BimScaler Blog – CAD technology has become a potent tool that is changing the way construction projects are designed and carried out in the quickly changing construction industry. CAD has influenced the construction industry in many ways, from producing complex 3D models to enabling smooth stakeholder collaboration.
Let us dive deeper into the topics to learn more about the role, applications, and benefits of CAD in the construction industry.
Computer-aided design (CAD) in construction has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s. CAD emerged as a revolutionary technology that replaced traditional manual drafting processes, providing architects and engineers with a more precise and efficient way to create designs. The history of CAD in construction can be divided into several key periods:
Early Development (1950s-1960s): The concept of CAD was initially developed in the 1950s, with the invention of PRONTO, the world’s first computer-numerically controlled (CNC) programming system for tooling operations, by Patrick Hanratty in 1957.
In the 1960s, Sketchpad, developed by Ivan Sutherland, laid the foundation for modern CAD systems by allowing users to interact with a screen using a light pen to draft.
Commercial Adoption (1970s-1980s): The 1970s saw the emergence of commercial CAD systems like DIGIGRAPHICS and SYNTHAVISION, which were among the first to offer 3D solid modelling capabilities.
In the 1980s, Autodesk released AutoCAD, the first 2D design CAD software for personal computers, making CAD more accessible and affordable. Pro/ENGINEER, the industry’s first parametric 3D CAD system, was also introduced in 1987.
3D Modelling and BIM (1990s-Present): By the 1990s, CAD software had evolved to include 3D modelling capabilities, with programs like Autodesk AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS becoming popular choices.
Building Information Modelling (BIM), a type of CAD that focuses on creating and managing digital models of buildings, also gained popularity during this period.
Cloud-based and Mobile CAD (2000s-Present): The advent of cloud-based CAD platforms like Autodesk 360 and Onshape in the 2000s and 2010s allowed for real-time collaboration and sharing of designs across teams. CADENAS created the first 3D CAD mobile app in 2013.
Today, CAD in construction continues to evolve, with a focus on automation, speed, and efficiency. The development of new algorithms and technologies, such as mixed reality and artificial intelligence, is expected to further enhance the capabilities of CAD software in the future.
CAD has had an impact on many aspects of the design process, including architectural design. Read our previous article, ‘CAD in Architecture Design: Their Role, Software Types, and Challenges‘, to learn more about how this software impacts the architect’s design workflow.
Core Applications of CAD in Construction
Nowadays, working in the building and construction industry requires the use of CAD software.
With CAD, nearly every stage of a project’s workflow is designed and overseen. Working with CAD is far simpler for engineers than creating sophisticated engineering designs by hand. Additionally, complex DWG files and BIM software output can be converted into paper drawings using design tools like AutoCAD.
Aside from that, there are several core applications of CAD in construction. That’s including the design and planning process. CAD software is used to create detailed 2D and 3D models of building components or entire structures, allowing architects and engineers to visualise and communicate their designs to clients and stakeholders.
Another core application of CAD in construction is for Building Information Modelling (BIM) b. BIM is a type of CAD that focuses on creating and managing digital models of buildings, including structural elements, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, IT, and other building systems. BIM allows for clash protection, which identifies potential issues before they occur, and helps teams control the design as the project progresses.
Furthermore, the usage of CAD in construction helps with collaboration and sharing, faster processes, and construction evaluation and management.
For collaboration, CAD drawings are easily shared among construction project stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, and general contractors, enabling real-time collaboration and review of design changes. Cloud-based CAD software makes sketches available at all times for users to review and modify as needed, providing uniformity in design tools and symbols.
For faster processes, CAD reduced the time required for drawing and modelling processes, as well as edits and revisions, allowing businesses to take on more work and reduce projected completion windows.
Lastly, the applications of CAD in construction also help with evaluation and management. CAD software plays a role in managing the building through the design life cycle and beyond, allowing for effective maintenance and renovations.
Benefits of Using CAD in Construction
There are many benefits to using CAD in construction projects. Improving precision, time efficiency, and reducing cost are some of the key benefits of using CAD software in construction. Aside from that, here are all the benefits of using CAD in construction:
- Precision and Accuracy: CAD software allows professionals to create designs with a high level of accuracy, which greatly reduces the chance of making errors. It helps users create both 2D and 3D designs to better visualise construction.
- Time Efficiency: CAD has replaced manual drafting in many places, making the design process more efficient. No longer do we have to spend hours meticulously sketching every single detail by hand.
- Reducing Costs: CAD enables the development, modification, and optimisation of the design process. This leads to cost savings as it reduces the need for physical prototypes and allows for the detection of design flaws early in the process.
- Design Flexibility: CAD software is incredibly useful for various engineering tasks. It can assist in calculating load distribution, analysing stress levels, and even aiding in material selection.
- Sustainability: CAD can contribute to sustainability in construction by optimising material usage and reducing waste.
- Collaboration and Communication: CAD improves collaboration and communication among architects, engineers, and construction managers. It allows for easy sharing and modification of designs.
- Risk Mitigation: By providing a detailed visual representation of the construction project, CAD helps in identifying potential issues early, thereby mitigating risks.
Integrating CAD with Other Technologies
The integration of CAD with other technologies made the capabilities of design and manufacturing processes significantly enhanced. It allows CAD software to do more than just create 2D or 3D models, but also simulate real-world scenarios, create a generative design, and even integrate it with CAE (CAD for engineering) and CAM (CAD for manufacturing)
PTC blogs describe several key technology integrations with CAD that can assist designers and construction projects in running smoothly:
- Generative Design: AI-driven generative design can automatically create models that meet given specifications, including materials and manufacturing processes, and optimize them according to stated goals. It produces multiple solutions simultaneously, all satisfying the given requirements, using the power of cloud computing.
- Simulation: Real-time simulation tools are available directly in the CAD environment. Built specifically for engineers, it’s easy-to-use, so they can use simulation to improve their designs. That means design engineers can try out more innovative ideas and see the results in seconds, not days.
- Additive Manufacturing: Recent advances in CAD are helping with designing for additive manufacturing. You can go directly from design to print without intermediate steps. The latest tools for additive manufacturing can help with optimising the layout of assemblies in the print tray.
- Integrated CAD, CAE, and CAM: CAD applications can now include natively integrated modules for computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)—no recreating or retranslating data.
- CAD Direct and Xcelerator Share: These new technologies take your collaborative design to the next level.
- Integrated CAD CAM Software: Integrated CAD CAM software uses CAD as its front-end, geometry engine. An integrated CAD CAM platform performs CAM operations on the CAD file itself without having to import or convert.
That’s all you need to know about the impacts of CAD in the construction industry. With its broad applications, another part where CAD impacts the workflow is engineering. See our previous article, ‘CAD in Engineering: The Role, Features, and Software Options‘, to learn more about the CAD role in the engineering industry.
Conclusion
In summary, CAD is a vital component of contemporary construction, spurring efficiency and innovation throughout the sector. Its development over time from a drafting tool to a design powerhouse is a testament to the unwavering quest for excellence in the built environment. The construction sector is on the verge of a digital renaissance as CAD continues to integrate with new technologies like BIM, VR, and 3D printing.
So, are you ready to implement the BIM process for your construction project?
BIMscaler’s consulting and management services will provide you with end-to-end BIM usage for your project, starting with BIM/model management, content management, project start-up, project meetings, and end-user support, including as-built documentation creation.
As a leading Australian provider of BIM services, BIM Scaler assures you of a professional and effective BIM implementation for your building project.
