Shop drawings are detailed technical drawings that are used to fabricate and construct various building elements such as structural steel, concrete, and HVAC systems. The process of creating these drawings begins with the receipt of design drawings from the architect or engineer. These design drawings provide the basic information needed to create the shop drawings, but they do not include all the specific details required for fabrication and construction.
The first step in creating shop drawings is to review the design drawings and identify any discrepancies or missing information. This is typically done by a team of drafting professionals, who work closely with the architect or engineer to ensure that all necessary information is included in the shop drawings.
Once the design drawings have been reviewed, the drafting team begins the process of creating the shop drawings. This typically involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed drawings of the various building elements. The shop drawings must include all necessary information, such as dimensions, materials, and fabrication details, to ensure that the building elements can be accurately fabricated and constructed.
As the shop drawings are being created, they are reviewed and approved by the architect or engineer. This review process is critical to ensure that the shop drawings are accurate and conform to the design intent. Any necessary revisions or changes are made at this stage, and the shop drawings are then re-reviewed and approved.
Once the shop drawings have been reviewed and approved, they are issued for construction. The shop drawings are used by the contractors and fabricators to construct the building elements, and they are also used by the inspection team to ensure that the building elements are constructed in accordance with the approved shop drawings.
Throughout the construction process, the shop drawings are used as a reference for the contractors and fabricators to ensure that the building elements are constructed correctly. Any changes or deviations from the approved shop drawings must be reviewed and approved by the architect or engineer before they can be incorporated into the construction.
The shop drawing process is an essential part of the construction process, as it ensures that the building elements are fabricated and constructed correctly. It also helps to ensure that the building elements conform to the design intent and that they are constructed in accordance with the approved shop drawings. The process is critical to ensure the safety and longevity of the building.
In conclusion, shop drawings are critical technical documents that are used to fabricate and construct building elements. The process of creating shop drawings begins with the receipt of design drawings and includes a thorough review and approval process to ensure accuracy. Once approved, the shop drawings are issued for construction, and they are used as a reference throughout the construction process to ensure that the building elements are constructed correctly. The shop drawing process is essential for the safety and longevity of the building.