Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and Autodesk

Storm and Sanitary Analysis

Speaker:

Matthew Anderson, PE Autodesk

CV22-2

Learn how to prepare your AutoCAD Civil 3D pipe networks for analysis with
Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis. Go beyond performing simple peak
flow design and separate stormwater detention basin calculations. Learn
how to model the entire stormwater management system for design. Some
hydrology and hydraulic experience is required.

About the Speaker:

Matthew C. Anderson is currently a QA Consultant working with Autodesk. Matthew was Vice President and Project
Manager at Joseph A. Schudt & Associates in Frankfort, IL for 16 years. When he found some inspiration, he occasionally
blogged about his AutoCAD Civil 3D exploits on Civil3D.com. Matt holds a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from RoseHulman Institute of Technology. He is a Professional Engineer licensed in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Texas,
and is a Certified Floodplain Manager. Matt began with DCA, Softdesk, and Land Desktop many years ago [stone-age] and
transitioned to AutoCAD Civil 3D early on, and he has not looked back. Matt has designed single-family, townhome and
commercial developments, roadway improvements, and all the hydrology and hydraulic modeling tasks, and analysis for
them all.

matt.anderson@autodesk.com

Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

Mint in the Box

Earlier this year, Autodesk provided a great new feature for subscription members of AutoCAD
Map 3D and Civil 3D. They provided Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis, a full-featured
hydrologic and hydraulic routing analysis package. Gleaned from the acquisition of StormNET,
Autodesk blended Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis, or SSA for short, into the product
portfolio. Like an eager child on Christmas morning, I was anxious to dig in.
This is an opportunity for better stormwater modeling. I have always been a little frustrated with
patching together seemingly random sets of analysis and calling the results acceptable. Water
tends to seek its own level ~ sometimes to the dismay of carefully crafted calculations.

** WARNING **
This is not an introductory level hydrology and hydraulics class.
With that warning aside, this AUv class and handout is intended to help you understand the
mechanism of going between AutoCAD Civil 3D and Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis,
not teach you what a CN is or how to calculate the Time of Concentration.

Why SSA?
Many regulatory agencies typically have at least two sets of requirements for Stormwater
management. The first set of requirements covers the Stormwater conveyance system of pipes,
inlets and or ditches at the design frequent interval, typically the 10-year event. [This is typical in
many areas in the United Stateyour local requirements may vary] The second set of
requirements typically covers a volume requirement. The to-be-designed system may need to
control a certain frequency, say a 25-year or 100-year storm event, while releasing a predevelopment or pre-determined release rate.
The requirements fluctuate
wildly across jurisdictions,
and items like water quality
or LEED credits may
influence the Stormwater
modeling of a project.
Wouldnt it be nice to
prepare a single model that
is easily prepared, and
provide analysis for all sets
of requirement necessary
to complete a project in one
place?
That tool is
Storm
and
Analysis.
2

Autodesk
Sanitary

Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

Hydrology
Hydrology is the basis of all Stormwater runoff calculations. Hydrology is the science behind the
cycle of rain to runoff. Specifically, Hydrology allows the engineer to quantify the amount of
stormwater runoff that flows off a surface. The methods and variables used to demonstrate that
quantity of surface runoff could be very different. The root of the Hydrology calculation within
SSA is the sub-basin.

The sub-basin is the green square icon on the toolbar, as

shown to the left. The Subbasin representation can be
schematic or geo-referenced. In Schematic, the area
represented by the sub-basin polygon may not represent
the true area of the sub-basin. The goal, however is to
maintain the relationship between the sub-basins
graphical representation and the area associated with it.
Let us walk you quickly through a short sub-basin lesson.

Open Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis. This requires

AutoCAD Civil 3D or Map 3D 2011 to be installed.
Step 1. From the toolbar, locate the green square. Hover over
the icon until the Add Subbasin tooltip appears. Select
the icon to start digitizing the Subbasin.
Step 2. Move to the Plan View canvas, and draw a rectangle,
using the right-mouse-button to indicate you are DONE
after selecting the third corner. The DONE will close
your Subbasin!
Step 3. A Subbasin has been created and the pre-defined
display setting in this project will show you the area.
Step 4. Next, use the Select Element
button to select the
Subbasin. Right-mouse-click and select Edit Vertices.
The corners of your Subbasin will appear ready for
selection.
Step 5. Select one vertex, watch it turn black, and move its
location. Note that the area does not change.
Step 6. To sync the area, select from the Design menu, the
Re-compute Areas to recalculate the sub-basin area.
Step 7. Congratulations, you have created a sub-basin!

