Subassembly

CI124023-L - Subassembly Composer Beginner Lab
Shawn Herring, ProSoft, Sr. Civil AE / Consulting & Services Manager - Primary Speaker
Lab Assistants:
Heidi Boutwell CADLearning Texas
Athena Poindexter LV Engineering Project Manager
Tom Richardson MWM DesignGroup CAD Manager
Class Description
Does Subassembly Composer scare you off? Well, me too. Up until now, anyway. Join us as we take a
look at Subassembly Composer. We will create some basic to advanced subassemblies here in the
hands-on lab. We will go from creating the PKT files, to importing them into AutoCAD Civil 3D software, to
applying them to our corridor. This class is ideal for those in the transportation industry who need just a
bit more than the tools that AutoCAD Civil 3D software has to offer. So whether you’ve tried the software
for yourself or never even heard of it before, this class is one you won't want to miss.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this class, you will be able to:
• Learn how to create a subassembly from scratch
• Learn how to add advanced parameters to the assembly
• Learn how to import into AutoCAD Civil 3D software
• Learn how to apply to our corridor in AutoCAD Civil 3D software
About the Speaker

Over the past 8 years with ProSoft, Inc., Shawn Herring has become one of the most sought-after
trainers, speakers, and technical writers in the civil infrastructure industry. During his vast career, Shawn
has trained thousands of CADD users, and he has helped hundreds of civil infrastructure companies and
major Departments of Transportation implement new technologies, standardize workflows, and enhance
productivity. In addition to ProSoft’s training and implementation services, Shawn has been involved in
the engineering design process and the creation of construction drawings for over 500 commercial,
residential, and transportation projects.
Shawn can be reached at any of the following:
Email - [email protected]
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/herring2009/
Twitter - @TheShawnHerring and/or @ProSoftAEC
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Contents
Learning Objectives ................................................................................................................ 1
About the Speaker .................................................................................................................. 2
What is Subassembly Composer (SAC)?? ............................................................................. 4
Understanding the User Interface ........................................................................................... 5
The Flowchart (1) ................................................................................................................ 7
The Toolbox (2)................................................................................................................... 8
Preview (3).......................................................................................................................... 8
The Properties (4) ............................................................................................................... 9
Settings & Parameters (5) ................................................................................................... 9
Settings and Parameters .......................................................................................................10
Packet Settings ..................................................................................................................10
Getting Started Example ‘A’ - (Concrete Valley Gutter) .........................................................13
Sketch it Out First ..............................................................................................................13
Building the Subassembly Flowchart .....................................................................................17
Getting Started Example ‘B’ - (Pipe Trench with Multiple Materials) ......................................24
Building the Subassembly Flowchart .....................................................................................34
Import into Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D .................................................................................37
Create a New Pallete .........................................................................................................37
Import Subassemblies........................................................................................................38
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What is Subassembly Composer (SAC)??

Autodesk Subassembly Composer has been available for a while. You may have no idea that it
was ever even installed! Or maybe you opened it up once closed it as fast as I did the first time.
But if you really want to make yourself more productive within Civil 3D, then this is a great start.
SAC is a simple interface used to develop subassemblies for use within AutoCAD Civil 3D
without the need to learn programming. The user interface is basically drag and drop from a
“Tool Box” into the “Flowchart” in order to define geometry.
You can add the basic building blocks of a subassembly; points, links, and shapes using SAC.
This can be a very simple process, or these can be extremely advanced, all depending on the
needs of your project.
Sure, you can turn a polyline into an assembly pretty quick, but go to the properties to modify a
depth or width and you will quickly learn while Autodesk SAC will quickly find it’s way into your
workflow and hopefully this session and document will help.
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Understanding the User Interface
Let’s go ahead and launch Subassembly Composer. Either from your desktop icon or through
the programs list on your computer.
1. Select Start > All Programs > Autodesk > Subassembly Composer 2015
2. From the list of pull downs along the top, choose Restore Default Layout (May or may
not see a change)
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Overall User Interface
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The interface is broken down into 5 sections. Each section will be shown and explained below.
The Flowchart (1)

The Flowchart panel is the workspace used to build and organize the subassembly logic and
elements. A flowchart can be a simple straight line of logic, or it can be a complex tree of
decisions. The subassembly definition tree always begins with the Start element, shown below
as a big green circle. If a problem is found within your subassembly, a small red circle with an
exclamation point will be displayed in the upper-right corner of the problem point.
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The Toolbox (2)

