By: Rebecca Reilly
Details for drawings are meant to be a direct representation of field conditions. Typically, details are two-dimensional (2D) with a section, plan and elevation view. The specifier can include all of the necessary information for a repair or component of a building; however, 2D details do not offer the more accurate view of how conditions will appear in the field that three-dimensional (3D) details do. This improved view of the field conditions helps Contractors understand the assembly of a repair and meet the installation requirements of the project with less room for error. Additionally, 3D details are easier for non-technical people to understand.
The increased understanding of field conditions that 3D details provide can also be instrumental in the bidding process. Contractors are less likely to exclude pricing for an element of a detail if it is very clearly depicted. This prevents potential change orders for building Owners. Additionally, 3D details leave less room for interpretation. This ensures that all contractors that are providing proposals for a projectas scope of work are not bidding based on assumptions.
Although 3D details provide the full picture clarity that allows contractors to bid more effectively and perform intended repairs more easily, they take more time to produce. In some cases, it may not be feasible to spend extra time drawing in perspective to create a 3D detail if a pressing field condition must be quickly addressed.
