Here we discussed in detail the different software used in civil engineering under the two categories.
- Structural
- Architecture
structural
- Auto Cad
- Gstar Cad
- Proge Cad
- Staad pro
- Etabs
- Sab 2000
- Tekla
- Safe
- Ansys
- Quantity survey
- Civil 3D Cad
Auto cad
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. Before AutoCAD was introduced, most commercial CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal. AutoCAD is also available as a mobile and web app.
AutoCAD is used in industry, by architects, project managers, engineers, graphic designers, city planners and other professionals. It was supported by 750 training centres worldwide in 1994.
| Developer(s) | Autodesk |
| Initial release | December 1982; 39 years ago |
| Stable release | 2023 / March 25, 2022; 6 months ago |
| Operating system | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Available in | 14 languages |
| Type | Computer-aided design |
| License Available | Trial version, Free version (Only for students and some categories ), payable/Full version ( $1,865 to $1,950 /year ) |
| Website | https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview |
What is AutoCAD used for?
AutoCAD is the original CAD software used by millions around the world. It can create precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, electrical diagrams, construction drawings, and more.
student version
AutoCAD is licensed, for free, to students, educators, and educational institutions, with a 12-month renewable license available. Licenses acquired before March 25, 2020, were a 36-month license, with its last renovation on March 24, 2020. The student version of AutoCAD is functionally identical to the full commercial version, with one exception: DWG files created or edited by a student version have an internal bit-flag set (the “educational flag”).
gstar cad
GstarCAD is a well-known alternative CAD (computer-aided design) software with high compatibility with ACAD. With nearly 30 years of continuous improvement and lean innovation, today GstarCAD is far ahead in performance, stability and other key indicators and has become the leading CAD software in the world.
| Developer(s) | Suzhou Gstarsoft Co., Ltd |
| Stable release | GstarCAD 2016 STD/PRO |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Type | Computer-aided design |
| License Available | Proprietary software payable/Full version ( $450 to $900 /year ) |
| Website | www.gstarcad.net |
what is gstar cad used for?
We develop highly high ACAD-compatible solutions. If you were an ACAD user, you would be impressed by the high level of compatibility. In just 15 minutes you will find you are familiar with GstarCAD.
- Native DWG/DXF support
- Familiar interface and command
- Easy to import
proge cad
ProgeCAD is a cost-effective 2D drafting and 3D Modeling CAD software which supports industry popular dwg & dxf file formats. The technology behind ProgeCAD is IntelliCAD 10.1 engine which offers the best performance.
ProgeCAD 2022 Professional is based on the latest IntelliCAD 10.1 engine. There are many new features like Ribbon GUI, Select Similar, multi-core support, point cloud import, workspaces, improved speed & performance etc.
| Developer(s) | progeSOFT |
| Initial release | 2006 |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Type | Computer-aided design |
| License Available | Proprietary Software Freewarepayable/Full version ( from $399.00 ) |
| Website | https://www.progesoft.com/ |
progeCAD is an AutoCAD compatible 2D/3D CAD application that works with AutoCAD DWG files from AutoCAD 2.5 through AutoCAD 2022 and imports Autodesk Revit and IFC files! The best solution for AEC, MCAD and all generic CAD usages.
progeCAD sells with perpetual licensing and offers more CAD functions than AutoCAD LT at a fraction of the cost of AutoCAD, ArchiCAD or Microstation
what Proge cad is used for?
- Perpetual Licensing! No annual fee. You decide when to upgrade
- Nothing to learn for an AutoCAD® user
- Work natively with DWG! Full compatibility with AutoCAD® without conversion
- Import BIM projects and objects (Autodesk Revit® and IFC)
- PDFtoDWG (PDF2DWG) conversion included
- Amazing exclusive Advanced Features
- Create architectural layouts in a flash with the EasyArch parametric plug-in
- 22.000 blocks ready to use + customizable blocks manager
- Import/Export – Rvt, Rfa, IFC, STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, PDF, 3D PDF, DWF, 3DS, DAE, LWO, POV, Maya, OBJ, BMP, JPG, WMF, EMF, SVG
- Professional Artisan Render Engine included
staad pro
STAAD or (STAAD.Pro) is a structural analysis and design software application originally developed by Research Engineers International in 1997. In late 2005, Research Engineers International was bought by Bentley Systems. STAAD stands for Structural Analysis And Design.
