Designers planning for efficient construction may find a new product called DelphiCad an interesting and inexpensive utility.
The tool, from U.K.-based DelphiDesign Ltd., automatically calculates a buildings "brick dimensions" in increments of half bricks and mortar joints, based on sizes specified. Users launch DelphiCad and open an AutoCAD .dxf file with a building perimeter line. Then they click "calc" to have it re-drawn to brick dimensions, in millimeters or inches, including cavity wall, if desired. This helps designers set out a plan that minimizes the need to cut bricks. It also takes into account irregular shapes and adds or deducts mortar joints accordingly.