Civil Engineers design buildings in which we reside in. 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 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 CAD 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. 3D softwares are based on solid and parametric modeling, and older wireframe technique. The solid modelings create 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. On the other hand 3D softwares are getting popular day by day, and in the future will have a vital role to play.
Currently, new tools and powerful features are included in CAD softwares to optimize and make it more productive. Business informational modeling (BIM) is a new concept that is applied in a 3D CAD software. It is a documentation process providing physical and functional characteristics of the building. BIM is a database of information like geometry of building parts, building geography, and quantity and properties of the used resources. These building details are combined with the actual building model. Members of different project departments can coordinate and collaborate, and exchange related project information. BIM can be used my Architect, civil Engineer, Contractors, Sub-contractors, and also the Owner. It covers all phases of construction and structurizes the workflow. BIM gives you project schedules and the cost of materials used. With BIM you can study and analyze the building defects, environmental impact of the building. This allows the Engineer to create an eco-friendly and high-performing building even before it is constructed. BIM minimizes data loss and here the changes can be added and corrected easily. The need to visit the site directly by the civil Engineer is eliminated by BIM. BIM has not been widely accepted in the industry due to lack of exposure and unclear information about it. In future this concept is going to redefine 3D drafting and serve as a useful tool for the entire project.
The expectations with CAD softwares seem to grow high as more and more enhanced features and innovations are added to it. The industry should provide customized solutions and turn to newer technologies than using the older ones. CAD softwares can be commercialized completely. It is important to have better output and input devices to make drafting easier and produce accurate designs. In future, the CAD softwares will have enhanced file format, more design options, editing tools and intelligent features. Accessibility and interoperability would be increased. Civil Engineer would be able to manage and share their data efficiently within a project. You can expect a high resolution and very realistic designs. CAD softwares would make civil Engineer more creative and take drafting to new highs.