In the construction industry, drawings play a crucial role. While they may not be scenic or colorful, they help stakeholders transform structured imagination into reality.
There are various architectural/construction drawings, each valid for different purposes and at different stages of the process. This blog looks into three types of drawings, some applications, and the differences between the three to help you understand them better.
What are BIM Drawings?
BIM drawings are digital 3D models of buildings that encompass detailed information about every aspect of the structure. BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. These drawings show how all the components, such as walls, windows, plumbing, and electrical systems, fit together. They help architects, engineers, and builders see the entire project clearly, making planning, constructing, and maintaining buildings easier.
Using BIM drawings can save time, reduce errors, and improve the overall efficiency of building projects. BIM is increasingly becoming a mandatory global process to ensure collaborative and efficient planning, design, and construction of structures. Partnering with a reputable BIM Service provider can further enhance these benefits, offering expert guidance and support throughout the project lifecycle. BIM revolves around models used for project design, planning, management, and construction.
What are Design Drawings?
Design drawings serve as blueprints that illustrate the overall concept of a construction project. They are the initial step in the design phase, translating clients’ or designers’ ideas into a visual plan.
Many people, such as architects, engineers, and contractors, work together on these drawings. Once everyone agrees on the design, it is shown to the people who will build it to ensure they understand the plan.
Since design drawings are created in the early stages of a project, they include vital information such as:
- Aesthetic elements like textures, colors, and other materials
- Connection design
- Design layout
- Floor plans
- Interior and exterior 3D renderings, along with elevations
- Site plans
What Are Shop Drawings?
Shop drawings, or fabrication drawings, are in-depth plans that communicate the entire design intent. These drawings help fabricators with essential information concerning the manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, and installation of structural components. Often, steel detailers and moderators, engineers, and fabricators come together to create ideal shop drawings.
Shop drawings generally include the following:
- Applicable fabrication standards
- Construction document comparison to help engineers or architects with approval
- Dimensions requiring on-site verification
- Information necessary for fabrication
- Installation and erection information
- Keynotes indicating changes from the construction documents
Comparing Design, BIM, and Shop Drawings
| Basis | Design Drawings | BIM Drawings | Shop Drawings |
| Purpose | Design drawings convey the structure’s design vision and intent. | BIM drawings refer to a digital representation of the structure. It consists of valuable data for analysis and better coordination. | Shop drawings include in-depth information and instructions about the fabrication and installation of certain components. |
| Details | Comprises information concerning elevations, floor plans, 3d renderings, and section details. | It includes a 3D model of floors, walls, MEP systems, roofs, ceilings, finishes, systems, and overall building. The data included often revolves around the type of material, size, manufacturer information, and performance characteristics. | The focus is on specific aspects or components like prefabricated wall panels, stairs, custom cabinetry, or HVAC units. |
| Creators | Engineers, architects, fabricators, builders, and contractors. | BIM specialists or experts. | Subcontractors, suppliers, fabricators, and other stakeholders. |
| Software Used | 2D CAD software like Revit or AutoCAD. | Special BIM software like ArchiCAD, Revit, and Vectorworks. | 2D CAD software or the using BIM models to generate drawings. |
| Revisions | Frequently revised with changes in design. | Revision when necessary and drawings are regenerated accordingly. | Less common but done when required, especially in case of material changes or constructability issues. |
| Timeline | Made in the initial stages. | Created throughout the process. | After finalizing the design and handing over the contract. |
| Advantages | Transparent communication of design intent and acts as a basis for other drawings. | Better departmental coordination, clash identification and solution, improved decision-making, and visualization. | Accurate installation and fabrication of components, better cost predictability, improved efficiency, minimum errors, and decreased need for rework. |
Advanced Applications of BIM Drawings in Modern Construction
Project Visualization
Drawings from the BIM model significantly help architects, clients, and engineers visualize the project even in pre-construction. They can also use the drawings to identify and fix problems in the initial stages. Since BIM technology supports VR and AR, clients can virtually experience a live version of the project.
