There has been an issue with Autodesk Civil 3D 2019.2 and 2020 involving Pipe Networks and data references as outlined on the Civil 3D forums:

Syncing the pipe network reference overwrites user-defined names and descriptions of pipes and structures

Civil 3D 2019.2 shuts down unexpectedly when:

  • A source pipe network drawing is open (Drawing A)
  • A host drawing (Drawing B) open, which contains a reference to the pipe network in Drawing A
  • Save Drawing B
  • Return to Drawing A
  • Civil 3D closes unexpectedly

Civil 3D 2020 shuts down unexpectedly when:

  • In the active data shortcut project, open a drawing that contains a data reference to an object in that project
  • Switch to another, empty data shortcut project
  • Sync the reference in the open drawing
  • Civil 3D closes unexpectedly

Fixes for these issues will be available shortly in upcoming updates to Civil 3D 2019 and 2020. In the meantime, a hotfix has been released and is available in an Autodesk Knowledge Network article along with instructions on how to install:

Pipe Network Data Reference Sync and Crash Issues on Civil 3D 2019.2 and 2020 Hotfix

Be aware that it has been reported that this issue also exists in Civil 3D 2018.3 and this hotfix does not help with this version at this time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Thank you.