Many architectural and engineering departments miss a prime opportunity to utilize CAD by not developing coordination drawings; drawings which are created to prevent costly construction overruns due to clashes in the architectural structure and the equipment layout. The HVAC duct work routing, instrumentation cable trays and plumbing or process pipes must all be coordinated between each system, along with the structure’s walls, beams, roof and ceiling components.
Computer-aided drafters skilled in superimposing or overlaying architectural floor plan with structural, HVAC, MEP building services design and layout plans can determine if an interference exists that would cause field construction re-work. Before a project enters the construction phase, coordination drawings should be examined for the following:
1.physical conflicts in equipment floor space layouts
2.proper code clearances, especial concerning high voltage equipment
3.correct vertical elevations for routing of duct work and piping
4.coordination of equipment supported by structural steel
5.correct wall penetration dimensions for duct work and cable trays
6.sufficient wall space for electrical panels, etc.
7.coordination of ceiling and lighting system support
Composite drawings that reflect only the relevant equipment and installation at specified elevations are created using distinguishing line styles, line weights and colors, to make it easy to visualize any conflicts that may have been overlooked during the design phase. So often, changes made in one engineering department may not be reflected in all discipline areas, causing needless engineering changes or field routing.
Our designers and drafters are skilled in projects where there is limited space or where congested areas of piping, duct work and electrical system are particularly prone to field conflicts. Contact us to prevent field interference with a set of professionally produced coordination drawings.
The Importance of Coordinated Drawings Construction
Unforeseen construction re-work can seriously impact construction schedules and project budgets; and damage the professional reputation of an A&E firm. The reasons for engineering changes in the field can sometimes be attributed to a change in the project scope, usually from owner’s who consider budget constraints and request modifications. But more often, many costly field re-work is due to the lack of coordinated drawings construction
MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) service installations can benefit most from coordination drawings to display each system in conjunction with the structural components of the project. Our skilled detailers can construct both plan and elevation coordination drawings to prevent undetected clashes that skyrocket project costs and demolish construction schedules.
Each trade assumes dedicated space for major equipment and transmission routes, and each group will work independently without realizing interferences exist. The only sure method to avoid construction headaches is to analyze the vertical and horizontal placement of each system, before construction starts. Our in-house methods of applying line color, weight, and style to each system’s components will ensure easy visualization of construction conflicts.
Construction conflicts create a loss of productivity while issues are being solved, and frequently, the initiation of overtime hours as construction workers’ attempt to keep the project on schedule. These losses will often reflect back onto the A&E firm, as poor or non-compliant engineering design. Often a structure’s ductwork will take a considerable portion of the above ceiling space; yet, with coordination drawing construction, the electrical and plumbing trades can be assured of clear routes for these services.
Contact us to handle this critical phase of the A&E design process. Your firm will gain increased confidence from owners and construction contractors when they know you have completed an MEP coordination check of the project before the construction release.
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