Category Archives: Design

As-Built Construction Assets: Key to Future Planning and Facilities Management

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Preparing ‘as-built’ drawings and models is certainly one of the most crucial requirements of any design-build project. These final sets of construction assets validates how the contractor built the structure including all the changes and modifications that were made in the process. The finalised drawings and models are passed on from the contractors to the building owners and property managers.

The set of as-built drawings and models, though underestimated and neglected, broadly serve a dual purpose. Firstly, the as-built drawings and models act as a guidebook to the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) firms that are contracted for renovation and refurbishment of an existing structure. So, the time, cost, and resources that would have been utilised during pre-renovation survey are saved. Secondly, they help owners and facilities managers to conveniently undertake maintenance and refurbishment activities besides helping them during emergency situations e.g. for rapid evacuation.

Whereas data-rich as-built 3D building information models have obvious benefits over 2D drawing sets, the decision to choose one over the other mainly involves factors, such as the scale of the project, owner’s preference, and the design-build teaming structure. The owners of relatively small building projects may prefer 2D as-built drawings of an existing building, prepared by a technician after collecting accurate data on site. On the contrary, large-scale design-build and renovation projects may require BIM-driven as-built 3D models.

Assuming that the project in question has not had a BIM model for the design process which is then updated during the as-built stage of the project, there are two typical ways of preparing as-built BIM models. Firstly, using the as-built drawings and other construction drawing sets as the starting point, 3D BIM models can be prepared using applications such as Autodesk Revit. The second method involves the Scan to BIM technique where point cloud data of the structures. This point cloud data is then converted into an intelligent BIM model using tools such as Cloudworx and Scan to BIM applications such as Revit.

The as-built drawings and BIM models serve as a comprehensive reference tool for owners and property managers. They benefit from these as-built drawings and models in the following ways:-

• The finalised as-built construction assets make future project planning, including renovations, extensions, and redevelopments, convenient and cost effective for the owners.

• Since the as-built drawings and BIM models contain complete details related to dimensions, fabrication, erection, elevations, sizing, materials, location, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing utilities, the owners can use this data and conveniently manage facilities within budget.

• The owners can use these as-built assets to resolve disputes regarding insurance claims. In case of a massive loss due to extreme disasters, the insurance company will require extensive documentation, including the as-built drawings and models to support your claims.

As the as-built drawings and models are prepared by combining the drawings/models of all the building services, the owners and property managers can schedule maintenance operations of the building’s MEP (M&E) systems in a timely manner.

Use Straightforward Backyard Shed Plans And Make Your Shed Construction Project An Enjoyable One

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Using straightforward backyard shed plans will help you keep your shed project on course and within budget. You only have so much time and money to invest in a project such as building a shed made of wood in your backyard. So why not use proven backyard shed plans to ensure this will happen.

You’re not sure of what type of shed you want to build in your backyard, but using proven outdoor shed plans will help you make this choice. There are a number of shed designs to choose from. Some of the most popular ones are the gable roof shed and pent shed styles. These are the least problematic designs to build and yet still complement most house designs. There are more complicated designs to choose from such as the clerestory and gambrel roof shed designs, but these are better left to a more experienced builder. Of course building the least complicated type of shed still requires proven backyard shed plans, especially if you are new to building such a structure. It would be very frustrating getting half way through the building process and finding out you have to start over again because you relied on your own limited knowledge or on an inferior plan.

A good plan will cover all aspects of the building process. Such areas will include the foundation and roof. There are several roof designs that you can employee depending on the type of shed you wish to construct. The purpose of your shed and the climatic conditions of the area you live in will help determine the type of roof you construct.

Two commonly used foundation designs are the skid and concrete foundations. There are a number of differences between these two designs. The concrete foundation is permanent while the skid foundation is mobile. The concrete foundation is the most sturdy of the two but is the more costly one to build. Since it cannot be moved, choosing the correct location to build your shed is very important.

The skid foundation allows for the shed to be relocated after its completion. It is also easier to build than the slab foundation. The design consists of two or more wooden beams laid out on a flat piece of ground. The ground is covered in gravel allowing for proper drainage underneath the structure.

Building your shed requires knowledge of how to build its various components. Proven backyard shed plans will guide you step by step making your shed construction project a successful and enjoyable experience.