Fabrication Shop Drawings

Importance of Fabrication Shop Drawings for Construction

Fabrication involves the technique of creating products by integrating standardized components. To take an instance, steel fabrication is the formation of metal structures through cutting, bending, and assembly. Usually, raw steel is converted into a product or item to be used in construction and fabrication helps a metal to get into the right shape. As a result fabrication shop drawings are considered to be the key strength of the steel sector.

It’s a proven fact that BIM companies producing shop drawings in Texas are optimizing projects with integrated analysis, generative design, and simulation tools. Consequently, building contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers get all the necessary information for accurate construction documentation.

What are fabrication drawings?

Fabrication drawings, also called shop drawings include detailed plans for translating the design intent of the AEC professionals. Competent BIM modeling companies in USA enable fabricators with the required information to fabricate, assemble and install structural modeling components. The diagrams form a significant part of structural engineering services and guide the manufacturers, fabricators, and builders to obtain information about prefabricated components like material types, shape, and size of components, installation procedure, and other details.

Attributes of Fabrication Shop Drawings:

  • Facilitate manufacturing of components with more information from contract documents.
  • Provide comprehensive details of building documents for displaying erection information like column, truss, beam, riser, plate, etc.
  • Deliver complete information on dimensions, design specifications & quantity takeoffs/BOQs.
  • Assist installation of structural and steel members within the structure during construction.

Types  of Shop Drawings

Building Information Modeling companies produce different types of shop drawings to facilitate the creation of trusses, structural steel components,  pre-cast concrete, and reinforced concrete. Some of the drawings include:

  • Steel Fabrication
  • Sheet Metal
  • Woodwork
  • Millwork
  • Cabinet
  • Stair
  • Handrail
  • Erection
  • General Arrangement

Benefits of Fabrication Drawings:

  • Enable engineers to understand the fabrication process –BIM consultants delivering shop drawings provide complete dimensions of components, including fabrication standards, manufacturing conventions, and codes. Consequently, this allows engineers to comprehend the whole fabrication process.
  • Facilitate real-life construction – During real-life construction, while forming the building structure, it’s not always feasible to follow original diagrams. Changes are always required at the time of construction. Here, shop drawings provide detailed notes for real-life construction.
  • Enhance profitability, reducing project costs – Accurate shop drawings play a vital role in decreasing project time and costs. Currently, many BIM firms provide shop drawings, acting as a roadmap to project managers, enhancing project profitability. This helps the fabricators to deliver work with strict adherence to project standards in a tight construction schedule. Project managers also bid profitably for delivering quality services to clients.

Information included in the shop drawings:

  • Information for comparing design, performance, and details of architects & engineers
  • Recommendations for dimension verifications
  • Approved measurements as per locations

Applications of Steel Fabrication Drawing Services:

  • Columns, bracing, pillars, ladders, handrails, frame & truss, etc.
  • Anchor plan setting and layout plans
  • Steel erection
  • Data file requirements for manufacturing documents, showing pre-fabricated parts

In today’s fast-paced construction industry, with tighter timelines and longer lead times for materials, shop drawings are produced with advanced software, saving time and money. A BIM team providing cost-effective shop drawings facilitates companies to compete in a profitable way. The advancement of steel drawing services would continue to play a significant role in building a structure.

Expert BIM consultants are catering residential, commercial, educational, industrial, and infrastructural projects in a competent way. To integrate your fabrication work process, schedule an appointment with the best BIM engineering firm in USA and simplify the process of building erection.

Autodesk Building Suite

How Autodesk Building Suite Helps BIM Firms?

Autodesk Building Suite is a great support to BIM firms. BIM service providers in USA are using this interoperable design software application for supporting BIM-based workflow. Top BIM companies in USA are successfully designing, simulating, visualizing and constructing better with this software suite. Since it’s a comprehensive design suite, the software application facilitates complete data management from the conceptual design-build stage to the final construction. Architects, building contractors, MEP design firms, structural engineers and other professionals of the BIM firms collaborate effectively for complete construction project management. Before delving into the details of how Autodesk Building Design Suite helps BIM firms, let’s take a quick look at what’s included in the software suite.

What’s included in Autodesk Building Design Suite 2021?

