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?
For residential buildings in the U.S., wood framing is the most common—it’s affordable, easy to work with, and widely available. Office buildings usually use steel or reinforced concrete framing because they need to support more weight and span larger spaces. The choice mostly comes down to cost, scale, and performance. Wood works well for smaller, low-rise structures, while steel and concrete are better for taller, more complex ones. Climate, local codes, and labor availability also play a role in what gets used most.
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?
Designers and subcontractors link and share models so everyone can work off the same information and catch issues early. It helps teams coordinate across trades, especially when systems overlap or compete for space. Linking models makes clash detection easier and keeps everyone updated when changes happen. It also saves time by reducing miscommunication and rework during construction. But there can be downsides—linked models can get heavy and slow, and if one team makes a mistake, it can affect everyone else. You also need clear version control, so people aren’t working off outdated files. Still, when managed well, linking models makes the whole process smoother and more collaborative.
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?
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?
Design teams can use clash detection tools in BIM to catch overlaps between systems before construction starts. It helps to hold coordination meetings where everyone reviews the model together and talks through potential issues. Besides sharing models digitally, teams can walk through the design in VR or use physical mock-ups for complex areas. Clear communication between trades and early involvement from contractors also makes a big difference. The goal is to solve problems early, not on-site.
At what point in the project development process should design coordination start?
Is it ever too early?