ABSTRACT
The AEC (UK) computer-aided design (CAD) Standards Initiative was formed in 2000 to improve the process of design information production, management and data exchange. The introduction of 3D parametric object-based modelling systems offers further advantages in terms of the automatic co-ordination of 3D views, plans, sections, elevations and component schedules, the ability to carry out clash detection plus structural and environmental analysis. In traditional drafting, paper is the main information exchange mechanism. Dimensional coordination (DC) is essential to ensure the success of the system, and consists of a range of dimensions relating to the sizing of building components and assemblies, and to the buildings incorporating them. Dimensional coordination relies on establishment of rectangular three-dimensional grids of basic modules into which components can be introduced in an interrelated pattern of sizes. The representation of the dimensional coordination framework should be consistent on all drawings.
