Optimizing Design Documentation for a 50MW Solar Farm: A Case Study in Streamlined Civil 3D Workflow

by | Jul 6, 2023 | AutoCAD, Building Information Modeling, Civil, Civil 3D

Introduction and Background

In the renewable energy sector, meticulous design documentation is essential for the successful implementation of solar farm projects. To streamline operations and ensure accuracy in this process, companies are increasingly turning to outsourcing partners with expertise in Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D software.

This case study highlights the benefits of utilizing a Civil 3D outsourcing service provider to optimize the design documentation workflow for a 50MW solar farm, emphasizing the technical capabilities of Civil 3D and its significant advantages in the renewable energy industry.

Optimizing the Design Documentation Process with Civil 3D

By partnering with a Civil 3D outsourcing service provider, the client aimed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of their design documentation workflow. Civil 3D’s powerful technical features served as the foundation for this optimization, revolutionizing the solar farm project’s planning and documentation stages.

  1. Utilizing Existing Surface Data: Civil 3D facilitated the seamless integration of existing surface data into the design documentation process. By importing and analyzing this data, the outsourcing team leveraged Civil 3D’s tools to create an accurate representation of the solar farm site’s topography. This comprehensive understanding of the terrain allowed for more precise and informed decision-making throughout the design process.
  2. Developing Proposed Surfaces: Building upon the existing surface, Civil 3D enabled the outsourcing team to develop proposed surfaces aligned with the solar farm layout. By utilizing the software’s advanced modeling capabilities, the team could create detailed representations of the terrain, taking into account factors such as grading, cut and fill volumes, and earthwork balancing. This approach ensured optimized site utilization and improved overall project feasibility.
  3. Efficient Road Network Design: Civil 3D’s robust functionality played a vital role in designing efficient road networks within the solar farm site. The outsourcing team utilized the software to generate alignment layouts, cross-sections, and profiles, streamlining the road design process. By balancing earthworks and considering factors like slope stability and drainage, the team achieved safe and cost-effective road infrastructure within the solar farm.
  4. Collaboration and Documentation: Civil 3D’s collaboration tools empowered the outsourcing team to work seamlessly with the client during the design documentation process. By utilizing features like cloud-based file sharing, version control, and real-time collaboration, the team ensured efficient communication, reduced errors, and improved document management. This streamlined workflow significantly enhanced overall project efficiency and reduced time-to-market.

Conclusion

Optimizing the design documentation process for a 50MW solar farm through the utilization of a Civil 3D outsourcing service provider showcased the power of Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D software’s technical capabilities. By leveraging existing surface data, developing proposed surfaces, designing efficient road networks, and enhancing collaboration and documentation, the client experienced improved accuracy, efficiency, and overall project success.

The use of Civil3D’s technical workflow in the renewable energy sector not only streamlined operations but also ensured the delivery of high-quality design documentation for the solar farm project. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, leveraging Civil 3D’s advanced features through outsourcing partnerships proves to be a strategic choice for companies looking to optimize their design processes and achieve sustainable energy goals.

Bulk Earthwork Contractor Design Services & BIM – Civil 3D | Solar Plant

by | Sep 26, 2022 | AutoCAD, bim, Building Information Modeling, Civil, Civil 3D

Bulk earthworks includes the removal, moving, or adding large quantities of soil or rock from a particular area to another. It is required to make an area suitable as per finished height and level for a specific construction purpose.

When bulk earthworks are taking place, the aim is to reduce as much as possible of the excavated materials to prevent both the costly collection of waste material and delivery of additional earth material.

This is done by using specialized computer software which can calculate both the amount of material that will be removed and what will be needed to complete the job. Surveyors and engineers aims to match the soil volumes being used for cut and fill, both.

We were approached by a client requiring engineering expertise to develop a bulk earthwork project for 5 number of solar power plants having capacities of 50MW to 100MW each. Couple of solar plants are situated in Africa and rest are situated in Middle East.

We decided to utilize Autodesk Civil 3D as an engineering and BIM tool because of its flexible features to develop grading and extensive tools to edit a surface.

We developed the existing earth topography based on surveyor’s raw data. Raw data can be in any form, it can be a satellite digital elevation model, or a drone scan / UAV scan or it can be multiple points taken manually by a surveyor. In our case, we were having a CSV point file provided by our client containing millions of points.

After developing the surface, we created the finished surface that was required as per the suitability of installing and operating solar trackers.

Bulk grading was created for each solar tracker area and cut/fill volumes were calculated. There were several iterations to finished surface and grading to ensure cut and fill values are balanced to avoid cost-overruns. Generally for a bulk earthwork contractor, these engineering techniques ensures their project bids and operating costs are as accurate as possible.

We then generated a cut/fill layout plan with 5m x 5m grids showing cut and fill values along with several profile views in Civil 3D to ensure the accuracy of existing and finished surfaces. These were a part of the shop drawings directly from Autodesk Civil 3D.

Similarly, access roads alignments, assembly, daylight cut and fill parametric slopes helped us to effectively model the corridors and generate shop drawings.

