{"id":692,"date":"2024-02-21T13:35:08","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T13:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.technostructacademy.com\/blog\/?p=692"},"modified":"2024-04-02T13:45:25","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T13:45:25","slug":"the-differences-between-ifc-and-shop-drawings-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.technostructacademy.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-ifc-and-shop-drawings-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"The Differences between IFC and Shop Drawings Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

Construction drawings are the foundation of every building project, conveying important details that transform design concepts into physical structures. But with so many drawings floating around, it can get confusing. Two critical types of drawings\u2014IFC and shop drawings\u2014play unique roles while serving one shared goal: to build correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s break down the key traits of Issued For Construction and shop drawings to understand how they construct a building.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are IFC Drawings?<\/h2>\n

IFC stands for “Issued for Construction.” As the abbreviation implies, Issued For Construction drawings are the final construction documents issued by the design team, usually Architects and Engineers, that convey the approved plans and specifications for a project.<\/span><\/p>\n

The General Contractor will commonly request a complete set of Issued For Construction drawings after being awarded the construction contract. This allows the GC and all subcontractors to begin detailed preconstruction planning and preparation based on the finalised design.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

IFC drawings are considered the legal record of the design and are used by the GC to execute construction as per the contract formally. They include all drawings, details, notes, schedules, and specifications required for the building. Refer to these documents for future references or questions regarding the design intent during construction.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are Shop Drawings?<\/h2>\n

Whereas Issued For Construction<\/strong> drawings portray the entire project design holistically, shop ones focus on specific fabricated or manufactured components. They are developed by specialty subcontractors, suppliers, fabricators, or installers based on reviewing the construction documents.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shop drawings illustrate how prefabricated or custom elements will be built off-site for installation. Examples include structural steel, precast concrete, mechanical\/plumbing\/electrical components, reinforcement, pre-hung doors\/windows, elevators, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fabricators use shop drawings to communicate their interpretations of complex components or assemblies. They submit these drawings for review\/approval before manufacturing to ensure compliance with design specifications and concepts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Real World Example<\/h2>\n

With a real-world example, let’s understand the difference between Issued For Construction and shop drawings. Consider a 5-story commercial building project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Issued For Construction drawings issued by the architects would include:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Site plan showing the building footprint and external works<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 All floor plans delineating the layout of different areas<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Elevations depicting external fa\u00e7ade and finishes<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Sections through the building showing floor-to-floor heights<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Structural drawings of foundations, slabs, beams and columns <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Plumbing schematics and other MEP schematics
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

These Issued For Construction drawings give the contractor an overall view of the building design and scope of site construction work.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

| Also Read: Conceptual Design and The Role of BIM<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n


\nNow, for prefabricated structural steel, the steel contractor would request shop drawings from the fabricator showing the following:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Detailed steel member profiles and specifications<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Connections between individual steel members<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Bracing and stiffener details\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Erection sequences and lifting points<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Surface finish specifications<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Tolerances for manufacturing<\/span><\/p>\n

These shop drawings contain specifics needed for off-site structural steel fabrication before being installed on-site.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hope this real-world example helps clarify how Issued For Construction drawings differ from shop drawings in terms of purpose and level of information provided for overall construction versus component fabrication needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

IFC vs Shop Drawing Review Processes<\/h2>\n

Let’s compare how Issued For Construction and shop drawings are reviewed throughout construction. Remember, reviews help ensure designs are built correctly per code and contractor intent.<\/span><\/p>\n

IFC Drawing Review Process<\/h3>\n

1. The design team submits to local authorities for permitting\/code review & approval<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Authorities thoroughly check for life safety, accessibility, zoning etc. compliance<\/p>\n