STAAD.Pro is one of the most widely used structural analysis and design software products worldwide. It can apply more than 90 international steel, concrete, timber and aluminium design codes.
| Developer(s) | Bentley |
| Initial release | 1997 |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Type | Computer-aided design |
| License Available | $900 – $1700 (12-month subscription license) |
| Website | https://www.bentley.com/software/staad/ |
E-Tabs
E-Tabs is a software company with headquarters in London, England. The company develops and delivers data visualization and report automation software and services tailored for the market research industry. The company was established in 1993 as ISPC by one of the founders of Quantime- a specialist Data Processing software. Following a management buyout in 1999 ISPC was rebranded as E-Tabs
| Founder(s) | Ashraf Habibullah |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Type | Computer-aided design |
| License Available | $2500 – $3000 (it depends on requirements ) |
| Website | https://www.csiamerica.com/products/etabs |
sap 2000
SAP2000 is a tool used for creating and analyzing structural models. It offers many features across a single, customizable user interface, allowing engineers working on transportation, industrial, public works, or other facilities to generate complex models and run comprehensive tests.
| Founder(s) | Ashraf Habibullah |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Type | Computer-aided design |
| License Available | $2500 – $3000 (it depends on requirements ) |
| Website | https://www.csiamerica.com/products/sap2000 |
Difference between Etabs and sap2000
Etabs is mainly used for the analysis and design of buildings, whereas different structures (i.g. bridges, towers etc) can be modelled in SAP2000 while the application of this software is more for structural analysis than structural design.
Tekla
Tekla Corporation was a software engineering company specialised in model-based software products for building, construction and infrastructure management. The company was listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange from May 2000 until February 2012. The name Tekla is a given name, used in the Nordic countries, Poland and Georgia. However, in this case, it is an abbreviation of the Finnish word Teknillinen laskenta, which means technical computation. n May 2011, California-based business technology specialist Trimble Navigation announced a public tender offer to acquire Tekla for $450 million. The acquisition was completed in February 2012.
| Founder | Reino Heinonen |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Type | Limited company (Osakeyhtiö) |
| License Available | contact them and get the quotation |
| Website | https://www.tekla.com/ |
In January 2016, Tekla Corporation as an organization changed its name to Trimble
safe
SAFE offers a single-user interface for modelling, analysis, design and reporting. A new model explorer is available to quickly access objects, properties and forms. SAFE is ideal for modelling foundations, basements, and footings. Easily model soil supports and zero tension soil models with uplift analysis. The area assignment of soil supports is based on the subgrade modulus, and they automatically adjust whenever the mesh changes. Basement foundation models can include pedestals, walls, columns, beams, and piles in addition to the foundation area.
| Founder(s) | Ashraf Habibullah |
| Features | REPORTING IMPORT AND EXPORT USER INTERFACE MODELING STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS LOADING ANALYSIS DESIGN OUTPUT AND DISPLAY |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Type | Computer-aided design |
| License Available | contact them and get the quotation |
| Website | https://www.csiamerica.com/products/safe |
system required
Processor
- Minimum: Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64
- Recommended: Intel i5/i7, AMD Athlon X4/Ryzen, or better
- A 64-bit CPU is required
- The SAPFire® Analytical Engine includes multi-threaded solvers and algorithms that can take advantage of multi-core CPUs. The design algorithms can also utilize multiple cores.
Operating System
- Microsoft® Windows 8.1 or Microsoft® Windows 10
- 64-bit processor
Video Card
- Minimum: Supporting 1024 by 768 resolution and 16 bits colours for standard (GDI+) graphics mode
- Recommended: Discrete video card with NVIDIA GPU or equivalent and dedicated graphics RAM (512 Mb or larger) for DirectX graphics mode. The card must be DirectX 11 Compatible.
- DirectX graphics mode fully utilizes the hardware acceleration provided by a GPU and dedicated graphics RAM.
- For better graphics quality in terms of anti-aliasing and line thickness, the device’s raster drawing capabilities should support legacy depth bias.
