Achieving Compliance through the use of a Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Standard

US Army Corpsof Engineers® Engineer Research and Development Center

Achieving Compliance through the use of a

Computer-Aided Drafting and Design

(CADD) Standard


Or… if this was a James Bond film, it would be called:

The Spy Who Standardized Me


Starring:

Spangler… Stephen Spangler as Agent 000

Licensed to Standardize


In this presentation:

• Why do we need a CADD Standard?

• How was the A/E/C CADD Standard developed?

• Content of the A/E/C CADD Standard

• Tools for Implementing the A/E/C CADD Standard


Mission 1 – You Only Standardize Once

“You only standardize once, Mr. Spangler.”


Why do we need a CADD Standard?

Common excuses for not having a Standard:

• Standards are too rigid

• I’ve already got a “Standard”

• They are just CADD files

• Following a Standard results in wasted time and money


Standards are too rigid

On the contrary:•Use of the A/E/C Standard results in consistent legacy data•Eliminates the need for individual documentation of level assignments•Aids in user interoperability (everyone knows where items are placed, no detective work)


I’ve already got a “Standard”

In visits to various sites, I have seen:•No Standard at all.•Everything is drawn on one level. The drawing is either “on” or “off”.•50-50 split on people using and not using a Standard.

In the short term, this may work, but ultimately winds up hurting the organization.


They are just CADD files

True, but your CADD files will eventually be plotted and possibly shared with other offices

Do you want your CADD files looking like they were drawn by:

Or:


Standards result in wasted time

Time Benefits associated to using Standards

Standard Notations 5%Standard/Reusable Details 10%Standard CADD Layers/Levels 17%

Standardized Item Time Savings

F.A. Stitt

Director, San Francisco Institute of Architecture


Standards result in wasted money

•In 1998, MCA Research Corporation developed a return-on-investment (ROI) for data standards. The use of CADD standards throughout the life-cycle of a project produces an ROI of 169.8.

•So, every $1 of cost will result in nearly $170 saved throughout the life-cycle of a project!!

GAO/AIMD 97-163 – Measuring Performance and Demonstrating Results of Information Technology Investments

GAO/AIMD 97-163 – Measuring Performance and Demonstrating Results of Information Technology Investments

Cost Savings associated to using Standards


Mission 2 – Goldstandard“Do you expect me to design?”

“No, Mr. Spangler, I expect you to Standardize!”


Requirements of the Standard (Part 1)

Had to be compatible with

• AutoCAD

• MicroStation


AutoCAD vs. MicroStation

Think back to 10 years ago. Saying AutoCAD and MicroStation drawing formats were compatible is like saying:

Roger Moore was a better James Bond…

…than Sean Connery


Requirements of the Standard (Part 2)

The Standard had to incorporate:

• Air Force Standard

• Corps Standard

• Navy Standard

• NIBS’ National CAD Standard


The U.S. National CAD Standard

Many people who contact the Center are confused between the A/E/C CADD Standard and the U.S. National CAD Standard (NCS).

• The A/E/C CADD Standard presents a DoD implementation of the NCS.

• The A/E/C CADD Standard goes into more detail in certain disciplines that are touched upon in the NCS.

• Any changes to the NCS are reflected in the A/E/C CADD Standard

• Any updates to the A/E/C CADD Standard are submitted to the NCS for possible inclusion.


Top Secret: Information File #1

http://www.nationalcadstandard.org


Mission 3 – The Man With the Golden Standard


A/E/C CADD Standard Facts

• Addresses 14 design disciplines

• Contains more than 75 model files

• Covers file naming for model/sheet files

• Contains more than 1000 level/layers assignments

• Contains more than 1500 symbols

• Contains more than 50 custom line styles


Disciplines addressed:

• General

• Hazardous Materials

• Survey/Mapping

• Geotechnical

• Civil

• Landscape

• Structural

• Architectural

• Interiors

• Fire Protection

• Plumbing

• Mechanical

• Electrical

• Telecommunications


Model Files and Sheet Files

• represent the entire geometry of a building. Model files are 2D or 3D and are drawn to full scale. (Rarely plotted)

• contain portions or views of the model file arranged within a border sheet and title block. When plotted, sheet files represent “Construction Documents.”


Model File Naming

* S- CP XXXX.dgn

User Definable

Model File Type

Discipline

Optional 0-20 characterproject code


Layer Assignments


Symbology

Types of Symbols•Patterns (hatch, concrete)

•Symbols (outlet, arrows)

•Objects (doors, windows)


Line Styles


Mission 4 – The Living Standard

“I’ve added a few optional extras.”


The A/E/C Workspace

• Like James Bond’s “fully loaded” Aston Martin, the Center has developed tools to implement the A/E/C CADD Standard.


MicroStation Workspace Structure

1. Drawing typetool palette

2. Level boxmenu

3. Feature toolbox

Symbology settings


Other Tools

Don’t like the Center’s tools? Here are some 3rd party applications that can assist in implementing the A/E/C CADD Standard:


Mission 5 – For Your Standards Only

“We’re not standardized yet.”


Is the A/E/C CADD Standard Perfect?

Of course not, just like with each successive actor who played James Bond there are always growing pains.

Here is where you can help!!


Input from our “agents”

Just like it wouldn’t be a great James Bond movie without…

…so too the Standard won’t be a great Standard without your input!!


Top Secret: Information File #2

• Phone: 601-634-3104,

• E-mail: [email protected]

• The CADD/GIS Technology Center Website - https://tsc.wes.army.mil

Over and out

Achieving Compliance through the use of a Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Standard

Documents

Transcript of Achieving Compliance through the use of a Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Standard