Construction site applications of CAD

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a valuable tool for construction engineering to improve technical support of construction operations. The benefits obtained from CAD applications in the field include increased timeliness and accuracy of field drawings, improved communication of technical information tailored to the specific needs of the user, and increased field productivity. These benefits result from using CAD to automate existing processes and to provide new information for construction. Examples of using CAD to automate existing processes include planning survey layout, planning construction sequence and methods, analyzing concrete placements, designing formwork for concrete, and coordinating subcontractors. The new processes and products include analyzing design requirements, planning site development, analyzing requirements for construction equipment, and planning concrete construction operations. Taking full advantage of the potential benefits of CAD requires experimentation to determine the applications that best fit the needs of the firm, projects, and training. The new construction-engineering capabilities from effective use of CAD highlight the need to integrate technical information supplied and used by design firms and construction contractors.