Using ‘Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate’, BIM firms get the privilege to work with various software products in an integrated way, including:

    • AutoCAD BIM firms speed up construction documentation, share ideas with project stakeholders, and explore 3D concepts with design tools. Using AutoCAD Architecture, BIM engineers get an understanding of specific features designed for architectural services.
  • AutoCAD MEP BIM firms get the benefits of working with AutoCAD through special features designed for MEP designers and drafters.
  • Autodesk Showcase – BIM services USA can easily change AutoCAD designs and Revit models into compelling imagery, movie, and presentations through Autodesk Showcase 3d visualization solution.
  • AutoCAD Raster Design – Using AutoCAD Raster Design, BIM firms add great raster editing and raster-to-vector conversion tools to AutoCAD software.
  • ReCapBIM firms in Texas, Washington DC, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Baltimore and other areas in USA perform reality capture and integrate real-life data directly into the design-build process with ReCap.
  • 3DS Max –  Revit modeling services produce movie-like visuals to communicate and sell design ideas for effective marketing presentation. 
  • Revit – Revit BIM services define the key goal set for the construction. The building model is just a cage without Revit. BIM firms use Revit tools for architectural designing, MEP engineering services, structural engineering, and construction management.
    • Navisworks Simulate – Proficient BIM modeling firms integrate multiple models for enhancing collaboration, simulating construction, measuring the scope and enhancing reviews.
  • Navisworks Manage – BIM firms review integrated models of architecture, structure and MEP services and share data amongst stakeholders with Naviwork Manage. They also perform clash detection with the software application, gaining improved control over project outcome.
  • Inventor – BIM services in USA excellently manage product design and engineering with Inventor 3D CAD software.
  • Robot Structural Analysis – BIM modeling service providers in USA undertake structural load analysis with this software application, thus making an accurate design and coordinated Revit steel shop drawings.

Know more about architectural BIM modeling services.

How is Autodesk Building Suite facilitating BIM Firms?

 

  • Resolving Project Challenges  for BIM Firms 

Modernization has resulted in a boom in the construction sector.  Many of the building projects consist of a huge built-up area. So, frequent modifications in the construction design or the plans often lead to major flaws in construction work.  Consequently, BIM firms face the challenges of exceeding the allotted budget and excessive delays, leading to work stoppages. Further, some building projects require collaboration amongst all the project stakeholders, including the building owner, developers, architect, structural engineers, MEP design firms, general contractors and consultants. Hence, maintaining the right balance is tough. Implementing Autodesk Building Suite resolves these construction project challenges for the BIM firms, helping them plan in a better way.

  • Identifying Constructability & Maintenance Issues of BIM Firms

Autodesk Building Suite also facilitates BIM firms in identifying various constructability and maintenance issues. To take a few examples, IFC plans not matching with building elevations, schedules and sections, the mismatch between door width in the door schedule with IFC plans, etc. Autodesk Building Suite gives rise to improved BIM clash detection procedure, facilitating MEP coordination services.

    • Constructability issues – Autodesk Building Suite software application helps BIM firms to identify code related and constructability issues through raising RFI’s and updating models and drawings based on the responses.
  • Maintenance issues – Similarly, accessibility for maintenance and operational issues are identified through the BIM process. 
  • Meeting Demanding Goal Set for the Construction

Autodesk BIM software services help BIM firms in delivering quality services to construction clients by providing the best design communication. 

  • BIM firms implementing Autodesk Building Suite software application could successfully meet the demanding goal set for the construction combining Architecture, Structure and MEP services for the perfect design and documentation. Autodesk Navisworks Manage facilitates complete design coordination & collaboration and AutoCAD helps accurate drawing creation. Navisworks Manage, 3ds Max and Revit software applications enable virtual simulation of the construction plan.
  • Top BIM firms cater to complete building facilities management by preparing a 4D Model for tracking project timescale. 4D BIM construction model helps construction managers track project timeline and assign resource control cost. Hence, the AEC professionals get improved 4d BIM scheduling services, by executing tasks with utmost precision for reducing project wastage through BIM LOD, allowing segregated procurement based on the requirement. 

Check out the BIM Modeling Case Study on MEP Clash Detection

Value engineering with Autodesk Building Suite for BIM Firms  

Autodesk Building Suite helps BIM firms to plan intelligent models, allowing project teams to anticipate, plan and coordinate all aspects of design, detailing and construction. Value engineering undertaken by BIM modeling firms includes:

  • Detecting design and constructability issues 
  • Facilitating complete coordination amongst architectural, structural and MEPFP services
  • Saving construction rework and material construction cost
  • Avoiding work stoppage 
  • Providing waste management  
  • Supporting construction crew with accurate shop drawings 
  • Optimizing cable tray sizes and routing, matching with building codes 
  • Saving costs and installation time
  • Changing ducts and pipe routing to minimize cost 
  • Eliminating unnecessary fittings improving system efficacy

Read more on How to win work with BIM modeling?

Why Choose Best BIM Firm for Building Suite Implementation? 

