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?
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?
An advantage of linking models is better coordination – this way, the whole team working on the project is always up to date. However, linked models can also be challenging, as it can become confusing if many people are making changes at the same time.
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?
Sheets and plans were probably sent back and forth between contractors. This would lead to many different drafts and versions, and possibly the loss of information among them.
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?
Coordination should start as early as possible to avoid issues of multiple versions or unnecessary/duplicative work on the project. While the architect and structural engineer might each be most important during different phases of the project, it is still beneficial for them to both be in the loop throughout.