The designing stage of every construction project is crucial for satisfactory project execution. Every construction drawing has its own purpose and features. Different design drawings provide a glance into various stages of the construction life cycle. From the foundation drawings to model creation, every building drawing plan is significant to comprehend. If you are part of the AEC industry, you must be familiar with the concepts of shop drawings and as-built drawings.

Let's delve into the fundamentals of shop drawings and as-built drawings and explore the differences between these two vital types of construction documentation.

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Shop Drawings

Shop drawings are detailed representations of specific components within a building. They are created before the construction project begins and are used to illustrate how various elements of the structure will be fabricated, assembled, and installed. These drawings provide a precise depiction of the architectural, structural, and mechanical components and are essential for ensuring that all parts fit together seamlessly.

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Specifications of Shop Drawings

Shop drawings serve as a detailed version of the original design drawings created by the architects and engineers. They provide the following information:

1. Identification of Components: Detailed tags and dimensions for all parts.
2. Interference Details: Information on how different components interact with each other.
3. Material and Level Tags: Specifications for materials and the levels at which components will be installed.
4. Coordinates: Precise locations for installation, marked for site surveyors.
5. Openings and Clearances: Specifications for openings, such as those for MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems.
6. Sequence of Construction: Order of assembly and installation.
7. Sectional Views and Assembly Details: Detailed cross-sections and assembly instructions.
8. Revision Notes: Notes on any changes or deviations from the original design.
9. Title Block: Project details, including project number, contractor names, and revision dates.

These drawings are crucial for coordination among the construction team and require approval from the project consultants or client representatives before being executed on-site.

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Importance and Benefits of Shop Drawings

The primary importance of shop drawings lies in their ability to preemptively address potential issues by providing a detailed plan of the construction process. This helps in:

• Avoiding Delays and Errors: By having a clear, detailed plan, construction teams can avoid misunderstandings and errors.
• Efficient Resource Management: Identifying the required materials and components in advance reduces wastage and optimizes resource allocation.
• Clear Communication: These self-explanatory drawings ensure that all team members are on the same page regarding the dimensions, materials, and installation procedures.

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As-Built Drawings

As-built drawings, also known as record drawings or redline drawings, are created after the construction project has been completed. These drawings document the actual dimensions, geometry, and location of all components of the building as they were constructed.

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Specifications of As-Built Drawings

As-built drawings provide a comprehensive record of the project as it was built, including:

1. Location Changes: Any deviations from the planned locations of windows, doors, pipe routings, etc.
2. Material Changes: Records of any changes in materials used compared to the original specifications.
3. Installation Changes: Documentation of modifications in the installation processes for systems like HVAC or electrical.
4. Dimensional Changes: Any changes in the dimensions of building elements, such as increased lengths or altered positions.
5. Fabrication Changes: Updates related to the fabrication of components like columns and beams.

These drawings are submitted to the client upon project completion and serve as a crucial reference for future maintenance, renovations, or emergency planning.

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Importance and Benefits of As-Built Drawings

As-built drawings are vital for:

• Client Reference: They provide the client with an accurate representation of the final product, allowing for better analysis and understanding.
• Future Modifications: Essential for planning and executing future refurbishments or repairs.
• Emergency Planning: Used to develop emergency exit routes and contingency plans.
• Maintenance: Providing a detailed blueprint for maintenance teams to reference, ensuring that all building systems are properly maintained.

Key Differences

Differences Between Shop Drawings and As-Built Drawings

1. Timing: Shop drawings are developed before the commencement of construction to guide the building process. These drawings help ensure that all components are accurately planned and coordinated. In contrast, as-built drawings are created after the construction is completed, providing a detailed record of the final built structure.
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3. Purpose: Shop drawings serve to illustrate how specific components will be fabricated, assembled, and installed, ensuring all elements fit together seamlessly. As-built drawings, however, document the actual construction details, capturing any deviations from the original plan, thus providing a precise representation of the completed project.
4. Content: Shop drawings include comprehensive specifications such as dimensions, materials, and installation procedures for various components. They detail the precise way elements are to be constructed. As-built drawings, on the other hand, record changes made during construction, including location, material, installation modifications, and any unforeseen adjustments.
5. Alterations: Shop drawings can be adjusted during the initial design stages to accommodate any necessary changes before construction begins. Conversely, as-built drawings cannot be altered post-construction. Instead, they document all modifications made during the building process, serving as a historical record for future reference.
6. Project Relevance: Shop drawings are essential for all construction projects, regardless of their size or complexity, ensuring accuracy and coordination from the outset. As-built drawings are particularly significant for large-scale and commercial projects where comprehensive documentation of the completed structure is crucial for maintenance, future modifications, and legal compliance.
7. Creators: Shop drawings are typically prepared by contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, and suppliers, focusing on the fabrication and assembly process. As-built drawings are created by contractors and subcontractors, who document the actual construction details and any deviations from the original design, ensuring an accurate record of the final project.

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Conclusion

Both shop drawings and as-built drawings are indispensable parts of the construction process, each serving a unique role. Shop drawings ensure that all components are planned and coordinated before construction begins, helping to avoid errors and inefficiencies. As-built drawings, on the other hand, provide a detailed record of the completed project, serving as a crucial reference for future maintenance and modifications.

Understanding the differences between these two types of drawings is essential for anyone involved in the AEC industry, as they both contribute significantly to the successful execution and documentation of construction projects. Investing time and effort into creating accurate shop drawings and as-built drawings ensures that projects are completed efficiently, meet client expectations, and are well-documented for future reference.

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FAQs

1. Why are as-built drawings necessary?

  As-built drawings are essential because they provide an accurate record of the completed project. They show the actual locations, dimensions, and materials used, including any changes made during construction. This information is crucial for future maintenance, repairs, and renovations, ensuring that anyone working on the building knows exactly how it was built.

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2. Who is responsible for creating as-built drawings?

  The contractor is typically responsible for creating as-built drawings. As construction progresses, the contractor notes any changes from the original plans. At the end of the project, these updated drawings are given to the owner or client.

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3. What details are typically included in shop drawings?

  Shop drawings include detailed information about components that need to be manufactured or installed. This can include dimensions, materials, fabrication methods, and installation instructions. These drawings ensure that everything is built and fits together as intended on the construction site.

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4. Can as-built drawings and shop drawings be used interchangeably?

  No, as-built drawings and shop drawings serve different purposes and cannot be used interchangeably. As-built drawings show the final, completed construction with any modifications from the original design. Shop drawings, however, provide detailed plans for making and installing specific parts before and during construction. Each type of drawing is important at different stages of the construction process.

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