Panels: Built to Order and Timely
For production of a panelized structure to deliver all its benefits (speed, cost and quality), preconstruction planning is critical. Proper advance planning with the procedures of a major panel manufacturer, as an example, may not be the only possible approach. Systematic preplanning allows the owner to create an accurate 3-D model and accurate panel layout and working drawings from which to place an order for the panels to be manufactured and delivered quickly. The process is as follows:
1. Receipt of the CAD plans (architectural and structural) activates the panel designers to utilize the CADworks program (other manufacturers may use different design software) to create the 3-D files for plan analysis by all who are involved.
2. The owner could have the foundation (if installed) inspected and surveyed, or as soon as possible after the pour to be sure the panel designs will fit properly; a field services rep visits the building location to make accommodations for site conditions.
3. A meeting in the panel manufacturer's design office or possibility via a computer WebEx session allows the owner, builder, architect, engineer, framing contractor, etc., to review the computer model of the home framing.
4. Once all necessary information, modifications and/or corrections have been incorporated, the owner signs the plans (while processing for final building de- partment approval), and the CNC/CAM drawings - or for other panel firms, manual shop drawings - will be completed.
5. Included with the panel drawings will be a "Suggested Sequence of Assembly for Panel Layout" that was determined in consultation with the owner, usually starting with an exterior or floor panel at the furthest corner of the building foundation and working towards to the closest point to the crane, unless working with unique building or site conditions.
6. The panel plan drawings and truss designs are prepared, reviewed and approved by the owner or owner's representative as designated in writing (if the foundation has been poured and surveyed, the order to build can immediately be put into the plant manufacturing schedule).
7. The panel plans are sent to the manufacturing facility as the panel materials are ordered.
8. It is possible for a panel manufacturer to partner with a lumber supplier which allows for the structured headers, beams, balloon walls, etc., to be cut to fit precisely in the manufactured walls or delivered to the site for field installation.
9. You should insist, at your panel supplier, that wall panels are arranged and programmed in "built order" for best manufacturing efficiencies as well as for best shipping order.
10. The owner is consulted regarding the number of panels to be included in each trailer delivery for the building site conditions and ability to unload, unpack and lift the panels into place on the building site.
11. The pre-planning effort for shipping is essential to build quicker and essential to in-fill projects with limited area to receive and install panels.
12. If the home is being constructed on a raised foundation, after the subfloor panels are set and secured, the exterior walls are best to install in the "Suggested Sequence" while setting the interior walls in predetermined zones which arrive bundled.
13. This floor and wall panel placement process is repeated for the second story, and third story, and so on.
An automated, systematic panel supplier will not only manufacture your building panels according to your home designs, but also deliver to difficult in-fill sites. Panel system suppliers, as described above, is the answer for built-to-order savings in cost, time, logistics, space management and improved customer satisfaction. Do not demand less of your supplier.
May 2007 Builder Architect Edition Issue