Construction drawing changes and revisions are inevitable in any civil engineering project, but they can also cause delays, errors, and extra costs if not managed properly. In this article, you will learn some tips and best practices to mitigate the impact of these changes and revisions on your design process and project outcomes.
Changes and revisions can happen for various reasons, such as client requests, design errors, site conditions, regulatory requirements, or contractor feedback. Some changes and revisions are minor and can be easily accommodated, while others are major and can affect the whole design concept, scope, budget, or schedule. To minimize the frequency and magnitude of changes and revisions, you should communicate clearly and frequently with all stakeholders, conduct thorough site investigations and surveys, review and verify design calculations and assumptions, and follow the applicable codes and standards.
Conduct thorough planning and design phases. Establish open lines of communication between all project stakeholders. Implement a structured change management process. Conduct comprehensive risk assessment at the beginning of the project and periodically throughout its duration. Integrate design contingencies into the initial project budget and schedule. Ensure that construction drawings are comprehensive, accurate, and detailed. Ambiguities or incomplete information can lead to misinterpretation, errors, and, subsequently, changes. Implement a rigorous review process for construction drawings. Multiple rounds of reviews by experienced professionals can help identify and rectify design issues before they become costly changes.
Simple answer, better as-built topo of adjacent properties. Be more meticulous, take more shots. Record tie-in areas with curb and gutter shots. Record neighboring buildings finished floor elevation. More information in the hands of design engineer will greatly decrease error, re-designs, and change orders.
Mitigating the impact of construction drawing changes involves proactive measures. Implement a thorough review process before finalizing drawings to catch potential issues early. Foster open communication channels among team members to swiftly address and resolve concerns. Utilize version control systems to track revisions systematically. Employ Building Information Modeling (BIM) for real-time collaboration, reducing errors and streamlining updates. Regularly update stakeholders on changes to manage expectations. A meticulous approach to change management minimizes disruptions, ensuring the construction process remains efficient and on track.
One of the most important steps to mitigate the impact of changes and revisions is to track and document them properly. You should use a consistent and standardized system to identify, record, and distribute changes and revisions to all relevant parties. You should also use clear and concise notation and symbols on your drawings to indicate the type, date, and reason of each change or revision. Additionally, you should maintain a log or register of all changes and revisions, including their status, approval, and impact on the project.
Another key step to mitigate the impact of changes and revisions is to manage change orders and requests effectively. A change order is a formal document that authorizes a change in the contract terms, scope, or price of the project, while a change request is an informal request for a change that has not been approved or implemented yet. You should follow a clear and transparent procedure to evaluate, negotiate, and approve change orders and requests, and ensure that they are aligned with the project objectives, specifications, and budget. You should also communicate the implications and consequences of each change order or request to all stakeholders, and obtain their consent and approval before proceeding.
Once you have documented and authorized a change or revision, you need to update and revise your drawings accordingly. You should use a reliable and compatible software or tool to edit, modify, or redraw your drawings, and ensure that they are accurate, consistent, and complete. You should also use a version control system to save, backup, and archive your drawings, and avoid overwriting or losing any data or information. Furthermore, you should perform quality checks and reviews on your revised drawings, and verify that they comply with the design criteria, codes, and standards.
The final step to mitigate the impact of changes and revisions is to communicate and collaborate with your team effectively. You should inform and update your team members about any changes and revisions that affect their tasks, responsibilities, or deliverables, and provide them with the latest versions of your drawings. You should also solicit and incorporate their feedback, suggestions, or concerns, and resolve any conflicts or issues that may arise. Additionally, you should coordinate and synchronize your work with other disciplines, consultants, or contractors, and ensure that your drawings are compatible and integrated with theirs.