The role of 3D Modeling in Civil Engineering is vital because it draws the line between failure and success.

You might have heard of 3D modeling before, but did you know that it is essential for Civil Engineers because of the roles it plays in safety, saving and learning?

3D modeling is the process of creating a 3D representation of any surface or object by manipulating polygons, edges, and vertices in simulated 3D space. 

You can see the results of 3D modeling in movies, animations, and video games filled with fantastical and imaginative creatures and structures.

That is why it is so important to use 3D modeling in construction and designing activities. It helps to simulate the environment and the project itself. It also saves companies and engineers a lot of money.

What’s more, in this article we will look deep into the roles of 3D modeling in Civil Engineering. And we will share with you where you can go to get assistance with your 3D needs.

3D modeling in Civil Engineering

3D modeling plays a lot of roles in Civil Engineering such as being a cost-effective solution and a hazard checker. 

More than that, here are 10 roles that 3D modeling plays in the engineering industry.

1. Helps the team understand mistakes

3D models are objects made in a virtual surrounding.

One of the main roles of 3D modeling is to allow you to scale up objects and test stress factors and tolerances before committing to it.

Civil Engineers use it to test what-if situations and check every possible issue or errors. Identifying these possible mistakes is extremely important in construction. Any large or small mistakes or differences can cause major problems.

2. Makes presentation easy

Imaginations can be brought closer to the real thing by riding on the back of 3D technologies. 

One the perks of using 3D modeling in your Civil Engineering practice is it can be used in presentation. It is useful in presenting situations or the architecture design of a project. 

It is basically like converting ideas into virtual canvas. Because of this, it is ten times better than 2D design because it gives you concrete visualization of the project. It helps you and the people that want to know your vision.

3. Wins customers

Customers are more convinced by what they see rather than what they hear. Do you agree?

University of Minnesota notes in their research that visual aids accomplish several goals:

• Make your speech more interesting
• Improve your believability as a speaker
• Serve as guides to changes 
• Helping the audience stay on track
• Communicate complex or interesting information in a short period of time
• Strengthen your verbal message
• Help the audience use and keep information

Therefore, by letting them see and experience your 3D model, you are more likely to convince them. You’ll sound and look more believable.

4. Makes it easier for construction

In a written discussion by Penn State College of Engineering, they found out that 3D and 4D modeling can really affect the execution of a project.

They have listed down their report the following benefits of 3D and 4D modeling in construction:

• Increased productivity
• Elimination of field interferences 
• increased pre-fabrication 
• Less redesign
• Fewer requests for information
• Fewer change orders 
• Less cost growth, 
• A decrease in time from start of construction to facility turnover

With that said, it is obvious that 3D design and construction goes hand in hand.

5. Helps in creating space

3D modeling is a technique in computer graphics for producing a 3D digital representation of any object or surface. That means that it is extremely important in testing out the environment of construction to create space.

3D topography is one of the main advantages of 3D modeling.

Through it, engineers can read dangerous and safe areas easily. Even more so, it helps them construct projects more safely.

6. Measurement

Measuring physical objects is easy. You can get a measuring tape and put into numbers its length, height, width, and depth. 

However, how can you actually measure a project that is not yet made plus with non-linear edges, free from shapes, angles.

Easy. Use a 3D modeling software to illustrate, measure and design your project.

With a 3D model, you can better guess the actual size of any object. You can also ensure that parts of properties fit properly together. 

Also, you can improve designs to fit the tolerance of materials that you will use, improve engineering tooling and cut costs.

Oftentimes, a 3D scanner is used to capture 3D measurements and spatial relationships on physical objects. 3D measurement technologies can be used for product development and for quality control inspections.

7. Breaks the Communication Barrier

They all say that a picture contains a thousand words.

If you are a company working with a diverse group of employees, 3D modeling is definitely for you.

Since 3D modeling allows you to illustrate ideas rather than say it, it will help you break communication barriers.

Not only that, it makes the flow of instruction easy. You do not need to provide countless bullets about reworks. You can just show it to your co-workers and they will be able to understand it right away.

8. Optimize Resources

Most construction companies find themselve developing a project only to discover that the materials they will use are not appropriate for the environment. Just imagine the hassle and the amount of cost it can cause.

To avoid these mistakes, invest in a 3D modeler to simulate the project in a computer generated environment.

By doing so, you can assess the materials that your company might need.

9. Aid Students to Learn 3D

Carleton University states in their study the importance of 3D modeling in learning about space.

They mentioned that a physical model could allow students to experience, and ultimately understand, the 3D nature on a smaller scale. They are specifically speaking about 3D topography in the study, however, 3D modeling is part of the process they tackle.

What they mean about this is that 3D models play a huge part in learning, especially for engineering students.

It allows them to read space thoroughly and understand theory and application of techniques much better.

10. Reduce Risk

Probably the most obvious role of 3D modeling in civil engineering is reducing risks.

What really mitigates risks is planning. And having a carefully laid plan helps your company to avoid unnecessary mistakes.

It is vital to run a simulation of the project first and carefully look at the factors that might peril your workers health and safety. 3D modeling reduces the occurrence of hazards before, during and after the construction.

Even more so, it helps you foresee risks and place immediate controls to avoid and lessen the impact of them.

3D Modeling Services In the Metro?

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We are 3D2Go, the only one-stop-shop with everything 3D here in the Philippines. 

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