Which types of structural framing systems and materials are most commonly used in the US for residences? For office buildings?
The most common framing systems and materials for US residences are usually wooden systems and office buildings typically use reinforced concrete systems and/or steel systems. The use of materials is determined by the cost of the building project, the amount and type of loads that the project has to withstand, size requirements, availability of material, weather and fire resistance, etc.
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?
How do you think design coordination was done before we started using digital models?
Prior to using digital models for design coordination, design coordination was probably done by using 2d overlaying drawings w/ translucent paper or by building and comparing physical models. The method of digital design coordination definitely saves time and resources because you are able to redo parts of your design easily without restarting the entire design which is what was probably necessary when using 2d overlaying drawings. Digital design coordination takes less time and is easier to coordinate with someone who may not be working in the same area as you, but still on the same projects.
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?
Design coordination should begin as early as possible such as in the initial design phase. This will allow for any errors to be caught as early as possible, which saves money and can help keep the projects from falling behind schedule.