Design Optimization with 3-D Cad, 1996 Engineering Conference Proceedings

Robert K. Warren

Simons Engineering, Inc.

Thoughtful use of 3-D CAD in the design process can provide rewards not readily apparent to the casual user. Indeed, an object oriented CAD model can become the single most reliable source of up to date information during the physical facility design phase of a project. Many of the inefficiencies that occur during design that are roughly categorized as “coordination problems” are eliminated as the model become the point of reference for all disciplines (civil, architectural, structural, electrical, piping and others) in search of information that will validate their design against others. One has merely to view the model regularly, be aware of the progression of the project before him, use some of the many tools that a 3-D model can provide, and he can be assured that his work is compatible with his colleagues’. This is the nature of concurrent 3-D design. As you will see there are many benefits that contribute to the constructability of a design and ultimately to the cost savings of a project. This paper will discuss 3-D CAD as it was used in the design of the Champion Deink facility in Sheldon, Texas, and expand on other uses as they are pertinent to the discussion.