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?
Wood framing is most prevalent for residences in the U.S because most residences are less than three floors. Also, wood is easy to find around the U.S. Office buildings in the U.S. are usually built with a core and outrigger system because office buildings usually require a core for elevators and stairs.
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?
What advantages does doing this coordination digitally have over previous methods?
Before using digital software for coordination, an architect might complete the architectural plans and then share them with the structural engineer in-person or by fax. Then, the engineers would request some changes with the same methods. The past delivering design plans method required too much time, which delayed the whole project. By using digital software and sharing in real time, stakeholders can save a huge amount of time and exchange feedback quickly.
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?
Making the first draft of the architectural design would be the best point of sharing. Before making a draft, structural engineers are hard to know how to make the structure system. By sharing the first draft design, structural engineers can advise design teams on practical structural issues about the design. Therefore, design teams and structural analysis teams can coordinate closely. Even though there would be some design changes, the engineers could save some time and put more effort into revising parts by starting their work early.