Southern Journal of Engineering & Technology Vol.

1(1), 2023

Analysis of Designs - A comparative Study of BIM and

AutoCAD

Aayzaz Ahmed1, Muhammad Junaid2*, Muhammad Danish1, Mirza Aamish Hassan Khan1, Maryam
Gull3, Riaz Ahmad4
1
Structural and Architectural Designing Engineer at UPTOWN Architects & Designers, United Mall, Multan
2
Department of civil engineering, Greenwich University London, United Kingdom
3
Structural Designing Engineer at Ikram Consulting Engineers, DHA Lahore.
4
Department of Civil Technology, Government College of Technology,60000 Multan Pakistan.

Abstract. Building information modeling (BIM) is software for the efficient designing of the structures, which
provides the advanced level designing of the structures along with the quantity takeoff required for the
construction of the respective structure. On the other hand, AutoCAD is the traditional drafting software which
is not enough efficient as compared to the building information modeling software. This research also focuses
on the visual as well as featural differences of the building information modeling software (BIM) and AutoCAD,
by the qualitative design analysis of the same structure from both AutoCAD and BIM, and also by quantitative
analysis technique for this research which incorporates the questionnaire online survey, to collect the responses
from various experts such as civil engineers of different years of experience and BIM experts of the different
levels and years of experience. According to the design analysis result, by using BIM and AutoCAD Models and
drawings, to visualize the difference between the features and level of advancement and efficient modeling. The
BIM allows us to design structures that are more attractive as well as well-structured along with the quantity
takeoff for the specific drawing. While AutoCAD is just the drawing software, it does not support the quantity
takeoffs and finished look better than that of BIM, according to the quantitative results, it can be concluded that
implementing BIM could reduce human error and also provides user-friendly ease to work, and also to perform
necessary variations without reworking on the model from the beginning.

Keywords: AutoCAD, BIM, Modelling.

Email: [email protected]
support to model the lifecycle of the building, which
1. Introduction to BIM provides a framework for the entire project for
BIM (Building Information Modeling) has the execution, designing modeling, and drawing of the
potential to be a game-changer in the architectural, entire structure. The building information model
and civil engineering business. Building Information (BIM) also provides the advanced level designing of
Modeling technology generates a precise virtual the structures along with their quantity takeoff and
picture of a digitally constructed building. The the project schedules to work effectively during the
computer-generated model, once completed, will execution stage. BIM technology can help with a
include flawless drawing components and also the range of business activities. Although BIM adoption
important details for the structure to construct, is still in its early stages in the AEC/FM (Facilities
commercially or for residential purposes. Building Management) business, while the software named
information modeling software also provides the “AutoCAD “is being used widely to produce the

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drawings unable to create an efficient and smart building information modeling software (Li, et al.,
model of the building (AutoCAD, 2020), AutoCAD 2014).
is works based on the basic level of drawings
1.2. Building Information Modelling levels
techniques, though the advances are being
incorporated in the software but still not efficient Building an information model provides the access to
enough as compared to the building information visualize a three-dimension model of the drawings
modeling software (Eastman, Teicholz, Sacks, & that serve as the project's sole source of data.
Liston, 2008 ). According to Mark Bew and Mervyn Richards'
model (Mark & Mervyn, 2013), four levels of the
1.1. BIM Strategy
drawings can be distinguished, either prepared by the
BIM is the advanced level software for building AutoCAD or by Building Information modeling
modeling, which incorporates the modified, realistic, software. Any sort of paper documentation, whether
and rendered visualization along with the efficient created by hand or using computer-aided design
and advanced structural modeling of the developed (CAD) software, falls under Level 0. Level 1 refers
drawings (Dunston & Wang, 2005). The to digital files that contain 2D and 3D content that is
advancement in building information modeling is not backed up by a comprehensive database.
also being approached by the various modeling Building information modeling might be considered
developer companies to improve the level of a to begin at Level 2. It appears to be comparable to
building and structural simulations (Eastman C, Level 1 from before. The library management and
Teicholz P, Sacks R, & K, 2011). Following are the file-based communication tools employed in the
strategies to make the 3d models of buildings, being project are the most significant differences. As a
adopted widely throughout the world: result, the essence of BIM is a project-wide shared
database, linked to the object's 3D model, from
By using the building information modeling software,
which we may create comprehensive project
such as the “Revit” supported by Autodesk, to create
documentation. Currently, the majority of engineers
the user-friendly building modeling, in the sense of
work at Level 1 or 2 positions. BIM proponents have
changing the design parameters, structural
set a goal of preparing all projects in BIM at Level 3
components, to identify the flaws and mistakes in the
(intelligent BIM, or BIM), which allows for
designs, and the ease to make the changes and
construction management throughout the design life
variation if required, without changing the entire
cycle. They also expect ISO standards to be
design (Building SMART, 2010).
introduced, as well as the widespread adoption of
The three-dimensional building construction models BIM formats like IDM, IFC, and IFD (Hietanen,
can also be developed by using AutoCAD software 2008).
supported by Autodesk. The AutoCAD 3d models or
1.2.1. Collision detection
the drawings are usually considered a lower-level
design for the drawings, which is called the level”0”, Collision detection is the essence of interdisciplinary
in the BIM technology. as the AutoCAD lags in cooperation in the old design when collisions were
providing Real-time environments to the drawings, found visually by tracing all crossings with
and also the visualization difference of the drawings overlapped drawings on tracing papers. A similar
being produced by the AutoCAD, as compared to the approach is used in CAD 2D systems, where layers