Autodesk Storm and

Sanitary Analysis

include the following

hydrology methods:

HEC-1,
NRCS (SCS) TR-55,
NRCS (SCS) TR-20,
EPA SWMM,
Rational,
Modified Rational
Method,
Santa Barbara Unit
Hydrograph

Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

Sub-basins can be created manually as we did on the preceding page or they can be imported.
There are three possibilities for importing a sub-basin:
The first method uses LandXML to import of a set of parcels. SSA will import a LandXML parcel
into a new project file as a sub-basin. See Sample project LandXML 02. In that sample, the
LandXML file contains parcels and pipes. Those parcels import as Subbasin geometry and
contain only the geometry of the basin. [Use the Design menu -> Recompute Areas command
to update the model as the area and geometry do not match]
The second method of importing sub-basins is to use the GIS Import wizard. The GIS Wizard
walks the user through three steps to importing pipes, nodes (manholes) and sub-basins into
SSA from ESRI SHP files. See Sample Project GIS 02 and skip to Step 4 of 4 of the Wizard.
Select the ESRI file named Subbasin.shp. Observe that SSA maps some of the SHP database
fields to Sub-basin attributes. Be sure to check the appropriate fields are correctly matched and
click finish.
The third method is the STM import process. When importing an STM file that contains Inlet
Drainage Area, SSA will build a schematic sub-basin area icon automatically.

Sub-basin Parameters
As the sidebar on Page 3 makes note, Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis can perform a
wide-range of hydrology calculations. Under the hood of this product is the exact modeling
engine than runs NRCS (SCS) TR-20, TR-55, HEC-1, and EPA SWMM. The variables and data
entry parameters are identical but we keep the user interface consistent, convenient to use, and
provide an easy way to switch between models.

Figure 1 TR-20 Hydrology

Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

In Figure 1, the SCS TR-20 hydrology method populates the sub-basin parameters with the
Physical properties for Area, Tabs for the SCS TR-55 Time of Concentration calculations and a
Composite Curve Number calculator. Those grayed out items shown are some of the EPA
SWMM hydrology parameters that are only available when the Project Options -> Hydrology
method is set to EPA SWMM.
HEC-1 Hydrology can be used with Green-Ampt methods, as an example seen below.

Figure 2 HEC-1 Green-Ampt Hydrology

The EPA SWMM hydrology method provides access to snow packs, pollutant loading and water
quality treatment, and continuous simulations models.

Figure 3 EPA SWMM Flow Properties

Speaking of time an analysis takes

Analysis Options
All of the hydrology and hydraulics calculations within
Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis occur on Time. The
rain falls overs time in a TR-20 model. In hydrodynamic
routing, the flow and depth change over time. Outfalls can be
setup with a tidal time series to mimic the tailwater condition of

Match the Rainfall

Time Series dates with

the Analysis Time

Series! No sense in

reporting flow 6 hours

after the storm!

Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

a culvert that discharges into the ocean.

Everything has a time and a place.
Two critical items should be noted; the first item
is the Analysis Duration. It should be long
enough to encompass all rain events, but it
should also include sufficient time for
Stormwater detention/retention ponds to drain
appropriately. It should also be short enough to
be reasonable.
The second item is the time step or time
increment. If the pipe is short, and the routing
time step is large, SSA may miss the peak flow
in the pipe as a result. Think of this blink while
racecars zip around the track. Can you tell me who is in fourth? Probably not, there is a good
chance you missed some of cars zipping past and your count is off.
The
User
Guide has a
great graphic
to illustrate the
issue on page
70. The image
is to the right.
Rapidly
changing
values,
from
rainfall, runoff,
or flow depth
can
easily
become
lost
volume in the
model.

Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

Hydraulics
Unlike the Peak Flow Analysis performed in Hydraflow Storm Sewer or your simple Excel
spreadsheet calculations, SSA contains three possible Link Routing methods; Steady State,
Kinematic Wave, and Hydrodynamic Wave.
Steady State is the simplest method of routing in that it assumed the inflow hydrograph equals
the outflow hydrograph. There is no delay or change in shape. This calculation cannot account
for flow reversal or pressurized flow or back pitched pipes.
Kinematic Wave solves the continuity equation and the momentum equation (a rather
simplified form of the equation) for flow within the links. This method cannot account for flow
reversal, entrance/exit losses, or pressurized flow. The outflow hydrology is a function of inflow
less the stored, delayed, attenuated, or routed flow. This method is typically used when
Hydrodynamic is not needed or to maintain stability of the model.
Hydrodynamic Wave Routing is the solving 1-D unsteady flow using the following Saint Venant
Flow Equations.

