Expert: Bob - 1/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I am a student in Singapore University and currently doing a project on Energy Efficiency of Buildings. I know that architects submit building drawing in Autocad. I just like to ask whether is it possible use autocad software to calculate for example the area of the windows, area of the floor etc...those parameter need to calculate Overall Thermal transmittance value or Energy consumption and display the values?

ANSWER: Hi -- you do not make it clear, but I believe you are saying that you are a non-architecture student, perhaps in thermal engineering.  

It is also not clear whether you are merely inquiring if AutoCAD can give you the areas, or whether it can do all your calculations.

Plain Autocad draws lines,etc, and a bit more -- a more complex software, such as Revit or AutoCAD Architectute, creates a 3D model of the building.

One can use AutoCAD easily to calculate the floor area (correct term) of each floor --- but are you sure you do not mean useable area, which is different?  For window area, one would have made a Window Schedule, and use a calculator to figure the total window area.

Revit, ACA, and Archicad can come closer to automating area calculations.

OF COURSE thermal transmittance calculations are not built into the typical softwares -- they would add expensive complication.  BUT I am [retty sure  there is software made for that purpose, which can be used in conjunction with Revit, ACA, and Archicad -- but we are outside my field.

Normally an Architect would have a consultant engineering firm do what you ask, so my suggestion is to inquire how they do it. Remember, I am an Interior Designer, and ACAD covers many many other fields.

BOB

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for you reply. Ya I am in thermal engineering and I am programming a energy calculation software for my school. In Singapore architects will submit building plans in autocad format and we need to verify the thermal transmittance value of the building in order to approve the plans.

So my plan is to input the CAD drawings(after i have converted it to a JPEG file) into my software for better visualisation.  

As well as having those area calulcations (which is done by the Autocad software) ready for use in my software rather than manually calulcate again.

Answer
---So my plan is to input the CAD drawings(after i have converted it to a JPEG file) into my software for better visualisation.
SORRY, THIS IS SOOOOOOOOO OFFBASE. If you mean you are going to import an image of a SHEET of the drawing, after plotting from AutoCAD to a file, you are more on the right track (one does not convert Acad drawings to images, one prints to create images).  One must use the proper terms, or there is no understanding.

---As well as having those area calulcations (which is done by the Autocad software) ready for use in my software rather than manually calulcate again.
YOU SEEM TO BE DREAMING THAT AUTOCAD WILL DO WHAT YOU WANT. I patiently explained that the program does not create all that, that someone could use it to figure the areas.

BUT AGAIN --- you are asking programming questions of an Interior Designer.  If you had researched the software I mentioned, even for 20 minutes, you would see that you are MUCH MUCH better, in all likelihood, to make your software work with one of the building model softwares, not something that merely draws lines.

Good luck -

BOB