INTRODUCTION

There are many software available which are used in Civil Engineering. Due to
the Technological Revolution, the number of software serving Civil Engineering needs are
increasing manifold. So, to list out all this software will be an obtuse thing to do. Here is a list
of SOFTWARE which is exorbitantly used by many Civil Engineers all around the world.
Irrespective of the ranking, these 10 software are very much useful in Construction projects.
Although, there are various sub disciplines like Transportation Engineering, Structural
Design, Surveying, Geo-tech Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction
planning, we have provided a list of comprehensive list software which are used in general.

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 1) AUTOCAD for Drafting:

AUTOCAD is one of the basic software for drafting and documentation of the
construction projects which is developed by Autodesk. One can notice this software usage in
almost all structural design consultancies and firms especially in India. AUTOCAD 3D
version is also available for 3D Modelling.

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Some applications of AutoCAD for drafting include:

i. Architectural design: AutoCAD is widely used in architectural design to create floor

plans, building elevations, and detailed construction drawings.

ii. Engineering design: AutoCAD is also used in engineering design for creating
detailed mechanical and electrical drawings, circuit diagrams, and schematics.

iii. Product design: AutoCAD is used in product design to create detailed 3D models
and product prototypes.

iv. Manufacturing: AutoCAD is used in manufacturing to create detailed drawings for

the production of machinery, tools, and other products.

v. Civil engineering: AutoCAD is used in civil engineering for creating detailed plans
for roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

vi. Interior design: AutoCAD is also used in interior design for creating detailed plans
and drawings for spaces such as homes, offices, and retail spaces.

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 2) STAAD PRO for Design and Analysis

When it comes to designing and analysis of a structure, Bentley System's STAAD PRO is
one such software which is opted by many professionals in construction field.
STAAD.Pro is the structural engineering professional’s choice for steel, concrete, timber,
aluminum, and cold-formed steel design of virtually any structure including culverts,
petrochemical plants, tunnels, bridges, piles, and much more through its flexible modeling
environment, advanced features, and fluent data collaboration.

Some applications of STAAD Pro for design and analysis include:

i. Building design: STAAD Pro is used for designing and analyzing various types of
buildings including commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional structures.

ii. Bridge design: STAAD Pro can be used for the analysis and design of bridges of
various types and sizes.

iii. Steel design: STAAD Pro is used for designing steel structures such as steel
buildings, steel trusses, and steel bridges.

iv. Concrete design: STAAD Pro is used for designing and analyzing concrete structures
such as reinforced concrete buildings, slabs, and foundations.

v. Wind and earthquake analysis: STAAD Pro can be used to analyze structures for
wind and earthquake loads, ensuring that the structure can withstand these forces.

vi. Finite element analysis: STAAD Pro can perform finite element analysis for
complex structures with nonlinear behavior.

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3) PRIMAVERA for Construction Management
Primavera is a construction Planning and Scheduling software. It is opted by almost greater
than 70 percent of all Planning and scheduling professionals. MS Office also offering similar
software by name MS PROJECT.

Some applications of Primavera for construction management include:

i. Project planning: Primavera is used for developing project plans, defining project
tasks, and creating schedules for various construction activities.

ii. Resource allocation: Primavera helps in allocating resources such as manpower,

materials, and equipment to specific tasks and activities in the construction project.

iii. Project tracking: Primavera provides real-time tracking of project progress and
performance, enabling project managers to monitor project status and identify
potential delays or issues.

iv. Cost management: Primavera helps in managing project costs, including budgeting,
forecasting, and tracking actual costs against planned costs.

v. Risk management: Primavera can be used to identify and manage risks associated
with the construction project, ensuring that risks are addressed and mitigated
effectively.

vi. Collaboration: Primavera facilitates collaboration among project team members,

enabling them to share project information and work together more effectively.

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4) REVIT Structure for Building Information Modelling
Building Information Modelling can be termed as one of the 21st century’s greatest
innovation helping big infrastructure projects. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is an
intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction
(AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and
manage buildings and infrastructure.