Fabrication Drawings
BIM drawings facilitate the creation of shop drawings. After the BIM is built, the fabrication drawing for sheet metal ducting can be created quickly and easily. Moreover, manufacturers can use BIM to obtain accurate and necessary details for fabrication.
Facility Management
BIM drawings facilitates streamlined and efficient facility operations and management. Managers can utilize BIM to make improved decisions regarding layout, space utilization, asset and equipment maintenance, cost savings, and energy efficiency.
Structural Analysis and Design
BIM model supports design and structural analysis. In civil engineering, the applications of BIM models include rebar detailing, structural shop drawings, steel shop drawings, structural steel detailing, and light gauge steel framing design.
Architectural Design
BIM is beneficial in architectural design. The model supports complex architectural design solutions and parametric designs, which were a time-consuming and tedious process before. It also provides several parameters to figure out design alterations. Architects can utilize Revit Family Creation to develop standardized components within the BIM environment, ensuring consistency and efficiency in design development. Moreover, Architectural BIM services streamline stakeholder collaboration, enhancing project coordination and reducing errors.
MEP Design
BIM is crucial in resolving disputes and coordination, particularly in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Firefighting) engineering. BIM electrical design ensures that electrical systems are integrated seamlessly within the building model, minimizing clashes with other MEP services. MEP design involves intricate calculations, and BIM facilitates accurate spatial coordination and clash detection among different systems. Engineers utilize various Levels of Detail (LOD) when creating BIM models for MEP, ensuring that each component is represented with the necessary level of detail for design and construction purposes.
Sustainability
Thanks to the valuable data contribution of the BIM model, authorities can complete construction safely, quickly, and with minimum waste. Moreover, decommissioning and O&M can be done more sustainably and cheaply.
Differences Between BIM and Traditional Drawings
| Traditional Drawings | BIM Drawings |
| Traditional drawings are a document focused approach, wherein an input is segregated into disconnected documents, leading to chaos. | In this approach, documents obtained from the BIM model are integrated into a virtual building information model, allowing necessary changes as required. |
| They are expensive and time consuming | They are comparatively cost-effective and more efficient |
| The risk of human error is high | They offer better quality documentation and lower risks of human errors |
How Shop Drawings Improve Construction Projects
Shop drawings provide the construction authorities with a comprehensive idea, which helps them in planning, fabricating, manufacturing, constructing, and installing. It is impossible to overlook the advantages of shop drawings in construction projects, and some of them are articulated below:
Shop drawings help with accurate cost estimation.
It provides comprehensive data.
It minimizes complications and challenges.
It helps identify clash detection early on.
Importance of Accurate and Detailed Drawings
While we cannot stress enough the importance of accurate and detailed drawings in construction, we can articulate it better for you to understand.
- Communicating design intent
Construction or architectural drawings serve several purposes, including communicating the structure’s design intent. The drawing comprises many details, including the door and window placement, space layout, and other important features. The in-depth and accurate drawings help stakeholders associated with the construction project understand it better and bring the vision to life.
- Regulatory requirements
Architectural or construction drawings ensure the project meets all the regulatory requirements, like safety standards and building codes. It minimizes delays in the construction process and can even save tons of money by preventing costly errors.
- Quality and consistency
Detailed and accurate architectural designs help maintain quality and consistency throughout the construction project. These drawings consist of complete elevations and a set of plans, minimizing errors/clashes and misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Even though all architectural designs have different intents and purposes, the end goal is to improve operational and managerial efficiency in the construction process. Design, Shop, and BIM drawings contribute significantly throughout the process, and understanding them is essential for leveraging their benefits. At ASC Technology Solutions, we specialize in BIM Outsourcing services to optimize construction workflows through advanced BIM solutions. Our expertise in creating detailed BIM models ensures seamless collaboration and efficient project delivery. Contact us or drop an email at info@asctechno.com to discuss your project idea.