By solving these equations with some simple assumptions, very accurate results can be
achieved. SSA solves backwater analysis on closed systems, pressurized flow, flow reversal,
back pitched pipes, and it performs wonderfully on the entire stormwater system. This method
can become unstable easily. Review the text output to locate stability those items the program
found to be unstable.
Hydraulic calculations are made between nodes along or within the conveyance links. That is
why items like orifices channels and pumps are links within SSA. Nodes represent calculation
points or changes in the link slope or diameter. The Nodes may represent a manhole, a pond, a
lake, a surface point or cross-section location. Links may represent pipes, culverts, gutters,
stream bottoms, or detention pond structures.

Links
Hydraulic parts within SSA can be simple and they can be complex. At the hearts of the
calculations is a Node Link model. The links represent those items where the bulk of the
calculations or routing comes into play. The Node provides the calculations a point to vary the
links.

Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

Links and Nodes can be found on the Data Tree View and this provides the easiest access to
already created items. It is assumed that most modeling you perform will come from AutoCAD
Civil 3d. In the event you need to know how to create your own parts, the toolbar will become
your friend.

Starting from the left is the Rain Gauge. The icon is disabled because the Tree View is showing
and IDF Curve. The project Options is either Rational Method or Modified Rational. The second
Icon is the Sub-basin. See page 3.
The next five icons are Nodes, a Junction, an Outfall, a Flow Diversion, an Inlet, and a
Storage Node. Simply select an icon, and digitize the locations. When you complete, find the
Select Arrow on the toolbar or right-mouse-click and select the Select item to switch from
digitize to select mode. A simple
double-click on a node will launch
the dialog box for your node for
editing.

The remaining five items are the

Conveyance Link, Pump, Orifice,
Weir, and Outlets. The Conveyance
Links is the pipe, culvert, forcemain, or
channel. Once you have a few nodes
on the canvas, you can select a link
and connect the dots. A simple doubleclick on a link will launch the dialog box
for your link for editing.
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Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

That is enough background on the program...Lets use it!

Since this is a live demonstration and not a lab, here is a good time to watch the AUv class. This
paper is to reinforce the class, and not replace it with an extensive document.

AutoCAD Civil 3D
AutoCAD Civil3D represents storm and sanitary sewer systems using a pipe network. The Outof-the-box (OOTB) Part Catalog contains numerous structures with frames, some without
frames, and standard end sections and headwalls. Pipes can vary from Concrete to PVC or
Ductile Iron and come in various shapes.
If you have been using Hydraflow Storm Sewer as part of your pipe design workflow, you are in
for some luck. The best way to send that pipe network to Autodesk Storm and Sanitary
Analysis is to use the STM file. In fact, all of your existing STM design and analysis files will
import correctly into Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis. Autodesk took some effort to map,
and construct the proper connections and conveyance links so that running an STM file
imported would require very little effort in SSA.
There is no real change to how to build a network in AutoCAD Civil3D. That is, you can still
setup your pipe networks as you have been constructing them. It is a valid workflow to use the
EditinStormSewers command and continue to build your Storm Sewer system using the
Network Layout tools as you currently do.

Flow
Direction
Be mindful of the Flow Direction as you layout your system as highlighted.

Edit in Storm Sewer

The EditinStormSewers command exports the STM file, launches Hydraflow Storm Sewer, and
loads the file. Behind that scene is the Part Matching Settings table that matches your Parts to a
Hydraflow Storm Sewer parts. Nothing has changed here either.
The difference becomes when we match these Hydraflow Storm Sewer items to SSA items.
Hydraflow Storm Sewers has plenty of options that are converted, preserved, or connected to in
order to bridge the divide between the programs roles. For example, Hydraflow Storm Sewer is
a peak flow calculator that does not account for volume. Since SSA is seeking a balance of
continuity and momentum over time, it always needs to account for volume. The conversion
between the two is where some neat things happen.

Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

For example, importing a pipe network from Civil 3D might result in additional unexpected
Outlets leaving Inlets. However, a review of the Log File provides a short preview of the
topology built for you. Unfortunately, many users have chosen to remove the outfalls, which
destroy the links the program added for you, resulting in additional work you will need to add
back later.
As an example, the log file would show this:
-----------Link Section
-----------Link L-MH4-MH3 created as bypass link for Inlet G4 with Irregular Cross Section XS-LMH4 - MH3.

Why was this created? In the Hydraflow STM file, Inlet G4 is on-grade curb inlet. Again, the log
file notes the original part and the resulting destination:
Node G4 imported as "Curb Opening Inlet". Inlet Type was "Curb Inlet" in STM file.

