Reduce Field Clashes and Save Time with CAD Technology and BIM Modeling
Today’s architects, engineers and designers have a toolbox full of high-tech resources for boosting the efficiency and productivity of their projects, from initial concept to completed building. Among the more powerful and useful of these tools are CAD technology and BIM modeling. Using these two design and drafting tools, construction professionals can improve project efficiency, shorten the time it takes to design and build a new structure, and reduce field clashes between drawings and physical reality of the project.
Computer-Aided Design
Computer-Aided Design, or CAD, is a type of software that provides computer-based design and drawing functions. Using a CAD program, an architect, engineer or designer can create 2D and 3D illustrations, blueprints, technical drawings and other graphics that aid design and construction. CAD is used to create detailed images used for graphic-design projects and to produce complex schematics, engineering drawings, construction plans and prototype designs. CAD technology is widely used in technical, industrial, construction applications, especially in areas where sophisticated component design is needed or extensive building plans are necessary. CAD allows engineers and designers to effectively visualize new products and their individual parts.
Engineers can make design changes in the CAD drawings to see how those changes will affect the overall form and function of a product or part. This reduces the need for physical prototyping and makes design and production more efficient. In the industrial world, CAD systems can be used to design and implement production lines and industrial processes. Construction professionals rely on CAD for detailed construction plans and drawings. Changes to building or structure design can be assessed quickly in a CAD program, and any required alterations can be made efficiently and with a minimum of project delay. CAD offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved visualization of final project.
- Greater accuracy and precision in specifications, drawings and blueprints.
- Increased speed of all facets of the project, from design to construction.
- Better efficiency in producing additional project components such as parts lists, bills of material and other supplements.
- Better ability to reuse existing designs and associated data. Building Information Modeling
Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is also type of computer-based design, but it typically offers more sophisticated features than standard CAD. BIM is intended to take into account the entire life cycle of a building or construction project, from design to construction to operation. All of these phases are converted into digital data that can be used throughout the various life stages of the building. BIM provides more than just drawings and schematics; it provides a real-time environment for modeling a building or construction project and how it will look, how it will interact with its surroundings, and how it will stand up to weather, wear and time.
Using BIM, construction professionals can automatically generate drawings and make changes that will be immediately accounted for in other parts of the drawing. BIM systems can produce reports, schedules, design analysis and other important documents. BIM allows easy sharing of data and construction information among engineers, construction managers, facilities managers and other personnel who will have responsibility for the building. Using this information, better and more realistic decisions can be made at all points in the building’s life cycle.
How CAD Technology and BIM Modeling Work Together
Three-dimensional CAD technology and BIM modeling are often combined to prepare detailed 3D visualizations of construction projects. Designers and engineers can then “walk through” a simulation of the building as it will look when finished. Design problems or other clashes can be identified before they emerge in the field and cause delays. Clashes can be resolved before work begins, saving significant amounts of time and money.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about Plumbing, HVACR, Fire Protection and Alarm Systems in Mechanical, Commercial and Residential settings. For more information about the importance of CAD technology and BIM modeling and to view projects we’ve worked on, please visit our website!