IFC drawings (Issued for Construction) and As-Built drawings are both essential documents in the construction process, but they serve distinct purposes and are used at different stages of a project. Here’s a detailed explanation of the differences between these two types of drawings:
1. Purpose
IFC Drawings:
- Purpose: IFC drawings are the final set of design documents issued to the contractor for the construction of the project. These drawings are created by the design team, including architects, engineers, and other specialists, and they represent the approved design intent. The IFC drawings are used as the primary guide for the construction team to build the project according to the client’s specifications.
- When Used: IFC drawings are used before and during the construction phase. They serve as the authoritative reference for how the project should be built.
As-Built Drawings:
- Purpose: As-Built drawings are a record of the completed project, showing how the structure was actually constructed. These drawings document any changes or deviations from the original IFC drawings that occurred during the construction process. The purpose of As-Built drawings is to provide an accurate reflection of the finished project for future reference, maintenance, or legal documentation.
- When Used: As-Built drawings are produced after construction is complete and are used as the final record of the project as it was built.
2. Creation and Responsibility
IFC Drawings:
- Creation: IFC drawings are created by the design team, which includes architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and other specialists. These drawings are developed during the design phase and are finalized after all necessary revisions and approvals from the client, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders.
- Responsibility: The design team is responsible for ensuring that the IFC drawings accurately represent the approved design and meet all regulatory and client requirements.
As-Built Drawings:
- Creation: As-Built drawings are created by the contractor or construction team during and after the construction process. The contractor typically marks up the original IFC drawings to reflect any changes made during construction, such as alterations to dimensions, materials, or layouts.
- Responsibility: The contractor is responsible for creating accurate As-Built drawings, which are usually reviewed and approved by the client or project owner.
3. Level of Detail
IFC Drawings:
- Detail Level: IFC drawings provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of the project’s design intent. They include architectural layouts, structural elements, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems, and site plans. However, they are focused on conveying the overall design rather than documenting the specifics of the construction process.
- Examples of Detail: Floor plans, elevations, sections, structural framing plans, and MEP system layouts.
As-Built Drawings:
- Detail Level: As-Built drawings reflect the final, constructed state of the project, including all modifications and deviations from the original design. They document the exact dimensions, locations, and materials as they were actually installed on site. As-Built drawings provide a detailed and accurate record of the completed project.
- Examples of Detail: Changes to wall locations, final placement of MEP systems, modifications to structural elements, and actual material specifications.
4. Timing in the Project Lifecycle
IFC Drawings:
- Timing: IFC drawings are issued before construction begins. They are the final set of drawings that guide the construction team in building the project according to the approved design. These drawings are used throughout the construction phase to ensure that the project is built correctly.
- Role in Process: IFC drawings are used as the primary reference during construction, providing the design intent and specifications for the entire project.
As-Built Drawings:
- Timing: As-Built drawings are produced after the construction phase is complete. They are finalized once all construction activities are done, and all changes and modifications have been documented.
- Role in Process: As-Built drawings serve as a record of what was actually constructed. They are essential for future maintenance, renovations, or legal documentation.
5. Review and Approval Process
IFC Drawings:
- Approval: IFC drawings undergo a thorough review and approval process before being issued. This process involves the design team, client, and sometimes regulatory authorities. Once approved, IFC drawings become the official construction documents.
- Changes: Any changes to IFC drawings typically require formal approval and may lead to the reissuance of updated IFC drawings.
As-Built Drawings:
- Approval: As-Built drawings are generally reviewed for accuracy by the contractor and the client or project owner. They may also be reviewed by the design team to ensure that they accurately reflect the constructed project. Since As-Built drawings document what was actually built, they serve as the final record without requiring further changes unless additional work or corrections are needed post-construction.
- Changes: As-Built drawings document the changes that occurred during construction, capturing any deviations from the original design.
6. Use in Construction
IFC Drawings:
- Usage: IFC drawings are used throughout the construction process to guide the building of the project. They direct how the structure should be assembled, including the placement of walls, windows, doors, and systems. The construction team relies on these drawings to ensure that the project meets the specified design and regulatory requirements.
- Example: A construction team uses IFC drawings to determine the layout of a building, the positioning of structural elements, and the routing of MEP systems.
As-Built Drawings:
- Usage: As-Built drawings are used after construction to provide an accurate record of the completed project. They are essential for future reference, maintenance, repairs, renovations, and as legal documentation of the finished building.
- Example: Facility managers use As-Built drawings to locate hidden utilities or structural elements when performing maintenance or planning future modifications.
7. Examples of Each Type
IFC Drawings:
- Examples:
- Architectural drawings showing the overall layout, elevations, and sections of a building.
- Structural drawings detailing the general arrangement of beams, columns, and foundations.
- MEP drawings showing the intended layout of HVAC systems, electrical conduits, and plumbing.
As-Built Drawings:
- Examples:
- Updated architectural plans showing the final room layouts and wall positions.
- Revised MEP drawings indicating the actual installed locations of ducts, pipes, and wiring.
- Structural drawings documenting any changes made to the foundation or framing during construction.
Conclusion
In summary, IFC drawings are the final design documents issued before construction begins, serving as the official guide for building the project. They convey the design intent and provide the specifications necessary for the construction team. As-Built drawings, on the other hand, are produced after construction is complete and document the final, built condition of the project. They capture any changes or deviations from the original design, providing a detailed and accurate record of what was actually constructed. Both types of drawings are crucial for the successful execution and documentation of a construction project, but they serve distinct roles at different stages of the project lifecycle.
