TED’S MCM CORNER Challenges Part 2 – Field Measuring By David Cake
Field measuring is an important step in the process of fabricating and installing metal composite panels. This month, we will discuss fi eld measuring chal- lenges, methods and technology, along with the importance of properly managing the fi eld measure- ment process.
You may know the saying, “measure twice, cut
once,” as it relates to the fi eld of carpentry. This proverb also applies very well to the fi eld of metal composite material (MCM) where accurate fi eld measurements are vitally important to a project’s success. Unfortunately, the fi eld measuring process can often be mismanaged or mistimed, resulting in stress to a project’s schedule and budget. Current trends in building design and con-
struction are resulting in increasingly varied wall types and materials, which along with complex shapes and sizes, are putting greater emphasis on obtaining accurate fi eld measurements (FMs) to fabricate metal composite panels. The large variety of types and fi nishes of adjacent material, including window systems, brick, concrete, stone and stucco, reinforces the need for precise FMs to fabricate panels to exact dimensions to accu- rately match adjacent materials. Typically, before FMs can be obtained, all build-
ing materials that surround metal composite panels must be installed fi rst. This presents challenges to construction schedules, since FMs must often be obtained near the end of the project schedule and depends on the timely completion of other trade’s work. It is critical to coordinate with the general contractor on the building envelope construction schedule, sequencing, and material lead times. Building envelope access, verifi cation of the quality and completeness of other trade’s work, and coordi- nation with other subcontractors are also important issues that must be addressed prior to mobilizing for fi eld measurements. Obtaining FMs in the fi eld can be accomplished
by a variety of methods, including hand measuring, surveying and 3-D laser scanning. Three-D scanning is one of the best tools to obtain accurate FMs for
LEFT: Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, Ga.; RIGHT: Atlanta Metropolitan College, Academic Sciences Building, Atlanta
complex building geometry, including areas with curved panels. Curved walls are diffi cult to ac- curately hand measure and hand measuring these areas often results in the need to remake panels, resulting in time lost and increased costs. While 3-D scanning provides the most ac-
curate, detailed measurements, sometimes a good old-fashioned tape measure is the better choice. MCM contractors should have a thorough under- standing of what FM methods are appropriate for various building envelope conditions and know the limitations of each method. Today’s complex building envelope design makes it challenging for FM personnel to collect all required data properly using available methods. A good MCM contractor uses the latest technology and has experienced FM personnel that can think on their feet, have a solid understanding of building construction, and know what FM methods to employ. Once accurate and detailed fi eld measure-
ments are obtained, the next step is to implement the fi eld measurements. Implementing FMs is best accomplished by an experienced in-house engineering team using the latest computer aided design (CAD) drafting and 3-D scanning software. Data can often be complex and it takes experi- enced personnel to interpret, implement, and weed out poor data. The best engineering personnel have a sound understanding of different building
10 METAL ARCHITECTURE December 2012
www.metalarchitecture.com
envelope systems and can supplement fi eld FM data with architectural or other contractor’s plans, such as window system shop drawings. Precisely implementing digital FM data leads directly to ex- acting panel fabrication, most often completed with computer controlled machining processes. For a successful, profi table MCM project, it is
important to use an experienced company to man- age and integrate the fi eld measurement process with panel fabrication and installation. Due to the precision required to fabricate panels that must in- teract with a variety of building material, particularly panels with complex, curved, and round shapes, it is imperative to employ the latest technology to collect and implement FMs. Obtaining and imple- menting high-quality fi eld measurement data puts a project on the right track from the start leading to higher quality fabrication and installation, as well as saving lost time and money due to remaking or fi eld modifying panels. Properly managing the FM process can lead to fi rst-rate panel fabrication, which in turn leads to successful panel installation, and the results can be stunning.
David Cake is a project manager at The Miller- Clapperton Partnership Inc. in Austell, Ga. Cake and additional Miller Clapperton writers will continue “Ted’s MCM Corner.” For more information, visit
www.millerclapperton.com.
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