Memory
- Minimum: 8 GB RAM
- The problem size that can be solved and the speeds for solution & response recovery increase considerably with more RAM.
Disk Space
- 6 GB to install the software.
- Additional space will be required for running and storing model files and analysis results, dependent upon the size of the models
- Recommended: 500GB or larger PCIe Solid State Drive (SSD). External and network drives are not recommended.
ansys
Ansys, Inc. is an American company based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. It develops and markets CAE/multiphysics engineering simulation software for product design, testing and operation and offers its products and services to customers worldwide.
Ansys was founded in 1970 by John Swanson, who sold his interest in the company to venture capitalists in 1993. Ansys went public on NASDAQ in 1996. In the 2000s, the company acquired numerous other engineering design companies, obtaining additional technology for fluid dynamics, electronics design, and physics analysis. Ansys became a component of the NASDAQ-100 index on December 23, 2019.
| Founded | Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, United States (1970) |
| Products | Ansys suite of engineering simulation software |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Type | Public Company |
| License Available | contact them and get the quotation |
| Website | https://www.ansys.com/en-in |
quantity survey
Quantity surveying software such as Cubit Pro gives quantity surveyors complete control over the project costs. They first allow users to import BIM models directly into the software and then take quantities from those diagrams and prepare bills of quantities in one user-friendly interface.
civil 3D cad
AutoCAD Civil 3D is Autodesk AutoCAD – based CAD software for the planning, design, and management of infrastructure, development, and civil engineering projects such as
- streets, paths and squares
- sewers and pipes
- Terrain analysis and design (e.g. for building area development, landscaping, open space design, drainage, canals, basins, dams, dikes, embankments, water body development, port construction, landfill construction* and much more)
- Land division and subdivision
- measurement
Typical users are civil and surveyors, urban and landscape planners, technicians and technical draftsmen.
| Developer(s) | Autodesk |
| Current Version | 2021 (April 2020) |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Category | 3D modeling programCAD |
| Type | Computer-aided design |
| License Available | Trial version, Free version (Only for students and some categories ), payable/Full version ( $1,800 to $1,900 /year ) |
| Website | https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview |
architecture
- Autocad
- 3Ds max
- Revit archi
- Revit MEP
- Archi Cad
- Navis Work
- Lumion
- Google Sketchup
- Canvas
- Rhino
3Ds max
3ds Max® professional 3D modelling, rendering and animation software enables you to create expansive worlds and premium designs.
- Breathe life into environments and landscapes with robust modelling tools.
- Create finely detailed designs and props with intuitive texturing and shading tools.
- Iterate and produce professional-grade renders with full artistic control
Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. It has modelling capabilities and a flexible plugin architecture and must be used on the Microsoft Windows platform. It is frequently used by video game developers, many TV commercial studios, and architectural visualization studios. It is also used for movie effects and movie pre-visualization. 3ds Max features shaders (such as ambient occlusion and subsurface scattering), dynamic simulation, particle systems, radiosity, normal map creation and rendering, global illumination, a customizable user interface, and its scripting language
| Developer(s) | Autodesk |
| Initial release | April 1996; 26 years ago (as 3D Studio MAX) |
| Stable release | 2023.2 / September 2022; 1 month ago |
| Written in | C, C++, and Python |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Category | 3D computer graphics |
| Type | Computer-aided design |
| License Available | Trial version, Free version (Only for students and some categories ), payable/Full version ( $1,300 to $1,400 /year ) |
| Website | https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview |
Autodesk 3ds Max 2023 software is supported on the following 64-bit operating systems and at a minimum, requires a system with the following 64-bit hardware:
| Software | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | 64-bit Microsoft® Windows® 11 and Windows 10. See Autodesk’s Product Support Lifecycle for support information. |
| Browser | Autodesk recommends the latest version of the following web browsers for access to online supplemental content: Microsoft® EdgeGoogle Chrome™Microsoft® Internet Explorer®Mozilla® Firefox® |
| Hardware | |
|---|---|
| CPU | 64-bit Intel® or AMD® multi-core processor with SSE4.2 instruction set |
| Graphics Hardware | Refer to 3ds Max Certified Hardware for a detailed list of recommended systems and graphics cards |
| RAM | 4 GB of RAM minimum (8 GB or more recommended) |
| Disk Space | 9 GB of free disk space for install |
| Pointing Device | Three-button mouse |
See Also:
Apple Macintosh is no longer supported for Autodesk 3ds Max
Revit archi
Revit® BIM software helps architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) teams create high-quality buildings and infrastructure. Use Revit to:
- Model shapes, structures and systems in 3D with parametric accuracy, precision and ease
- Streamline documentation work, with instant revisions to plans, elevations, schedules and sections as projects change
- Empower multi-disciplinary teams with speciality toolsets and a unified project environment
Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling software tool for architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers and contractors. The original software was developed by Charles River Software, founded in 1997, renamed Revit Technology Corporation in 2000, and acquired by Autodesk in 2002. The software allows users to design a building and structure and its components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting elements, and access building information from the building model’s database. Revit is 4D building information modelling capable of tools to plan and track various stages in the building’s lifecycle, from concept to construction and later maintenance and/or demolition.
