In the construction industry, IFC drawings (Issued for Construction) and Shop drawings are both critical types of documents, but they serve different purposes and are used at different stages of the construction process. Understanding the differences between these two types of drawings is essential for ensuring the successful execution of a construction project.
1. Purpose
IFC Drawings:
- Issued for Construction (IFC) drawings represent the final, approved design of a project. These drawings are created by architects, engineers, or design consultants and are intended to be used as the primary guide for constructing the building or infrastructure. IFC drawings encapsulate the overall design intent and provide a comprehensive set of instructions for the construction team to follow.
- Purpose: The main purpose of IFC drawings is to convey the final design intent to the construction team, ensuring that the project is built according to the client’s requirements and the approved design.
Shop Drawings:
- Shop drawings are highly detailed drawings produced by contractors, subcontractors, fabricators, or suppliers. These drawings focus on the specifics of how various components of the project will be fabricated, assembled, and installed. They are created after the IFC drawings have been issued and are used to translate the design intent into practical, buildable components.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of shop drawings is to provide detailed instructions for the fabrication and installation of individual components, ensuring they are constructed accurately and fit within the overall design.
2. Creation and Responsibility
IFC Drawings:
- Responsibility: IFC drawings are typically created by the project’s design team, which includes architects, structural engineers, civil engineers, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineers, and other specialists. These drawings are produced during the design phase and are finalized after incorporating all necessary revisions and approvals from the client, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
Shop Drawings:
- Responsibility: Shop drawings are created by the contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who are responsible for the actual construction, fabrication, or installation of specific components. These drawings are generated after the contractor has reviewed the IFC drawings and has determined the exact details required for construction.
3. Level of Detail
IFC Drawings:
- Detail Level: IFC drawings provide a broad, detailed overview of the project but focus on the overall design rather than the intricate details of individual components. They include floor plans, elevations, sections, and detailed notes on materials, dimensions, and specifications. However, they do not provide the level of detail needed for fabrication or installation.
- Examples of Content: Architectural layouts, structural framing plans, MEP systems layouts, site plans, and general construction details.
Shop Drawings:
- Detail Level: Shop drawings are much more detailed than IFC drawings. They include specific dimensions, fabrication details, material types, connection details, and installation instructions. These drawings break down the components into finer details, ensuring that each piece can be accurately fabricated and assembled.
- Examples of Content: Exact dimensions for steel beams, detailed assembly instructions for HVAC ductwork, specific wiring diagrams for electrical systems, and custom millwork drawings for cabinetry.
4. Timing in the Project Lifecycle
IFC Drawings:
- Timing: IFC drawings are issued before construction begins. They are the final set of design documents that the construction team will use to guide the building process. Once issued, they serve as the primary reference for all construction activities.
Shop Drawings:
- Timing: Shop drawings are developed after the IFC drawings have been issued. They are typically produced during the construction phase, once the contractor has reviewed the IFC drawings and is ready to begin fabricating or installing specific components.
5. Review and Approval Process
IFC Drawings:
- Approval: IFC drawings go through a rigorous review and approval process before being issued. This process involves the design team, client, and sometimes regulatory authorities. Once approved, these drawings become the official construction documents.
- Changes: Any changes to IFC drawings typically require formal approval and may lead to revisions that must be reissued as new IFC drawings.
Shop Drawings:
- Approval: Shop drawings must be reviewed and approved by the design team, including architects, engineers, and sometimes the client, before fabrication or installation can proceed. The review process ensures that the shop drawings align with the design intent of the IFC drawings.
- Changes: Changes in shop drawings often arise due to practical considerations during construction, such as material availability, field conditions, or fabrication constraints. These changes must be approved by the design team before being implemented.
6. Use in Construction
IFC Drawings:
- Usage: IFC drawings are used as the primary guide for the overall construction process. They direct how the building or structure should be assembled, including where walls, doors, windows, and systems should be placed. The construction team refers to these drawings to understand the overall design and to ensure that the building meets the specified requirements.
- Example: A construction team uses IFC drawings to determine the general layout of a building, the positioning of structural elements, and the routing of MEP systems.
Shop Drawings:
- Usage: Shop drawings are used specifically for the fabrication and installation of individual components. They guide the construction team on how to assemble parts accurately and how these parts fit within the overall project.
- Example: A steel fabricator uses shop drawings to cut and weld steel beams to the precise dimensions required, ensuring they fit perfectly within the structure as outlined in the IFC drawings.
7. Examples of Each Type
IFC Drawings:
- Examples:
- Architectural drawings that show the floor plan, elevations, and sections of a building.
- Structural drawings detailing the general arrangement of beams, columns, and foundations.
- MEP drawings showing the layout of HVAC ducts, electrical conduits, and plumbing systems.
Shop Drawings:
- Examples:
- Detailed fabrication drawings for steel beams, showing exact cut lengths, bolt sizes, and welding details.
- Custom millwork drawings for cabinetry, including exact dimensions, material specifications, and assembly instructions.
- HVAC ductwork drawings showing the precise routing, dimensions, and connection details for the air distribution system.
Conclusion
In summary, while both IFC and shop drawings are integral to the construction process, they serve distinct purposes. IFC drawings provide the final design intent and overall construction guidelines, while shop drawings focus on the detailed fabrication and installation of individual components. Together, these drawings ensure that a construction project is executed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with the design and client’s requirements.
