Structural Drafting Software — Why Engineering Leadership Matters
Structural drafting underpins how assets are designed, reviewed, fabricated, and built. While there is no shortage of powerful drafting software on the market, successful project outcomes are not defined by software alone — they are defined by engineering judgement applied through the right tools.
At Hamilton By Design, we operate across multiple structural drafting platforms to suit asset risk, fabrication pathways, and project complexity. Below are the five most widely used structural drafting software platforms in industry today — and how they fit into an engineering-led workflow.
AutoCAD — The Industry Baseline for Structural Drafting
AutoCAD remains the most widely accepted platform for 2D structural drafting across Australia.
It is commonly used for:
- General arrangement drawings
- Structural sections and details
- Retrofit and brownfield documentation
- As-built drawings
AutoCAD’s strength lies in its universality and clarity, particularly for issuing IFC documentation. However, on complex or fabrication-heavy projects, AutoCAD alone relies heavily on the experience and discipline of the engineer and drafter producing the drawings.
Revit — Coordinated Structural Documentation in a BIM Environment
Revit enables a model-driven approach to structural drafting, where plans, sections, elevations, and schedules are generated from a single coordinated model.
It is well suited to:
- Building structures
- Multidiscipline coordination
- Projects requiring digital handover or asset information models
While Revit is a powerful coordination tool, its effectiveness depends on engineering control of modelling assumptions, member sizing, and load paths. Without that oversight, models can appear complete while concealing risk.
Tekla Structures — Fabrication-Level Structural Drafting
Tekla Structures is widely recognised as the benchmark platform for steel and concrete detailing.
It is commonly used where:
- Fabrication accuracy is critical
- Connection design must be unambiguous
- CNC data, BOMs, and shop drawings are required
Tekla excels in mining, heavy industry, and complex steel structures where what is modelled is what gets built. Its strength is not simply its software capability, but its ability to enforce constructability and clarity.
Advance Steel — Steel Detailing Within an AutoCAD Environment
Advance Steel extends traditional AutoCAD workflows into 3D steel detailing.
It is often selected where:
- Fabricators operate primarily in AutoCAD
- 3D steel modelling is required without a full BIM transition
- Fabrication drawings and NC data are needed
Advance Steel provides an efficient pathway from drafting to fabrication when applied within an engineering-controlled workflow.
Our clients:
SolidWorks — Structural Drafting for Industrial and Mechanical Assets
SolidWorks is widely used for industrial structures integrated with mechanical equipment.
It is particularly effective for:
- Platforms, frames, skids, and support structures
- Conveyors and transfer stations
- Structures requiring integration with machinery and FEA
For industrial environments, SolidWorks enables structural drafting to be developed in context, reducing interface risk between mechanical and structural elements.
Software Is a Tool — Engineering Is the Outcome
No single software platform is “best” in all circumstances. Each has strengths depending on:
- Asset type
- Fabrication method
- Risk profile
- Compliance requirements
The real differentiator is engineering leadership — selecting the right platform, applying the correct standards, and ensuring drawings are fit-for-purpose and fit-for-fabrication.
Structural Drafting Done Properly
At Hamilton By Design, structural drafting is delivered as part of an engineering-led service, not a drafting-only output. Our work is supported by:
- Engineering-grade 3D LiDAR scanning
- Fabrication-ready documentation
- Australian Standards-aligned detailing
- Clear accountability from concept through to construction
If your project requires structural drafting that stands up to fabrication, construction, and long-term operation, we can help.
Need Structural Drafting Support?
If you’re planning a new structure, upgrading an existing asset, or preparing fabrication documentation, contact Hamilton By Design to discuss how an engineering-led drafting approach can reduce risk and improve outcomes.
