Computer-aided Drafting Systems Research Articles

BIM-based Computer-Aided Architectural Design

AbstractComputer-aided architectural design is evolving from CAD(Computer-aided drafting) to BIM(building information modeling), which represents a progression from assisting designers to produce construction drawings to facilitating design plan decision- making and integration of AEC industry teams, which involves the key aspects of information processing and exchange during the design stage. Information processing and exchange during the design stage can be accomplished using a building information model, which can yield the benefits of (1) comprehensive information, no omissions, and inclusion of all information needed for operations; (2) no redundant information; and (3) no mutual contradictions plus effective search and analysis functions. This study analyzes and compares the information processing and integration methods of CAD and BIM systems from the perspective of computer-aided architectural design (CAAD), and proposes that BIM-based CAD can boost the horizontal integration efficiency of coopera...

Knowledge-Based CAD

Since their introduction in the eighties, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) systems have become ubiquitous among design engineers. From costly systems with simple interactive geometric capabilities, CAD systems have evolved into affordable but sophisticated tools that automate many aspects of design documentation and retrieval. The development of even routine designs, however, has still been a manual (and often tedious) process. These first generation CAD tools have provided gains in drafting productivity of 50% to 200% in repetitive design applications. This article describes the history and evolution of a new kind of knowledge-based CAD system, Design++. By providing significant new capabilities to support both the development and documentation of design solutions, Design++ increases productivity in design projects by 10 to 15 times, freeing engineers to make fuller use of their skills and creativity. Design++ allows storage and reuse of engineering knowledge, supports engineering teamwork and concurrent engineering, enables what-if experimentation, integrates engineering disciplines, and automates generation of documents, including drawings, parts lists, and specifications.

Method and a system for processing logic programs

Since their introduction in the eighties, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) systems have become ubiquitous among design engineers. From costly systems with simple interactive geometric capabilities, CAD systems have evolved into affordable but sophisticated tools that automate many aspects of design documentation and retrieval. The development of even routine designs, however, has still been a manual (and often tedious) process. These first generation CAD tools have provided gains in drafting productivity of 50% to 200% in repetitive design applications.This article describes the history and evolution of a new kind of knowledge-based CAD system, Design++. By providing significant new capabilities to support both the development and documentation of design solutions, Design++ increases productivity in design projects by 10 to 15 times, freeing engineers to make fuller use of their skills and creativity.Design++ allows storage and reuse of engineering knowledge, supports engineering teamwork and concurrent engineering, enables what-if experimentation, integrates engineering disciplines, and automates generation of documents, including drawings, parts lists, and specifications.

Linking Civil Engineering Design and Drafting Software via IGES

A Methodology for integrating application design programs and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) packages is presented. Application of the methodology enables the automatic translation of the final design information into production drawings of the design, reducing the possibility of translation errors and increasing the engineering and drafting productivity. A model system to demonstrate the methodology has been designed and implemented, utilizing a reinforced concrete box culvert design program. The drawing files were generated using the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES), a neutral drawing file data format that can be utilized by a variety of CAD systems. The success of the model was demonstrated on three different CAD systems residing in the mainframe and microcomputer environments. One example problem is provided to illustrate the success of the methodology. Guidelines for implementing the methodology are summarized.

COMPUTER-AIDED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN—PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

The use of computers in architectural design had its infancy in the early 1960's, however, its potential has and is taking longer to realise than was first thought. New approaches to design coupled with dramatic reductions in the price of hardware have increased the range and applicability of computers in architecture. Today we are witnessing the introduction of computer-aided drafting systems into offices. Work in the areas of building modelling, design methods and knowledge engineering all indicate that the future use of computers in design could well be substantial.

Data-structure for the description and handling of engineering drawings

The specifications of a data-structure are essentially linked to the representative model, to the functional links to be obtained amongst the various data and the action to be taken on such structure 1,2. An engineering drawing is the two-dimensional representation obtaibed according to precise accepted standards of three-dimensional objects. The data-structure, therefore, which represents an engineering drawing must contain all the connections among the two-dimensional graphic elements of which the drawing is composed. It should also contain a complete description of the three-dimensional object represented to allow action on the drawing at any level through its two-dimensional representation. On the other hand, an analysis of the various phases of the design process which lead to the production of final working drawings will show that the three-dimensional model of the mechanical part becomes increasingly detailed and complex, as are the drawings used to illustrate it. The quantity of drawings which accompany the various phases of the design process increases and the types of action to be taken on such drawings refer to an ever greater extent to details which do not substantially alter the piece from a functional point of view, but which complicate its shape to an appreciable degree. Furthermore, at such a level, the drawing contains a large amount of data of a technological and constructive nature which are also continually changed or amended. The use of computer-aided drafting systems is justified where large numbers of considerably complex drawings are involved. During the final stage of mechanical design where changes essentially concern details (from the point of view of the shape of the piece); it would be unreasonable at this level to use for the storage of the drawing, a data-structure which contains a complete and faithful representation of the illustrated mechanical part with its great complexity 3. It will therefore be sufficient for the data-structure for handling the drawings to contain only those functional links which are of interest at the detailed design stage.