Through this approach, we successfully delivered Bulk Earthwork Design Services & BIM using Autodesk Civil 3D for Solar Power Plant Projects.

At BIMNCAD, we work on outsourcing projects involving Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D for land development, bulk gradings, developing and analyzing roads & highways, landscape detailing, produce shop drawings and much more. Feel free to get in touch with us or request a FREE quote for your projects by writing to us at contact@bimncad.com

Why learn Autodesk Revit? Who should learn Revit? How much time to learn Revit?

Why learn Autodesk Revit? Who should learn Revit? How much time to learn Revit?

by | Mar 12, 2022 | 3D, bim, Building Information Modeling

Why learn Autodesk Revit?

Autodesk Revit is a BIM tool which supports BIM process. BIM is widely adopted in today’s Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry. 3D BIM models are created and used for better collaboration between architects, engineers and construction professionals.

Using Autodesk Revit, you can start creating 3D BIM models fit for Architecture, Engineering and Construction. Revit has almost all the tools that are required to develop Architecture BIM models, Landscape BIM models, Structure BIM models, Mechanical BIM models, Electrical BIM models, Plumbing BIM models and so on.

In India, Autodesk Revit is widely used for Buildings and Metro projects. Using 3D BIM models, it becomes easier for people to understand the design and construction intent of the project along with accessing various types of information contained within BIM models such as exact shapes, locations, heights, quantities, brand, supplied by, installed by, installed on, etc.

Who should learn Revit?

It is strongly recommended to learn Autodesk Revit early from your graduation days. If you are a student or a professional in Architecture & planning, Civil Engineer, Transport Engineer, Structural Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Façade specialist, Interior Designer, Interior Architect, etc and belongs to AEC Design and Construction field, you should try learning Autodesk Revit.

Learning Autodesk Revit gives you the ability to effectively plan, design and construct buildings and infrastructure. 3D BIM models help you to build confidence in your planning and designs. It also helps you to effectively communicate your ideas to your clients and customers.

Autodesk Revit is much more capable than tools which were used earlier such as Sketch Up, 3DS Max, Photoshop, AutoCAD, etc. Almost everything people were doing earlier using any of this software can be done inside Revit. Additionally, you can also create multiple design options and plan construction in phases effectively.

How much time to learn Revit?

To learn Autodesk Revit, it is advisable to learn as you go. Every person has different learning curve and they learn in their own speed. At BIMNCAD, we generally teach Autodesk Revit in 45 hours.

First 3 days are utilized to familiarize you with the Revit interface. Then next 2-3 weeks are utilized to familiarize you with the basic modeling and documentation. In meantime and in remaining time, we ensure that you are able to start a project on your own and use Revit to start producing drawings, quantities, and renders.

Choose a profession

As a Revit user, you will be recognized as a BIM Modeler in the discipline you master. For example, if you learn Revit for Architecture BIM Modeling course, you will be able to model Architectural elements into BIM. Similar for Civil/Structural and MEP BIM modeling.

Once you master the BIM Modeling career in few years and in majority of BIM projects, your career will be advanced to BIM Coordinator / BIM Manager.

BIM Coordinator is a mix of skills for BIM Modeling and Project Coordination. If you have good technical skills to identify and resolve multi trade issues into BIM environment with project management skills, your career as a BIM Coordinator will shine.

BIM Manager is focused on managing effective BIM Execution Plans (BEPs) for multiple BIM modeling teams and project consultants and clients. BIM Manager ensures that final BIM objectives are achieved as per agreements and supports the work around of BIM solutions.

We at BIMNCAD believe that every person has different level of ability to grasp and learn things. Hence, we focus on individual learning curve by assessing their grasping power and adjusting our teaching methodologies to ensure every professional learns Autodesk Revit and are also able to apply their BIM knowledge practically.

BIMNCAD provides one-on-one learning, corporate workshop learning and industrial level implementation of Revit and Revit online training. To know more, connect with us on WhatsApp at +917678254725 (India) or +971502078340 (Dubai) or write us your queries on contact@bimncad.com

6 reasons why you need to learn how to use AutoCAD

6 reasons why you need to learn how to use AutoCAD

by | Jun 27, 2020 | AutoCAD, AutoCAD 2020, AutoCAD 2D

AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D CAD drafting tool launched by Autodesk decades ago. It is a Computer Aided Design and Drafting tool or CAD tool. It depicts objects of traditional drafting using vector based graphics. AutoCAD can also generate raster and bitmap graphics in order to display the overall appearance of design objects.

Learning to use this CAD software allows you to be efficient and effective in conveying object level design idea to your clients. BIMNCAD exploits your learning curve and enhances your learning methodology towards exploring practical ideas utilizing AutoCAD features.

Being creative with AutoCAD

The ability to design with CAD is a creative skill which will upgrade your much needed technical skills and you can pursue a professional career in multiple domains such as engineering, architecture, interior design, fashion design, manufacturing, project management, etc.

With CAD skills, you can complete a design project or you can keep it as a hobby or you can establish a source of income to help your financial needs.