Some applications of Revit Structure for BIM include:

i. 3D modeling: Revit Structure allows for the creation of detailed 3D models of

building structures, which can be used for visualization, clash detection, and analysis.

ii. Structural analysis: Revit Structure includes tools for structural analysis, enabling
engineers to perform analysis and simulations to determine the strength and stability
of building structures.

iii. Documentation: Revit Structure generates detailed documentation of building

structures, including construction drawings, schedules, and material takeoffs.

iv. Collaboration: Revit Structure facilitates collaboration among project team

members, allowing them to work together in real-time on the same model.

v. Coordination: Revit Structure enables coordination between different disciplines

such as architecture, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), and construction,
ensuring that all building components are integrated seamlessly.

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 vi. BIM management: Revit Structure can be used for BIM management, including the
organization and management of project data, as well as the creation of BIM
standards and workflows.

5) ETABS for Design and Analysis

ETABS is the ultimate integrated software package for the structural analysis and design of
buildings. Incorporating 40 years of continuous research and development, this latest ETABS
offers unmatched 3D object based modeling and visualization tools, blazingly fast linear and
nonlinear analytical power, sophisticated and comprehensive design capabilities for a wide-
range of materials, and insightful graphic displays, reports, and schematic drawings that
allow users to quickly and easily decipher and understand analysis and design results.

Some applications of ETABS for design and analysis include:

i. Building design: ETABS is used for designing and analyzing various types of
buildings including commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional structures.

ii. Seismic analysis: ETABS is used for seismic analysis of structures, taking into
account the effects of earthquakes on the building's performance.

iii. Concrete design: ETABS is used for designing and analyzing concrete structures
such as reinforced concrete buildings, slabs, and foundations.

iv. Steel design: ETABS is used for designing steel structures such as steel buildings,
steel trusses, and steel bridges.

v. Wind analysis: ETABS is used to analyze structures for wind loads, ensuring that the
structure can withstand these forces.

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 vi. Dynamic analysis: ETABS can perform dynamic analysis for structures subjected to
time-varying loads, such as those caused by wind, earthquakes, or vibrations.

6) SAP 2000
SAP2000 is another software available for design and analysis of structures. It is also used in
many structural firms. SAP2000 has a wide selection of templates for quickly starting a new
model. SAP2000 includes parametric templates for the following types of structures: Simple
Beams, 3D Trusses, 3D Frames, Storage Vessels, Staircases, Dam Structures, and Pipes.

Some applications of SAP2000 for design and analysis include:

i. Building design: SAP2000 is used for designing and analyzing various types of
buildings including commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional structures.

ii. Bridge design: SAP2000 can be used for the analysis and design of bridges of
various types and sizes.

iii. Seismic analysis: SAP2000 is used for seismic analysis of structures, taking into
account the effects of earthquakes on the building's performance.

iv. Concrete design: SAP2000 is used for designing and analyzing concrete structures
such as reinforced concrete buildings, slabs, and foundations.

v. Steel design: SAP2000 is used for designing steel structures such as steel buildings,
steel trusses, and steel bridges.

vi. Wind analysis: SAP2000 is used to analyze structures for wind loads, ensuring that
the structure can withstand these forces.

vii. Finite element analysis: SAP2000 can perform finite element analysis for complex
structures with nonlinear behavior.

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7) MS EXCEL

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet developed by Microsoft. It features calculation, graphing

tools, pivot tables, and a macro programming language called Visual Basic for Applications.
It has been a very widely applied spreadsheet for these platforms, especially since version 5
in 1993.It is widely used in Civil Engineering for Data collection, Surveys, Analysis and
Design.

Some applications of MS Excel include:

i. Data management: Excel is used for managing and organizing large amounts of
data, including sorting, filtering, and searching for specific information.

ii. Financial analysis: Excel is used for financial analysis, including budgeting,
forecasting, and financial modeling.

iii. Data visualization: Excel includes powerful tools for creating charts and graphs to
visualize data, making it easier to understand and interpret.

iv. Project management: Excel is used for project management, including task tracking,
scheduling, and progress reporting.

v. Statistical analysis: Excel includes a range of statistical functions for performing

basic and advanced statistical analysis on data.

vi. Data entry: Excel is used for data entry, including the creation of forms and
templates for consistent data input.

