CAD/CAE in Construction: Trends, Problems, and Needs

Abstract

Use of computer‐aided design (CAD), engineering (CAE), and construction management (CACM) in Construction Industry Institute (CII) companies is reported in this paper. The computerization process in CII companies is analyzed first and its bottleneck and problems presented. Major changes, present status, and future trends in using CAD, CAE, and CACM are then evaluated. The potential computerization impacts on design and construction practices are analyzed. Some major trends in hardware and software for engineering and construction business are identified and increasing use of various data bases noted. System integration, one of the key success factors in computerization, is studied in detail. Some major problems and needs from industry's standpoint are identified and possible solutions proposed. Lack of standards and system incompatibility have been identified as two most significant barriers to achieving overall cost effectiveness, both at the company and industry levels. Findings presented in this paper show where the U.S. construction industry is now in terms of using computers, and where CII representatives think it should be moving.