What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Why It’s Important

1
WHAT IS COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD) AND WHY ITS
IMPORTANT
When most people envision a construction worker,
they see a person at a construction site wearing
a hard hat and a safety vest. Perhaps this person
is putting up drywall, hammering nails, laying
flooring, or even having lunch high above the
ground, evoking the iconic Lunch Atop a
Skyscraper photograph. Although all these
constitute part of the job, construction is in
many ways a tech job. This has always been the
case, yet with the introduction of CAD,
technologys role in the industry and the impact
it has on the job have both grown. History of
CAD The origins of CAD trace back to the early
60s and Patrick Hanratty and Ivan Sutherland.
While working for General Electric, Hanratty
developed a program he called DAC, the first
system which used interactive graphics and a
numerical control programming system. Just two
years later, in 1963, Ivan Sutherland designed a
system that broke new ground in 3D computer
modeling and visual simulation, which is the
basis for CAD. Sutherland called his program
Sketchpad, and explained it let designers use a
light pen to create engineering drawings
directly on a CRT.
2
In 1971, Hanratty developed a program called
ADAM. It was described as the first
commercially available integrated, interactive
graphics design, drafting, and manufacturing
system. Approximately nine in 10 of CAD programs
find their roots in ADAM. Hanratty upgraded ADAM
over time, enabling it to run on 16-bit, and
later 32-bit computers. With a name change to
AD-2000 along with more machining and surfacing
capabilities, the program became a hit. Purpose
of CAD Used by engineers, architects, and
construction managers, CAD has replaced manual
drafting. It helps users create designs in either
2D or 3D so that they can visualize the
construction. CAD enables the development,
modification, and optimization of the design
process. Thanks to CAD, engineers can make more
accurate representations and modify them easily
to improve design quality. The software also
takes into account how various materials
interact This is especially relevant as more
details are added to drawings by
subcontractors. Today, drawings/plans can be
stored in the cloud, Thus, contractors have
gained access to CAD-based drawings/plans at the
worksite. Entire teams can check out plan
modifications easily, including the contractor
and subcontractors. This way, it is possible for
relevant parties to recognize the possible
impact the changes might have on construction and
adapt as needed. Such ready access to plans
improves communication. Effective utilization of
all information ultimately increases
productivity. CAD enables designers to consider
electricity, plumbing, and other elements,
helping to create a more comprehensive design.
Ultimately, this translates to fewer work changes
and fewer surprises during construction. CAD
and its spinoffs, with their many features, have
become a staple throughout the construction
industry and through all phases of the process.
Its technological impact has been a game-changer
in the industryit has transformed construction
into a technology job.
3
CAD in Practice Eric Cylwik is a senior virtual
construction engineer at Sundt Construction, a
full-service general contractor that is one of
the largest construction companies in the United
States. Cylwik focuses on virtual construction
and has concentrated on 3D modeling for
construction uses throughout his career, 3d cad
drafting services. In his role at Sundt
Construction, he supports the people in the
construction business by identifying how
technology can bring predictability, speed, and
quality to their work. He also ensures the
technology is working correctly. Cylwiks use
of CAD dates back to his college days at Arizona
State University where he majored in design
studies. It was the first tool I used when
setting about creating 3D sequences and
animation, he said. Being able to visualize
something in 3D gives the design and construction
team an idea of what the finished project should
look like. Today Cylwik regularly uses a host
of different CAD-related tools. With their help,
he can develop accurate models of something yet
to be designed. He works out ways to transfer
files among key players and create a final design
intent model. Being able to visualize something
in 3D gives the design and construction team an
idea of what the finished project should look
like, said Cylwik. When Cylwik was in Sundts
transportation group, he used CAD data to
determine elevations of roads, bridges, etc. The
team connected CAD to equipment in the field to
ensure the equipment was performing tasks
according to the specs. Traditionally, this was
4
labor-intensive but this CAD totally changes
the process. Its a time-saver it improves
safety and reduces costs. There are many
available CAD offerings that may be particularly
helpful to those in construction. Below are some
of the best-rated CAD software for the
construction industry. Best CAD Software
Available CAD Civil 3D is used for planning,
designing, and managing civil engineering
projects. The projects can be divided into
three main categories of land development,
water, and transportation projects and can
include construction area development, road
engineering, river development, port
construction, canals, dams, embankments, and many
others. Its used to create
three-dimensional (3D) models of land, water, or
transportation features while maintaining
dynamic relationships to source data such as
grading objects, breaklines, contours, and
corridors. CAD Plant 3D offers modern 3D design
solutions for plant designers and engineers. The
program helps simplify the modeling of plant
components, including piping and support
structures. The software offers a number of tools
to deal with typical plant and process design
challenges, such as standardization and
customization of parts for a particular project.
It also improves accuracy as well as increases
design and engineering productivity as typical
challenges are addressed when building the
model. CATIA is a cloud-based design software
used for physical modeling and is utilized in
many industries. In construction, it facilitates
the design of buildings. The software is also
seen as a top-notch surfacing (developing the
shape of an object) tool. Whats more, CATIA
supports multiple stages of product design and
aids in the design of various systems, such as
electronic HVAC. The technology and its spinoffs
have become a must-have for construction projects
of all types and at all stages. SkyCiv
Structural 3D is a cloud-based structural
engineering software program geared toward civil
and structural engineers. Completely online, the
program enables users to model, analyze, and
design a wide range of structures. Engineers can
analyze multiple issues like bending, stress,
and buckling. With smart repair model
functionality, the program helps users identify
and repair issues. SolidWorks Premium, a program
that runs on Microsoft Windows, has powerful 3D
design capabilities. Admittedly, it can be used
to create 2D designs, but it is the 3D-related
tools that make it so valuable for mechanical
engineers and designers. SolidWorks integrates
powerful design toolsincluding industry-leading
part, assembly, and drawing capabilities with
built-in simulation, rendering, animation,
product data management, and cost estimation.
The program allows users to create a 3D model
from a 2D plane, and vice versa. CAD has come a
long way since Hanratty, Sutherland, and others
invented and improved it. The technology and its
spinoffs have become a must-have for construction
projects of all
5
types and at all stages. It improves accuracy,
heightens communication, speeds up the
construction process, and reduces costs. Would
you like to share your Project Details? We would
be glad to discuss it with you! Click here to
send us an Email now! You can also call us on
[phone] Source- https//gobim360.blogspo
t.com/2021/09/what-is-computer-aided-design-cad-an
d-why-its-imp ortant.html