
It is easier to change a project during the design stage rather than after construction has begun.Ī well-designed 3D model can guide your construction design process from the beginning to the end. The fact that different design options can be plugged into the model to test potential scenarios has helped confirm decisions and identify problems early on. During the design phase, it facilitates interdisciplinary coordination by allowing each stakeholder to visualize the interferences and dimensions of the equipment. This results in fewer surprises down the road. The design is incredibly realistic and provides details about each element. The 3D design makes it simpler for clients to visualize dimensions, space, clearances, movement, and access.
#3d model builder software software#
3D software is making walkthroughs for design, construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance much easier. The efficiency and planning benefits are also important, as is the expedited process of acquiring necessary permits.ģD designs have changed the way projects are presented. 3D models are shown to contractors to help save significant time in the construction process as well. From a 3D model, accurate design drawings, material quantities, and equipment data can be extracted in a fraction of time. After the design is created, it must then be reviewed, and the quality processes must be considered.Īutomating substation designs has proven to reduce time significantly. Skilled designers spend their time at CAD workstations manually making detailed construction drawings one line at a time. The more complex substation designs become, the more time consuming they are. It can take a couple of engineers four to six months to design a simple distribution substation in the traditional method. This provides us with the information required to automate the extraction of drawings, schedules, and cost estimates-leaving little room for error. All this data is linked to a design database and functional design documents such as one-line diagrams. This includes connectivity between components, such as materials, engineering properties, and physical details. Other modifications, such as replacing types of equipment, are also quickly and easily accomplished by avoiding additional risk of errors.ģD modeling software also allows us to ensure our models are spatially correct. By modifying equipment arrangements, we can adapt the design requirements to the site and optimize the design. This is because 3D design provides automatic calculations and validations for electrical clearances of equipment, quantities of materials, and the modification of equipment arrangements. Improves quality and accuracy of designsĭesigning in 3D limits the risk of design errors.

And 3D designs have the potential to lower costs and increase the quality of substation designs. Here are five ways this new design approach is changing the industry.


But now, three-dimensional (3D) modeling is changing everything.ĭesigning in 3D simplifies the engineering process by using new software that enables teams to develop an integrated design.

Since the 1970s, computer-aided drafting (CAD) of power substations has been almost exclusively used in the utility industry to design physical substations. This article first appeared as “5 ways 3D modeling is changing the way we design” in Stantec ERA, Issue 02.Ī design revolution is on the horizon in the power industry.
