General

Urbano Hydra is a software package for the pressurized water distribution systems design within the Autodesk platform. Urbano Hydra is a member of bigger Urbano software family. Urbano software family consists of several modules which can be combined to fit user’s needs. It is possible to add different modules to basic Urbano Hydra package to extend its functionality.

Urbano Hydra is a modern application developed with modern programming languages (C++/ObjectARX). It has unique, attractive and simple user interface. Urbano Hydra is very fast application which can process large water distribution networks. All the phases of the project can be analyzed with the software, from initial network definition to hydraulic calculation based on Epanet. The complete dynamic model implemented in Urbano Hydraenables automatic update of all the parts of the project, when some changes are made. Urbano Hydra is focused application, well organized to meet needs of the users from Europe.

Urbano Hydra has been developed for more than 15 years. More than 1000 users throughout Europe effectively use Urbano Hydra. The flexible configuration permits modifications for local markets and their regulations.

Software Configuration

The software runs within AutoCAD, AutoCAD MAP or AutoCAD Civil 3D. Preferable platform is Civil 3D. Urbano Hydra can easily interchange the network data with Civil 3D and can be used in more complex projects. DTM made by Civil 3D can be the base of terrain elevations calculation within Urbano Hydra. All AutoCAD based products, from the version 2007, are supported.

Urbano Hydra is modular software which consists of next modules:

Basic modules

-       Network Layout. Possibility of creating the network interactively or by conversion from AutoCAD elements. Data definition (heights, diameters, ...), by using the topology. Lot of options for intelligent network modifications. Data inspection by flexible and fast table views. System labelling according to any parameter. Query functionstogether with thematic mapping and styling.

-       Longitudinal Sections. Definition of any kind of table layout with different parameters. Virtually any kind of table bands can be added to longitudinal section. Pipe inverts can be interactively created. Editing of pipe inverts can be managed in variety of ways.

-       Terraform. Built in digital terrain software. Optimal for using in pipe network systems. Civil 3D DTM is supported, too.

-       Hydraulics. Definition of node types according to Epanet standard (pumps, reservoirs, tanks, valves, ...). Curve and demands diagrams definition. Snap shot hydraulics based on Epanet. Possibility of modeling the system in certain period of time.

Additional modules

-       Database Extension. Connection to external data sources – any external database, Esri SHP, Map Info. Communication is bidirectional. Attaching of arbitrary documents to network elements (pictures, videos, documents).

-       Geo Extension. Surveying data Management – points, connections, symbols. Imports/exports points from arbitrary text files. Special linetypes according to surveying regulations. 2D <-> 3D conversion. Cross sections drawing with the volume calculation.

-       Polygon Manager. Polygon topology creation from AutoCAD elements. Options to label, query and export topology element. Topology analysis – buffer, overlay.

-       Raster. Possibility of connection to large number of raster images within AutoCAD. Showing of raster images according to spatial criteria. Raster images advanced organization. .

User interface

Urbano Hydra user interface is organized by means of commands and configurations from central panel – workspace. It is very easy to start any command with any configuration from the workspace. All important options are immediately available.

Dynamic Model

The complete dynamic model is implemented in Urbano Hydra. This means, whatever change is made, it is automatically reflected on all dependent parts of the project. With this function it is very easy to vary different elements to reach optimum solution, without taking care of possible inconsistencies in the project.

For example if any node is moved, with automatic recalculation of terrain elevation and pipe inverts, the new position is automatically shown in all longitudinal sections which contain that node.

Additionally, when pipe invert is analyzed in the longitudinal sections and when new nodes are inserted or changed in the section, modification is automatically transferred to layout view.

Dynamic model is extremely fast, so all necessary changes are made in the fraction of the second, even if large systems with many longitudinal sections are designed.

Pipe focused

Urbano Hydra is completely focused to pipe infrastructure design. Because of that it offers a lot of functions which are necessary for water distribution systems design .

Urbano Hydra network has its own topology which enables intelligent operations with network elements. It is very easy to select any part of network, following topologic rules (branches, from node to node, ...), and to use the selection in any further operation.

Network elements editing offers a lot of options. It is very easy to insert, erase or move nodes with all necessary recalculation.

Longitudinal sections can be created with variety of options, common in pipe infrastructure design. There are lots of available options which are country and region dependent. Longitudinal sections drawing is extremely easy and fast, and with one command hundreds of longitudinal sections can be drawn.

Program can automatically detect inflection nodes in the system and define the positions of air release or mud release valves.

Cut and fill calculation is very simple and fast. Based on defined trench type and soil layers the software generates complete and detailed list of all calculated volumes in a second.

There are lots of special reports, schemes and analysis which can be done for the pipe network system.

Speed

Urbano Hydra relies on well designed data model specially developed for pipe infrastructure. Because of optimal data model all the operations are very fast. Special care is paid to time consuming processes such as labeling, viewing, searching, data inputting, longitudinal sections drawing and so on. With these performances it is not a problem to design large networks on normally equipped computers.

For example, when network is 400 km long and consists of more than 1000 branches, drawing of all 1000 longitudinal sections takes about 20 seconds.

Civil 3D Compatibility

Civil 3D is 'de facto' the standard for general civil design, especially roadway design. Urbano Hydra can be installed and can function eithin Civil 3D. Out of some other options, Urbano Hydra can use DTM created by Civil 3D for terrain elevations in the nodes.

In addition it is possible to convert Civil 3D pipe network to Urbano Hydra network and vice versa. The conversion is very simple, all elements can be converted using one command. Conversion respects all elements which can be found in Civil 3D part list and Urbano Hydra catalogues.

When complex projects are made in Civil 3D, Urbano Canalis functions concerning pipe networks, can be easily used and can significantly speed up the design of pipe network in Civil 3D. Addition of Urbano Hydra to Civil 3D enables analysis and calculation of pressurized systems.

Hydraulic Calculation

Urbano Hydra can make complete hydraulic calculation of pressurized water distribution system. The calculation is based on Epanet, the industrial standard in this area.

It is possible to define node types and equipment according to Epanet standard, i.e. pumps, tanks, reservoirs, valves, ... For every node type the additional data can be defined.

Total node consumption can be calculated based on different single consumption – inhabitants, fire fighting, point, ...

For the pumps or tanks it is possible to create efficiency curves (Q/H for pumps, volume curves for nonlinear tanks)

Calculation gives flows and velocities in the pipes and pressures in the nodes. All the results can be effectively visualized through thematic mapping, table views and graphical presentation like pressure lines in longitudinal sections.

 8.6.2010.