8) ARCGIS for Surveying

ArcGIS is a software used in Geographical Information System. It is helpful in creating

Thematic Maps. ArcGIS for Desktop is the key to realizing the advantage of location
awareness. Collect and manage data, create professional maps, perform traditional and
advanced spatial analysis, and solve real problems. Make a difference and add tangible value
for your organization, your community, and the world.

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Some applications of ArcGIS for surveying include:

i. Data collection: ArcGIS is used for collecting and managing survey data, including
the creation of data collection forms and templates.

ii. Mapping: ArcGIS is used for mapping survey data, including the creation of maps,
charts, and graphs for visualizing spatial data.

iii. Analysis: ArcGIS includes powerful tools for analyzing survey data, including
statistical analysis, spatial analysis, and modeling.

iv. Remote sensing: ArcGIS can be used for remote sensing applications, including the
analysis of satellite imagery and other remote sensing data.

v. Spatial data management: ArcGIS is used for managing spatial data, including the
creation and management of geodatabases, feature classes, and other spatial data
structures.

vi. Geocoding: ArcGIS can be used for geocoding, which is the process of assigning
geographic coordinates to survey data based on addresses or other location data.

9) 3DS Max – Modelling

3DS Max is an animation software which is used to generate visuals. It is modelling and
rendering software which is mainly used for interior design and visual graphics. This
software is developed by Autodesk.

Some applications of 3DS Max for modeling include:

i. Architectural visualization: 3DS Max is used for modeling and visualizing

architectural designs, including buildings, interiors, and landscapes.

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 ii. Product design: 3DS Max is used for designing and visualizing 3D product models,
including cars, electronics, and consumer goods.

iii. Character modeling: 3DS Max is used for creating 3D character models for use in
video games, films, and other applications.

iv. Environment modeling: 3DS Max is used for creating 3D environments, including
landscapes, cities, and virtual worlds.

v. Motion graphics: 3DS Max is used for creating motion graphics, including title
sequences, logos, and visual effects.

vi. 3D printing: 3DS Max can be used to create 3D models for 3D printing, allowing
designers to prototype and manufacture physical objects.

10) MX Road - Road design and Analysis

MX Road is a software developed by Bentley Systems which is used in Road design.
MXROAD combines 3D modelling technology with traditional workflows to improve design
quality.
These are the points listed on Bentley Site:
 Survey and data acquisition for all field data types
 Dynamic, interactive 3D modeling of roadways and corridors
 Terrain modeling and analysis
 Interactive coordinate geometry
 Profiles and cross sections
 Geometric design
 Regression analysis.

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Some applications of MX Road for road design and analysis include:

i. Road design: MX Road is used for designing and modeling roads, including
highways, rural roads, and urban streets.

ii. Alignment design: MX Road is used for creating and modifying road alignments,
including vertical and horizontal curves, and intersections.

iii. Drainage design: MX Road includes tools for designing drainage systems for roads,
including culverts, ditches, and stormwater management.

iv. Pavement design: MX Road is used for designing pavement structures, including the
selection of materials and thicknesses.

v. Quantity estimation: MX Road includes tools for estimating quantities of materials

required for road construction, including earthwork, asphalt, and concrete.

vi. Analysis and simulation: MX Road includes tools for analyzing road designs,
including the simulation of traffic flow, vehicle tracking, and sight distance analysis.

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 Conclusion:

The use of software in civil engineering has revolutionized the way projects
are designed, analyzed, and constructed. The software applications discussed in this
report have beenwidely used in various civil engineering fields, including structural analysis
and design, project management, road design, and mapping. These software applications have
increased efficiency, accuracy, and speed in project delivery, making it easier for civil
engineers to design, analyze, and construct complex structures and systems. Civil engineers
must keep up with the latest software applications to stay competitive in the industry and
deliver high- quality projects.

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