Drafting 2D Drawings: AUTOCAD v/s REVIT

Earlier, architects, engineers and other construction professionals hand-drafted blueprints to create Construction Documentation (CD) sets. The process to make these CD sets was not only tedious, but it was also extremely cumbersome as it was difficult to forge and keep track of a number of documents for design, specifications and other information of the same drawing.  There were also issues with accuracy in the drafting of these drawings, making it exceedingly complicated for the contractors to refer these documents with complete confidence.

Additionally, there were delays in the completion of the projects because of the to and fro of the CD sets between architects and engineers to adapt to the changes made by either of the parties to that document. Often, even after all adjustments were made, there were clashes on the site during the construction process. These inconsistencies and delays also cost construction businesses additional time, money as well as resources which eventually made them unable to maximize on the profit potential of projects.

What is AutoCAD?

A revolutionary software was developed and marketed by Autodesk in the December of 1982 which eliminated all the aforementioned issues and enabled architects and engineers to draft CD sets with ease. Architects and engineers use AutoCAD to create design blueprints. Utilizing Drafting Services for buildings and infrastructure allows faster creation and modifications of designs while spending less time in refining the detailed drawings.

What is Revit?

In April 2000, Revit Technology Corporation released version 1.0 of Revit. The original software (0.1 (Early Adopter 1 – private release)) was developed by Charles River Software which was renamed Revit Technology Corporation in 2000 and acquired by Autodesk in 2002. Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software used by architects, MEP engineers, contractors and other designing professionals for a multidiscipline design process in a collaborative fashion. It allows users to plan and design a structure including its components in 3D, outline the model with drafting elements in 2D and access building information from its database. Revit is also equipped with tools to create intelligent 3D models of buildings, which can then be used to extract construction documentation.

BIM dimensions in Revit are associated with level of detailed information and data like time, costs, scheduling, sustainability, etc. that are linked with the 3D model of the structure. This information is used by construction professionals during the construction, maintenance and operation of an asset throughout its entire lifecycle. Its powerful tools let users utilize the intelligent model-based processes to plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.

So are BIM and Revit the same?

BIM (Building Information Modeling) refers to the integrated step-by-step process by which engineers, architects and other construction professionals draft and design all aspects of a building project pre and post-construction phase. It is a knowledge database easily available to all the construction professionals having access to the information related to the structure and its components. BIM Services can be utilized by construction professionals as a reliable basis for decision making during the entire lifecycle of the structure.

Revit, on the other hand, is a software that inculcates the process of BIM to produce one complete and wholesome 3D model of the building project that can be accessed and worked upon by construction professionals from all disciplines in a collaborative manner. It registers and modifies the 3D model according to the changes and adaptations made by every user. Thus, Autodesk Revit is software designed to support BIM procedures. Revit hosts the information that forms the model from which drawings and documents are derived.

AutoCAD v/s Revit

The main distinction between AutoCAD and Revit is that while the former is simply a general digital application used by construction industry professionals to create accurate 2D and 3D drawings of the building structure, the latter on the other hand is a software formed with the intent of consolidating all the steps of the BIM process into a single platform. Revit is equipped with tools that are utilized to create intelligent 3D models of the building structures from which users can also extract construction documentation supporting all disciplines and phases involved in the building project. Both software programs are often used within the same organization and even by the same professional.

Taking note of all the features provided by Revit, one might wonder ‘What additional features and functions does AutoCAD bring to the table?’ The answer is simple. AutoCAD is excellent for 2D drawings where only precise line work is needed such as cross-section detail drawings. Whereas, Revit is great for modelling, generating time and cost schedules, change and sustainability management and collaboration.

Putting an end to the ‘v/s’

In today’s fast-paced ever-changing industry of construction and designing, it is crucial to gain a competitive edge in order to stand out, survive and grow in the market. Getting a good grasp of technical knowledge, concepts as well as over both software applications is a good way to assure companies of one’s expertise and to ensure a strong foothold in the job market. Today, both applications have their separate and crucial place in the designing and construction industry. Both can be used in a balanced manner to ensure smooth and through project planning and execution.