Which types of structural framing systems and materials are most commonly used in the US for residences? For office buildings?
Timber framing systems are the most common framing systems for US residences. These framing systems utilize beams, vertical components, some trusses, and bracings. The most common framing system for office buildings is the skeleton where there are vertical, horizontal, and bracing breams. The most common materials are concrete and steel. These materials are the best to use because concrete is great in compression and steel is great in tension in order to carry the loads.
How do you think design coordination was done before we started using digital models?
Although many companies use digital models, there are still many that don’t. The process of coordinating design would look require hand drawings. This was very time consuming, and you had to physically send designs to one another which can take a long time. There’s also risk in losing the design papers in the mail. The advantages of this coordination digitally have over previous methods include faster design phases and better communication between designers and other contractors. Especially when communicating the designs to the construction team, it’s important that it’s quick and efficient so that costs don’t overrun onsite.
At what point in the project development process should design coordination start?
Design coordination should start at the very beginning. The design impacts the cost, schedule, energy efficiency, usability, and many other considerations in a project. It’s never too early to start and the beginning of the project is when designers can make the most impact. The closer the project moves into construction, it’s more expensive and more difficult to convince people to change “non-critical” design aspects. Without a design, there is no building or structure. It’s very important that the project team and stakeholders are working collaboratively and understanding the needs of each role.