The Tool Box panel is the storage location for elements available for constructing the
subassembly. This panel will provide all the elements you’ll use to build your flowchart. At the
simplest level, 2 or 3 elements may be used to complete a subassembly. To use any of these
elements, click and hold on the desired element and drag and drop it in the Flowchart panel.
The five branches of the toolbox are explained below.
Elements Explained
• Geometry - Use these tools to create basic
subassembly geometry such as:
o Points
o Links
o Shapes
• Advanced Geometry - Use these tools to add
complex geometry elements such as:
o Intersection Points
o Curves
o Daylight Rounding
o Offset Geometry and more…
• Auxiliary - Use the tools in this collection to
generate points and links that are not included in
the final subassembly geometry, but can be used to
create other geometry elements.
• Workflow - Use these tools to organize geometry
elements and add branches for conditional
behavior.
• Misc - Use these tools to define and set variables,
report errors in the Autodesk Subassembly
Composer Event Viewer, and to broadcast
subassembly information for use by other
subassemblies.
Preview (3)
The Preview panel allows you to view your subassembly as
currently defined by the Flowchart panel. There are two
preview modes:
Roadway Mode - Shows the subassembly built using any

target elevations, target surfaces, and/or target offsets.
Layout Mode - Shows the subassembly built using only

the input parameters.
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The Properties (4)

The Properties panel is the main input location of the parameters that define each geometry
element. This is where you will spend most of your time defining the subassembly’s geometry.
Settings & Parameters (5)

The Settings and Parameters panel consists of five tabs that define the subassembly:
• Packet Settings
• Input/Output Parameters
• Target Parameters
• Superelevation
• CANT
• Event Viewer.
We will take a detailed look at these in the next section, this is really where you can harness the
power of SAC.
Space Reserved for Notes:
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Settings and Parameters

Packet Settings
On the Packet Settings tab, you can define the subassembly name, provide a description, link to
a help file, and link to an image. The only required piece of information is the subassembly
name. The name shall contain NO spaces, although it can contain dashes and/or underscores.
A name like ConcreteWedgeCurbing, is an appropriate name.
The subassembly name will be the name that is displayed on the tool palette once it’s imported
into Civil 3D. If you include a description, this text will appear on the tool palette as a tool tip
text. If you provide an image, it will display in the tool palette next to the subassembly’s name.
This is not required, but helpful once imported into Civil 3D. This can be as easy an taking a
snapshot of the Preview window of SAC.
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Input/Output Parameters
On the Input/Output Parameters tab you can define numerous parameters along with their
default values. The information on this tab is presented in a table. To add a parameter, simply
click the Create Parameter text. To remove a parameter, highlight that row in the table and
press Delete on your keyboard. As you will see coming up within this document, we reference
this information within our properties to create a more dynamic subassembly.
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Target Parameters
On the Target Parameters tab you can define the targets to be used by the subassembly. You
can use three types of targets:
• Offset targets – Option within Civil 3D to target a polyline, alignment, feature line, etc
• Elevation targets – Option within Civil 3D to target a feature line or profile, for example.
• Surface targets - Option within Civil 3D to target a surface or surfaces.
As with the Input/Output Parameters tab, click on the Create Parameter text to add/remove a
parameter.
Superelevation
Here you can input superelevation values if needed for the subassembly. This can be left blank
if not used.
CANT
For the first time, SAC 2015 will now allow the use of the CANT calculation when using a RAIL
alignment. This can be left blank if not used.
Event Viewer
The Event Viewer tab is similar to the AutoCAD Civil 3D Event Viewer. Error, Warning, and
Informational messages about the subassembly are posted to the Event Viewer while the
subassembly is being built in Autodesk Subassembly Composer. Event Viewer messages are
not published to the AutoCAD Civil 3D Event Viewer.
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Getting Started Example ‘A’ - (Concrete Valley Gutter)

