Thomas Z. Scarangello is a chairman of the structural engineering firm, Thornton Tomasetti. The primary thrust of his lecture was document delivery through Building Information Modelling (BIM). The methodical presentation laid out the advantages of providing 3D models as part of Construction Documentation. Although, I'm not clear on all the legal ramifications, the system seems perfect for large scale facilities where typologies are relatively established and most of the structure is exposed, i.e. sports arenas.
Theoretically, this system applies to non structural issues in smaller scale work as well. It always helps to fully illustrate how that window seat interacts with the existing sill or how those wall tiles accommodate the duplex receptacle. Unfortunately, current billing schedules don't budget for BIMs and most smaller scale work can be adequately documented with the current system of plans, elevations, sections, and on-site decisions.
Scarangello's lecture was amusing; some of the more memorable quotes below:
If we could build luxury boxes on the pyramids, we would tear those down as well.
Wizard of Oz Reference
Dorothy
the seeker, as client.
Scarecrow
the brains, as structural engineer.
Lion
the body, as contractor.
Tin Man
the heart/dreamer, as architect
Toto
grounded in reality and nipping at the heels, as lawyer.
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