Pioneering solution for the integrated planning of drinking water systems

Budapest/Ascheberg, 09.03.2023 - With a highly functional interface between DDScad and CALHYDRA, one of the leading software systems for drinking water calculation, Graphisoft Building Systems (formerly Data Design System) and Dendrit building services software are setting new standards in the integral planning of sanitary engineering.

Drinking water systems can now be modeled with the TGA planning tool, then calculated down to the last detail by the calculation software in accordance with recognized rules of technology, and the results finally used for further project planning in DDScad. In the digital design of supply systems, building services planners thus benefit from both the extensive functionalities of the OPEN BIM software, which can be used across all trades, and the numerous calculation and documentation options of the special application for sanitary engineering. This enables particularly high-quality and precise planning results with maximum work efficiency and safety. The data network developed as part of a long-term cooperation between the companies ensures smooth interaction between the software solutions, which together cover almost every application. In addition to classic installations such as series or ring pipelines, for example, flushing stations, pressure boosting systems, apartment stations or flow dividers can also be integrated into DDScad planning. With just a few clicks, the project data is transferred to CALHYDRA for further processing in a variety of ways.

Here, the user is supported by meaningful analysis and simulation functions, the visualization of partial sections and flow paths through to automatic pump sizing and the simulation of the temperature curve in the circulation with thermal valves. In addition, the software checks whether all standards and directives are complied with and displays problem areas and options for system optimization in a message area. Among other things, output times according to VDI 6003 or compliance with the 3-liter or 30-second rule are checked. CALHYDRA prepares the detailed calculation results with detailed system and object information graphically or in tabular form. A hydraulic report with section table and flow path data sheet as well as simulation reports and commissioning protocols round off the comprehensive documentation options.

"DDScad and CALHYDRA complement each other perfectly when it comes to plumbing design," explains Manuel Lautz, Business Unit Manager at Dendrit. "Software solutions for trade planning usually cannot represent drinking water calculations with the level of detail that our solutions do. Our limitations, in turn, are in the area of modeling. Through our partnership, TGA trade planners can have it both ways: Design and layout of plumbing systems at the absolute top level."

When project data is fed back into DDScad, both the calculated nominal pipe sizes and the messages generated in CALHYDRA can be imported. The originally planned dimensions are displayed together with those determined by the calculation software in the properties window and can thus be compared quickly and easily. In addition, the deviations in the nominal pipe sizes can be clearly displayed using a visualization filter. If required, users can also go through the 3D render model of the drinking water system section by section and adjust it. The end result is the quick and easy merging of professional trade planning and high-precision calculation data.

"Through the cooperation with Dendrit, our users can significantly expand their options for drinking water calculations compared to the functions integrated in DDScad, if desired," adds Sebastian Schmidt, Sales Manager at Graphisoft Building Systems. "Since our software is modular, everyone can decide for themselves here whether or not the interface is necessary for their own purposes. Those who decide to do so only need the corresponding DDScad software package and a CALHYDRA license."

The special application for drinking water calculations is designed for the German-speaking market and allows dimensioning according to DIN 1988-200:2012-05, DIN 1988-300:2012-05, DIN 1988-500:2011-02, DIN 1988-600:2010-12, DVGW Worksheet W 551:2004-04, VDI/DVGW Guideline 6023:04-2014, VDI Guideline 6003: October 2004 and DVGW Worksheet W 575. Dendrit and Graphisoft will officially kick off the partnership at ISH 2023, where staff from both companies will provide detailed information about their integral planning approach. In addition, Graphisoft will have a workstation at the Dendrit booth (Hall 4.0, Booth E45) to be present for cross-software detailed questions from visitors.