Are You Harming Your Business by Sticking with 2D?

Two-dimensional models have been the traditional way of conveying information in concrete construction for decades. While companies are already moving towards digital, many are still using 2D documents as their main data source for estimates, design and on-site work. However, the facts speak for themselves. By restricting yourself to the limited potential of 2D models, you’re losing out on multiple aspects that can significantly improve constructibility and, consequently, your business. So, let’s take a look at why.

A flat 2D model lacks information

For a start, a 2D design is limited in the way it can communicate the construction process. This makes it impossible to deliver all the information of an actual, three-dimensional structure in a 2D model. It cannot, for example, reflect lengths, dimensions and relations as they are in real life. All these factors are paramount when it comes to calculating materials and quantities, estimating costs and planning construction. What’s more, it’s difficult to spot possible errors until they’ve already turned into costly rework.

In addition to 2D models being unable to include all essential information, there’s an even bigger disadvantage. This is simply the inability to visualize the end product. There is always a level of understanding lost when the idea of a building needs to be condensed into a flat model. It means constructibility is far from ideal, and each stakeholder has their own vision of the result.

Sharing data and changes are limited

Furthermore, if you work with 2D drawings and they change, you have to essentially compare two drawings to detect any alterations. The more times this happens, the easier it is to miss changes down the line, and stay up to date on the most current version of the construction model. If something is unclear, tracing the source and reasoning behind it is hard, sometimes even impossible.

Needless to say, when information is already restricted, sharing it with other stakeholders is inevitably limited too. Even if the information is there, moving it downstream is challenging. Firstly, design documentation needs to be standardized to make sure each stakeholder understands and interprets it in the same way. The more people involved in the process, the more problematic 2D documentation is, because there’s always a greater chance of misinterpretation.

Not moving forward means you’re staying behind

It’s easy to think that because 2D models have worked for construction in the past, there’s no need to adapt 3D. Indeed, it’s undeniable that 2D has for many decades been the best option. However, times are changing and the alternatives available today prove that traditional design documentation is simply not enough for a truly constructible workflow. At worst, it results in costly miscalculations, information gaps and delayed projects, which nobody can afford.

In short, as stakeholders increasingly move towards digital options and 3D, anyone holding onto 2D tools will eventually find their workflows outdated. The disadvantages are two-fold. Firstly, the construction process is less reliable and less efficient. Secondly, your value as a business is consequently not as high as it would be with optimized workflows. The evidence is plain. Moving away from 2D enables offering a more streamlined, cooperative and cost-effective service. Winning more bids.