Autodesk Building Suite is a great support to construction professionals. AEC firms must hire the best BIM firms to integrate this software application seamlessly into the construction workflow. Here is a summary of the benefits you would get from the best BIM service providers in USA.

  • Accuracy, data integrity, revision management, detailing and higher productivity. BIM company successfully produces coordinated Revit models, enabling stakeholders to check interferences amongst building systems, resulting in better project planning. Consequently, this reduces construction delays, saving construction time and money.
  • BIM firms can successfully plan using intelligent models and enable the team to anticipate, plan and coordinate building design, detailing and construction.
  • Implementing Autodesk BIM software solution, BIM firms play a crucial role in design optimization, MEP clash coordination, 4D sequencing, planning and better construction collaboration and management.

Let your construction project crew work in a coordinated manner, completing the project on time through the best BIM firms in USA.  To implement the latest BIM software application, get in touch with Tejjy Inc. – one of the competent BIM consulting companies in USA at 202-465-4830 or [email protected].

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4d bim sequencing

BIM 4D Sequencing – A Perfect Construction Visualization Technique

4d sequencing helps in visualizing building interaction amongst architectural, structural and MEP services.  The technique constitutes a  vital part of design development. “Will my building cast shadow on an adjacent house?” “Will my entrance match with other construction in my locality?” “Will my doorway be congested?”

The answer to all these questions would be seeking BIM 4d sequencing services for effective construction visualization. BIM (Building Information Modeling) provides the competence to visualize building performance at the pre-construction stage.

If you want to enhance the chance of winning construction bids, you should get rid of errors in your building work process. 3D modeling, 4d BIM scheduling services and 5D BIM cost estimation enable the perfect construction visualization.

How to improve the chance of winning a project through Construction Visualization?

3d modeling, 4d sequencing and 5d BIM cost estimation services are enhancing the chance of winning project bids by providing accurate construction visualization at the pre-construction stage.  Here are the benefits of 3d, 4d sequencing and 5d BIM.

Benefits of 3D Modeling in Construction

Benefits obtained from 3D BIM Modeling include project transparency, construction visualization &  design validation. 3D acts as a competent promotional tool for marketing presentation that helps to validate the design before construction enhancing work safety on-site.  AEC project stakeholders get a glimpse of virtual reality with 3D BIM. 

Key Advantages obtained from 3D BIM firms:

  • Improved Construction Site Logistics, Building Methodology & Better Construction Visualization
  • Building Safety through Virtual tours of Building to be constructed
  • 360 Degree Collaboration with Future Construction

Scenarios evaluated with 3d BIM visualization

  • 3D representation of construction site logistics
  • Visual depiction of crane arm’s reach for accurate planning of the number of crane placement
  • Pre-planned crane movement path for safety
  • Construction methodology of structural steelwork, façade, landscaping, tent replacement

Benefits of BIM 4d sequencing/4d scheduling

4D BIM Construction scheduling adds time-related information to the 3D model. Revit 4d sequencing facilitates construction phasing, program validation, demolition, renovation and expansion.

4D BIM is the technique of intelligent linking of a 3D model with time and schedule-related information, providing useful project information to the stakeholders. Construction animations evolving from the BIM Model support decision-making from the earliest conceptual stages, through design and construction to operation. 

BIM 4d sequencing or Construction Phasing is helpful for:

  • Visualization of construction sequencing for material storage and site access
  • Identifying design errors in the construction plan
  • Optimizing path for starting the construction work 
  • Obtaining daily progress information from the construction site
  • Enabling construction planners to compare planned vs. actual

Scenarios evaluated with 4d scheduling/4d sequencing

  • Showing clashes, leading to fatal accidents
  • Virtual mock-up of buildings representing exact material and virtual visualization layout
  • Identifying constructability issues, like manhole conflict with building structure and the manhole getting shifted after BIM implementation 

Benefits of BIM 5D Cost Estimation

5d facilitates real-time conceptual modeling and cost planning. Top BIM companies in USA extract quantity from the 3D BIM model for detailed cost estimation and project budgeting. 5D BIM adds cost data to the BIM model, assisting calculation of the total project cost.

5D BIM Modeling is useful for:

  • Reducing rework and save time in quantity estimation 
  • 5D BIM cost estimation allows stakeholders to  get a single view of the project in real-time

How BIM 4D Sequencing Supports Decision Making from Conceptual to the Final Stage?

Construction Program gets validated with 4d sequencing. Project stakeholders could compare what is planned at the pre-construction stage with what is happening in reality. They could review the constructability issues before the beginning of the construction from the various stages of design development including schematic, conceptual and detailed design development to construction documentation.

