Introduction:
Introduction:
Intergraph Smart 3D (SP3D) and AVEVA E3D Design are still the two pillars of structural engineering in the landscape of 2026 industrial design. Although both platforms have the same objective, that is to generate a data-filled 3D digital twin of industrial plants, their approach to the physics behind the modelling is based on different philosophies. SP3D is characterised to have a rule-based and relationship-driven environment, whereas E3D is renowned to be accurate, fast and with a hierarchical architecture. The fundamental knowledge of both is mandatory to any structural designer who wishes to design large-scale refineries and power plants or offshore structures.
Smart 3D (SP3D) Structural Basics:
Smart 3D (SP3D) Structural Basics:
SP3D is built on a Relationship-Based model. Structural members in such an environment are not mere floating lines, but rather intelligent objects with consciousness of the surrounding environment. By placing a beam in SP3D, it knows it is connected to a particular column. When you slide the column, the beam automatically elongates or contracts to hold the connection. This automation saves a lot of manual work in the event of an inevitable change in the design of a project. Many institutes prepare you for the E3D Interview Questions, which can help you crack jobs in it.
- Coordinate Systems and Grids: It all begins with a Grid System. You lay out X, Y, and Elevation planes, which serve as a type of skeleton to which structural members are attached.
- Member Placement: The Place Member command allows designers to choose a specification (such as A36) and cross-section (such as W12x26) out of a centralised database.
- Relationships and Constraints: SP3D provides a series of steps to follow in the form of Smart Steps that lead one to select a starting point, a direction, and a final point, automatically transforming it into end-treatments.
- Slabs and Walls: In addition to steel, SP3D can model concrete foundations, slabs and walls with the help of the Place Slab tool, which can calculate volumes of MTOs.
- Assembly Modelling: It is possible to assemble individual members into "Assemblies" (such as a stair tower or a platform) that can be easily copied and pasted throughout the plant.
- Automated Drawings: The model is data-rich; hence, you can create orthographic plans and sections that update automatically as the 3D model updates.
Structural Basics in AVEVA E3D Design:
Structural Basics in AVEVA E3D Design:
AVEVA E3D (Everything3D) is based on a Hierarchical Data Structure. It is so easy to work with huge projects containing millions of elements because of this logical nesting. E3D structural module is very efficient as it is concerned with the quick positioning of "Sections" and "Panels. To learn more about it, one can visit the E3D Course. In comparison to the relationship-centric SP3D, the E3D focuses on Graphical Accuracy and usability, which can be easily modelled by a skilled power user at a much quicker rate.
- The Hierarchy Approach: Each beam or column has to exist in a "Framework." The selection and colour-coding of this organisation into bulk is simplified by the various disciplines or areas.
- Section Modelling: The Section tool is used to select profiles in a global catalogue. E3D enables top-centre, bottom-left, etc., to make sure that steel accurately fits architectural lines.
- Automation Macros: E3D is a machine that is automatable using macros. You can pick two points, and the system will automatically create and place a complex bracing set.
- Joints and Connections: The Joint property in E3D enables you to use typical connections (clips, plates, bolts) that are in the library of the project to keep everything the same.
- Panel and Plate Work: With the help of the "Panel" module, floors, gratings, and fireproofing layers are created. These are necessary to carry out proper weight and centre-of-gravity calculations.
- Laser Scan Integration: E3D can be distinguished by its capability to model new steel on top of laser scan data of the currently existing brownfields.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
The art of structural modelling in SP3D and E3D is the ability to make the 2D engineering drawings into a 3D Single Source of Truth. Whereas SP3D provides more automated relationship-intensive experience, E3D provides more structured coordination on a large scale. Enrolling in the SP3D Training course can help you start a promising career in this domain. After 2026, the most successful designers will be the so-called bilingual ones, who can manoeuvre around the rules of SP3D without disrespecting the hierarchy of E3D to produce clash-free and construction-ready models.
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