The Federal Highway Administration’s Every Day Counts initiatives and digital as-builts (DABs) have catalyzed transformation in the construction industry. These technologies have revolutionized construction project management by replacing traditional paper-based plans with electronic records. DABs serve as a comprehensive virtual record of the constructed condition, which is searchable, extractable, and durable throughout an asset’s life cycle. This feature streamlines the construction close-out process, reduces delays in project completion, and enhances the efficiency of compiling and organizing as-built records.

The implementation of these technologies has brought substantial benefits to the construction industry, enabling project managers to streamline the construction process, reduce delays, and enhance efficiency. Furthermore, DABs have replaced traditional paper-based plans with electronic records, resulting in greater convenience and improved accuracy. These advancements have facilitated the transition from outdated modes of construction management to more modern and efficient practices.

Ensuring Longevity with Precise Asset Management 

DABs provide a precise and well-organized record of a construction project, which proves beneficial to those who are responsible for managing, operating, and maintaining assets after construction is complete. The format and content of DABs vary (e.g. drawings and plans, photographs, and visual documents), depending on the agency’s specific requirements and asset classes.

By providing a reliable source of information, DABs serve as an excellent reference point for those tasked with the upkeep of assets, providing a comprehensive and highly detailed overview of the construction project. DABs are meticulously organized and structured, making it easy for stakeholders to identify specific aspects of the project that require attention. It is imperative to note that the effectiveness of DABs is dependent on their accuracy and completeness. As such, it is essential that they are prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. This careful attention to detail ensures that they provide a reliable record of the construction project, which can be of immense value in subsequent phases of the asset life cycle.

DABs have become an integral part of the construction process, providing a valuable resource for those tasked with the upkeep of assets. They are an essential tool for ensuring that assets are maintained effectively and efficiently, remaining in optimal condition throughout their life cycle.

Harnessing the Potential of DABs for Sustainable Infrastructure

“In today’s construction industry, digital as-builts have become more than just a technological trend; they are now a necessity. Digital as-builts are essentially virtual replicas of physical assets, which provide a single source of current and reliable information,” said former Senior Engineer David Unkefer, P.E., from the FHWA Resource Center’s Construction and Project Management Team who attended the Fast Forward Your Digital Roadmap event in March 2024.

DABs provide a virtual representation of physical assets, capturing data throughout the construction process and beyond. By integrating as-built information into project information models, construction projects can streamline the process of capturing and updating records, eliminating the need for manual documentation and reducing error. This integration not only improves the efficiency of managing as-built records but also ensures that asset information remains current and easily accessible throughout the asset’s life cycle. Overall, leveraging DABs for storing as-built information is a powerful strategy for enhancing project efficiency and maintaining accurate asset data.

For more information and training materials on DABs, visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/dabs/overview.cfm.

Carolyn Schmid is a senior communications specialist contractor supporting FHWA’s Office of Innovation and Workforce Solutions.