The planos As Built are essential documents in the construction and infrastructure industry. They represent the final state of a project, reflecting all changes and adjustments made during its execution. These drawings are essential to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance and efficient management of assets throughout their lifecycle.
What are As-Built plans?
The planos As Built (or ‘as-built’ drawings) are updated representations of a project that include all modifications made during construction. These documents correct discrepancies between the initial plans and what was actually built.
In practice, As Built drawings document details such as changes in materials, dimensions, installations or structural elements. They are an indispensable tool for owners, contractors and project managers, as they provide a faithful record of the final state of the work, facilitating future interventions or maintenance.
What is the importance of As-Built plans?
The planos As Built are crucial to ensure that projects meet the required standards and to maintain transparency at every stage of the asset's life cycle.
On the one hand, these plans ensure that owners have a detailed and up-to-date record of their investment. On the other hand, they help prevent problems in future extensions or repairs, as they provide accurate information on the location of facilities and structures. They are also essential for obtaining certifications and permits, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Differences compared to other types of plans
Although all plans are important in a project, the most important ones are the As Built stand out for their level of accuracy and usefulness post-construction.
Design plans vs. construction plans vs. as-built plans
Design drawings show the initial intention of the project; construction drawings show the technical details required to execute the work. In contrast, As Built drawings reflect the final result, including all modifications made during execution.
Why As Built drawings are essential to project management
Its importance lies in its ability to provide an accurate record of what has been built, which facilitates maintenance, renovations and feasibility analysis for future projects.
Benefits of having accurate As-Built plans
Well-prepared as-built plans bring numerous advantages for both owners and technical teams.
Reducing costs and improving efficiency in construction
Reducing costs and improving construction efficiency is one of the main benefits of accurate As-Built drawings. By documenting in detail all changes made during construction, these plans avoid duplications and errors that could lead to additional costs for future interventions. For example, by having up-to-date information on the exact location of facilities or structures, maintenance or refurbishment teams can accurately plan their activities, reducing the risk of surprises or unnecessary work. In addition, the ability to anticipate problems through these plans improves operational efficiency, allowing professionals to optimise resources and time, ensuring a more effective use of the budget in subsequent projects.
Ensures safety and regulatory compliance
As Built drawings are essential to ensure that the construction complies with local regulations and safety standards. By accurately reflecting the final result of the construction, these plans allow verification that all elements of the project have been executed in accordance with legal and technical requirements. This not only gives confidence to owners, who can be sure that their investment is protected, but also to regulators, who can quickly check that the work complies with the laws and regulations in force. In this way, As Built plans play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the project, minimising risks and ensuring that there are no legal breaches that could result in penalties or future problems.
Process of creating As-Built drawings
Drawing As Built plans is a process that requires precision and attention to detail.
Revision of the original plans
The review of the original plans is the first step in the creation of the As Built plans. It consists of a detailed analysis of the initial project plans to understand the basis on which the construction was carried out. This stage is crucial, as it identifies the specifications and intentions of the original design, providing a point of reference to detect any changes or modifications made during the construction process. By reviewing these plans, professionals can ensure that all adjustments are correctly recorded and that the final plans accurately reflect the actual state of the building, which will facilitate future interventions or refurbishments.
On-site inspection and measurement
On-site inspection and measurement is a key stage in the creation of As Built drawings. During this process, visits are made to the construction site to verify dimensions, materials used and any changes made to the work that are not reflected in the original plans. This detailed inspection ensures that all modifications made during the execution of the project are accurately documented. In addition, the current state of the installations and structures is assessed, ensuring that the final plans accurately represent the reality of the project. This step is essential to create an accurate record that can be used for future interventions or maintenance.
Documentation of changes and adjustments made on site
The documentation of changes and adjustments made on site is an essential phase in the preparation of As Built drawings. During this process, all changes detected during on-site inspection and measurement are recorded in a detailed and accurate manner. Every modification, whether in dimensions, materials, location of elements or any other adjustments made during construction, is thoroughly noted. This exhaustive recording ensures that every detail is reflected in the final plan, ensuring that the document is a true reflection of the actual state of the work. This documentation is crucial for future interventions, as it provides accurate information on what was actually built.
Updating and validation of As-Built plans
Updating and validating the As-Built drawings is the final step in the process of creating these documents. Once all changes and adjustments made during construction have been documented, the plans are updated to accurately reflect the final state of the construction site. This updating process is crucial, as it ensures that all information collected is correctly represented in the drawings. The content is then validated with the responsible teams, such as architects, engineers and contractors, to confirm that the plans are accurate and complete. This validation ensures that the As-Built plans are a useful and reliable tool for future interventions, maintenance or refurbishment.
Who is responsible for making the As-Built plans?
The responsibility for drawing up the planos As Built is usually the responsibility of the main contractors, although architects, engineers and surveyors may also be involved.
It is essential that these professionals work together to ensure that the plans accurately reflect the final state of the construction. In addition, collaboration with specialists in modelling software and 3D scanning technologies can significantly improve the quality of the plans.
Applications of As-Built plans
As-Built drawings have crucial applications in various areas of industry, especially in construction, infrastructure and refurbishment. Their ability to accurately reflect the changes and details made during the execution of a project makes them an invaluable tool for the management and maintenance of any type of construction.
In construction projects
In construction projects, As Built drawings are essential to manage any modifications made during the execution of the project. These up-to-date drawings allow construction teams to have a clear record of the changes implemented, making it easier to plan for future maintenance and repairs. In addition, As Built drawings are essential to ensure the structural integrity of the project, as they accurately reflect the location of installations, materials and components, allowing for more effective inspections and avoiding errors. Their use ensures that any subsequent interventions are carried out efficiently, reducing risks and optimising available resources.
In infrastructure projects
In infrastructure projects, As Built drawings play a crucial role in ensuring that the built elements, such as roads, bridges and utility networks, are aligned with the original specifications and current regulations. These detailed plans allow verification that construction has been carried out according to established technical and legal standards, ensuring the safety and functionality of the infrastructure. They also serve as a reference for future extensions, repairs or maintenance, ensuring that any intervention is carried out on the basis of accurate and up-to-date information on the location and characteristics of the constructed elements.
In refurbishment projects
In retrofit projects, As Built drawings are essential for designers and builders to work with a clear understanding of existing conditions. These up-to-date plans provide an accurate representation of the original structure, allowing any challenges or constraints that may arise during the refurbishment to be identified in advance. By having detailed information on facility locations, dimensions and materials, risks and surprises are minimised, making it easier to plan and execute the work. In this way, As Built plans contribute to more efficient refurbishments, reducing costs and unforeseen times.
