How BIM enabled Architects gain accurate Working Drawings
Execution of construction projects depends upon the accuracy of architectural drawings, including site plans, foundation plan, structural drawings, MEP drawings, and shop drawings. But in modern construction projects, which are growing increasingly complex and ambitious, any lack of accuracy in these drawings can lead to project delays, cost overruns, and rework.
Coordination, collaboration, and compliance are also big issues in large projects. These too can be aggravated by inaccuracies in drawings. Here, BIM works to ensure that all architectural working drawings, from submission drawings to detail drawings, are accurate and are up to the mark with design standards and statutes. The coordinated and clash-free architectural drawings generated through BIM thus play a crucial role in ensuring the success of today’s construction projects.
What are architectural working drawings?
Architectural working drawings or construction drawings are crucial for construction documentation. Also called working or specification plans, architects prepare these drawings to provide accurate and comprehensive design information to contractors, suppliers, and fabricators. Working drawings set the design intent of the construction, improve credibility, and reduce miscommunication and rework in project execution.
Challenges faced by architects while creating working drawings with legacy methods
Architectural firms using legacy processes and tools with 2D orthogonal projections to draft working drawings have to face many challenges, including:
Errors in architectural drawings leading to multiple design alterations.
Changes documented incorrectly during the design stage having a cascade effect and causing errors at other project stages.
Unclear drafts with illegible scribbles and communication oversight.
Working drawings drafted in silos with outdated information causing site issues, higher RFI generation, and excess costs.
Setbacks due to rework and revisions giving rise to project delays.
Absence of clear visualization within 2D drawings affecting project execution.
Error-ridden and incomplete working drawings affecting the accuracy and credibility of project quotes.
6 types of working drawings/construction drawings
The goal of a working drawing is to include everything required to build a project. The following details are included within a working drawing set:
1. Floor plans
Include all the necessary information within a horizontal cross-section
Show every room, door, and window
Detail specifications for materials, framing components, doors, windows, cabinets, etc
Exhibit fire-safety codes, locations, and information on exterior spaces like garages and decks
2. Elevations
Working drawings include elevations that display a scaled view of the project’s exteriors.
Ceiling height, roof slope, exterior finish, and other information are included.
Information on techniques and materials for finishing is also included with additional details on building codes.
3. Foundation plans
Provide important information on structural support.
Foundation wall width, location, and dimensions of the footings are included.
Concrete profile is added where it is necessary.
Detailed notes, point loads, and construction techniques are added.
4. Roof framing plans
Roof framing plans include structural members for roof framing.
Necessary information on the numbers, dimensions, and locations of the structural members are detailed.
Working drawings also include the roof framing size, rafter spacing, overhangs, connectors, and venting.
5. Section views
Specific information on design and construction is added.
Structural drawing details, specific notes, and cross-sectional views are shown within working drawings.
6. MEP drawings - HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection
Electrical drawings include light fixtures, smoke detectors, outlets, switches, and other coded fixtures.
Electrical plans can be used to customize the layout based on specific needs.
Mechanical drawings include HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection components, including air handling units, chillers, ductwork, piping, conduits, etc.
Based on a study by Connecting Teams, 56% of Architects in the US claim their clients were more satisfied after deploying collaboration within BIM.
Source: https://architecturequote.com/architecture-statistics/
Get quick approvals with high-quality working drawings.
How does BIM help architects in creating accurate working drawings?
1. Coordinated models reduce design alterations
Coordinated and clash-free 3D models built on AIA standards produce high accuracy and data richness. Extracting working drawings from these 3D models reduces design alterations, leading to faster approvals, lower rework, and quick project delivery.
2. Real-time changes remove errors
Parametric 3D modeling supports architects with real-time changes in the 3D model. This makes it easier for architects to manipulate the design, build greater accuracy and deliver high visualization. Making alterations to one parameter adjusts dependent parameters through automation.
3. Accurate drafts reduce readability issues and improve communication
Drafting construction drawings requires accuracy, completeness, and clarity to reduce readability issues. 3D architectural models built on AIA standards are annotated and enriched with correct symbols and bring higher clarity and details. Improved readability helps in better outcomes for contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers and promotes precise prefabrication and construction.
4. Coordinated and error-free working drawings lower onsite problems
Working drawings serve as reliable guides for construction. When extracted from clash-free 3D BIM models, these are error-free and reduce site issues, RFI count, and building costs.
5. Accurate drawings improve project quotations
As building owners invest a lot of capital in complex and large-scale projects, construction or renovation needs to be efficient. Detailed working drawings promote graphical and data clarity, leading to accurate quotations for building elements.
Get error-free documentation and complete sheet setup.
Conclusion
A good set of working drawings not only helps in creating precise quotes but facilitates better fabrication and on-site construction. BIM helps architectural firms to view the big picture, optimize space, create modern-day designs, and promote construction with better ambiance. BIM and accurate working drawings help architects explore new design concepts and get faster approvals. 3D visualizations help to bring concepts to life and project outcomes are faster, more time-efficient, and cost-efficient.
Authored by:
Harika Singh is an academician and published writer. Her passion for engineering and technology reflects in the in-depth coverage she provides on technology trends. 20 years of work association with institutes of repute across India and the US positions her to provide valuable insights to business stakeholders on achieving scalability and operational efficiencies through digitalization.