You discover a discrepancy between the architectural drawings showing a 6-inch CMU wall and the structural drawings showing an 8-inch CMU wall in the same location. What is the proper procedure?
Correct Answer
C) Submit a Request for Information (RFI) to the design team
When discrepancies exist between drawings, the contractor should submit an RFI to the design team for clarification rather than making assumptions. This ensures proper documentation and prevents potential liability issues.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Submitting an RFI is the proper procedure when discrepancies exist between drawings because it creates a formal documentation trail and ensures the design team provides official clarification. Making assumptions about which drawing to follow can lead to costly errors, rework, and potential liability issues. The RFI process protects the contractor by transferring responsibility for the decision back to the design professionals who are qualified to resolve conflicts between architectural and structural requirements.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Follow the architectural drawings since they were issued first
Following architectural drawings simply because they were issued first is incorrect because issue date doesn't determine priority when there's a conflict. Structural requirements often take precedence over architectural preferences, and without proper clarification, following the wrong specification could compromise structural integrity or require costly rework.
Option B: Use the larger dimension for safety
While using the larger dimension might seem safer from a structural standpoint, this approach can create other problems such as coordination issues with adjacent systems, increased costs, and potential conflicts with other design elements. Making this decision unilaterally without design team input could result in liability for unauthorized changes.
Option D: Split the difference and use 7-inch blocks
Splitting the difference and using 7-inch blocks is completely inappropriate because CMU blocks come in standard sizes (4", 6", 8", 10", 12"), and 7-inch blocks don't exist as a standard product. This approach also represents an unauthorized design change that could compromise structural integrity and create liability issues.
Memory Technique
RFI = 'Resolve Conflicts Immediately' - whenever you see conflicting information between drawings, the answer is almost always to submit an RFI rather than make assumptions
Reference Hint
AIA A201 General Conditions, Section 3.2.4 regarding contractor's review of contract documents and procedures for reporting discrepancies
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