Why use CAD or AutoCAD for Civil engineering design and drafting

Civil Engineers design and develop modern home and commercial buildings. They design building models and implement those using resources and technologies. Presently, designs are created digitally using computer-aided design (CAD) softwares. CAD drafting has made a civil Engineers job easier and simpler which was much more complex earlier when done manually. CAD softwares such as AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla, etc have become an integral part of the industry. In the future advanced and creative features should make CAD softwares more functional and a complete product to fulfill raising expectations and the needs of this industry.

All through the years CAD softwares have always been evolving which resulted in lesser designing time and easier drafting process for the Engineers. Automated CAD drafting creates high-quality designs accurately and faster. The Engineer can analyze the project model, and the changes can be incorporated in design easily, saving a lot of time and money. The functionality of the softwares can be enhanced by integrating it with other useful applications. These advantages of the CAD softwares increase the efficiency of drafting to a great amount. But, CAD softwares also have demerits as it is expensive and training is very essential for AutoCAD drafting.

The civil Engineer can design 2D or 3D building model. 3D modeling compared to 2D drafting is much advanced as it creates more complex objects. AutoCAD 3D softwares are based on solid and parametric modeling, and older wireframe technique. The solid modeling creates basic solid structures. They have limited motion and lack intelligent features. Modern 3D parametric modeling defines other models using advanced geometric features. It employs transmigration operation with which the design can be changed any where. These changes affect other design parts and have to be adjusted accordingly. Therefore, the original design indent becomes important while drafting to avoid corrections and changes in the design. But this problem can be eliminated by explicit modelers.

3D modeling has greater advantages over 2D drafting. 3D designs are faster and of high quality. The rendering aids help to produce a photorealistic, dynamic and accurate design. Manipulations in the 3D design can be done instantly. With 2D design the visualization is difficult, and there is always a possibility of error in the output. In spite of all these shortcomings, 2D CAD softwares are still used in the field of Civil engineering.

For any queries related to Civil CAD drafting and structural design related services email us at info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com

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Richard Bose is structural engineer at OSD - an India based Structural Engineering consultant offering full services such as structural design analysis, structural drafting and shop drawings services at affordable rates. Email us info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com

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