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?
The most commonly used structural framing system and materials for US residences is platform framing and using wood as the material. The are used in residences because of high availability and it allows for easy design modifications and changes where as a heavy and denser material would be the opposite. For office buildings we see more steel framing due to the strength of the frame.
Why do different teams of designers and subcontractors link and share their models during the design process?
What are the advantages of linking models?
Are there any disadvantages to linking models?
They link and share their models to collaborate and make sure that all of the designers and subcontractors work come together for the overall design. It also allows for real time design adjustments to be changed and seen by all parties. Instead of having to inform them through communication. One of the disadvantages of this could be access as some programs can struggle at a high memory load.
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?
Having regular meetings that all the design teams go over and review the model together. Outside of digital review being able to do real time model walkthroughs allow for better understanding and communication which can lower the chances of clashes in construction. Using digital tool we can use revit’s clash detection feature to find misalignments in the model.
At what point in the project development process should design coordination start?
Is it ever too early?
I think that design coordination be taking place whenever the idea of the project is presented. Having an early design coordination can lead to the avoidance of problems later on down the line that could have been caught early on in the design process. Saving potentially both time and money.