Design process and software
Design process and software
(OP)
Hello,
I am considering starting my own company and I am very interested in your experience with analysis & design process and which software you use for each stage of documentation. I want to specialise in timber construction as I have most experience with this type of structures plus concrete and steel design is poorly paid in my area. Anyway, I am interested in your experience with any type of material.
Here are some questions I am most interested in:
- Which FEA software you use? I use Dlubal RFEM and RSTAB.
- Which software you use for drawings? Till now I've used only Autocad. But sometimes I would like to present some details in 3D.
- Do you do shop drawings/detail drawings? In timber construction shop drawings are usually made by the contractor. What is your opinion? Could be added value for an engineering firm to offer also shop drawings?
- Which software do you or your partner use for drawings (like for reinforcement in concrete structures, steel or timber connections)?
- Do you use a general BIM software in your company like Revit, Allplan... ?
I think it is hard for one engineer to do his/her engineering and also draft at the same time, but maybe I am missing something. Please share your thoughts.
Best regards
I am considering starting my own company and I am very interested in your experience with analysis & design process and which software you use for each stage of documentation. I want to specialise in timber construction as I have most experience with this type of structures plus concrete and steel design is poorly paid in my area. Anyway, I am interested in your experience with any type of material.
Here are some questions I am most interested in:
- Which FEA software you use? I use Dlubal RFEM and RSTAB.
- Which software you use for drawings? Till now I've used only Autocad. But sometimes I would like to present some details in 3D.
- Do you do shop drawings/detail drawings? In timber construction shop drawings are usually made by the contractor. What is your opinion? Could be added value for an engineering firm to offer also shop drawings?
- Which software do you or your partner use for drawings (like for reinforcement in concrete structures, steel or timber connections)?
- Do you use a general BIM software in your company like Revit, Allplan... ?
I think it is hard for one engineer to do his/her engineering and also draft at the same time, but maybe I am missing something. Please share your thoughts.
Best regards






RE: Design process and software
We've found a combination of AutoCAD (LT) and Sketchup (Pro) are useful for conveying our details quickly and with adequate detail. BIM is a large investment, financially and upfront time to learn software and build a library of details. You'll find a number of good threads on this subject on the forum.
RE: Design process and software