In
Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry, computer aided design
technology is mostly utilized for the representation of building design in 2D
and 3D. Prior to the advent of computer aided design technology, the execution
of construction projects was largely based on drawing based design approach,
wherein hand-made drawings used to fulfill all the requirements of design and
construction professionals.
In other
words, design and construction professionals had no choice apart from using
technical hand-made drawings for the construction of buildings, bridges and
towers etc., when computer aided design technology was not available to them.
But approximately three decades ago, computer aided design technology made its
presence in Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry, which
completely transformed the way design documentation used to be created for
construction projects.
With the
acceptance of computer aided design technology, 2D digital drawings were
introduced to design and construction professionals. Digital drawings brought
tremendous efficiency in actual project execution as they are more accurate
than hand-made technical drawings. Computer aided design software solutions
such as AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, and Solidworks etc. are used for the
generation of digital drawings for architecture, structure and MEP.
All these
computer aided design software have magnificent tools which greatly simply
drafting process. The most important
thing about using computer aided design software is that, even the most
difficult drawings can be generated quickly.
CAD
solutions are not only used for creating shop drawings, erection drawings,
assembly drawings, floor plans and site plans etc. but they are also utilized
for the development of 3D models for multiple building disciplines such as
architecture, structure and MEP. 3D models provide better understanding of the
design when compared to 2D CAD Drawings. CAD models can be quickly rotated
among design and construction professionals, whenever they want to refer them
which means it becomes quite convenient for building stakeholders to
communicate design related information.
