Which types of structural framing systems and materials are most commonly used in the US for residences? For office buildings?
What factors determine why these are the most used materials?
In US residences the most common structural framing material is timber due to its high availability and low cost. The framing system most commonly used is platform framing. On the other hand, for office buildings steel and concrete are the most commonly used framing material. The framing system most commonly used is metal studs.
Why do different teams of designers and subcontractors link and share their models during the design process?
What are the advantages of linking models?
To synchronize modifications and not to have any discrepancy between drawings by multiple people. Also, everyone will see real time updates to the drawings.
Are there any disadvantages to linking models?
Everyone needs to be familiar with the same software which may troublesome in some cases. Its doesn’t allow for independent work and provide individual ideas.
How do you think design coordination was done before we started using digital models?
What advantages does doing this coordination digitally have over previous methods?
What strategies can design teams use to find and avoid clashes prior to the start of construction?
What can be done besides sharing the models digitally?
At what point in the project development process should design coordination start?
Is it ever too early?
I believe that coordination should begin immediately once the general design of building is determined and the first architectural model in completed.
It is better to have coordination at an early stage as it helps prevent future interferences, speeds up the process and limits confusion at the end.