What is the difference between “as-built” models and “as-found” models and which one provide more beneficial?
The difference between “as-built” models and “as-found” models lies primarily in the purpose and timing of their creation, reflecting distinct aspects of a project’s lifecycle or an asset’s condition:

As-Built Models: Supposed to be!!!

• Definition: These models or drawings represent a structure or system as it was actually constructed, incorporating any changes or deviations from the original design that occurred during the construction process.
• Purpose: They serve to document the final outcome of the construction, providing a detailed record of the built environment, including all its components and their precise configurations.
• Use Cases: As-built models are essential for maintaining accurate records for future maintenance, renovations, or expansions. They are also crucial for facility management, ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations.

As-Found Models:

• Definition: These models capture the current condition and exact configuration of an existing physical environment or asset, regardless of its initial design or subsequent modifications. “As-found” models are typically created through surveys of existing conditions.
• Purpose: They are used to understand the present state of an asset, which is particularly useful for retrofitting, maintenance planning, or when preparing for an upgrade or modification to existing structures or systems.
• Use Cases: In industries such as energy, manufacturing, and heritage preservation, “as-found” models provide a critical basis for decision-making regarding asset management, conservation, and operational optimization.

Which One Is More Beneficial?
The relative benefit of “as-built” versus “as-found” models depends on the specific needs and circumstances of a project or operation:

• For New Construction or Renovation Projects: “As-built” models are more beneficial because they provide a definitive record of the construction process, documenting deviations from the original design and ensuring that all stakeholders have accurate information for the building’s operation, maintenance, and future modifications.
• For Maintenance, Retrofit, or Preservation of Existing Assets: “As-found” models are invaluable because they offer a precise snapshot of the current state of an asset, which is essential for planning any interventions, maintenance, or upgrades with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.

In essence, both types of models serve complementary roles in the lifecycle of infrastructure and assets. The choice between them depends on the phase of the project (post-construction vs. existing conditions) and the specific objectives (documentation and compliance vs. intervention planning and asset management).