To take an instance, seeking 4d BIM Planning, Scheduling and Sequencing technique enables an engineer to see whether there is an adequate space for maintenance inside a Shaft and how Floor Drain is located in the Shaft. Implementing BIM 4d sequencing ensures ease of access, maintenance, provisions and facilities management.

Read more on Navisworks Managing BIM 4D Simulation to get an idea of managing BIM 4d sequencing with Navisworks software application.

Maximizing Return on Investments through 4d BIM Visualization/BIM 4D Sequencing

It has been proved that BIM 4D Scheduling is facilitating construction project in various parts of the globe. Some of the real-life examples in the construction domain catered by BIM 4d Sequencing include the following:

  • BIM has made views straight, implementing architectural changes.
  • BIM 4D sequencing showed P-Trap Clashing with Ceiling & Soil Pipe and how S-Trap to be used.
  • BIM detected code violation with the presence of soil pipe in an electrical room and resisted the Code Violation.
  • Identified Design Discrepancy in structural services.
  • Validated Parapet Wall Height Mismatch between construction plan and section drawings.
  • Facilitated Drawing Validation, where pipe clashed with structure and diameter of the pipe got missing.
  • BIM-enabled BBS Reinforcement Validation & Design Changes based on Rebar projection and Bar size optimization.
  • 4d sequencing also helped in Cut-Out Location Correction.
  • BIM 4d sequencing also enabled identification of space constraint, eliminating rework and wastage of time.
  • 4D BIM Technique also detected Civil Design Mismatch with MEP plan, thus saving disaster during erection.

Take a look at how 4D BIM with AI Supports Commercial Construction Projects? to get more information on BIM 4d sequencing.

Best BIM Recourse for Construction Visualization at Pre-construction

Are you searching for one of the best BIM companies in USA? Opt for Tejjy Inc. – one of the top BIM Modeling Firms in USA serving Texas, Florida, California, Virginia, Baltimore and several other areas in Washington DC. 

Being one of the proficient BIM service providers in USA,  Tejjy Inc. delivers 3d, 4d, 5d, 6d and 7d BIM Revit BIM services. Call the BIM modelers at 202-465-4830 or send an email to [email protected] to implement 4d sequencing in your construction project from the pre-construction stage. 

What is the future of BIM technology?

BIM technology

Building information modeling (BIM) is a powerful technique for design and construction over the last 20 years. Enhancing clash coordination, reduction of risk, and improving construction scheduling and sequencing are the popular benefits provided by BIM service providers.  Nevertheless, the industry’s BIM applications throughout the construction project lifecycle are still fragmented.

Even though Building Information Modeling is the standard for design, it is used in pre-construction, construction, operations and building maintenance. But what is the future of BIM technology, where architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals benefit the most? 

Well, people looked at technology, wrapping around the axle based on cutting-edge sides. The future of BIM is exciting and it’s much more for a practical reason. Boiling down to the essence, BIM design build services act as a complete communication tool, using models at all stages for improved collaboration.

Ultimately, the future of BIM technology lies in creating connections. Connected BIM leverages comprehensive BIM modeling through cloud technology. A connected model-based approach helps the design build process of residential and commercial service projects throughout pre-construction, construction, closeout, and even through operations and maintenance. 

Current State of Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Where does the construction industry stand today with BIM services?

  • 88% architectural services and engineering firms say BIM enables improved design insight
  • 82% BIM users are of the opinion that Building Information Modeling provides positive ROI
  • 25% design build firms have seen an improved labor productivity
  • 84% state that creating building designs with BIM eliminates unnecessary rework
  • 69% hold the opinion that BIM modeling reduces costs and material wastage

Benefits of BIM Services at a glance

  • Accuracy in the design build process
  • Ability to visualize designs with aesthetics, landscape, entity placement & space planning
  • Parametric modeling features taking care of interrelated changes across the model
  • Capability to produce 3D geometry, accurate 2D drawings and cost estimation
  • Energy analysis & collaborative modeling

How does BIM enhance the design process?

3D design build models are preferred more compared to the conventional technique of 2D design. BIM modeling provides quick decision-making in the design teams for facilitating construction management through a common shared model and data management since the early design stage. Planning through BIM execution plan, the design phase gets changed with collaborative design, perfect design visualization, sustainable design development and building cost estimation from 3D BIM model.

BIM engineering services support the flow of information within a multi-disciplinary process through which sustainability issues and performance analysis are conducted for the whole design phase. So, it’s in the early phase of design build stage, the construction of the building model becomes functional, sustainable, maintainable and operational using BIM.

