CAD or Revit? How does the MEP Engineer suggest options for your work?

June 8, 2024 Roberto Magalhães

MEP engineers are the backbone of building, renovating and repairing structures around the world. They have incredible knowledge and are experts in the fields of hydraulic, electrical and mechanical engineering.

Additionally, MEP engineers also work to ensure that buildings are energy efficient and sustainable. They use AutoCAD and Revit in MEP to create designs and plans for constructing a building.

Architects often wonder which software of the two is better for their projects. The answer is not so simple. Both AutoCAD and Revit are widely used by architects and MEP engineers. While AutoCAD is mainly used for 2D drafting and Revit is mainly used as a 3D modeling software.

The latter is a BIM (Building Information Modeling) authoring tool, preferred for timely project deliveries, reduced risks and high-quality projects. Before learning the differences between the two, let's understand them individually.

AutoCAD Capabilities

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design program used by architects, engineers, and designers for more than three decades. It can be used to create 2D and 3D drawings and has been updated to include a variety of features that allow for more creativity, collaboration, and flexibility.

AutoCAD software is available as a subscription service and can be used on both desktop and mobile devices.

Listed below are the main reasons why architects and MEP engineers use AutoCAD:

The main focus is on 2D drawings, but it also has some 3D features
Design environment familiar to many MEP engineers and architects since AutoCAD was released, 20 years before Revit
Compatibility with old DWG files
Ability to customize the workspace environment
AutoCAD MEP works with the same commands as AutoCAD. Architects already using AutoCAD prefer AutoCAD MEP over Revit MEP
Can be used to design and design mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems individually

Revit Capabilities

Revit is a 3D building modeler. It is a powerful tool for architects, structural engineers, contractors and MEP engineers. Revit MEP is a specialized version of Revit that handles mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems. Thanks to parametric modeling, Revit offers a complete 3D viewpoint to MEP engineers.

The following are the crucial reasons why the use of Revit MEP has proliferated:

The software is easy to use and is constantly updated.
Enables real-time collaboration between architects, engineers and contractors, from concept to construction.
Enables the creation of detailed 3D models, complete with physical properties, specifications and how the different components of a project interact with each other.
It makes the design process more efficient.
Allows automatic placement of ducts, pipes and joinery.
Integrates seamlessly with other tools like Navisworks for conflict detection, thus avoiding costly build errors.
Offers a vast library of generic components.
Displays 3D guidance and high-definition animations.
It eliminates the guesswork, helping teams accurately determine material withdrawals, cost estimates, and project schedules.
Facilitates MEP coordination when rendering BIM-ready designs.

AutoCAD and Revit MEP have their advantages. But which is better?

AutoCAD x Revit

Before coming to a conclusion, let's look at the disadvantages of AutoCAD and Revit.

Disadvantages of AutoCAD

AutoCAD is one of the most popular and widely used CAD software in the world. However, just like any other software, AutoCAD has some disadvantages, such as:

It is not as easy to use and intuitive as Revit.
There is a steep learning curve involved, which can be quite frustrating for inexperienced engineers.
Edits made to any part of the design are not replicated elsewhere, requiring manual corrections.
It lacks a repository of generic component information. Users need to enter details every time unless they purchase industry-specific AutoCAD modules that cover some, if not all, industries.
AutoCAD is not a BIM authoring tool. While it has some 3D features, these are also geometric drawings rather than detailed 3D simulations.
It does not have internal conflict detection, which can lead to MEP overlaps. MEP engineers and architects cannot open the Navisworks file directly in AutoCAD, but they can attach them as coordination models with the help of the External References palette.

Now let's talk about Revit.

Disadvantages of Revit

It is more expensive than AutoCAD.
Revit was designed for Windows, not Mac.
Compared to AutoCAD, Revit has a narrow industry focus and a limited occupational scope. It is mainly used for urban planning and construction.

The disadvantages of Revit MEP far outweigh the advantages. For one, edits made by the team are synchronized across one design, which in turn greatly simplifies updates and maintenance. Furthermore, it offers complete construction information, unlike AutoCAD.

Revit software is an industry standard for performance analysis of building structures. It is used for various purposes, for example, to determine the energy efficiency of a building, to assess its environmental impact and to evaluate fire resistance.

Unlike AutoCAD, users do not need to work in separate layers. Revit automatically generates multiple views of a 3D model and allows teammates to work on the same project simultaneously. Therefore, Revit is better for teamwork compared to AutoCAD.

For these reasons, CAD to Revit conversion is prevalent in engineering companies. Not to mention, young engineers and architects find Revit much easier to learn and master.

What's the verdict?

AutoCAD outshines Revit in two key aspects: compatibility with older DWG files and broad industry focus. And for these two reasons, MEP engineers may prefer AutoCAD software for their project. However, in every other facet, Revit eclipses AutoCAD.

Clearly, Revit is an amazing alternative tool and has better features than AutoCAD. Not to mention, converting from CAD to Revit is time-consuming and labor-intensive. If not a complete replacement, Revit can be used as a complementary design tool. The decision to opt for Revit or AutoCAD also depends on the project objective and the experience of the core team.