Civil 3D: Matching blocks to Concentric Structures

Users often wish to make their AutoCAD blocks line up with Civil 3D parametric parts.   This post will focus on how to get blocks to line up with the out-of-the-box Concentric Cylindrical Structure from the default Part Catalog.  

First, from the Civil 3D Structure Properties review the value set for Frame Diameter of the Civil 3D parametric part, in this case a value of 24.000” (2’) will be used. 

Next, from the Civil 3D structure Style Display tab, enable the display of the “3D Solid” component. 

Then, from the Civil 3D style Display tab, enable the display of “Structure” (2D) component. 

Now, the AutoCAD block can be assigned.  There are two different blocks assignment methods can be used:
•    Option 1:  block saved as “Storm SD manhole”, drawn at 2’ (24”) diameter.
•    Option 2:  block saved as "Storm D manhole”, drawn at 1’ (12”) diameter. 

Option #1:  using true to size blocks
Using the 2’ diameter block (“Storm SD manhole”) and Size option to “Use fixed scale” with value of 1.000

Option #2:  scaling blocks
Using the 1’ dimeter block ("Storm D manhole”) and if Size option to “Use fixed scale” with a value of 1.000, the block will be to small. 

To correct this, the Size option should be se to “Use size in absolute units” with a value of 24.000”.  This will scale the block (up or down), in this case up.  The goal here is to match the Structure Properties Frame Diameter value, as it was shown above to 24.000”

Simple fix with this circular type of geometry, by leveraging Civil 3D style settings to line up AutoCAD blocks to match concentric cylindrical structure objects.  The limitation here is that if the value of the Structure’s Frame Diameter varies, a unique style (and perhaps block) would need to be created for each individual size.

See our net post where we will review how to line up blocks to Eccentric Structures: https://resources.imaginit.com/civil-solutions-blog/matching-blocks-to-civil-3d-structures-eccentric-structures

For more Civil 3D related blogs, please visit our Resource Center. 

About the Author

Civil Applications Expert<br><br>As an Applications Expert, Leo is responsible for supporting, training and implementation of software for survey and civil engineering professionals. He has more than 17 years of experience helping large and small, public and private clients in the eastern United States.

More Content by Leo Lavayen