CAD (or Computer Aided Design) is software that engineers, architects, and designers use to create designs. These drawings are exact drawings or illustrations of plans or buildings and can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. It all depends on the software. Some software works in 2D, while others can work in 3D. Others convert between both. CADD stands for Computer Aided Design & Drafting. Its basic idea is the same. Software is used by architects, engineers, and other professionals to design and draft buildings.
CAD was created in the 1960’s. This allowed designers to interact with the computer to create drawings. Manufacturers first started to use CAD to create and interact with designs in the 1970’s. Although it may seem like a new technology, CAD actually has a long history. Industries have used CAD in designing and manufacturing. It is becoming more popular, but it is important to remember that this technology doesn’t just have a new name and it’s not untested. Instead, it is older and continually improving.
Is CAD 2D, or 3D?
Common misconceptions about CAD are that it’s a 3D modeling tool. However, CAD can also be used to draw in 2D. A CAD tool for construction might only be available in 2D, while an architect might have a tool that converts to 2D. The platform you use will determine the outcome. This is convenient as a company may only need a 2D tool, and be able to pay for the tool itself. It will be more difficult for companies to only use a 2D tool, since construction is centered around 3D models and informational modeling.
What does CAD mean for construction?
You might be wondering what CAD is used for in construction after reading the above paragraphs. There are many uses for CAD in construction. To ensure constructibility, subcontractor’s can use the architect’s drawings as a guide. They can then work from the plan and verify their work against it. This has been done by many companies to some degree. Companies were able use a combination drones and 3D modeling to spot problems with the construction. A company can overlay its live drone footage with the model. They can also note if the foundation is off and correct it.
Contractors can benefit from CAD because they can store their plans and drawings in the cloud. Contractors can access their plans from any device. They can also see any changes made to the plans if they are part of a shared file. A subcontractor can quickly see which changes have been made and by whom, as well as how they will affect construction.
Another advantage of CAD software over manual drawings is its accuracy. Designers can ensure that their drawings are accurate using CAD software more easily than when they’re done manually. Subcontractors can add details to CAD software drawings much faster than they can in manual drawings.
What is the difference between CAD and BIM?
Many contractors are familiar with BIM, despite all the talk about new technology in construction and the addition of construction technology. What are the differences between CAD vs. BIM? First, CAD can be used to design, model, and draw. The BIM platform stores the information. BIM platforms use a model and the information stored on the BIM platform to do much more than just look at a model. It is possible to use BIM depending on the settings made by project managers. This can help with taking offs and estimating. This can cut down on the time it takes to prepare estimates. This can increase the accuracy of estimates.
What are CAD’s Future Trends in Construction?
Companies will continue to use CAD software as a design tool. As CAD software becomes more intuitive and accurate, so will the detail and accuracy. This will make it easier for smaller companies to compete with larger construction firms.
Integration with BIM and project management platforms will increase as more systems are added. This will make it easier to share data between platforms. Project managers must be able attach CAD files as attachments to their RFIs or change orders. It will be easier to identify the project managers by being able to attach files to these documents. Construction industry will see a significant increase in accuracy and a reduction in project timeframes.
