Top Software tools to build good civil engineering projects

Summary

Initially, the planning and construction used to be a very long and slow process due to the lack of technological support. However, due to recent development in technology and software over the years, the process has become much easier and faster. It also enables civil engineers to ensure that they deliver the best quality and strong buildings. Nowadays a variety of software is available at the disposal for engineers. From structural design to GIS, to management there is a variety of software for different purposes. As a beginner, you can use this software to create some basic projects to gain hands-on experience. This will help you to familiarize yourself with the environment and the tools of the different software.

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1. GIS

2. Structural & Foundation Analysis

3. CPM & BIM

4. Tall Building Design

5. Construction Technology (Career Building Course)

6. Foundation Design

7. Construction Project Management

8. Building Information Modelling

9. Seismic Design

10. Quantity Surveying

11. ETABS Software

12. Project Management with Primavera

What software do civil engineers use?

Civil engineers use a variety of software for different purposes. Some of the widely used software are:

• SAP2000- It is a general civil-engineering software used for structural analysis and the design of systems. It is used to design and analyze all kinds of systems from simple to complex, with geometries ranging from 2D to 3D. It uses a sophisticated fine-element procedure for advanced analysis of features.
• ETABS- This software is mostly used for analysis and design of multi-story buildings. It uses a variety of features like modeling templates and codes, code-based load details, analysis procedures, and unique grid-like geometry to give better results. It can evaluate all systems from basic to advanced. 
• SAFE- This software is tailored for the analysis and design of elevated floors and foundation slabs. It provides a suite of sophisticated tools to deal with important details like post-tensioning, punching-shear, beam-detailing, etc. It can be used with SAP2000 and ETABS for advanced structures. 

• Primavera- This software is a unique tool which is used for comprehensive project management. It is used for project planning, monitoring, efficient management and also to ensure efficient use of resources, to filter the activities and to control the overall expense.

Software-based civil engineering projects

The initial stage of every civil engineering project is software-based. A variety of software is used for analysis and design of the structures, and efficient project management as a whole. Even when existing structures are already studied, different software is used to get a precise output. So, to be a good civil engineer it is very important to know about these software tools. You can always read and learn about them. However, it is not sufficient; to be an actual good civil engineer you need experience. The more you work on the software, the more you’ll gain the experience. Here are some of the best software based civil engineering projects that will help you gain the required expertise:

1. Geographic Information System using Q-GIS

If you’re fascinated by Google Maps and wish to understand the technology behind it, this project is a golden opportunity for you. It will help you understand the methods employed for data collection, processing and manipulation for a geographic information system using Q-GIS software. In this software-based civil project you will start from a simple map and gradually proceed to a complex park map and you will also learn about the different operations needed for the same. It allows you to learn about affine transformation, geo-processing, and contour creation. 

2. Structural and Foundation Analysis using SAP2000, ETABS and SAFE

If you’re an engineer and willing to make a career in construction firms, structural engineering is very important for you. This civil engineering project will allow you to understand the design provisions for skyscrapers using industrial software like SAP2000, ETABS, and SAFE. This will let you analyze and design your building systems using IS codes. This will also help you learn more about wind and seismic loads, reinforcement detailing shallow foundations, and frame analysis. 

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3. Tall Building Design using SAP2000 & ETABS

In the current world, tall buildings are seen everywhere and soon a mile-high skyscraper is also expected. So, this software-based civil project will give you a chance to design your tall building and gives you the perfect gateway to the future. It will allow you to analyze and design your tall building and further helps you to understand the provisions that are taken into consideration like varied loads using industrial software like SAP2000 and ETABS. You will also learn about project report generation, frame analysis, and reinforcement detailing and scheduling. 

4. Seismic Design using SAP2000 & ETABS

Whenever earthquake hits an area, thousands of people lose their lives when the buildings collapse. This project will help you understand the concept behind the construction of seismic-resistant buildings. It will allow you to understand the various provisions and design your seismic-resistant building using industrial software like SAP2000 and ETABS using IS codes. It will also help you learn more about the time history method, response spectrum method, linear and non-linear dynamic analysis, frame analysis, and the applications of seismic loads. 

5. Foundation design using SAFE

Designing a foundation for a building is a difficult task particularly for large buildings. Through this software-based civil project, you will find out about the design considerations engaged with foundation analysis, varied loads acting on the system and utilize a modern evaluation software (SAFE) to investigate and plan different shallow foundations like separated, joined and tangle footings considering the loads as per IS codes.

6. Construction Project Management

This software-based civil project will help you hone your project management skills in the modern construction industry. It will also help you set a mark in the market full of skilled project managers. This project will teach you how to use Primavera software as per your needs. It will also allow you to learn about resource management, CPM & PERT, and earned value management.

7. Building Information Modelling

In this civil project, you will use Graphisoft Archicad software to design a 3D model of a multi-story building to plan efficiently before constructing the actual building. You will also learn about taking-off quantities, morphing operations, and rendering techniques.

These were just some of the exciting software-based civil engineering projects. These projects can be your stepping stones towards a bright future as a civil engineer. So, go ahead and pick the project that excites you. Start working on it. Take a step towards getting better in your field; take a step further in the competitive world!

If you are very much interested to learn the software tools used to build civil engineering projects, We at Skyfi Labs have developed some software-based civil course through which you can enhance your skills.

Top Software tools to build good civil engineering projects