Approaches to Improving the Quality of Construction Drawings from Owner’s Perspective
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132, Issue 11
Abstract
Members of the construction project team (e.g., owner, designer, and contractor) have increasingly become more interested in and concerned about improving communications, coordination, and cooperation during the drawing and specification development process. The current use of black and white construction drawings is not the best tool to permit designers and contractors to communicate efficiently and accurately. This study examines methods to improve the quality of drawing clarity through the use of color drawings and other technologies. A survey was used to collect feedback from designers to better understand the current challenges faced and potential solutions. An analysis of the survey results revealed the best approaches in the construction industry to improve drawing readability, and includes: (1) Using colored drawings, (2) improving design details, (3) reviewing drawings and specifications for consistency, and (4) using more three-dimensional (3D) modeling techniques. An example is presented that compares the traditional two-dimensional black and white drawing of a bridge pier with a 3D gray-shaded drawing.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank the bridge design engineers at the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT). They would especially like to thank Annette Jeffers and Dean Bierwagen for their assistance in gathering survey responses, and providing their ideas, and their permission to use the Iowa DOT drawing for Figs. 1, 2, and 3. The writers extend their gratitude to all of the survey respondents for their facts and ideas.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132 • Issue 11 • November 2006
Pages: 1187 - 1192
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Aug 13, 2004
Accepted: Jun 9, 2006
Published online: Nov 1, 2006
Published in print: Nov 2006
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