• texts and blocks,
• 3D polylines,
• points and lines with elevations

Softplan also offers tools for working with point clouds – viewing the poing cloud and creating the surface from it, using various elevation and location filters.

Two more surface types are supported in Softplan – 3D Face surface and BricsCAD surface.

Elevations of the elements can be set from the above-mentioned surfaces, or through linear interpolation, by importing values from an external source or by direct input through the data table. 

CAD elements such as lines, and 2D or 3D polylines can be converted to Softplan network by using various settings. Besides the geometry, it is also possible to convert the data that is shown as CAD text and block with attributes close to the network elements ( i.e. Node names, terrain elevation, pipe diameter). To do that, it is necessary to create converion rules.

In this way, pipe network projects drawn with plain CAD elements are converted into intelligent Softplan objects. All standard Softplan commands can then be used on these objects.

Softplan allows the display of the system in plan with different display styles. it is possible to display elements as standard CAD lines and blocks, circles or rectangles, but also in 2D and 3D with the real manhole and pipe dimensions.

All invisible and visible parts of manholes and pipes (axis, wall, outer and inner edges, etc.) can be displayed in different:

• linetypes,
• colors,
• hatches,
• line thickness

Default node blocks can be edited, but user-defined (custom) ones can be created and used as well. Different plan styles in plan can be applied to different parts of the network. In this way, parts of the system can be visually separated according to the type of pipeline (supply, distribution…), construction phase (designed, built…) or type of system (vacuum, pressure, gravity sewage).

Labels are based on configurations. They can be divided into several types:

• labels of branches and arrays,
  
• stations,
  
• angles,
  
• section labels,
  
• cross-stations,
  
• nodes,
  
• etc.

Any change in model or configuration is automatically applied to all labels shown in plan. They can also be rotated and moved interactively. A tool for automatic label repositioning is also available. In just a few seconds, it automatically moves all labels that collide with topology or another label.

The program offers a collection of standard label configurations that have predefined data. All configurations can be copied and edited. Of course, it is also possible to create your own configuration through the provided templates.

Longitudinal sections can be drawn and edited quickly and flexibly because they are also based on configurations. They can be drawn one by one, multiple longitudinal sections at once, or using any selection of topological elements (from node to node, branch, array…).

The same topological elements can be simultaneously displayed in several longitudinal sections (e.g. drawn with a different configuration – different language, standard, scale, data, etc.). It is also possible to replace the current configuration with another one.

Editing the configuration of the longitudinal section is user-friendly and extremely simple. Each component (tabular or graphic) can be interactively selected in the longitudinal section, and details such as size, line type, texts, colors, data table contents, etc. can be set for it.

Longitudinal sections can be drawn in various scales. The drawn profiles can be automatically prepared for plotting on papers of the required dimensions.

The software contains many functions necessary for interactive drawing, editing and setting pipe invert, directly in longitudinal sections. 

Pipe invert can be drawn interactively or it can be numerically set by specifying the start or end invert depths/elevations and slopes. It is possible to move or delete an existing one.

Invert editing functions allow:

• moving the invert on a certain part for a defined offset,
• alignment of pipes on places where diameters change,
• straightening of the invert on defined span by line or by a slope.
• etc.

Softplan also offers function for automatic invert calculation based on rules. The rules include parameters that must be set – for example, minimum and maximum value of drop manholes, minimum and maximum depth below the terrain, minimum and maximum pipe invert slope, etc. The function also takes into account the positions of parts of the existing network. If the invert cannot be set according to the defined rules, the function can automatically insert additional nodes in necessary places to achieve a solution.

Different automatic invert calculation configurations can be prepared with different settings and applied to different parts of the network. Configurations of automatic invert calculation can be stored on disk for later use and shared with other project team members.

