Virtual design and construction software

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

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 visualize and plan building designs, processes, schedules, budgets, and more. VDC technology allows companies to analyze construction plans from start to finish before breaking ground. 

Image courtesy of KlingStubbins 

What is the difference between VDC and BIM?

VDC and building information modeling (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. 

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. 

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, optimize processes, minimize waste, and validate installations. The workflow becomes more efficient, quality improves, and risk is reduced. 

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 optimized 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 coordination.

Improve quality

Preconstruction visualization helps allocate proper funding to important construction aspects. Modeling 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 minimize 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 optimizing designs for constructability. Reliably measure quantities to estimate construction costs. Coordinate models to reduce costly field coordination issues, and so much more. 

Relevant software in the collection for VDC

Revit

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

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Navisworks

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

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AutoCAD

2D and 3D CAD tools, with enhanced insights, AI-automations, and collaboration features. Subscription includes AutoCAD on desktop, web, mobile, and seven specialized toolsets.

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3ds Max

3D modeling, animation, and rendering software for games and design visualization

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InfraWorks

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

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Virtual design and construction resources

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

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 analyze drone outputs and more.

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

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

VDC frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Does the Autodesk AEC Collection support both 4D and 5D BIM?

The AEC Collection supports both 4D and 5D BIM, helping to streamline construction scheduling and more accurately estimate costs and planning.

How can the AEC Collection help VDC coordinators save time?

The AEC Collection provides VDC coordinators a comprehensive set of BIM and CAD tools to help streamline the entire construction project workflow. Accelerate the design process, automate tasks, improve collaboration, and optimize management tasks from conception through completion. 

What type of VDC analyses and modeling can be performed with software from the Autodesk AEC Collection?

The Autodesk AEC Collection includes software that supports both advanced whole-project analyses and modeling. Easily produce 3D models from 2D concepts, then simply update the data in the model as changes are made. Analyze project details using simulation, coordinate models with project quantities and schedules, then quantify and analyze time and costs. 

What visualization tools are included for VDC in the AEC Collection?

The AEC Collection includes 3ds Max and Revit, enhanced visualization tools that allow you to turn 3D BIM models into engaging spatial experiences.