Understanding the Different Stages of Drawings in the Construction Lifecycle.

Understanding the Different Stages of Drawings in the Construction Lifecycle: Tender Drawings, IFC Drawings, Shop Drawings, and As-Built Drawings

In the construction lifecycle, various types of drawings are utilized to guide and document different phases of a project. Each stage of drawing serves a specific purpose, from initial design and tendering to construction and final documentation. This comprehensive article explores the different stages of drawings—Tender Drawings, IFC Drawings, Shop Drawings, and As-Built Drawings—highlighting their roles, characteristics, and significance throughout the construction process.

1. Tender Drawings

Purpose and Importance:

Tender drawings are preliminary documents provided as part of the tender process to invite bids from contractors. They offer a detailed representation of the project’s design, scope, and requirements, allowing contractors to prepare their bids and proposals.

Characteristics:

Conceptual Design: Tender drawings are based on the initial conceptual design of the project. They provide a general overview of the project’s layout, including architectural, structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) elements.
Scope Definition: These drawings outline the scope of work, including key dimensions, locations of major components, and design intent.
Visual Clarity: Tender drawings are designed to be clear and comprehensive, providing enough information for contractors to understand the project requirements and prepare accurate bids.

Components Typically Included:

Site Plans: Showing the location of the project within the site, including access points and surrounding infrastructure.
Floor Plans: Detailing the layout of each floor, including room arrangements, walls, doors, and windows.
Elevations: Illustrating the exterior views of the building, including façade design and materials.
Sections: Providing vertical cuts through the building to show internal structures and relationships between different levels.

2. IFC Drawings (Issued for Construction Drawings)

Purpose and Importance:

IFC drawings, or Issued for Construction drawings, are the final set of drawings used to guide the actual construction of the project. They represent the design that has been approved and finalized after incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and clients.

Characteristics:

Finalized Design: IFC drawings reflect the completed and approved design, incorporating all changes and revisions made during the design development and coordination phases.
Construction Ready: These drawings are detailed and accurate, providing all the necessary information for contractors to execute the construction work.
Compliance: IFC drawings ensure that the design complies with building codes, regulations, and client specifications.

Components Typically Included:

Detailed Plans: Comprehensive floor plans showing all architectural, structural, and MEP elements.
Reflected Ceiling Plans: Indicating the layout of ceiling systems, including lighting and HVAC components.
Construction Details: Specific details for construction methods, materials, and assembly instructions.
Schedules: Lists and tables providing information on finishes, fixtures, and other elements.

3. Shop Drawings

Purpose and Importance:

Shop drawings are detailed diagrams created by contractors, manufacturers, or fabricators to illustrate how specific components of the project will be constructed and installed. They provide detailed information about the fabrication and assembly of building systems.

Characteristics:

Component Specific: Shop drawings focus on individual components or systems, such as HVAC units, plumbing fixtures, or structural elements.
Fabrication and Installation: These drawings include detailed specifications for the fabrication, assembly, and installation of components, ensuring that they fit precisely within the overall design.
Coordination: Shop drawings must be coordinated with IFC drawings to ensure that all components are installed correctly and align with the overall design.

Components Typically Included:

Detailed Component Layouts: Exact dimensions, materials, and connections for each component.
Assembly Instructions: Step-by-step guidance on how to assemble and install the component.
Coordinate Information: Information on how the component interacts with other systems and elements within the building.
Material Specifications: Details on the materials used and their properties.

4. As-Built Drawings

Purpose and Importance:

As-built drawings are the final set of drawings that document the actual construction of the project. They reflect all changes and modifications made during construction, providing a complete and accurate record of the finished building.

Characteristics:

Post-Construction Record: As-built drawings are created after construction is complete and include all deviations from the original design.
Accuracy: They provide an accurate representation of the building as it was built, including any changes or modifications made during construction.
Future Reference: As-built drawings are essential for future maintenance, renovations, or repairs, serving as a reference for understanding the current state of the building.

Components Typically Included:

Revised Plans: Updated floor plans, elevations, and sections reflecting the actual construction.
Modifications: Documentation of any changes made during construction, including relocations of components and adjustments to dimensions.
System Locations: Accurate placement of all MEP systems, including ductwork, piping, and electrical conduits.
Completion Information: Details on completed work, including final finishes and installations.

Process of Transitioning Between Drawing Stages

The transition between drawing stages involves several key processes:

Design Development: The initial design evolves through various stages, from conceptual drawings to detailed IFC drawings. Feedback and revisions are incorporated based on stakeholder input and design reviews.
Tendering and Bidding: Tender drawings are used to invite bids from contractors. Contractors review the drawings to prepare their proposals and submit bids based on the scope outlined in the tender documents.
Construction Execution: Once the project is awarded, IFC drawings guide the construction process. Contractors use these drawings to build the project according to the approved design.
Detailed Fabrication: Shop drawings are created to provide detailed information on specific components, ensuring they are fabricated and installed correctly.
Final Documentation: After construction is complete, as-built drawings are prepared to document the final state of the building, including any changes made during construction.

Challenges and Considerations

Several challenges and considerations are associated with each stage of drawing:

Tender Drawings: Ensuring that tender drawings are clear and comprehensive to allow for accurate bidding and to avoid ambiguities that could lead to disputes.
IFC Drawings: Managing revisions and ensuring that IFC drawings are accurately updated to reflect the final design and are compliant with regulations.
Shop Drawings: Coordinating shop drawings with IFC drawings to avoid conflicts and ensure that all components fit correctly within the overall design.
As-Built Drawings: Accurately documenting all changes made during construction and ensuring that as-built drawings reflect the true state of the building.

Conclusion

Each stage of drawings—Tender Drawings, IFC Drawings, Shop Drawings, and As-Built Drawings—plays a crucial role in the construction lifecycle. From initial design to final documentation, these drawings provide essential information and guidance for various phases of a project. Understanding the purpose, characteristics, and processes associated with each type of drawing is vital for ensuring successful project execution, accurate construction, and effective communication among all stakeholders. By effectively managing and transitioning between these drawing stages, construction projects can achieve their objectives efficiently and successfully.