As a civil engineer, you use various computer programs to complete your tasks. The type of programs you need depends on the projects you’re working on, your specialization, and where you are in your career. For instance, new civil engineers may use technical software, while more experienced ones might use project management programs.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of some useful civil engineering software in the construction industry and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or studying to become one, these programs should be on your radar.
AutoCAD Features and Benefits:
AutoCAD is widely used in civil design for a reason. It’s computer-aided design (CAD) software that lets you easily create and edit precise drawings. Some beneficial features include photorealistic rendering, cloud integration, and smart dimensioning. AutoCAD is versatile, user-friendly, and accessible, making it an excellent choice for engineers.
Autodesk, the company behind AutoCAD, also offers a more advanced civil engineering 3D software named Civil 3D. While AutoCAD is great for drafting, Civil 3D allows you to delve deeper into your projects.
Microsoft Excel in Construction:
Microsoft Excel is widely used in civil engineering for various functions, from project tracking to simple calculations. Key features include visualization, calculation, flexibility, storage, and templates. Excel’s versatility and cost-effectiveness make it a crucial program for civil engineers. It’s essential for success in this field, and you can easily find affordable courses and training online to enhance your skills.
For extensive spreadsheets, consider Microsoft Access as an alternative to Excel. It’s a helpful database-building program included in the Microsoft 365 Suite.
Primavera for Construction Management:
Oracle’s Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management software is primarily for project managers but can be useful for any engineering professional. It’s a project management tool for keeping projects on track and ensuring compliance. Primavera P6 is a bit more complex, so taking a training course before using it is advisable. Its features include standardization, multiuser system, risk management capabilities, real-time reporting, and multi-device capabilities.
While Primavera is more expensive, it’s a worthwhile investment for improving productivity on construction sites.
Bluebeam for Civil Job Sites:
Bluebeam Revu, similar to Adobe Acrobat, is a PDF editor used for quality control, document planning, and submittals. It’s handy when a CAD program might be too much for a specific task. Key features include collaboration, standardization, CAD plugins, and multi-device capabilities.
For tasks like viewing designs or making minor edits, Bluebeam is an excellent choice.
Contact Take-Off Professionals Today:
If you need assistance with data preparation for your civil engineering projects, contact Take-Off Professionals. Our experienced engineers can handle projects of all sizes, providing efficient data preparation services. All we need are your CAD files, paper plans, and a completed work order to build your data exactly as you envision it. Contact us today for more information, detailed quotes, accurate turnaround times, and even free trials to see what we can do for you.