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?
How do you think design coordination was done before we started using digital models?
Before using digital models, I would imagine that design coordination was done via blueprints, in-person meetings, and phone calls. Blueprints convey similar design information to team members and can be sent physically or digitally. In addition, in-person meetings between the structural engineering team, architectural team, and other key stakeholders helped/helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and provides an opportunity for discourse about possible design modifications. When in-person meetings were not feasible, I think that design coordination was done via phone calls. These calls function similarly to in-person meetings—providing needed clarification and another opportunity for conversation.
What advantages does doing this coordination digitally have over previous methods?
Shifting to digital models provides several advantages over prior methods, including real-time updates, design integration, and 3D views. Since building models can be stored in the cloud, teams can publish new versions instantly and ensure that everyone in working with the latest model. Building models also seamlessly integrate multiple disciplines in a single file, streamlining the building creation workflow. Lastly, building models have interactive 3D views, which were previously unavailable and provide an extra dimension (literally) for designers to look at.
What strategies can design teams use to find and avoid clashes prior to the start of construction?
As this module demonstrates, a great way to avoid clashes is to share cross-disciplinary building models with all relevant stakeholders. As mentioned in the previous question, this approach comes with a plethora of benefits that were previously unavailable.
What can be done besides sharing the models digitally?
Besides sharing models digitally, teams can adopt a clear hierarchical structure, collaborate to establish a shared vision, and create designated roles for “integration checks.” When teams are made up of people from different fields or companies, there can sometimes be confusion regarding who is responsible for what. By building a hierarchy, teams can ensure that work is done in a timely fashion and that nothing is missed. Motivated by similar factors, it is extremely important that all team members understand the design vision. If the architects are designing a neomodern masterpiece and the structural engineers are framing a big-box store, there are bound to be significant clashes. Finally, it is advisable to have individuals specifically tasked with design integration; this puts integration at the forefront instead of as a last minute check.
At what point in the project development process should design coordination start?
Is it ever too early?
I do not think it is ever too early to start design coordination. Even during the initial ideation, it is helpful to communicate with people from multiple backgrounds to evaluate design feasibility. For example, suppose an architect wants to create a structure with a thin base and a wide top (see image below for an example). If a structural engineer is in the room, he or she can provide insight into whether the proposed design would be possible, and if it is, they can provide an estimate of the needed structural framing.
In short, the cliché “communication is key” certainly rings true in construction and benefits those who start earlier rather than later.