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of different colors are visually contrasted on a 3. Results and Comparative Analysis of

computer screen. The next stage was to use a CAD BIM and AutoCAD drawings and models
3D model to help detect collisions. There is, however, 3.1. Qualitative Method Results
a significant distinction between CAD 3D and BIM 3.1.1. Analysis of Design
3D. Collision detection in BIM is based on
technologies created for the gaming and computer
graphics industries. Collision detection techniques in
BIM should be precise rather than quick. As a result,
BIM systems employ computer graphics techniques
as well as sound engineering practices and standards.
BIM distinguishes three types of collisions:

• Severe Collisions occur when two objects clash

in the same space.
• Physical collisions: verifying the assembly
sequence and delivery schedule; verifying the
number of workers and time required to
complete the construction phase.
• Technological collisions: verifying the assembly
sequence and delivery schedule; verifying the
number of workers and time required to Fig. 1. Food Court Plan in Mall of Oman
complete the construction phase. The ability to (AutoCAD)
detect collisions is a significant advantage of
building information modeling in general.
During both the design and construction phases,
it offers significant cost reductions (Ireneusz
Czmoch & Pekala, 2014).

2. Methodology Flowchart

Fig. 2a. Food Court Finish Plan in Mall of Oman

(BIM)
Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, show the visual difference in the
same plan designed on AutoCAD and modified on
BIM. The difference between the software, BIM, and
AutoCAD is can be visualized from the output
drawings. The BIM allows us to design structures

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Junaid, M. et al.

that are more attractive as well as well-structured

along with the quantity takeoff for the specific
drawing. While AutoCAD is just the drawing
software, it does not support the quantity takeoffs,
and the finished look better than that of BIM.

Fig. 3. Food Court Column Architectural Plan

Mall of Oman (BIM)

Fig. 2b. Food Court Finish Plan in Mall of Oman

(BIM)

Fig. 4. Food Court Modified Plan in Sitting Area

in Mall of Oman (BIM)

Fig. 5. Food Court 3D plan, Mall of Oman

(AutoCAD)
Fig. 2c. Food Court Terrace Ceiling Plan Mall of
Oman (BIM)
Figs. 6-8 shows the 3D model of the interior design
Figs. 3-5 shows the basic architectural plan for the of the food court located in the Mall of Oman
sitting area made by AutoCAD and the modified plan developed by using AutoCAD and BIM respectively.
by using BIM with sitting arrangement to provide a While, Fig. 7, and Fig. 8 show the columns and
real look by using the filled rendered objects for the special features in the food court by using AutoCAD
previously created features, respectively. and BIM, respectively.

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Junaid, M. et al.

