Lecture 6: Understanding Submittals

Lecture 6: Submittals

• The lecture objectives are to understand various submittal types and the site superintendent's role in the submittal process.

Submittals

• Submittals are design drawings and specifications for construction work.
• IFC (Issued for Construction) drawings provide a high-level overview.
• Submittals provide missing details needed for accurate completion of work on site.

Definitions

• IFC (Issued for Construction) Drawing Set includes architect, structural engineer, mechanical engineer and electrical engineer plans. General Contractors and trade(s)/supplier(s) are also involved.

What is a Submittal?

• IFC drawings provide a high-level overview of the design.
• The project consultants deliberately leave out minute details.
• These details are for the trade or supplier to complete and submit for approval.
• Submittals are required to complete the specific work on site accurately.

Missing Details in The IFC Drawing Set?

• This is a topic for class discussion.

What is a Submittal?

• Project consultants leave out detailed information for contractors.
• Trades/suppliers provide submittals (detailed drawings) for review and approval.

Why Submittals Are Necessary

• Detailed design to a granular level can lead to costly and time-consuming problems.
• Submittals enable a separate review process and mitigate errors in the design.

Difference Between Submittals & IFC Drawings

• IFC drawings provide broad overview of project design intent.
• Submittals provide detailed information on individual components or systems.

Types Of Submittals

• 1) Sample or Mock-up:
  • Physical representations of construction elements (like wall sections or finishes).
  • Used for approval before full-scale installation.
  • Demonstrate quality, appearance, spec adherence.
• 2) Data sheets / Catalogue Cuts:
  • Contain detailed technical specifications about materials, products, and equipment.
  • Submitted to the design/construction team for review and approval. Ensures project materials meet design and performance requirements.
• 3) Shop Drawings (Erection and Fabrication Drawings):
  • Detailed drawings, diagrams, and plans.
  • Prepared by trades to illustrate how components will be fabricated, assembled, and installed on site.
  • Serve as 'assembly manuals' to the site contractor. This differs from IFC drawings as that is a 'picture on the box' while shop drawings are the detailed 'assembly manual'.
• 4) Descriptive Data:
  • Includes job mix formula, operation and maintenance information, schematic drawings, management plan, schedule, and performance charts.

Who Is Responsible to Prepare the Submittal?

• The trade/supplier is responsible for the submittal.
• A professional engineer may be hired to prepare the submittal.
• The submittal must adhere to the IFC drawings and specifications.
• The submittal must be stamped by the engineer on behalf of the trade.

What Information Has to Be Provided in The Submittal?

• The submittal must demonstrate the trade/supplier's understanding of the design concept.
• The submittal provides all the necessary details, up to the minutest level, enabling site work completion.

Submittal Approval Flow Chart

• The trade submits the submittal to the site superintendent. The superintendent reviews and stamps it before sending it to the contract administrator, who then sends it back to the design consultant for review and approval.
• Approval by the design consultant ensures alignment with project requirements and design intent.
• The trade can only order materials after the submittal is approved.

Submittal Requirements For Various Projects

• Any required project submittal must be completed and submitted for approval before the work item can start.

• Instructions are in the 'General', or 'Design and Submission Requirements' section of project specifications if it is an OPSS.

• The site superintendent goes through project specifications, prepares a list of required submittals, and enters them in a 'submittal log' for efficient monitoring and approval.

Typical Building Project Submittals

• Sample list of submittal requirement sections, and types.

Written confirmation/data on specific materials.

• Written information from the manufacturer on specific materials.

Role Of The Site Superintendent In The Submittal Process

• 1. Preparation of the submittal log: Keep it updated at all times for proper documentation and tracking of all submittals.
• 2. Review and approval of all submittals: Review the submittal before sending it to the contract administrator for the design consultant.

Submittal Log

• An organized record-keeping tool to list down, track, and manage the submission, review, and approval process for project submittals. Include material order and delivery dates.

Site Superintendent's Review Of The Submittals + Checklist

• Review general items in the submission
• Check for constructability aspects (installation/interfacing).
• Ensure dimensions accuracy on site.
• Confirm proper schedule impacts & material requirements.

Design Consultant's Review Of The Submittals

• Negotiate a reasonable time frame for review.
• Check the signed and stamped copy of submittal.
• Review the submittal for design conformity and completeness.

Design Consultant's Review Of Submittals (Action Types)

• Approved: Means the submittal is approved and the work can proceed.
• Approved with changes noted: Means the submittal is approved with changes, and the approved work can proceed without resubmission.
• Revise and resubmit: Means the changes noted by the consultant should be incorporated for resubmission.
• Rejected: Means there are problems with the submittal (too many inaccuracies or too much wrong with the submittal), which requires a new submittal to be made.

Submittal Review Liability

• The general contractor (site superintendent) is responsible for construction methods and means, therefore is liable for anything that goes wrong after submittal is approved by the design consultant.
• Design consultant bears less responsibility/liability compared to general contractor for the approved work.

Examples: Structural Steel Shop Drawings, Rebar Submittals & Drywall Work

• Provide details about the required structural members, connection details, and materials used.
• Shows placement sequence and detailing for efficient installation of reinforcing bars (rebar).
• Includes drawings and dimensions of the various materials and components.

Example: Concrete Work Submittal

• The concrete supplier needs to provide concrete mix design information to the structural and general contractors, including mix ratio, material, slump, water cement ratio and air content.

This quiz focuses on the submittal process in construction, covering different types of submittals and the role of the site superintendent. Participants will explore the importance of issued for construction (IFC) drawings and the details that contractors and suppliers must complete. Join to enhance your understanding of how submittals impact project accuracy.