CONCRETE LIFT DRAWINGS
MB BIM creates extremely detailed 3D models of the concrete elements to dramatically improve the delivery of the cast-in-place concrete portion of projects. We view this as more of a process and a service, rather than a product (a set of drawings showing the concrete edges).
Our process begins with a kickoff meeting with the concrete team where we discuss formwork system planning, pour sequencing, construction schedule, form re-use, and project specific complexities. We also schedule regular project meetings where project and model updates are discussed and pour break locations are adjusted as needed.
Next, we issue a list of items required to complete the concrete lift model and drawings. This list typically includes:
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Shop drawings from trade contractors (structural steel embeds, elevator, stairs, and glazing for example)
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Coordination items such as penetrations and sleeve locations through the concrete
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Internal (to the concrete team) items such as rebar and post tensioning shop drawings and concrete mix designs
We do this early to get information flowing from the designers and the other subcontractors.
As we generate the concrete model, we are scouring the design drawings – looking for missing information, constructability issues, conflicting information between structural and architectural drawings, etc. As this information is received, we generate the drawings in time for them to be submitted to the designers as part of a formal review. In many cases, this step is not required by the project, but we find that it has a means of weeding out any design / constructability issues before they become issues in the field. This comprehensive review also reduces risk on the project. After review, we issue a final set of ‘For Construction’ lift drawings for use in the field.
We view the model and lift drawings as the ‘single source of truth’ for a project by taking drawings from all other subcontractors and model all of their content into the concrete model. Our goal is to make things as clear and simple as possible for the crews in the field. We know that the best way to increase the quality and speed of the delivery of the project is to give them the best information possible and present it as clearly as possible. Additionally, we often perform a drone flight before slab pours and overlay the drone imagery with our model to confirm locations of critical elements such as embeds and penetrations.
The advantages of this service include
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Increase field labor productivity with coordinated, clear, and comprehensive concrete lift drawings.
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Identify design inconsistencies and constructability issues early on, before construction.
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Mitigate field delays and reduce costs from coordination busts between other subcontractors whose elements are cast in the concrete.
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Reduce errors and rework by getting the concrete right the first time.