| Developer(s) | Autodesk |
| Initial release | April 5, 2000 |
| Stable release | 2023 / April 2022 |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Category | Computer-aided design |
| Type | CAD building information modelling |
| License Available | Trial version, Free version (Only for students and some categories ), payable/Full version ( $1,700 to $1,800 /year ) |
| Website | https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview |
| System requirements | System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Revit-2022-products |
Revit MEP
Autodesk REVIT MEP is a building information modelling (BIM) software that gives mechanical, engineering, and plumbing experts the greatest tools for designing complex systems. The first version of BIM Revit was released in 1997 and used parametric modelling methods.
Revit is a solitary application constructed for Building Information Modelling (BIM) with attributes for architectural design, MEP (mechanical, electrical and also plumbing) as well as structural engineering and construction. Revit is not BIM. Revit is developed for BIM.
MEP, or mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering, are the three technical disciplines that encompass the systems that allow building interiors to be suitable for human use and occupancy.
For more information – MEP engineering
Archi Cad
Design, visualize, document, and deliver projects of all sizes with Archicad’s robust set of built-in tools and easy-to-use interface that make it the most efficient and intuitive BIM software on the market. With Archicad, you can focus on what you do best: designing great buildings.
Archicad is an architectural BIM CAD software for Macintosh and Windows developed by the Hungarian company Graphisoft. Archicad offers computer-aided solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the whole design process of the built environment — buildings, interiors, urban areas, etc.
| Developer(s) | Graphisoft |
| Stable release | 25 / July 5, 2021; 15 months ago |
| Operating system | Windows, Mac Os |
| Category | Computer-aided design |
| Type | CAD building information modelling |
| License Available | Archicad Solo Version USD 280/mo or $2250/year, Archicad Full Version USD 320/mo or $2545/year. Price Comparison |
| Website | https://graphisoft.com/solutions/archicad |
| System requirements | https://graphisoft.com/resources-and-support/system-requirements |
Navis Work
Use Navisworks® review and coordination software to improve BIM (Building Information Modelling) project delivery.
- Visualise and unify design and construction data within a single federated model.
- Identify and resolve clash and interference problems before construction begins, saving time on site and in rework.
- Keep project teams collaborating and connected with Navisworks issues integration in the Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Navisworks (known for a while as JetStream) is a 3D design review package for Microsoft Windows.
Used primarily in construction industries to complement 3D design packages (such as Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, and MicroStation), Navisworks allows users to open and combine 3D models; navigate around them in real-time (without the WASD possibility); and review the model using a set of tools including comments, redlining, viewpoint, and measurements. A selection of plug-ins enhances the package by adding interference detection, 4D time simulation, photorealistic rendering and PDF-like publishing.
The software was created by Sheffield, UK-based developer NavisWorks (a subsidiary of Lightwork Design). NavisWorks was purchased by Autodesk for $25 million on June 1, 2007.
| Developer(s) | Autodesk |
| Stable release | 12.0 / 2021 |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Category | Computer-aided design |
| Type | CAD building information modelling |
| License Available | Navisworks Simulate – $700 to $800 Navisworks Manage – $1600 to $1750 |
| Website | autodesk.com/products/navisworks |
| System requirements | System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Navisworks-2023 |
Lumion
Lumion is architectural rendering software that empowers you to create high-quality visualizations at a moment’s notice.
