CONSTRUCTION SITE APPLICATIONS OF CAD

Computer-aided design (CAD) is aa valuable tool for construction engin eering to improve technical support of construction operations. The be nefits obtained from CAD applications in the field include increased t imeliness and accuracy of field drawings, improved communication of te chnical information tailored to the specific needs of the user, and in creased field productivity. These benefits result from using CAD to au tomate existing processes and to provide new information for construct ion. Examples of using CAD to automate existing processes include plan ning survey layout, planning construction sequence and methods, analyz ing concrete placements, designing formwork for concrete, and coordina ting subcontractors. The new processes and products include analyzing design requirements, planning site development, analyzing requirements for construction equipment, and planning concrete construction operat ions. 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 construct ion contractors.