Civil Engineering Software Advice/Recommendations

[PBW2]

We are still running AutoCad 2007 and Land Desktop 2007 and both are working great. We still have Windows XP on our machines. It's the old "if it ain't broke then don't fix it" adage. We are getting ready to purchase new computers and printers and are thinking about going with newer versions of software. I don't think we need all of the bells & whistles (or cost) of a Civil 3D but I don't know what other software is out there. We have a small shop and our bread and butter is water and sewer design with an occasional land development project.

Interested to hear any recommendations to what may be available.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TerryScan]

We have been very happy with Carlson Civil running on AutoCAD.

http://www.carlsonsw.com/solutions/civil-engineering/civil-suite/

 

[EireChch]

I would not recommend upgrading to Windows 10. There are little glitches that mess it up for example using the function keys to turn o-snap on and off can freeze CAD. You have to move the mouse to the outside of edge of the screen and then click. It works most times but if you are unlucky CAD will crash!!

Also, with every automatic update it can mess up settings like your CAD profile settings, pen setting locations etc.

One guy in our office didnt get Windows 10 and kept Window XP. Hes computer has been fine while the rest of us have annoying problems from time to time!

 

[Sazirul]

I think Autocad is best because you will find lots of video tutorial in internet.

Electrical Engineering | Electrical Substation | Power Transformer

 

[beej67]

Windows XP is dangerous. Don't use it. Very insecure, very prone to viruses and such. I have not had any problems with Windows 10.

If you're used to 2007 era LDD and similar, and don't want to bite the bullet on modern (and very expensive) Civil3d, I've heard great things about Carlson Civil. I know other shops that use this without problem, and I hear they're very good on technical support.

I'm a huge fan of HydroCAD for site hydrology. Lots of chatter on that in the Storm/Flood engineering forum. It also has its own support forum here on eng-tips, and is very affordable.

If you're looking for an alternate to AutoCAD itself, consider BricsCAD. European clone, very light. All the commands are the same, and the interface is similar.

Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East -

http://www.campbellcivil.com

 

[Guest262653]

I second the BricsCAD recommendation. I've been using the Pro version for structural and geotechnical design for a year now and I didn't have any problems with dwg compatibility besides the lack of tools for creating or editing dynamic blocks.