3. Once permitted, Issued For Construction\u2019s represent the legally approved design to build from<\/p>\n

Shop Drawing Review Process<\/h3>\n

1. Subcontractors\/fabricators develop shop drawings based on IFC reviews<\/span><\/p>\n

2. They are submitted per schedule to the GC\/design team for approval<\/p>\n

3. Reviews check for accuracy\/clarity and conformance to Issued For Construction design intent<\/p>\n

4. Fabricator addresses any review comments\/changes<\/p>\n

5. Drawings are stamped and approved before fabrication<\/p>\n

6. Coordination is done to avoid conflicts with other trades<\/p>\n

In summary, IFC reviews focus on code compliance, whereas shop drawing reviews assess fabrication clarity, compliance with design concepts, and coordination. Both help ensure safe, on-schedule construction.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

| Read More: Shop Drawings & As-Built Drawings: An Essential Guide<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Construction is a symphony requiring many players\u2014designers, engineers, fabricators, and suppliers\u2014to work in harmony from conception to completion. Issued For Construction drawings conduct the symphony to client specifications, while shop ones ensure the component instruments harmonize flawlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Well-coordinated Issued For Construction and shop drawings form a robust foundation for subsequent fabrication, procurement, and field assembly activities\u2014leading ultimately to high-quality constructed facilities built correctly to design intent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are looking for an educational institution that provides multiple <\/span>training courses<\/a><\/strong> and certification programs, consider TechnoStruct Academy. They have focussed programs on BIM engineering, catering to design and architecture. <\/span>TSA<\/a><\/strong> offers specialized training to all students. They are future-driven courses that will put you one step ahead of the rest. There are courses available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students! Explore the courses today!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

About TechnoStruct Academy:<\/h2>\n

TechnoStruct Academy is the educational arm of TechnoStruct, LLC, a registered design engineering firm based in California. It offers specialized BIM training programs for architecture, MEP, and BIM Management<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our BIM Certification Courses:<\/h3>\n

BIM-Ready+<\/b>:<\/span><\/a> Become a BIM Management professional specialized in managing all ASMEPF projects working with open BIM and interoperability with a credible BIM Manager Certification.<\/span><\/p>\n

BIM-Ready Complete<\/b><\/a>:<\/b> Become a BIM Engineer specialized in all ASMEPF (Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection) disciplines working with open BIM and interoperability.<\/span><\/p>\n

BIM-Ready (Arch+Structure)<\/b><\/a>: Specialize in BIM Fundamentals, Conceptual Design, Sustainable Design, Design Development, and Construction Documentation in BIM Environment with this BIM Architect Course.<\/span><\/p>\n

BIM-Ready (MEP)<\/b><\/a>: <\/b>Become an MEP BIM Engineer specializing in BIM Fundamentals, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Fighting, Design, and Modeling in a BIM Environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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FAQs<\/h2>\n

Why are both Issued For Construction and shop drawings needed?<\/h3><\/summary>
Issued For Construction drawings furnish overall design specifications, while shop ones provide granular fabrication\/installation processes for key components. Using both ensures designs materialize into high-quality built structures.<\/div><\/div><\/section>

What comes first - IFC or shop drawings?<\/h3><\/summary>
IFC drawings always precede shop type. IFC drawings provide the baseline design details that fabricators reference when creating shop-kind drawings tailored to specialty components.<\/div><\/div><\/section>

Can IFC drawings change after they are issued?<\/h3><\/summary>
Yes, some changes can occur after issuing IFC drawings via supplemental drawings, revisions, change orders, etc. But it's best to lock down the core design before issuing IFC drawings. <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Construction drawings are the foundation of every building project, conveying important details that transform design concepts into physical structures. But with so many drawings floating around, it can get confusing. Two critical types of drawings\u2014IFC and shop drawings\u2014play unique roles while serving one shared goal: to build correctly. Let\u2019s break down the key traits of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":710,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-software-tools"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Differences between IFC and Shop Drawings Explained<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Issued for construction(IFC) drawings portray the entire project design, and shop drawings focus on specific fabricated or manufactured components ...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.technostructacademy.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-ifc-and-shop-drawings-explained\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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