Different phases of designs with Building Information Modeling

Pre-Design – At this stage, architects prepare a schematic model through using masses or real elements in a BIM environment for marketing presenting to clients. BIM 3D Walkthroughs or renderings help to perform the marketing presentation.

Then comes the modification part for comprehensive model creation. At this phase, 4D scheduling ensures that the building is created at a specific time, and 5D cost estimation facilitates constant tracking of the project materials and resources.

Schematic Design – At this design build stage, ideas get drafted to a sketch. The MEP design firms, architects and structural designers prepare various sketches for the building owner. During this stage, brief meetings and construction site visits are conducted. Schematic design stage encompasses various stages, including concept design, concept reviews and client meetings. The estimate covers the cost of an element.

Design Development – This stage of BIM modeling is popular as a detailed design development stage, where the sketches are developed in detail according to project requirements. Appearance, views and building details are finalized, and other project details, including documents, materials and finishes are also used.  

Construction Document – It is the final stage of design build process where building design drawings are created. Architects make the contract documents for the tendering process.

How can BIM help in the construction phase?

BIM Modeling is considered to be one of the most influential innovations, beneficial for the construction and architectural fraternity. BIM service providers in USA have helped to control many chaotic situations like over budgeting, re-designing and redundant construction etc. at different phases of construction. The conventional principles of the construction industry have been changed owing to BIM.

Rather than changing designs during construction, most design changes now occur during the planning and the development stage. This reduces cost and project timelines.  BIM Modeling constitutes to be a wholesome process of virtual construction with complete compilation of building data and 3D geometry through a digital medium. The 3d model is utilized from the conceptual building stage through facility management during post construction.

Different stages BIM facilitates construction

Conceptual Stage – BIM Modeling is useful in the conceptual design phase. Designing the building structure in a traditional way during the design process involves sketching and digitizing sketches in CAD format.

The conventional technique never provided a visual edge to the architects, contractors or design build firms in terms of aesthetics, design evaluations or other options, guaranteeing a reduction in design cost or a collaborative approach.

Design  Build Stage – After finalizing a conceptual design, there is a need to opt for a structural engineer and an MEP design firm for finalizing the remaining disciplines. The MEP Consultants along with the structural consultants are able to design as per the standards and codes applicable and so they are able to send design intent to BIM team members for further modeling. 

Later architectural, structural and MEP design models are integrated for detecting design issues, and clashes amongst multiple disciplines and coordination.  This is where the collaborative aspect of Building Information Modeling comes into existence. Coordination meetings are conducted by the client, contractors, architects, structural engineers and MEP engineers for streamlining design issues.

Clashes and interference could also be checked and resolved in the design stage, leaving fewer chances of design revisions during the construction. This helps to save money, time and enhance construction productivity overall.

Procurement Stage – Procurement stage typically comprises project sequencing, Quantity take offs, COBie, energy analysis with 3D geometry, etc. Working in a collaborative environment improves productivity by avoiding wastage of time and resources.

While building a model, BIM service providers also enter a lot of building data within the model for further extracting quantities, budgeting and costs during construction.

Construction Stage – Building Information Modeling is also useful during the overall construction phase. Virtual construction modeling is cost effective whenever utilized during the construction phase.

BIM technology proves much helpful for complex building designs and detailing. So, BIM should be used during the construction stage for 4D scheduling, 5D cost estimation and installation drawings.

As-Built Stage: BIM is quite popular during the As-built stage. Advent of laser scan to BIM technology facilitates on-site survey. Using BIM technology,  it becomes easy to preserve a model that reflects the final building geometry and data. The model can be preserved for years and can be used for building maintenance, design changes and renovation.

Facility Management: BIM Modeling has immense popularity in facility management. As soon as the builder hands over the construction to the building owner, the BIM Model acts as a guidance tool.

The model provides building owners an idea about the whole energy emission, utilization, placement of equipment, manufacturing and expiration date and purchase vendors. Building maintenance can also be scheduled as per the details provided in the BIM model.

It’s no doubt that BIM Modeling enhances the productivity of construction projects, reducing the overall construction cost. Comprehensive BIM services facilitate excellent control over the construction budget, providing accurate inputs.

This provides an opportunity to the BIM market USA to design, develop and collaborate in a virtual environment before construction. Owing to the intrinsic features, virtual construction modeling is growing leaps and bounds.

Cost control along with accurate deliverables and high BIM project execution are the key facets of increased BIM implementation. So, BIM Modeling will stay for a long time and will expand in the years to come. To hire one of the top BIM service providers in USA, contact Tejjy Inc. BIM automation company at 202-465-4830 or [email protected]