Chapter 7Specific Guidelines for Subcontractors and Fabricators

Screenshot depicting an exterior enclosure mockup of plumbing work for an academic building.

7.0 Executive Summary

The process of coordinating designs involves first detailing a designer’s or engineer’s design into a fabrication model (i.e., LOD 400 model). The subcontractor’s development of a fabrication model is a translation in 3D of an engineer’s design, which aims at enabling efficient and cost-effective construction and installation of the design. Subcontractors and fabricators, hence, have the unique role of translating design intent into a clash-free and fabrication-ready model. This chapter covers specific guidelines for subcontractors and fabricators and discusses the roles and responsibilities of subcontractors and fabricators in the design coordination process. The chapter also describes how subcontractors and fabricators interface with other project teams. A case study of an exterior enclosure mockup for an academic building is presented and illustrates how subcontractors of various types, not only mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEPF), can leverage virtual design and construction (VDC) to minimize issues in the field.

7.1 Introduction

Traditionally, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEPF) subcontractors would commence their work once they received design drawings and specifications from a project’s engineer(s). The information in the engineers’ ...

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