Softplan contains several standard types of trenches:

• rectangular,
• trapezoidal,
• with or without widening,
• with or without formwork

A catalog of top layers is also available – top layer group can contain any number of layers of different thicknesses. Trenches and top layers can be added to pipes using various selection options for example from node to node or from station to station.

It is possible to prepare cross-section configurations for standard trenches. Configurations contain all graphical components such as colors, data, hatches, and dimensions. Cross sections can be drawn on all parts of the network by interactively selecting the station in plan or in longitudinal sections and automatically on a constant distance or at characteristic points of the network.

It is also possible to define a parametric trench of arbitrary shape that can be used as a multi-pipe trench.

For given trenches, it is possible to calculate excavation volumes (total or according to depth zones), volumes of bedding and all backfill layers, and formwork area.

Softplan includes a special function for assembling manholes made of prefabricated concrete elements, which are found in the software catalog. The catalog is based on DIN V 4034-1 and EN 1917-2005 standards, and the user can expand it with new elements.

Manholes can be built element by element – depending on the diameter of the pipe and the depth of the manhole. They can also be be set automatically by loading the template with pre-assemled manholes. Program will choose the apropriate manhole considering the height (first smaller one).

It is possible to create reports and lists of elements for prefabricated manholes, draw manhole schemes, show them in 3D and export to IFC and NWC.

Drains and house connections can be drawn with specially adapted functions. The characteristic of drains and house connections is that they can be connected directly to a  node (manhole) or a section (pipe) without breaking the section into two parts. Drains and house connections can consist of one or more sections. They can be drawn by converting CAD elements (lines and polylines) or interactively.

The drawing function allows direct input of data on:

• slopes and pipes,
• connection method to the main channel pipe,
• invert elevations/depths

It is possible to connect the drain or house connection directly to the pipe with a special vertical pipe or with a certain vertical offset from the pipe to the manhole. They can also be automatically labeled when drawing.

The software can also analyze intersections with CAD elements (lines, 2D or 3D polylines) that represent different cable or pipe infrastructures such as telecommunication or power cables, gas pipelines, etc. and also between pipes/manholes and CAD Solids that represent some other elements (structures, walls, fences…).

Data such as:

• the length of the pipeline within the parcel,
• parcel number, crossed by pipeline
• starting and ending station of the pipeline at the entrance/exit of each parcel,
• and others

can be displayed in data tables or in a longitudinal section table.

It is possible to draw a buffer zone (influence zone) around the pipeline and perform an overlay analysis between the buffer zone and the parcel system. In this way, all affected parcels and data on these parcels are obtained (percentage of the original parcel and area of the affected part). This information is necessary to determine easement rights and land expropriation.

Calculation of sanitary and storm flows can be done using various methods. For the calculation of sanitary flows it is possible to use the influence areas method or percentage calculation. A rational method with variable or fixed intensity (IDF curves) is used for the calculation of storm flows. Flows can also be specified interactively (pointwise) through a data table. The defined flows can be grouped into scenarios, and these scenarios can be used to run parallel calculation of hydraulic values and compare them afterwards.

Softplan Sewplan can size the network and calculate all hydraulic values (filling percentage, filling heights, flow times, velocities…) based on previously defined pipe invert slopes and flows. It is also possible to calculate according to the existing diameters. Colebrook-White and Darcy-Weisbach equations are used for hydraulic calculations. It is possible to analyze all the results graphically through thematic maps and longitudinal sections or tabularly through the data previews.

A special function enables the sizing of pressure pipelines based on a previously defined set target velocity and flow rates. Calculations can also be made based on existing diameters. Manometric head is the result of calculation, as well as Reynolds number, Eta, Lambda, Linear and Local hydraulic loss, etc.

Softplan supports standard BIM formats:

• LandXML
• IFC
• Navisworks NWC files.

LandXML format supports two-way communication (import and export) of pipe systems, terrain surfaces and along with all data. For IFC and Navisworks NWC formats, one-way communication (export) of pipe systems and terrain surfaces along with all data is supported.