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Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis
If that Inlet is On Grade, water has the possibility of bypassing G4 and proceeding to the next
Inlet. Hydraflow Storm Sewer allows the user to ignore Bypass runoff and allows the bypass
target to be directed offsite.
Unfortunately, SSA does not know the Inlet Bypass flow target,
so SSA creates a new Offsite Outlet as seen on the prior page.
SSA creates a Conveyance Link, which is an Irregular CrossSection Link from that target Inlet to a new Outlet. This Link is the
roadway gutter & street section built from the roadway
specification contained in the STM file. A Simple Right-Mouse Click and selection of the
Connect From/To will allow you to direct the link to the proper downstream inlet. After
redirecting the gutter flow, using Edit Menu -> Delete Orphan Nodes will remove those spare
Offsite Outlets.
This way, hopefully, when you import a complete STM file of the final design, you do not need to
worry about a hundred error messages about the topology of the system.

Quick & Dirty

Go ahead and Open Hydraflow Storm Sewer and select the Sample2008.stm file. The resulting
screen should look like the image at the top of the next page.

11

Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

The inlets at the upstream end of pipe 4 and Pipe 5 are grates. A quick look at the inlet data for
Inlet 5 shows the Bypass Target to be Offsite. SSA will create that offsite link for us as you
can see on page 9.
Inlet 10 is an inlet, but SSA imports a Sub-basin icon. Review the Data for Inlet 10 that inlet is
in Sag (hence no bypass target) and it has 1.0 acres drainage area attached to the inlet with an
FAA time of concentration.
You will notice that SSA creates Sub-Basin "Sub-CI10" with a downstream connection to "Inlet
CI10" with the total sub-basin Area, and the two composite areas for the proper calculation of
the runoff coefficients
The Time of Concentration total time has imported, but the raw calculation for FAA is not
available. Unlike Storm Sewer, SSA allows a single Time of Concentration Method and the Log
File summary reports this:

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Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis
*******
Summary
*******
Time of Concentration method set to "User-Defined". Following Time of Concentration
method(s) were found in STM file: "FAA", "TR55", "User".

Actually, an STM can have two methods, if we stick to the Henry Ford requirement, as long as
one method is User-Defined.
SSA imports the correct number of pipe barrels from the STM file, but as we know, Civil 3Dis
unable read or write that information.

Round-Trip
SSA supports taking the completed analysis back into AutoCAD Civil 3D. This way pipes and
structures update correctly. It pains me to say this, but only those STM-specific items exports.
For example, orifices, storage areas, and pumps will likely export as a circular pipe, so be sure
watch your export log.

Pre-Import Review
Next, review the Command Settings for ExportStormSewers and ImportStormSewers. Make
sure that the settings highlighted match between the two commands.

The Part List Used for Migration is primarily an import setting. That is, when the STM file
imports, this setting identifies the part list that consulted to locate a match.
We want to assign Civil 3D Parts to a Hydraflow Storm Sewer part to get an expected behavior
in AutoCAD Storm and Sanitary Analysis. On the return, we want to take that exported Storm
Sewer parts and match it back to the correct Civil 3D part. That item is where it gets a little
tricky.

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Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis
For structures we have a string of similar resulting parts in the NCS template. For some, this is
probably a good basic start. In Hydraflow Storm Sewer, Manholes do not have openings just a
structure Shape of either Circular or Rectangular, plus the inlet dimensions.

When the resulting STM file is a Manhole, SSA imports this as a Junction.
A junction in
SSA is just a calculation point or node. It is always 4 feet in diameter for routing calculations.
We cannot change the size in SSA.
Conversion of SSA Junctions to a
different node type is a simple
right-mouse-click away.

On the following page, review the

following excerpt from the User
Guide, page 478.

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Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

15

Weather the Storm: AutoCAD Civil 3D and

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis

In conclusion, you can continue building your pipe networks in AutoCAD Civil 3D as you have
been constructing them for use with Hydraflow Storm Sewers. Launch AutoCAD Storm and
Sanitary Analysis and import your STM file for your analysis. Add your stormwater detention
basins, outfalls, orifices, overflow channels, and gutter links to complete the analysis.
Export the system back the STM file and update your Civil 3D pipe network.

Tips & Notes:

16

Make note that AutoCAD Storm and Sanitary Analysis is a RealDWG application that
needs the 32-bit AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler to underlay a Civil 3D drawing as a
background image.
Proper STM round-trips require the identical Network name to correctly import into Civil
3D. If you save SSA and close, that network name changes. The easiest way to re-up
that network name is to reimport the STM file that you update prior to you closing SSA.
This saves you from having to manually edit the STM Network name.
There is no undo button in SSA.
Happy Modeling!