When it comes to project design and planning, KCE focuses on bringing innovative ideas and solutions to the table. Our advanced technology tools not only help our clients achieve cost-effective, reliable utility design but also provide state-of-the-art engineering services. Programs in our toolkit, such as AutoCAD, allow us to create 2D and 3D models, bringing designs from the drawing board to reality.

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a software program that is used for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design and modeling. It allows us to create solids, surfaces and mesh objects to bring engineering projects to life. Once project data and measurements are collected, we incorporate them into AutoCAD to fully develop our plans.

How do we use AutoCAD at KCE?

Before AutoCAD, starting a project required time-intensive manual calculations. Today, the program streamlines the creation of early plans, freeing our team to devote more time and attention to project execution. For example, we use AutoCAD for stormwater hydrology and hydraulic calculations, efficiently providing the insights our team needs to move a plan forward with confidence. AutoCAD also allows us to draw detailed schematics and calculate areas or volumes. 

AutoCAD is instrumental in maximizing client value on many of our engineering projects. On a recent project involving a large residential subdivision, we used AutoCAD to value-engineer over 3,500 linear feet of proposed sanitary sewer main to minimize conflicts with shallow rock encountered on the site. Using 3D models of the proposed utilities in AutoCAD, we were able to efficiently and accurately raise the sanitary design while avoiding conflicts with other utilities. The final sanitary design was raised by 3.5 feet on average, saving the client an estimated $100,000 in blasting and trench rock excavation costs.

Why does KCE use AutoCAD?

AutoCAD provides a tremendous advantage in our engineering projects. As the industry standard, it offers a variety of benefits to our staff and our clients, including: 

• Maximized productivity
• Automated drafting tasks
• Faster calculations
• Enhanced design precision
• Streamlined workflows

AutoCAD is just one of the many tools in our kit that help us provide clients with a comprehensive view of their projects. 

For more information about KCE or the tools we use, visit kceinc.com.