Interdisciplinary design checks – commonly known as “IDCs” – are an integral component of a successful multidisciplinary project as they allow for the identification and resolution of design issues during the development of a coordinated design. In complex projects, IDCs are often the first opportunity for design disciplines to review each others’ designs – to check, validate and resolve interfacing issues through the current and consequent design stages. Such is their importance, it is imperative that the requirement to perform and confirm evidence that an IDC has occurred is included within the design management plan and subsequent positive confirmation is received before submission of designs to the Client.
So, what happens when IDCs are improperly conducted and are treated as a “tick box” item within an unrealistic timeframe? The consequences can be enormous – we are left with negative impacts to the two factors that could derail project delivery – cost and programme, let alone creating a future safety issue in the assets operational use.
Lessons learnt during the delivery of major infrastructure projects tells us that inefficacy of the IDC process results in money wasted on revisiting an uncoordinated design, requiring designers to be re-engaged and construction impacted whilst resolving the issue. Inefficacy of the IDC process stems from a number of sources – the length of time allowed for the IDC process within the program is inadequate so designers are unable to properly review their peer’s work; too many IDCs are scheduled within the same timeframe leading to human error when reviewing multiple design packages; and IDCs being scheduled too early in the design process resulting in incomplete design documentation reviewed during the IDC process itself.
There is a role to play for all those involved within the project in order to ensure the efficacy of the IDC process, including:
· Schedulers: Ensure that there is sufficient time scheduled for the IDC process and space in the program to allow for the complete IDC to occur, regardless of time delays in the design process.
· Designers: Plan for the IDC’s and notify the design manager if insufficient time has been allocated to the IDC or interfacing disciplines are missing from the process.
· Design Managers: Act on any concerns raised by the design team to ensure that issues with the IDC process are rectified with the risks mitigated or acknowledged to be resolved in the next phase.
Through our extensive experience gleaned in the design and delivery of major Infrastructure projects, MCE understands the importance of efficacy in the IDC process and has the skillset required to assist the project team in producing a coordinated and integrated multi-disciplinary design. For more info on how we can assist with your project, visit https://www.mce-aus.com/.
Author Annabella Dao
