Top Softwares for Civil Engineering and Design

The planning and construction of the building were quite slow before the invention of computers and software. The fast pace of technological revolution and developments has helped civil engineers maintain the construction process efficiently while ensuring the quality and strength of the structures.

Importance of software for civil engineers


Civil engineering software consists of various tools that assist civil engineers throughout each stage of the project – from planning to its final construction. The software can help to plan, analyze, draft & document, design, visualize, and construct large projects in lesser time. It also enables civil engineers to determine factors such as cost, resourcing, and scheduling.

However, it is not easy to choose the right software as the market is overflowing with such tools. Here’s a list of top software to make it easier for you to select.

AutoCAD for Drafting


AutoCAD is one of the most popular computer-aided design software developed by Autodesk. It helps to create 2D & 3D designs, plan, draft, document, model workflows, and more for construction projects. The AutoCAD software helps civil engineers to assess and understand the project performance, respond faster to modifications, maintain consistent data and processes.

Features
  • Easy installation
  • Highly customizable
  • User-friendly
  • 3D modeling and visualization
  • Photorealistic image rendering
  • 3D navigation, 3D scanning, and point clouds
  • Built-in photo studio
  • Supports PDF and DGN format to import 3D models
  • AutoCAD based mobile apps

STAAD Pro for Analysis and Design


STAAD Pro is a widely used software by civil engineers when it comes to designing, modeling, and analysis of a structure. It can design any structure irrespective of its level of complexity. STAAD Pro helps in the study of structural beams and columns, including steel, concrete, timber, aluminum, and cold-formed steel.

Features
  • User intuitive interface
  • Modernize workflow by transforming the physical model into the analytical model
  • Higher Accuracy
  • Implements Finite Element Analysis

SAFE


SAFE is the ultimate software for designing and analyzing foundation and concrete floor systems. It assists civil engineers in integrating every aspect of the engineering design process from creating a layout to detail drawing production. It provides exceptional productivity with its unique, comprehensive capabilities.

Features
  • Easy to understand and use
  • Ability to model multiple floor types
  • Comprehensive and customizable reports
  • Post-tensioning for beams and slabs

ETABS for Design and Analysis


ETABS stands for "Extended Three-dimensional Analysis of Building Systems." It is an engineering integrated software used for the static and dynamic analysis of multi-story frame and shear wall buildings. ETABS software offers a single user interface to perform modeling, design, analysis, scheduling and reporting. Additionally, it offers unmatched 3D object based modeling and visualization tools.

Features
  • Wide-ranging templates to quickly initiate a model
  • Quick access to objects, properties, and forms
  • Customized geometry section and constitute behavior
  • Frame and shell objects grouping


Hence, civil engineering software improves productivity by making design, planning, and analysis of large construction projects easy by utilizing minimum time and resources.

If you’re looking for engineering services for your next construction project, consider hiring civil & structural engineering company that can help you convert your ideas and concepts into reality.