human resource”, “specialization” is 0.24, 0.257,

0.69 respectively, For the (Implementing of BIM
could reduce the human error due to incomplete,
incorrect, and rework during design) with the
demographic variables, it is observed that it has a
strong relationship with the specialization and weak
correlation with the size of the company based on
human resource. And the covariance is observed to
be about 1.667. (Adopting BIM can earlier detect the
Fig. 6. Food Court 3D plan, Mall of Oman (BIM)
design errors and clashes among a variety of
structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
systems) with the demographic variables, it is
observed that it has a positive correlation with years
of experience of BIM technology variable while
negative with other two variables. And the
covariance is observed to be about 2.138. According
to the results of the correlations for the (Drawing
errors could be greatly adjusted through BIM
implementation) with the demographic variables, it is
observed that it has a negative correlation with all the
Fig. 7. Food Court 3D plan with Column and demographic variables. And the covariance is
Special Features, Mall of Oman (AutoCAD) observed to be about 1.720, while for the (BIM could
enhance communication between design team) with
the demographic variables, it is observed that it has a
significant correlation with all the specialization
variables. And the covariance is observed to be about
1.826. According to the results of the correlations for
the (The financial aspect of BIM setup prevents its
implementation i.e., software, training, and hardware)
with the demographic variables, it is observed that it
has a positive correlation with the size of a company
Fig. 8. Food Court 3D plan with Column and
Special Features, Mall of Oman (BIM) based on human resource variable while negative
with other two variables. And the covariance is
3.2. Quantitative Method Results
observed to be about 2.202, while for the (High cost
3.2.1. Correlation Analysis
of recruiting BIM specialists) with the demographic
According to the results, it is observed that “years of variables, it is observed that it has a negative
experience of BIM technology” has a strong correlation with all the demographic variables. And
relationship with the specialization. While the the covariance is observed to be about 1.426.
covariances observed for the “years of experience of
According to the results of the correlations for the
BIM technology”, “size of a company based on
(lack of awareness of the capabilities of BIM tools)

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Junaid, M. et al.

with the demographic variables, it is observed that it and negative correlation with the years of experience
has a negative correlation with all the demographic of BIM technology, And the covariance is observed
variables. And the covariance is observed to be about to be about 1.085.
1.168., while for the (Cultural resistance in
According to for the (Engineers in the industry prefer
companies is the greater challenge than any
AutoCAD for Structural Design instead of BIM) with
technological challenge) with the demographic
the demographic variables, it is observed that it has a
variables, it is observed that it has a significant
significant positive correlation with the size of a
negative correlation with the size of a company based
company based on human resources variable, And
on human resource variable. And the covariance is
the covariance is observed to be about 1.275, while
observed to be about 0.993.
for the (BIM can be considered more suitable for the
According to the results of the correlations for the project planning according to design than AutoCAD)
(Lack of demand and disinterest of BIM) with the with the demographic variables, it is observed that it
demographic variables, it is observed that it has a has a positive correlation with the size of a company
negative correlation with the specialization variable based on human resources variable and negative
and a positive correlation with other demographic correlation with the specialization, And the
variables. And the covariance is observed to be about covariance is observed to be about 2.395, on the
1.402, while for the (An insufficient electronic other hand, for the (AutoCAD 3D contains less
standard, protocols, and coding system of BIM) with realistic approach in structural designing than BIM)
the demographic variables, it is observed that it has a with the demographic variables, it is observed that it
negative correlation with all the demographic has a negative correlation with all demographic
variables and the covariance is observed to be about variables. And the covariance is observed to be about
1.131. 1.430.

According to the results of the correlations for the Fig. 9 responses based on Engineer’s Specification
(Adopting alternative standards like New Rules of for BIM Q1, as according to the results of the
Measurement (NRM) can solve the lack of BIM question regarding BIM implementation that could
standard) with the demographic variables, it is reduce the human error during designs, most civil
observed that it has a strong correlation with the size engineers based on specialization about 16.67% of
of a company based on human resource variable, And the total respondents agreed on it. According to the
the covariance is observed to be about 1.128, while results of the question regarding the adoption of BIM
for the (Multi software of BIM lead to decrease the that that can help detect errors and design mistakes
efficiency)with the demographic variables, it is within the drawings and provide a user friendly and
observed that it has a significant positive correlation easy variation in the specific part of the flawed
with years of experience of BIM technology variable, design, on the other hand, as AutoCAD does not
And the covariance is observed to be about 1.197, provide such easiness to the users, in AutoCAD the
and on the other hand, for the (Few data/information design mistakes are to be observed manually and also
could be lost while transforming between BIM to be altered to change under the correct design
software) with the demographic variables, it is standards all over again. Fig. 10 shows the responses
observed that it has a positive correlation with the that the drawing error could be greatly adjusted
size of a company based on human resources variable through the use of BIM technology under the year of

40
Junaid, M. et al.

experience of the respondents. For both of the respondents have scored 23 percent of the positive
categories of the respondents, either less than five agreed responses.
years or the experience of more than a year, all the

Fig. 9. Responses based on Company Size for BIM Q2

Fig. 10. Responses based on Experience of BIM technology for BIM Q3

4. Conclusions drawing than that AutoCAD. BIM provides an

improved and efficient environment for
a) From the observed results, it can be concluded
architectural designing and plans as well.
that BIM provides more advanced-level

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Junaid, M. et al.

b) From the result, it can also be concluded that References

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