Future for CAD 3-D

[CRG]

I am looking for opinions about 3-D design for HVAC systems. Currently, I am seeing 3-D design programs for piping systems used for industrial design; however, I have not seen their use for HVAC design. Several companies are making the programs; yet, I have not seen Architects in this area design in 3-D (my experience lies with small to medium sized projects). I assume that when Architects provide 3-D drawings for xrefs, 3-D HVAC cad programs might be completive. Does anyone have ideas when or if commercial mechanical designs will be profitable to complete in 3-D? Does anyone have experience with Architects who are designing in 3-D and can comment on the problems going 3-D for commercial mechanical design?

Thanks
CRG

 

[ACADyes]

Take a good look at autodesk building systems product. its awesome. 3d look like pictures, easy fast and compatible with acad.

 

[remp]

Unless you have loads of money to spend I wouldnt bother doing 3D drawings....they are not necessary for HVAC design. Its hard enough to get good quality 2 D drawings.
3 D does look pretty and may impress some clients, but thats about it....well thats what I think anyway.

 

[62hog]

My company is easing toward 3-D design with Autodesk Building Services, which is based on Autocad Architectural Desktop. We are beginning to utilize 3-D in the architectural phases of design. I have been told that when you complete an architectural design in 3-D that you just a few steps away from having all of your sections and elevations completed by simple section cuts in the software. Sure the plan design takes a little longer, but the follow-up steps then take care of themselves, almost anyway.

This would also be true with the HVAC and piping/plumbing plans. It would also convey more and better information to the contractors who are bidding the project. All of the bid documents will continue to be produced in 2-D, except where an isometric view might be more clear.

I hope this helps with your questions.

 

[chicopee]

ACAD-3D shuld be used when there is a myriad of mechanicals
that may interfere w/ HVAC's. ACAD-3D will alert you to obstructions that would not be seen w/ 2D-plan views.
For a simple commercial/retail structure 2D is acceptable but when you get into a muti-story structure, the benefits of 3D wiil outweight the simplicity of 2D.
After all manufacturers of large utility boilers will use ACAD-3D to lay their piping for waterwalls, superheaters, economizers, etc and for a very good reason.

 

[lilliput1]

Usually there is not enough time & money budgeted on the job to do 3D design for commercial HVAC work. Design drawings are typically specified to be considered as diagramatic & it is up to the contractor doing the installation, to prepare shop drawings & coordinate installation & clearances with all trades. The designers though must provide enough space for installation & servicing. They should block out typical service access space for equipment.
The 3D drawings therefore can be more useful to the installing contractor to help them prepare coordinated as built drawings.

 

[ChasBean1]

I agree with billy & lilliput's posts. Getting a good 2D drawing is a challenge... Actual HVAC installation is always at the mercy of the framers, rain leaders, and sprinkler fitters. Execution of a perfect 3D HVAC drawing is usually nullified unless HVAC installation has free reign of a building, which, on the projects I've been on, has been zero times.