No construction project can succeed if it’s based on flawed or inaccurate plans. Drawing plans by hand is time-consuming and leaves plenty of room for error. Fortunately, there’s now a cornucopia of design software available to manage every aspect of a construction project, including steel detailing. Below are some of the key benefits of using steel detailing CAD software in construction projects.

Eliminate unnecessary delays to your project’s schedule

Any delays to a construction project’s schedule can cause huge headaches for everyone involved. At best, they’re an inconvenience; at worst, they can derail an otherwise well-planned project, pushing them over budget and creating numerous complications. Some delays are unavoidable, others are caused by human error, and some result from inefficient workflows.

CAD software enables steed detailers to render 2D and 3D models of their projects easily. These renders enable both project managers and clients to see exactly what they are planning before construction begins. This is a much more efficient way of working than producing plans by hand. Making alterations and adjustments to plans is also a lot quicker when they’re digitised. Getting projects off the ground quickly gives you room to manoeuvre if there are subsequent delays later in the process.

Keeping track of digital files is also much easier than keeping track of physical documents. You can quickly and easily create backups of digital plans, email them to clients and other contractors instantly, and synchronise them across devices and networks, so you know that everyone is working from the same version at all times.

Reduce your costs

There are a multitude of costs involved in any construction project. Most of these are unavoidable; you can’t expect to build much without spending any money at all. But there’s no sense in spending more than you need to on any part of your project. Anything you can do to minimise your costs without sacrificing the finished project’s quality is worth considering.

Having the right software in place is essential if you want to keep your expenses to a minimum. By allowing you to easily modify your designs and alter your plans as necessary, steel detailing software enables you to find the most cost and material-efficient approach for your project. Once you have settled on a final design, you can accurately and reliably work out how much steel you need and calculate your costs accordingly.

Reduce the scope for on-site problems

Before detailed 3D models became standard practice in the industry, flawed plans could prove catastrophic to a project’s success. Discovering design flaws after construction had begun could be very expensive, especially on larger projects. Not only do defective plans require reworking, which costs time and money, but all other work on the project usually has to stop as well until everyone is satisfied that the plans are sound.

But with the benefit of 3D modelling and digital designs, it’s much easier to check the integrity of every part of your plans. You can view the final structure from any angle and share plans directly with other contractors for feedback. By the time construction begins, you can be confident that your designs are sound and there won’t be any unexpected issues once work is underway.

More accurate calculations

If there’s one thing computers are good at, it’s maths. Producing fabrication drawings, building blueprints and planning construction all require accurate calculations. No matter how good someone is at maths, people make mistakes, even with a calculator. On the other hand, CAD software automatically performs essential calculations with 100% accuracy.

CAD software has transformed every sector of the construction industry, including steel detailing. With the right software on your side, you can produce more accurate and detailed project proposals and reduce the amount of time and money you spend on unnecessary tasks.