|
Description:
|
The efficiency and accuracy of design is critical for construction success . The realization of design is dependent on complete and coordinated design documents that are finalized through the submittal process . This process involves the transfer of design intent from the architect and engineer to the specialty trade contractor for the production of shop drawings . The use of information technology to increase the ability to meet this intent is not being fully utilized today . A case study was selected on the campus of Texas A &M University to investigate the impacts of CAD on the submittal process . The project was selected because it utilized both hand and CAD methods to produce shop drawings . The data collected included all contract documents , submittals , submittal logs , and interviews with the project participants . A comparative analysis was made between the shop drawings that were completed by hand and those that were done by CAD . An analysis quantified the number of notes and corrections made by the reviewers during the submittal process . A separate analysis was made of the number of errors in the interpretation and transferring of background information from the contract documents in the shop drawing production . Finally , interviews were conducted with the project participants to determine the cost associated with utilizing CAD to produce shop drawings . Although based on a single case study , the data showed that CAD had important impacts on the submittal process . The data suggests that when CAD is used to produce shop drawings , there are significantly less notes or corrections by the reviewers . It also suggests that the electronic transfer of design data from the architect and engineer to the subcontractor can ensure better design accuracy and lower overall project cost . |