Which types of structural framing systems and materials are most commonly used in the US for residences? For office buildings?
In the U.S., most residential buildings use wood framing, especially light wood studs and joists. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and well-supported by building codes and the construction workforce. For office buildings, the most common systems are steel framing and reinforced concrete. These materials can handle larger spans, higher loads, and taller structures, which offices typically require.
What factors determine why these materials are used? Cost, availability, building height, required spans, fire ratings, and the familiarity of local contractors all play a role. Wood is cheaper and works well for small-scale buildings, while steel and concrete are better for strength, durability, and code requirements in commercial structures.
Why do different teams of designers and subcontractors link and share their models during the design process?
They share models so everyone works from the same information. When architects, structural engineers, designers, and subcontractors link their models, it helps catch conflicts early and keeps the design coordinated.
What are the advantages of linking models?
- Conflicts (like pipes running through beams) show up early.
- Everyone stays updated with the latest design changes.
- It reduces rework and improves communication.
Are there any disadvantages to linking models?
- If one team uploads an outdated or incorrect model, it can cause confusion.
- Linked models can be large and slow to open or update.
- Teams must coordinate file versions, naming, and schedules, or mistakes happen.
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?
It was done by comparing 2D drawings: architectural plans, structural drawings, and MEP drawings. They were laid out on tables and teams literally traced over paper to check for conflicts. Coordination meetings also relied heavily on phone calls, markups, and manual updates.
Digital coordination is faster and more accurate because clashes are caught automatically, updates reach everyone quickly, and 3D views make the design much easier to understand. This leads to fewer construction mistakes, fewer delays, and lower costs during the build.