Choose a profession

As an aspiring student of architecture, engineering, interior design, etc, while studying these courses, you will certainly require CAD skills to become a champion. Learning how to use CAD will definitely be required at some point in your career. Therefore, pursuing a professional course in architecture and engineering is definitely a reason to learn AutoCAD.

Getting paid

The ability to design a building or working prototypes of engineering or drafting an architecture plan are the skills that are required by many customers and can be easily monetized due to high demand of design professionals in these industries. Therefore, to kick start a career as AutoCAD freelancer, you can earn a decent amount of money as a technician, a draftsman, a designer. The first thing you should do is to learn AutoCAD and build an impressive portfolio. Several freelancing websites are already there to help you in your freelancing journey such as UpWork, Freelancer.com, Truelancer, etc where the demand of AutoCAD persons are high.

Taking up with additive manufacturing

Manufacturing industry is now integrating the value if 3D printing in their prototype workflows which were utilizing 2D CADs traditionally for design. 3D printing is reliable due to high level of accuracy using CAD that brings to designing a model. Therefore, individuals who are planning to 3D print objects domestically or create new useful objects need to definitely work on their CAD modelling abilities to simplify additive manufacturing process.

Building foundation to master other CAD softwares

The user friendly interface provided by AutoCAD makes it easier for you to learn different other CAD softwares too. Having a comprehensive knowledge in CAD can make you learn and explore more complex CAD design tools available in market.

Furniture designing and arrangement

Most people have experienced the use of online furniture shopping websites and have experimented with the furniture dimensions whether it will fit in their planned space or not. You can be a master in planning furniture in spaces by using AutoCAD. Imagine having the ability to design your own furniture from scratch, draft a room and arrange furniture in it virtually, design a office space and plan manpower arrangement, etc. How would you feel when you can do all these using CAD?

This and much more tasks you can accomplish with right direction of using AutoCAD and basics of furniture design and arrangement. Furniture manufacturers and interior designers take advantage of being creative using AutoCAD. They create prototypes and designs for their clients before proceeding to manufacture or design the actual furniture.

We at BIMNCAD believe that every person has different level of ability to grasp and learn things. Hence, we focus on individual learning curve by assessing their grasping power and adjusting our teaching methodologies to ensure every professional learns AutoCAD theoretically and are also able to apply their knowledge practically.

BIMNCAD provides one-on-one learning, corporate workshop learning and industrial level implementation of AutoCAD and AutoCAD online training in Dubai and India. To know more, connect with us on WhatsApp at +917678254725 (India) or +971502078340 (Dubai) or write us your queries on contact@bimncad.com

Why you should learn AutoCAD?

Why you should learn AutoCAD?

by | May 10, 2020 | AutoCAD, AutoCAD 2020, AutoCAD 2D

AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D CAD drafting tool launched by Autodesk decades ago. It is a Computer Aided Design and Drafting tool or CAD tool. It depicts objects of traditional drafting using vector based graphics. AutoCAD can also generate raster and bitmap graphics in order to display the overall appearance of design objects.

Learn AutoCAD, get AutoCAD training to become efficient and effective in conveying object level design idea to your clients. BIMNCAD exploits your learning curve and enhances your learning methodology towards exploring practical ideas utilizing AutoCAD features.

Who should exactly learn AutoCAD and why?

Architects

They use and learn AutoCAD extensively throughout their career. They are responsible for creating and drafting ideas / concepts and details to convey exactly how a space and structure should be constructed. Aspiring architects are made to learn the AutoCAD software while graduating now-a-days. But several features of the software which can enhance their workflow and save time and efforts are still left untouched when they graduate and practice architecture.

Engineers

There are various types of engineering disciplines involved in a project. It is very important for engineers to be specific in conveying their knowledge to other engineers and architects who are skilled in interpreting technical drawings. Thus, when an engineer puts his engineering concept in the form of CAD drawing, it is relatively easier for other engineers’ and architects to understand his/her design intent. Whether it be a civil engineer, structural engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, plumbing engineer or a fire fighting engineer, learning AutoCAD drafting is a must for engineers to gain competitive advantage in today’s highly competitive environment.

Designers

They can be skilled in any trade such as fashion designers, interior designers, product designers, etc. While conceptualizing their designs, it is very difficult for designers to hand sketch in a professional way such that their designs can be scaled and digitized to be used for production purposes. Therefore, it is critical for designers to learn AutoCAD drafting so that they can produce vector based designs which are relatively easy to interpret and edit in a digital format.

We at BIMNCAD believe that every person has different level of ability to grasp and learn things. Hence, we focus on individual learning curve by assessing their grasping power and adjusting our teaching methodologies to ensure every professional learns AutoCAD theoretically and are also able to apply their knowledge practically.

BIMNCAD provides one-on-one learning, corporate workshop learning and industrial level implementation of AutoCAD as AutoCAD training in Dubai and India. To know more, connect with us on WhatsApp at +917678254725 (India) or +971502078340 (Dubai) or write us your queries on contact@bimncad.com