Computer Modeling for Construction Coordination
Recently I had a lengthy meeting with the contractors to coordinate the foundation and basement walls on one of our projects in Philadelphia. We were discussing the height of the concrete walls while the concrete was being poured. While the trucks were pulling up, we were combing through the drawings trying to set all the heights of the walls being poured. Luckily, we were able to get all the heights set before the concrete was poured to those heights, but this is not ideal.
When I returned to the office I decided to take another look at the drawings and start a new computer model that goes into much more detail than the one used for the design and permit drawings. This is key to have a separate model, because for all the Revit users out there, you know if the model is updated so are all the views. This could be a nightmare if there is a need to update any of the drawings for any future drawing issues during construction.
Currently the model has the foundation and the first floor framing (steel and wood). Here's the information for the foundation/basement walls that we hectically compiled on-site. This 3D image probably would have saved us a few hours of stress while the concrete pours.
Foundation walls with spot elevations indicating the top of the walls relative to the first floor.
Moving forward we now have the steel framing and wood framing modeled to help with coordinating bearing heights for this framing. Not only do we have an image to reference, but we put together a steel schedule that gives the heights and span lengths of each piece of steel.
First floor steel framing
First floor steel framing schedule. Elevation and span lengths of each piece of steel is indicated.
The wood trusses and framing is currently modeled, but will be updated once we receive shop drawing from the truss manufacturer. We also plan to create another model which will have the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades modeled. This model will help to locate openings in the floor trusses to allow the duct work to pass through. A huge benefit of using floor trusses is that the ceiling is higher since the duct work is within the truss, rather than being installed under a beam.
Wood framing prior to modeling the duct and plumbing