Future Engineering: How CAD Could Change

CAD software has been the industry norm for years, but recent developments in technology are causing the CAD culture to shift.   For engineers, that will mean adapting their skills in order to accommodate these changes.  In the November 2013,  P.E. Magazine explores this evolution by highlighting some of the notable trends as a result of these developments, which are summarized below.  

1. 3D Models- One of the biggest trends is the transition from 2D modeling to 3D.  The result of this transition is enhanced collaboration between team members, higher quality of construction documents, and less errors and design changes.  It is not IF you will switch to BIM, but when. 
2. Analyzing the model--As the industry moves toward 3D modeling, more companies are developing tools to better interpret these 3D designs. While many of these calculations aren't new feats, the ability to do these calculations on a computer using an inexpensive software, while answering an architect's email certainly is.  
3. Affordable Powerhouse Computers--While technologies are making computers more powerful, they are also reducing in cost. The engineer can design, analyze, render and animate design all one one machine. 
4. Model Coordination and Clash Detection--3D modeling is enhancing collaboration between disciplines. Disciplines can work on individual systems and sync their models with team members. This enables teams to catch mistakes early, speed up projects and reduce in-field engineering costs. 
5. More Distributed and Connected Work Teams-- In the modern world, it is a rarity when design teams work within a close proximity of one another. That's why cloud-based software is becoming more of a necessity.  There is still a concern about the security of intellectual property, but engineers should certainly still consider cloud based solutions as an option. 
6. Software and Computer Rental- For specialty projects, where unique software is needed, software companies are now allowing firms to rent software to accomplish specific project goals.  

CAD changes are inevitable, the question will you be prepared for the shift?

Originally published in P.E. Magazine under the title "CAD Forecast." November 2013.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)-The Dream Realized

"The scientific man does not aim at an immediate result. He does not expect that his advanced ideas will be readily taken up. His work is like that of the planter-for the future. His duty is to lay the foundation for those who are to come, and the point the way." - Nikola Tesla 

BIM is transforming how we think about
 design & construction. 

As an industry buzz word, Building Information Modeling (BIM), has been gaining steam over the last few years. For many, it is the future of our industry, merely in its infancy; but with the release of new technologies there is little doubt that when the full potential of BIM is realized our approach to design will change.

One of the technologies responsible for this shift is Autodesk Revit, a BIM software. Released in April 2000, Revit is quickly evolving from simply being 'cutting edge' technology into a necessary and preferred tool of choice for a growing number of architects, builders and engineers. It will soon become a requirement to design, document and deliver the project. For design professionals it is no longer a question of IF you will adopt BIM, but when.

For the past year, RGD's team has slowly been adopting Revit. Our goal is to transition to 100% utilization by January 2014.  By nature, Revit promotes collaboration between disciplines and key personnel, which allows for the creation of designs that are both spectacular and realistic. We have found this to be true as our Revit experience expands, and we hope that by embracing Revit, we will be able to better serve our existing and future clients so that their designs can be fully realized.

How will RGD's Adoption of BIM Benefit You?

• Greater coordination and collaboration between our team and yours. 
• Faster delivery of projects. 
• More economical designs.  
• Less errors and design changes.  
• Better visualization of your designs. 

As the potential of BIM matures, RGD hopes to grow along side it.  By using the best technologies available on the market, we can provide even better engineering solutions to our clients. Our commitment to BIM is a commitment to you.

To learn more about RGD's services, please visit our website.

Autodesk to Acquire Structural Fabrication & Detailing Technology from Graitec

Autodesk, Inc. has signed an agreement with Graitec shareholders in order to acquire certain technologies, including Graitec's Advanced Steel and Advanced Concrete product lines and employees.  This addition to Autodesk will further enhance their product offers for structural engineering along with their portfolio of technology for Building Information Modeling (BIM) for structural fabrication and detailing.

According to Amar Hanspal, Autodesk senior vice president of Information Modeling and Platform Products, Autodesk is committed to offering its users the most comprehensive engineering tools.  The acquisition of Graitec technology "will provide our customers with a more seamless structural engineering workflow from design to fabrication and to construction, with enhanced offerings for structural steel and concrete detailing." 

Graitec, a company based out of France,  provides CAD and engineering software for structural engineering, civil engineering and building construction globally. Its products support BIM-based steel and reinforced concrete workflows.  The company will continue to produce  BIM software and services to complement Autodesk, so that the industry can continue to pursue maximum efficiency and performance. 

The acquisition is likely to occur at the close of the 4th quarter of the fiscal year 2014. 

This article was derived from the press release titled "Autodesk Signs Agreement to Acquire Structural Fabrication and Detailing Technology from Graitec, published on October 2, 2013 in Market Watch. 

BIM-The Way of the Future?

Technological advancements have revolutionized how many industries operate. Take for example, the telecommunications industry.  In recent years, the art of letter writing has quickly been replaced by email and texting. In fact, communication has never been easier. 

For the construction industry, change has occurred more gradually, but now, Building Information Modeling, or BIM, may be finally changing that.  

   

What is BIM? 

BIM is a three dimensional digital representation of a building and its characteristics.  As one of the most promising developments in architecture, engineering and construction, BIM allows for the creation of a virtual model through a digitally constructed building.

This computer generated model contains precise geometry and data, which can be used to make decisions and improve the design process.

Benefits of BIM

BIM technology has numerous benefits for design professionals and facility owners and managers. 

• Tighter Coordination: BIM enables all members of the design team, including the customer, contractor and specialists to work more collaboratively. This improves the project's development through every stage of the design process.  No longer will the interaction of firms and disciplines be confined to the exchange of construction documents.  BIM enables tighter integration of the design teams, which results in a more cohesive and effective design.
• Less Costly Revisions: The integration of the schedule and cost information improves the sequencing during construction. You can get a complete picture during the design.
• Life Cycle Data: BIM is further enhanced after the construction of the facility. BIM is first and foremost about the information and data.  It acts as a computerized maintenance management system. Equipment specifications and schedules are easily accessible and critical functions can be integrated into the system.

Additionally, in a study conducted by the Stanford University, Centre for Integrated Facilities Engineering of 32 major projects using BIM (2007), it was determined that BIM will enable:

• Up to 40% elimination of unbudgeted change 
• Cost estimation accuracy within 3% 
• Up to 80% reduction in time taken to generate a cost estimate. 
• A savings of up to 10% of the contract value through clash detections. 
• Up to 7% reduction in a project time. 

McGraw-Hill Construction reported that the use of BIM technology increased from 17% in 2007, 49% in 2009, to 71% in 2013. Despite it's rapid growth, the widespread implementation of BIM technology still faces significant challenges. Still, the potential of BIM technology makes it an indispensable tool and skill for the design professional. Those who opt not to adopt BIM, may find themselves falling behind. 

Resources: 
http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/take/the-future-of-construction-meet-bim-or-else/441

http://www.burnsmcd.com/Resource_/Article/5721/PdfFile/aticle-SeeingtheFutureBIM.pdf

http://www.construction.com/about-us/press/bim-adoption-expands-from-17-percent-in-2007-to-over-70-percent-in-2012.asp

http://www.wspgroup.com/en/wsp-group-bim/10-truth-bim/