Virtual Design and Construction Software

Learn how VDC technology via the Autodesk® AEC Collection helps you to increase collaboration, control costs and improve quality on your construction projects.

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What is VDC technology?

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a type of technology that creates digital models of buildings and project sites. Architects, engineers and contractors use VDC models to visualise and plan building designs, processes, schedules, budgets and more. VDC technology allows companies to analyse construction plans from start to finish before breaking ground.

What is the difference between VDC and BIM?

VDC and building information modelling (BIM) technology are related, but differ in purpose. BIM technology creates a digital representation of a physical building. VDC technology uses 3D BIM models and other information to digitally plan out all aspects of a construction project—from estimating costs to scheduling and risk management.

Image courtesy of KlingStubbins

Using the AEC Collection for VDC

The Autodesk AEC Collection is an integrated set of BIM tools that enable you to quickly and efficiently create building design, civil infrastructure and construction simulations. The collection supports all phases of the building lifecycle with design technologies that cover conceptual design through construction.

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VDC Workflow for Construction

The risk of human error is inherent in construction workflows. VDC technology allows you to build a project virtually then track construction progress, optimise processes, minimise waste and validate installations. The workflow becomes more efficient, quality improves and risk is reduced.

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Benefits of virtual design and construction

Save money, increase collaboration and improve quality and safety on your construction projects.

  • SAVE TIME & MONEY

    When applied properly, VDC technology helps save time and money, from delivering more accurate preconstruction cost analysis to optimised detailing for more accurate bids and estimates.

  • INCREASE COLLABORATION

    VDC technology allows multiple multi-disciplinary parties to collaborate in a virtual environment, providing everyone the most current design information and enhancing off-site co-ordination.

  • IMPROVE QUALITY

    Preconstruction visualisation helps allocate proper funding to important construction aspects. Modelling through each phase of construction eliminates field errors and further improves quality outcomes.

  • ENHANCE HEALTH & SAFETY

    VDC technology allows stakeholders to identify and assess safety concerns before building begins to reduce hazards that lead to incidents onsite and minimise social and environmental impact.

Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection

The AEC Collection allows VDC teams to plan, design, construct and manage buildings virtually using integrated CAD and BIM tools. Mitigate risks early by optimising designs for constructability. Reliably measure quantities to estimate construction costs. Co-ordinate models to reduce costly field co-ordination issues and so much more.

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Relevant software in the collection for VDC

Use powerful BIM and CAD workflows to design and build with confidence.

  • Plan, design, construct and manage buildings with powerful tools for Building Information Modelling.

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  • Navisworks Manage, Navisworks Simulate software and the Navisworks Freedom 3D viewer for 5D analysis, design simulation and project review.

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  • Software for 2D and 3D CAD. Subscription includes AutoCAD, specialised toolsets and apps.

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  • 3D modelling, animation and rendering software for games and design visualisation.

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  • Geospatial and engineering BIM platform for planning, design and analysis

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Virtual design and construction resources

  • FOR BIM/VDC COORDINATORS (US site)

    BIM/VDC coordinators describe their career paths, common duties and responsibilities and their recommended best practices on the job.

  • DRONE DEPLOYMENT (US site)

    Get a VDC manager’s approach to drone deployment on large-scale projects. Learn about trends and regulations in UAV use, how to outsource deployment and prepare, deliver and analyse drone outputs and more.

  • VDC & BIM FOR EXECS (US site)

    Get an executive overview of the features and benefits of VDC and BIM technology and how they apply to construction projects.

  • DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT MADE EASY (US site)

    Learn how a construction firm integrated BIM 360 Document Management technology into the VDC process for improved information management.

VDC frequently asked questions (FAQs)