Sketch it Out First
I always sketch out my intended subassembly, this will be helpful in making sure you meet the
standard detail you are looking for. As you draw it out, you may also think of things that may get
lost while attempting to connect the dots.
A simple sketch will help. Below is an example of one of the subassemblies we will be using
throughout this session.
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Getting Started Example ‘A’ (Concrete Water Way)
1. If you haven’t already, launch Subassembly Composer.
2. Save your file to the desktop, called ConcreteValleyGutter.pkt
3. We will first start with the Packet Settings
• For the Subassembly Name, type in ConcreteValleyGutter. SAC does not like
spaces, but you could do underlines.
• Add a description. Standard Concrete Valley Gutter. User defines width and
flowline depth.
• Leave the help file and image file blank for now.
Set Input/Output Parameters
4. Refer to your hand sketch if needed. This is where we can really use some power of
basic modeling within Subassembly Composer. Here we will create several parameters
that we will reference as we build the valley gutter. It is best to put as many as you can
up front in here, but you can always go back and Add/Remove.
• The SIDE parameter is already there. Change the default value to LEFT.
• To add a parameter, click on CREATE PARAMETER.
• Rename the parameter to ConcreteWidth
• Type = Double
• Direction = Input
• Default Value = 5
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5. Create more parameters based on the image below.
• If you mess up an input, or add additional parameters, all you do is select the row,
and hit the DELETE button on your keyboard.
Set Target Parameters
We will want to add in a couple Target Parameters, this could be useful when targeting an
existing concrete edge and elevation. These are the same target types you currently use in
corridor modeling.
6. To add a parameter, click on CREATE PARAMETER.
• Rename the parameter to TargetOffset
• Type = Offset
• Preview Value = 5
7. Now let’s add one for the Elevation. Click on CREATE PARAMETER.
• Rename the parameter to TargetElevation
• Type = Elevation
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Save your PKT file.
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Building the Subassembly Flowchart

Every flowchart will start from the Start element.
From there, the flowchart is builds out with elements from the Tool Box, which are connected
together with arrows. Every element you add from the Tool Box has at least two nodes:
• One node for an incoming connection arrow
• One node for an outgoing connection arrow
Now let’s start dragging and dropping to see our shape take form!!
1. From the Tool Box, under the Geometry branch, drag a Point element to just below the
Start element. The Start element will connect to the new Point element, which has
automatically been numbered P1. See below.
2. Select the P1 point element. Notice below, that the properties box is no longer blank.
• You will see that it has been placed on the origin. The origin is the geometry point
your subassembly will attach to when generating an assembly in Civil 3D.
3. From the Tool Box, drag another Point element to just below the P1 element. This point
will be automatically numbered P2 (or P2&L1), and will represent the LEFT edge of
concrete, from the top to bottom.
4. Define P2 as shown below:
• Under the Point Geometry Type, ensure that Delta X and Delta Y is selected
• Under the Point Geometry Properties, Delta X will remain 0, but Delta Y needs to
change. If we were to type in 0.50, we would have a static depth. By using the
Input/Output Parameters that we previously set up, this will allow the user to define a
depth. So for Delta Y type in –ConcreteDepth (we do – so that the elevation goes
down, not up).
• Make sure, under Link, that ADD LINK FROM POINT is checked ON.
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5. From the Tool Box, drag another Point element to just below the P2&L1 element. This
point will be automatically numbered P3 (or P3&L2), and will represent the width along
the BOTTOM of concrete, from left to right.
6. Define P3 as shown below:
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7. Take a look at the Preview window. Yours should look similar to this:
the BOTTOM of concrete, from left to right.
9. Define P4 as shown below (Make sure to take the negative (-) out of the
ConcreteDepth):
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the TOP LEFT of concrete, from left to right.
11. Define P5 as shown below (Begin from Point P1):
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the TOP RIGHT of concrete, right to left.
13. Define P6 as shown below (Begin from Point P4):
point will be automatically numbered P7, and will represent the FLOWLINE along the
TOP of concrete.
• We will choose to do a simple equation. So for Delta X, we want this centered in the
valley gutter, we will use ConcreteWidth/2 (For half the total width)
15. Define P7 as shown below (Begin from ORIGIN):
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16. This time let’s add a LINK instead of POINT. From the Tool Box, drag a LINK element to
just below the P7 element. This LINK will be automatically numbered L6, and will
connect P5 to P7.
17. Define L6 as shown below:
ALMOST DONE!!!
18. From the Tool Box, drag a LINK element to just below the L6 element. This LINK will be
automatically numbered L7, and will connect P6 to P7.
19. Define L7 as shown below:
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We will finish our subassembly by creating a SHAPE. This will be used by Civil 3D to compute
material volumes.
20. From the Tool Box, drag a SHAPE element to just below the L7 element. This SHAPE
will be automatically numbered S1.
21. Select the GREEN box under the Component property.
22. Hover your mouse over the Preview, once inside the shape it will highlight YELLOW.
Click to activate the shape.
Congratulations!! You just finished your first subassembly. Save your file.
This should look similar to below:
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Getting Started Example ‘B’ - (Rounded Target Daylight)

