Civil & Architectural Drafting using Autocad (Part - 2)

This is the second part of a two-part series on AutoCAD. You can read the first part

As far as the realm of engineering is considered, CAD is greatly important and is widely used in the designing and development of consumer products. Due to the varied benefits of CAD in the engineering workplace, those with CAD knowledge emerge as hot commodities for employers.

Before we learn about CAD, let's understand some processes that civil and architecture engineers use on a regular basis.

 

Project and Construction Management

The process through which construction projects are managed by construction project managers is what is called construction project management. Unlike other industrial projects, construction projects are mission-based. As a result, the project's organization comes to a culmination with the termination of the project build.

Project management is illustrated as the management of resources over the life cycle of a project. This is done through the deployment of various tools and methodologies to monitor quality, scope, time, cost, etc.

 

Tools

• Microsoft Project
• Primavera
• Co-Construct
• Procore
• Aconex

 

Building Information Modelling

Building Information Modelling is a unique type of intelligent 3D model-based process. Architecture, engineering, and construction professionals can garner insights and access tools to prolifically plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure, with the aid of Building Information Modelling (BIM). 

BIM finds executive application in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) services, intelligent plant and piping services, and in detailing structural designs. 

Autodesk BIM solutions offer better clarity for all the stakeholders across the project lifecycle as it clearly communicates project decisions, and outlines the design, visualization, simulation, and collaboration. Good expertise in the tool would spell definitive success for the projects undertaken.

 

Tools

• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Autodesk Revit
• Autodesk Navisworks
• Autodesk BIM 360

 

Geographical Information System

GIS is a conceptualized framework that is used to capture and analyze geographical and spatial data. GIS applications are used in creating interactive queries, analyzing spatial information output, editing data presented in maps, and sharing the derived results visually. 

Thorough knowledge of GIS tools and applications would help students to find positions in the telecommunication sector, disaster management sector, transportation industry, and many more. 

It's riveting to know that GIS has numerous benefits, such as the following: 

• Urban planning
• Accident and hotspot analysis
• Transportation planning
• Environmental impact analysis
• Navigation and routing

Even during the COVID pandemic, it's GIS that has helped India in facilitating containment. The expertise of the Institue of Remote Sensing, CEG, Anna University, has been leveraged to develop grip zones of COVID-hit areas. 

 

Tools

• AutoCAD
• ArcGIS
• QGIS
• PostgreSQL
• GRASS
• OpenJump

 

Indispensable Skills for Civil Engineers

 

Technical Skills

A good civil engineer is one who holds adept knowledge of Mathematics and Physics. They are vital in the identification and solving of engineering problems. For instance, if a structural engineer is incapable of identifying the amount of weight being distributed throughout a bridge, it's going to impose critical situations on those driving on the bridge. 

Besides, civil engineers must be skilled in design techniques such as civil and architectural drafting using AutoCAD, and many others. They should have proficiency in working with drawings, maps, models, and other CAD software. They should be equipped to predict plausible future issues with solutions to address intricacies. 

 

Project Management

In the face of a discrepancy, it's natural for people involved in a project to look up to the heading engineer for resolution and guidance. So, civil engineers must develop project management skills to efficiently tackle the diverse team of functioning professionals while maintaining the confidence of the clients.

 

Communication Skills

In contrast to other engineering professions, it is civil engineering that demands exceptional communication skills. It's an indispensable skill that's a lifesaver in the dealings between clients and the management. Only if the engineers can communicate clearly will the team be able to function with nil ambiguity.

 

Creativity

Broadly, the role of civil engineers is the application of engineering principles to develop solutions within the built environment. Often, this deems a certain level of creative thinking on the side of civil engineers. They must be capable of innovating and improving solutions.

 

Critical Thinking

When facing complex problems, civil engineers should be able to find out an efficient solution within the constricted timeline. They should swiftly assess the pros and cons of all possible solutions to arrive at the best decision.

 

Understanding Computer-Aided Design and its Importance

Modern-day engineering has been revolutionized by the computer-aided design (CAD). It makes it easier for the development of a product with the integration of product management. It allows for greater modeling and also offers a basis for virtual networking.

Interestingly, CAD drawings offer the flexibility to draft and design in the digital sphere, while those chores were done manually in earlier times. This digital means of designing has made data handling easier, safer, and quicker. It's a plus that existing hand-drawn blueprints could not be scanned and expanded upon digitally. 

In recent times, most of the CAD programs use three-dimensional drawings to maximize productivity and deliver better outcomes, with room for the development of the tiniest of details. 

 

Introduction to AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a software that's used to assist the creation, modification, and optimization of a design. Both 2D and 3D drawings could be developed on this software for construction and manufacturing purposes. 

Developed by John Walker in the year 1982, with the aid of Autodesk, it has remained a successful product. Often, the software is used to create and modify the 2D and 3D designs for professional drafting with refined and detailed measurement information regarding the conceptual design and the layout of the product. 

 

Codes for Designing (Drafting)

These are industry standard codes that civil and architecture engineers must be familiar with.

• IS 7973 - Code of Practice for Architectural and Building Working Drawings
• IS 962 - Code of Practice for Architectural and Building Drawings
• Sp 27 - Handbook for Method of Measurement of Building Works
• IS 1200 1992 Part 1 to 29 - Measurement of Buildings and Civil Engineering Works

 

Conclusion

Civil and Architectural Drafting using AutoCAD offers impressive avenues for a successful engineering career. Students should pep up their resumes with Civil and Architectural Drafting using AutoCAD course to increase their chances of getting hired.