What are the Contents of Construction Documents?

Construction documents are written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared to describe and communicate the design, location and physical properties of the components of a the project required to obtain a building permit and to manage the contract for its construction.

 

Construction documents should show floor levels, column centres and the size of structural members with offsets, section and associated locations and other information related to design loads and structural design.

 

Therefore, construction documents are not only the legal bonding document required for the the success of projects, but also ensure precise coordination between the contractor and the customer. Construction documents contain calculations, drawings, specifications, and any other data necessary to indicate compliance with the ruling building code.

A. Drawings

It is important that architectural and structural drawings are integrated on a regular basis. The following items are usually included in a typical set of drawings:

·       Structural plans must show the size, section, and relative locations of all of structural elements in a building.

·       Plans of foundation.

·       Plans designed for each level on the floor and above.

·       The structural elements, including foundations, beams, slabs, columns, and walls schedules.

·       Details and sections.

·       The size of the structural elements can be mentioned on the plans, or the elements can be identified by legends on the plan with the sizes given in applicable schedules.

·       Details of reinforcing bars size, spacing, and length.

·       Location and length of lap splices and Anchorage length of reinforcement.

·       Location and type of mechanical and welded splices of reinforcement.

·       Details are provided for the different types of components used in the framework. These details, along with the cut sections at various points in the structure, help to explain specific information about the structure.

 

B. Material properties

·       The specific compressive strength of all concrete composites used in the structure at the age or stages of the construction for which each part of the structure is designed.

·       Specific strength or grade of all reinforcements used in the structure.

 

C. Design Loads

The following design loads and information shall be included in the construction documents as per IPC 1603:

·       Live load of floor

·       Live load of roof

·       Snow load data of roof

·       Design data of wind

·       Design data of earthquake

·       Design data of flood

·       Special loads

 

D. Other Information

·       Formwork and formwork accessories

·       Handling, placing, and constructing

·       Concrete mixtures

·       Architectural concrete

·       Mass concrete

·       Lightweight concrete

·       Shrinkage-compensating concrete

·       Post-tensioned concrete