Technology has brought upon big development to almost all aspects of society. Architecture, construction and engineering has geared towards digitization. Traditional methods and practices are still used, such as construction takeoff services. But there is no doubt that engineering projects are better off with design software at hand.
The world is becoming modern. The engineering industry is leaning to up-to-date advancements. Civil engineers turn to civil engineering software for jobs best done.
What is Civil Engineering Software?
Civil engineering design software is a digital program. It aids civil engineers in every project stage. It comprises a range of tools that helps them in the design and construction process. Engineering design software enables users to draft and design 3D models of infrastructures. Processes such as drafting, designing, visualizing, analyzing are in this software.
There are many engineering softwares that caters to every needs of civil engineers. In this article, we will discuss the top 11 civil engineering softwares.
List of 11 Best Softwares for Civil Engineers
1. AutoCad
AutoCad is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) software developed and marketed by Autodesk. It is a desktop application for microcomputers with a built-in graphics controller.
AutoCAD civil engineering software has many features and encompasses a lot of purposes. That is why it is the most basic software for a civil engineer to have. It is an easy-to-use finite element analysis software. Tasks such as creating plans in 2D and 3D can be performed in this software. It can also manipulate object properties like shape, size and location.
AutoCAD is now available in both Windows and Macs and other mobile platforms.
2. STAAD Pro
STAAD Pro is civil engineering design software that is widely used all over the world. It is developed to provide structural analysis for engineers and other users. STAAD Pro features many applications of use, analysis and time-saving capabilities.
It has incorporated many design code standards. To ensure that structural designs follow every local regulations across the world. It is one of the most user-friendly design softwares. And is preferred by most professionals for structural engineering.
3. MS Excel
MS Excel is a spreadsheet by Microsoft with functions including design and calculation. It features a macro programming language known as Visual Basic for Applications.
It is for planning contracts, surveying and budgeting. Moreover, it also helps in designing, quantity estimation, quality control and execution. It is great for evaluating and adjusting data and any other calculative purposes.
4. REVIT
REVIT is a civil engineering design program. It functions as a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. It is to create building components such as shapes, structures and systems in 3D models. These features have a high-level of accuracy, precision and ease.
It also helps civil engineers simplify documents when projects change. Civil engineers, architects, and contractors can work together within the same interface. This is through a unified project environment function of the software.
5. CIVIL 3D
CIVIL 3D is another Building Information Modeling engineering software by Autodesk. It improves several civil infrastructure projects. Its functions allows simplification of time-consuming information modeling tasks by using specific tools.
It has purpose-built tools for major civil engineering disciplines. It supports workflows for several transportation engineering projects. These projects include roads, highways, storm and sanitary networks. It also includes bridges and tunnels and various site developments. It is one of the leading transportation engineering software.
CIVIL 3D has features that allow a team to connect to keep projects on track.
6. ETABS
ETABS is an engineering software. It is best when it comes to structural analysis and design of buildings. It has a single user interface. That enables users to perform modeling, design, analysis and reporting.
It has interactive database editing. And it allows design models to develop or revised quickly.
This civil engineering design software offers a wide array of code-based design features. These features are for concrete frame, steel frame, cold form steel and aluminum frame.
It contains functions that allow efficient collaborations between teams through compatible inoperability.
7. SAP2000
SAP 2000 is another structural analysis civil engineering software. It has a customizable interface that lets users define window and toolbar layouts.
It also features a DirectX Graphics. This allows a full 2D and 3D drafting and selection capabilities. Its relevant function is the efficient meshing techniques. It has also flexible modeling tools and interactive database editing.
It features state-of-the-art analytical methods. These methods include static analysis, dynamic analysis and response-spectrum analysis. Also methods such as time-history analysis, nonlinear analysis and finite element analysis.
8. MS PROJECT
Microsoft Project is a project management software. It aims to help a project manager create a variety of projects step by step. It is an ideal tool for project management operations. The best functions are creating a plan and assigning resources to tasks. It also covers track progress, manage finances, and analyze workloads.
Microsoft Project is powerful and easy-to-use software for civil engineers. This is because it makes any engineering project recognized.
9. PRIMAVERA P6
PRIMAVERA P6 is a project, program, and portfolio management tool created by Oracle. It is for planning, managing and executing any projects. It is powerful and easy to use. This software is preferred by civil engineers for planning large-scale and individual projects.
10. 3DS MAX
3DS is very ideal for civil engineers. Because of its capacity to create extensive worlds and high-quality designs. Its best features are the robust modeling tools. It also has intuitive texturing and shading tools and full artistic control.
This software helps civil engineers deliver photorealistic plans and boost productivity by animation. With its multifunctional features, this software is best in all stages.
11. ArcGIS
ArcGIS is a proprietary commercial software. It offers powerful geo-based data analytics capabilities. That works well for civil engineers, electrical engineering and other related careers. It is a cloud-based mapping and analysis solution.
The Software includes a host of functions. That is for serving utilities and infrastructure design, planning and management.
Civil engineers prefer ArcGIS when it comes to Visualizing data, conducting environmental impact analyses and determining economic feasibility. It is the best software for civil engineering surveying.
The Conclusion
Civil engineering is among the most important careers in the world. As a result, civil engineers have strive hard to provide quality service to all end-users. It is good to know that there are softwares that can help them in giving the needs of the society. Engineering softwares helps a lot in giving accurate data, lessening manual labor and speeding up operations. Moreover, it helps increase accuracy and lessen human errors.
