¿Cómo un as-built puede salvar un proyecto de construcción fallido?
Construction projects do not always go as planned. Design changes, execution errors, and unforeseen issues can steer a project off course. However, a key tool can make the difference between failure and success: the as-built, which can potentially save any construction project.
As-built plans accurately document how a project was actually built, reflecting all modifications and adjustments made during the process. This detailed information not only facilitates error correction but also helps optimize management, reduce risks, and ensure regulatory compliance. In this article, we will explore how an as-built can change the fate of a failed project.
Why is the As-Built Crucial in Failed Projects?
An as-built is a set of drawings or documents that represent the final state of a construction, including all modifications made during the process. Unlike the original drawings, which reflect the theoretical design, as-built drawings show how the project was actually executed.
Why is the as-built crucial in failed projects?
When a project encounters problems, the lack of accurate documentation can worsen the situation. As-builts allow:
✅ Identifying discrepancies between the design and the actual construction.
✅ Facilitating informed decision-making to correct errors.
✅ Improving communication between the teams involved. Body How an as-built can reverse a failed project
How an As-Built Can Reverse a Failed Project
As-builts can be the key to transforming a problematic project into a success. Here we explain how:
1️⃣ Identification and Correction of Errors
As-builts provide a clear and precise view of the actual state of the construction. This allows for identifying structural errors, deviations in the location of installations, or issues with the materials used.
🔹 Example: If a pipe was installed in a different location than planned, the as-built will show this modification, avoiding erroneous assumptions that could cause problems in future interventions.
2️⃣ Risk Reduction
With accurate documentation, the risks of performing interventions based on outdated information are significantly reduced. This is crucial in projects where previous errors have caused structural or operational issues.
🔹 Benefit: Technicians can quickly locate critical components, reducing the risk of accidental damage during repairs or renovations.
3️⃣ Improved Decision-Making
Project managers can make more informed decisions thanks to the detailed information provided by as-builts. This prevents incorrect assumptions and enables the development of more effective strategies to address issues.
🔹 Application: In a project facing delays, the as-built allows redefining the scope and adjusting resources to align with the actual construction status.
4️⃣ Regulatory Compliance
In many cases, submitting as-built plans is a requirement to obtain final approval from the relevant authorities. This ensures that the project complies with local regulations and avoids legal sanctions.
Advantage: As-built protects both the contractor and the owner against future legal problems related to project compliance.
5️⃣ Optimization of Lifecycle Management
As-builts are not only useful during the construction phase but also facilitate the maintenance and operation of the building throughout its lifecycle.
🔹 Integration with BIM: Combined with Building Information Modeling (BIM), as-builts enable more efficient asset management, preventive maintenance planning, and reduced operational costs.
Additional Benefits of As-Builts in Project Recovery
Beyond correcting errors and reducing risks, as-builts offer other key benefits that can change the course of a failed project:
🔹 Facilitation of Maintenance and Repairs
With detailed information about the actual structure, maintenance teams can carry out repairs more efficiently, minimizing the risk of causing additional damage.
🔹 Prevention of Conflicts Between Teams
The lack of accurate documentation can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts among the different project stakeholders. As-builts provide a clear and updated reference that enhances communication and collaboration.
🔹 Cost and Resource Optimization
By quickly identifying problematic areas and providing data-driven solutions, as-builts help optimize resource use and reduce unnecessary costs.
The Future of As-Builts in Project Management
Technology is Taking As-Builts to the Next Level. Technology is elevating as-builts to a new level. The integration with tools such as BIM, IoT, and augmented reality allows for the creation of more detailed and precise digital models, facilitating the management of complex projects.
You may be interested in: The AR and VR Revolution in Digital Twin
Future Trends in As-Built Usage
- Complete digitalization of as-built documents to facilitate access and updates.
- Interactive 3D models that provide a more precise visualization of the construction status.
- Real-time updates through IoT sensors that feed data directly into the as-built model.
These innovations will not only enhance the management of current projects but also enable a faster and more effective response to future challenges.
Conclusion
As-built plans are a fundamental tool for rescuing failed construction projects. Their ability to provide accurate documentation, reduce risks, improve decision-making, and ensure regulatory compliance makes them an invaluable resource.
With proper implementation and the integration of advanced technologies like BIM, it is possible to turn a problematic project into a success.
Ready to optimize your project management? Contact Foundtech and discover how as-builts can make a difference. 🚀
