Architectural designs and Constructability Issues

AKGEC INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY, Vol. 3, No. 1
support regarding design corrections and adaptations.
Kupernas et al introduced a methodology to use a computer
aided drafting (CAD) 3D model of a project to review design
layouts and to identify design conflicts as part of a preconstruction
constructability review. Within this methodology
two reviews are performed. Constructability improvement
solution models as explained in up made by Kupernas has
shown in Figure 2.[1]
Figure 2. Constructability improvement solution models[1].
3. The maximum benefits of constructability reviews, measured
by their ability to influence cost, are obtained in the design
phase. Therefore, the study reported here surveys design firms
to assess the current practice of constructability reviews
conducted in the design of buildings and engineering works.
The major findings and the conclusions of the research are
summarized as follows:
A. Most design professionals are aware of constructability as
a quality indicator of their finished product. About 96% of the
respondents are familiar with the concept of constructability,
B. Slightly more than half of the designers indicated that they
have a documented, formal corporate policy to conduct
constructability reviews in their organization,
C. There is evidence that designers are abandoning the
traditional, physical small-scale models in favor of computer
generated 3D models,
D. Peer reviews and feedback systems are the most prevalent
tools used to achieve high levels of constructability,
E. Most designers conduct constructability reviews in both
the preliminary and developed design stages.,
F. Design professionals believe that project complexity is an
essential factor that affects the way a constructability review
is conducted in the design stage. Project complexity
technology, materials, and methods of construction!
G. Design practices and philosophy usually determine the
approach followed in analyzing the constructability of a design,
H. Faulty working drawings and incomplete specifications are
the major constraints working against constructability of
design; on the other hand, owner resistance and budget
limitations are perceived by designers as having a trivial effect
on constructability,
I. Designers consider developing good relationships with
contractors and clients and avoiding litigation to be the best
rewards of a highly constructible design. This finding supports
the involvement of construction personnel in the design phase,
which presumably improves the mutual understanding among
the parties involved in the construction project, consequently
reducing the chances for future disputes and potential litigation,
J. Value engineering can be a complementary process to
constructability, but cannot replace it [2].
4. Many constructability issues exist that can influence
implementation of constructability reviews on transportation
projects. These issues were identified and then categorized
into three areas related to project execution processes, project
planning and technical design documents, and project
resources. Based on the analysis of issues within each
category, senior management within state transportation
agencies should consider a number of strategies. First, they
must recognize the favorable benefit/ cost ratio of
implementation. Similarly, they should develop an agency
policy specifically for constructability. Next, a process for
incorporating constructability reviews into the planning,
design, and construction phases must be implemented. This
process should incorporate the use of a constructability team,
a constructability consultant/ engineer, lessons learned,
alternate contracting approaches, and constructability tools.
The process should ensure feedback to designers and feedback
from maintenance and operations personnel. Ultimately, the
process must enhance plans, specifications, and contract
documents for constructability. Managers within state
transportation agencies can focus on these strategies to aid in
the development of a successful constructability program [5].
5. Constructability Review Manual: The basic steps to
preparing a Constructability review are:
‣ Study the construction documents, read the
specifications, understand the program or design
parameters, the Owner’s needs and concerns including
the initial budget. This will allow one understand the
make-up of the project, the critical items, the areas of
concern, and possible value engineering issues.
‣ Most Architects should appreciate comments to improve
the quality of the documents. One need to should be
careful not to offend the Architect with comments.
Architects should realize that this review would reduce
the number of Bulletins, design clarifications, RFI’s and
Contract Administration during construction.
‣ During the Constructability Review one should also note
potential scope issues and gaps that are discovered in
the detail review and collect these by trade to allow the
items to be incorporated into the Additional Provisions.
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