If you haven’t already, launch Subassembly Composer.
Add in your Input/Output Parameters as shown below.
Add your Target Parameters as shown below.
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Getting Started Example ‘C’ - (Pipe Trench with Multiple

Materials)
If you haven’t already, launch Subassembly Composer.
For this example we will be creating a pipe trench, with adjustable pipe diameter and multiple
materials options. I sketched it out below.
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As always, we will start with the Packet Settings
1. For the Subassembly Name, type in PipeTrenchMultipleMaterials.
2. Add a description. Pipe with bedding material, 2 additional materials as well as

target surface.
3. Leave the help file and image file blank for now.
Input/Output Parameters
Refer to your hand sketch if needed. This is where we can really use some power of basic
modeling within Subassembly Composer. Here we will create several parameters that we will
reference as we build the valley gutter. It is best to put as many as you can up front in here, but
you can always go back and Add/Remove.
The SIDE parameter is already there. Change the default value to LEFT.
5. Rename the parameter to BottomWidth
6. Type = Double
7. Direction = Input
8. Default Value = 3
9. Add in the rest of the parameters shown in the following figure.
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Set Target Parameters
We will want to add in a couple Target Parameters, this could be useful when targeting an
existing concrete edge and elevation. These are the same target types you currently use in
corridor modeling.
• Rename the parameter to TargetSurface
• Type = Surface
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Building the Subassembly Flowchart

The next two images shows the breakdown of this subassembly.
I will walk you through a few of the initial items, but the rest is up to you!!
Now give it a shot!!
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Import into Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D

Create a New Pallete
1. Right click on the “spine” of the

Subassemblies Tool Palette and select
NEW PALETTE.
2. Name the new palette, SAC – Test, or
whatever you want!!
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Import Subassemblies
1. Right click on your new palette and select Import Subassemblies.
2. Brows to the file, or files, and select the ones you want to import.
3. On the Import Subassemblies dialog box, make sure you have the correct Tool Palette
selected.
4. Select OK.
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CI124023-L - Subassembly Composer Beginner Lab

Heidi Boutwell CADLearning Texas

Athena Poindexter LV Engineering Project Manager

Tom Richardson MWM DesignGroup CAD Manager

About the Speaker

Shawn can be reached at any of the following:

Twitter - @TheShawnHerring and/or @ProSoftAEC

What is Subassembly Composer (SAC)??

Understanding the User Interface

Overall User Interface

The Flowchart (1)

The Toolbox (2)

Roadway Mode - Shows the subassembly built using any

Layout Mode - Shows the subassembly built using only

The Properties (4)

Settings & Parameters (5)

Space Reserved for Notes:

Settings and Parameters

Space Reserved for Notes:

Space Reserved for Notes:

Getting Started Example ‘A’ - (Concrete Valley Gutter)

Getting Started Example ‘A’ (Concrete Water Way)

1. If you haven’t already, launch Subassembly Composer.

2. Save your file to the desktop, called ConcreteValleyGutter.pkt

3. We will first start with the Packet Settings

Set Input/Output Parameters

5. Create more parameters based on the image below.

Set Target Parameters

6. To add a parameter, click on CREATE PARAMETER.

• Rename the parameter to TargetOffset

• Rename the parameter to TargetElevation

Save your PKT file.

Space Reserved for Notes:

Building the Subassembly Flowchart

4. Define P2 as shown below:

6. Define P3 as shown below:

11. Define P5 as shown below (Begin from Point P1):

13. Define P6 as shown below (Begin from Point P4):

15. Define P7 as shown below (Begin from ORIGIN):

17. Define L6 as shown below:

19. Define L7 as shown below:

21. Select the GREEN box under the Component property.

This should look similar to below:

Getting Started Example ‘B’ - (Rounded Target Daylight)

Add in your Input/Output Parameters as shown below.

Add your Target Parameters as shown below.

Getting Started Example ‘C’ - (Pipe Trench with Multiple

As always, we will start with the Packet Settings

1. For the Subassembly Name, type in PipeTrenchMultipleMaterials.

2. Add a description. Pipe with bedding material, 2 additional materials as well as

4. To add a parameter, click on CREATE PARAMETER.

5. Rename the parameter to BottomWidth

9. Add in the rest of the parameters shown in the following figure.

Set Target Parameters

10. To add a parameter, click on CREATE PARAMETER.

• Rename the parameter to TargetSurface

Building the Subassembly Flowchart

Now give it a shot!!

Import into Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D