CAD for Electrical
July 17, 2009
CAD (computer-aided design) software has played a critical role in construction for years, allowing industry professionals to design and draft facilities, as well as gather detailed information about a project to use in the construction management process. Specialized packages add specific efficiencies to different parties associated with the project.
Bentley Systems, www.bentleysystems.com, Exton, Pa., released the Bentley Building Electrical Systems V8i for AutoCAD, allowing for increased productivity in the design, documentation, and management of projects for electrical designers, engineers, and contractors.
The new product allows electrical firms to manage the design and construction of power distribution, lighting systems, fire detection, security, and communications in commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.
According to the company, Bentley Building Electrical Systems V8i for AutoCAD creates CAD-based drawings; facilitates refinement of design; and provides access to electrical design information. The standalone product can integrate with other design products and ensures compliance with energy efficiency standards.
“A key advantage of this unique software offering is that it adds electrical design capabilities to a user’s existing CAD environment, reducing costs and accelerating implementation,” says Rob Whitesell, senior vice president, building and plant products, Bentley Software. “It also provides bi-directional compatibility with MicroStation, AutoCAD, and Revit, and offers an efficient migration path to 3D and building information modeling.”
With the addition of this new product to a line of Bentley solutions, the construction industry might be able to extend the BIM (building information modeling) process to more project participants, connecting the architect and engineer with the electrical and general contractors.