Issue Identified:
During the drafting phase of a recent commercial project, I encountered a critical issue involving clashes between downpipes and structural steel due to insufficient space for hydraulic piping routing.
Discovery and Verification:
Upon receiving architectural and structural drawings, I began modelled the structure and identified conflicts where downpipes from the gutters intersected with structural steel members.
Initial attempts to accommodate the pipes exposed them below the ceiling, prompting me to request further hydraulic and IFC models for verification.
Refer attached Live Model Link:
Client Response:
Upon submitting an RFI, the client confirmed that hydraulic piping routing had not been adequately considered in the initial designs.
This coordination oversight posed a significant risk to the project’s integrity.
Solution Implemented:
To address the issue without compromising building aesthetics, I proposed raising the roof by 300mm after consulting with the client, architect, structural engineer, and hydraulics engineer. This solution was agreed upon to prevent potential wastage (58 Tons for Each Buildings, which costs around $800000 for Main Steel alone. And if we include the Purlins, Erection and other inclusive charges on site, then it will be more than a million dollar loss for both the buildings) and ensure the project’s successful completion for both Buildings (Building-C & Building-D)
Conclusion:
We checked the design’s aspects in every possible way to make sure that there won’t be any loss by any means to our clients.
