what are you trying to accomplish?

be nice and share

We've sometimes split the file in half and joined it back after work was completed, but only during a serious deadline.

Have single master file that contains only XREFS. Each autonymous XREF is a piece of the whole that a team member is working on. Teams members can even XREF other team members work into theirs if realtions need to be worked from.

Switch to MicroStation or ArchiCAD which are designed to allow multiple team members access to the same project file at the same time.

I agree with daver. Split the file. Ours are split like this:
1. Ext. Walls 2. interior partitions 3. RCP 4. Pwr/Tel/Data 5. finishes 6. furn

I think the XREFs may be the answer. Thanks.

you file splitters must have a uniquely dedicated staff of people that are extraordinarily anal and consistent when it comes to putting documents together. my office can never handle three or four people working on a plan put together by multiple xrefs, too many chances of people not maintaining a level of consistent graphic. in my office in order to maintain some consistent practice, i only allow one person to affect change on a plan level, and we use lmans so that rcp/demo and plan changes happen concurrently, it works fantastically. then plans are xrefed and notes/dimensions get added.

i think ARCH-T has an add on for this kind of thing...i was using it over the summer. some kind of an x-ref manager. well i bet that helps no one.