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8 Programs for Engineering and Civil Construction Projects
Before investing in any technological tool, it is necessary to verify your company's needs, analyze issues such as the most problematic processes and planning stages that need improvements to optimize the execution of the work, and check with your team how productivity can be improved. That's what we'll see in today's article presented by Sky Marketing.
Discover the best programs in the area of civil construction and engineering that can help your company's performance, improving its delivery.
8 Civil Engineering and Civil Construction Programs
SketchUp
It has an intuitive and simple interface, in addition to being a reference among architects, interior designers, and engineering professionals. It has a large library of 3D models provided by 3D Warehouse. Ideal for achieving a more realistic presentation. It can be downloaded for free if it is the SketchUp Make version, but to use SketchUp Pro, you need to buy the program. Available for Windows and Mac.
SketchUp minimum requirements:
- 3D video card with 512MB of memory
- 4GB of RAM memory
- 2 GHz processor or higher
- Mouse with scroll button
AutoCAD
CAD-type software, developed by Autodesk, is unanimous in the world of engineering and civil construction. Very practical, functional, and extremely compatible with external files, it is used for 2D technical drawing projects and 3D modeling. Enables the automation of various commands and activities within the preparation of projects. Available for Windows and Mac.
Minimum requirements for AutoCAD:
- 4GB of RAM (8GB is recommended)
- Processor: Intel Pentium 4, AMD Athlon Dual Core or better
- Video Card: 1360×768 resolution with True Color
AutoCAD Civil 3D
AutoCAD Civil 3D is also distributed by Autodesk and focuses on creating civil infrastructure projects with BIM ( Building Information Modeling ) technology resources. With features that optimize the efficiency of documentation processes and workflow, the software enables teams to contribute and connect design tasks, drawings, and documentation. Available for Windows only.
The minimum requirements are similar to AutoCAD.
MATLAB
Created in the mid-1970s, MATLAB is still used today for the development of complex numerical calculations, a fundamental function in engineering and civil construction, with an extensive library of functions, signal processing, matrices, and incorporated graphics, which results in the construction of personalized ideas and ideal results. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Minimum requirements for MATLAB:
- Intel or AMD x86-64 processor
- 2GB free disk space
- 2GB of RAM memory or higher
Revit
Also produced by Autodesk, it is based on BIM technology, developing integrated projects, and associating its elements with other components and information; that is, when a single item is modified in a plan, the other plans are automatically updated, facilitating the work.
Its functions allow analysis and simulation of systems and structural models, being widely used to plan, design, build, and manage construction and infrastructure projects. Available for Windows, with an interesting differential: students can download the software for free and use it for three years.
Revit minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel® Pentium®, Xeon®, or i-Series or AMD® equivalent with SSE technology
- Video Card: 1280×1024 resolution with True Color
- 4GB of RAM memory
Siege
ERP-type national software, aimed especially at the civil construction industry, is being used for the management of companies in the sector. It is possible to centralize and manage exactly all the construction company's information, from the budget, going through the work, the purchase of materials, measurements, and even reaching the sales area. In other words, it is a complete program. It works on any computer with internet access, operating 100% on the web.
It does not require special resources.
QIBUILDER
Recommended for the structural modeling of a work, QIBUILDER is a software widely used by engineers to develop electrical projects and sanitary structures, for example, using it together with the Revit software since both are compatible and use BIM technology.
The minimum requirements are similar to Revit.
Photool
Another software, Ftool was developed by professor Luiz Fernando Martha, from PUC-Rio, in 1991 and is being used for the structural analysis of flat frames, with simple but efficient prototyping of structures.
It has a basic version intended for students and teachers and an advanced version for professionals in the field. With advanced resources for calculating structures, which must be done in a precise and multidirectional way, it allows structures from simple to complex to be modeled in the software. Basic and advanced versions are available for Windows and Linux.
Ftool minimum requirements:
- 256MB of RAM memory
- 10MB free disk space
- Video card: 1024×768 resolution
How to Choose the Best Technology?
It is important to work with state-of-the-art technologies in the market so that the project is completed successfully. Check out some tips on how to identify the best solutions and opportunities for each of the most important technologies, such as:
Automation
To choose the best process, automation, it is necessary to study case by case. However, the most suitable for civil construction are ERPs and vertical software, as well as checklist elaboration technology, which must be integrated with Quality Control (QC). It is also important that the planning modules are fully monitored and controlled by the ERP.
Consider good planning and follow-up, as well as audits, so that automation processes are positive and successfully implemented.
Process Integration
In the civil construction sector, it is crucial to follow certain steps. To this end, no important data should be lost along the way. This is where process integration comes in, offering the manager a true overview of all operations so that the decisions to be taken are cohesive for your company.
The main objective of integration is to unify all the organization's systems into just one through management software, where it is possible to interconnect all sectors of the company, thus ensuring that processes are streamlined and stored in total security.
Team Productivity
Mainly in civil construction, it is important to work as a team so that everything is in accordance with what was initially designed, leaving the paper correctly. Keeping the team aligned is a challenge, but the effort will be worth the success of the mission, from the beginning to the end of the project, so stimulate the productivity of the workforce in civil construction, strengthening the team with the spirit of contribution.
Furthermore, a good leader who communicates clearly with his team makes everyone feel integrated into the given mission. If you are a leader, listen to your employees and invite them to help you define goals, plans, and actions. If you are a contributor, ask to be heard on your improvement ideas.
Conclusion
As we have seen, it is important for the success of a civil construction project to use the correct software, align processes, and respect the improvement and planning ideas that are offered within each team. Taking these steps into account will strengthen your team, and, as a result, the project will succeed.
You may also read about New City Paradise, a major construction project in the country.
