AutoCAD
To help develop this article, click 'Edit this article' above.
Autodesk's AutoCAD is one of the main Computer Aided Design (CAD) software tools used for technical drawing in the construction industry. It was first released in 1982 and is used to produce drawings for design, construction, maintenance and operation as well as for future work to the structure.
The UK nbs National BIM Survey 2013 suggested that the most popular CAD software amongst respondents was:
- Autodesk AutoCAD 26%
- Autodesk AutoCAD LT 19% (a lower cost version of AutoCAD, with reduced capabilities).
- Autodesk Revit 18% (used for Building Information Modelling).
- Nemetschek Vectorworks 13%
- Graphisoft ArchiCAD 7%
- Bentley Microstation 5%
- Trimble Sketchup 2%
- Bentley Building Suite 1%
- Nemetschek Allpan 0%
- Other 8%
AutoCAD drawings are created at 'full size' and can then be scaled to suit different paper sizes or other media. It is mainly used to produce 2D drawings, although there is also a 3D feature.
AutoCAD works by using a limited number of tools to draw straight lines, circles, arc's, and so on which are saved as a series of points or coordinates. This means that the resulting drawing files are relatively small in size.
As the drawing progresses other tools can be used to make the drawing more complex and contain more information. This full size drawing is drawn in model space mode which is virtually unlimited (in reality limited by the computer hardware specification), and then scaled down in the paper [space] mode.
The native file format for AutoCAD is .dwg, but files can also be produced in an interchange file format DXF.
Autodesk have a adopted an annual release strategy now popular for many software products as it allows a revenue stream for the programmers and ensures development of the software.
In AutoCAD 2010 it adopted the new visual style developed by Microsoft to allow use by all devices such as touchscreens, mouse, pens and digitizers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building information modelling.
- Computer aided design.
- Computer aided manufacturing.
- Computers in building design.
- Connected procurement.
- Document control.
- Information and communications technology.
- Interview with Kevin Borg, founder of KJB Building Consultants.
- Government Construction Strategy.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach £7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
How to write an inspection and test plan
ITPs for quality control and assurance particular elements.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.
Winners of the 2024 ASBP Awards
Project, Product and Initiative according to the 6 pillars.
Comments