Lumion is not your typical architectural visualization software.
It’s different. The moment you turn on Lumion and import your 3D model, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a delightful, easy-to-control world. Easily add context, detail and atmosphere to your project and enjoy a simpler workflow.
With Lumion you can turn any design into an experience others can see and feel.
about
Back in 1998 in the Dutch city of Leiden, the Netherlands, two young Dutch computer programmers with a passionate curiosity for 3D computer graphics were taking the first steps toward creating a software company. Act-3D B.V. was about to be born. Continue reading
cost
- Standard – $650 per year
- Pro version – $1300 per year
official links
https://lumion.com/buy.html, https://lumion.com/
Google Sketchup
SketchUp is a suite of subscription products that include SketchUp Pro Desktop, a 3D modelling computer program for a broad range of drawing and design applications — including architectural, interior design, industrial and product design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, theatre, film and video game development.
Owned by Trimble Inc., the program is currently available as a web-based application, SketchUp Free, and three paid subscriptions, SketchUp Shop, SketchUp Pro, and SketchUp Studio, each with increasing functionality.
The program includes drawing layout functionality, and surface rendering in different “styles”, and enables placement of its models within Google Earth.
| Developer(s) | Trimble Inc |
| Original author(s) | @Last Software, Google |
| Initial release | August 2000; 22 years ago |
| Stable release(s) | January 5, 2019; 3 years ago |
| Operating system | Windows 11 and Windows 10 macOS 12+ (Monterey) macOS 11+ (Big Sur) and macOS 10.15+ (Catalina) |
| Category | Computer-aided design |
| Type | CAD building information modelling |
| License Available | www.sketchup.com/plans-and-pricing, Plan Comparison |
| Website | www.sketchup.com/ |
Canvas
As an architect’s role tends to be so different from project to project, we tend to see pretty varied uses of Canvas in the field. Here are the most common ones we see:
- Capturing existing conditions to plan, price, or design a specific renovation, new home addition, or other large change.
- Capturing existing conditions to start playing with ideas for what can be done to a property.
- Documenting the existing conditions to evaluate a property’s suitability for a particular goal or project
- Documenting the existing conditions to evaluate a property’s compliance with certain laws or building codes.
- Documenting the existing conditions to ascertain the risk of certain problems like earthquake damage.
Generally, the major value is that Canvas allows you to create a 3D model of a property faster and easier than ever before — without the cost and time of a full-scale survey. With Autodesk Revit supported as a native output for Scan To CAD (targeted at a LOD 200 specification), many customers use Canvas as part of a complete, end-to-end BIM workflow, making BIM (and 3D scanning) more accessible than ever before.
official links
cost
Rhino
Rhinoceros (typically abbreviated Rhino or Rhino3D) is a commercial 3D computer graphics and computer-aided design (CAD) application software that was developed by Robert McNeil & Friends, an American, privately held, and employee-owned company that was founded in 1969. Rhinoceros geometry is based on the NURBS mathematical model, which focuses on producing mathematically precise representations of curves and freeform surfaces in computer graphics (as opposed to polygon mesh-based applications).
Rhinoceros is used for computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), rapid prototyping, 3D printing and reverse engineering in industries including architecture, industrial design (e.g. automotive design, watercraft design), product design (e.g. jewellery design) as well as for multimedia and graphic design.
Rhinoceros is developed for the Microsoft Windows operating system and macOS. A visual scripting language add-on for Rhino, Grasshopper, is developed by Robert McNeil & Friends.
| Developer(s) | Robert McNeil & Friends |
| Stable release | Rhino 7 / December 8, 2020; 22 months ago |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows, macOS |
| Category | Computer-aided design |
| Type | CAD building information modelling |
| License Available | Windows and Mac US$ 995 and US$ 995 https://www.rhino3d.com/en/sales/ |
| Website | https://www.rhino3d.com/ |
| System requirements | https://www.rhino3d.com/en/sales/asia/#system-requirements |
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