MEP is an acronym used for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing techniques for constructing initiatives. With the growing complexity and performance of every system, MEP actions should not confined to the normal mechanical, electrical and plumbing system but additionally embrace hearth safety, gasoline piping, course of piping, pneumatic tubing, knowledge techniques and so on. This text assumes that the design has been accomplished by ‘Design Consultants’ to a sure stage after which handed to ‘Set up Sub-Contractors’ who will validate the design and worth engineer the design by means of the method of spatial coordination and procurement of parts to satisfy the necessities of the design. The coordination of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) techniques amongst themselves and with different constructing techniques together with architectural and structural disciplines is a essential, difficult and time consuming process, particularly in complicated constructing initiatives with intense MEP necessities. The coordination technique of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) techniques includes defining the precise location of every constructing system element all through the constructing throughout the constraints of the envelope outlined by the architectural and structural techniques to adjust to various design and operations standards avoiding any interferences/clashes amongst constructing techniques. Assuming that almost all firms undertake the duty of MEP Coordination, with out which the location set up from a ‘design solely’ set of drawings can be an excessive amount of of a danger, there are two methods by which the next course of takes place:
2D MEP Coordination
The method begins with the design from the Design Marketing consultant. The Sub-Contractor group will manually replace the 2D CAD drawings or create their very own set from the beginning. In creating these drawings a variety of sections shall be drawn and frequent consideration given to ceiling void areas through which the techniques and services are being laid out. In a perfect world 2D MEP Coordination can work so long as all services and techniques are assessed adequately after which drawn right into a 2D drawing. The sizes of the techniques would should be manually added as would the heights and distances from gridlines or partitions. The contractor can have groups of individuals for every system (HVAC, plumbing, electrical and so on) creating their drawings based mostly on the architectural ceiling void. On this technique, there is no such thing as a automated system to establish the conflicts within the MEP system and due to this fact there’s a excessive diploma of reliance on the instinct, creativeness, technical information and expertise of the group members to put out the services with out web site groups experiencing clashes.
Visualizing the potential clashes is made harder as a result of modifications in ceiling profiles, to not point out the problem of getting to know the influence of all techniques in addition to structural and architectural components that will impede or influence a system or service route. What makes issues worse is {that a} third occasion can’t simply evaluation the drawings for any errors, nor can the design be simply reviewed or communicated with a undertaking group. Moreover, if there are modifications to the design or procurement-led modifications then the method of undoing and re-doing 2D MEP Coordination initiatives turns into very cumbersome. The inherent weaknesses of 2D CAD software program additionally come into play, one can draw one thing of 1 dimension and label it as one thing utterly completely different. Because the techniques and services drawings should not checked in some type of automated technique there is no such thing as a assure that the 2D MEP coordination course of will generate a conflict free drawing. In the course of the time of complicated initiatives, it requires a number of part viewings which consuming a whole lot of time. These time commitments include extra prices to every contractor.
3D MEP Coordination
This course of is extra collaborative and permits the flexibility to speak the progress of the undertaking rapidly and simply, offering 3D visuals that resemble the ultimate system and service set up. It begins with a transparent route by way of spatial zoning which is then used as the premise to begin modeling the HVAC, piping, plumbing and electrical services. Because the architectural and structural fashions kind a part of the model, it’s simpler to insert services and techniques with out creating clashes. As soon as the model is full and all techniques and services have been added, the flexibility to establish issues turns into a lot simpler in comparison with the 2D Coordination technique. Firstly, one is ready to stroll by means of the model utilizing roaming software program to evaluation the model and, secondly using conflict detection software program, resembling Navisworks, highlights all clashes whether or not these are techniques towards different techniques or techniques towards construction or structure. As soon as highlighted, all clashes can then be corrected throughout the coordination stage of the undertaking. Solely as soon as the model is interference free are drawings created. This results in one other set of advantages, in contrast to 2D coordination the place every part have to be drawn, the 3D software program permits the creation of sections which can be instantly taken from the model. Moreover, because the 3D software program is so clever, the sizes of techniques are instantly taken from the 3D model and due to this fact there is no such thing as a probability of services or techniques being modelled as one dimension after which labeled as one other. Past the coordination stage, there are a number of different advantages from the 3D model, together with use throughout amenities management, vitality evaluation and so forth.
Regardless of the MEP Coordination technique used, the necessity for MEP Coordination arises because of the lack of detailed coordination throughout the design stage. Moreover, the necessity for fabrication and set up of constructing techniques in accordance with trade and Sub-Contractor finest follow requires MEP Coordination to be carried out by them. The 2D MEP Coordination course of gives a restricted interference-checking functionality and due to this fact can and can lead to extra issues on web site together with extra re-work, change orders and inflating budgets. All of this makes 3D MEP Coordination a extra environment friendly and the more and more most popular technique for the long run.
Present developments within the MEP trade present the evolution of some extra particular strategies of MEP coordination, with various levels of involvement by the design consultants and the MEP contractors.
These strategies are:
- Design marketing consultant gives 2D, 3D designs and MEP coordination to the MEP contractor.
- The MEP contractor generates the 2D, 3D designs and MEP coordination himself/herself.
- Design marketing consultant gives 2D design to MEP contractor, who then creates 3D fashions and handles MEP coordination bim modeling services.
The primary, and one that’s gaining elevated recognition, workflow technique is one the place design consultants present a spatially coordinated BIM model with MEP specification parts, structural and architectural modifications. Subsequently, the BIM model is usable by the contractor.
The second technique includes the MEP contractor designing all of the fashions, each 2D and 3D, for set up. One of many disadvantages on this technique for the contractor is added stress, because the contractor is liable for the design and will not be capable of make use of designers with requisite experience and he/she could even have to supply design legal responsibility insurance. There are advantages although, one is removal of abortive work for BIM modelling as a result of environment friendly use of time and thus, elevated revenue.
Methodology No. 3 sees the design marketing consultant provide architectural, structural and MEP designs in 2D to the contractor, who then creates a 3D model to evaluate the design. This technique could face hiccups within the course of as a result of sure disciplines shall be represented in 2D and a few shall be in 3D, with completely different software program used for every. So, if the contractor faces any points, s/he could essentially revert to the designer, who will alter the 2D design, after which the change needs to be represented in 3D. Clearly, delays may consequence.
Moreover, helpful options of the method have mushroomed. Amount take-off analyses initiatives with a brand new diploma of element, considering portions, areas and in the end prices. Additional, simply as 3D BIM permits visualisation of the finished undertaking, 4D BIM scheduling films lets homeowners, merchants and groups see how the constructing comes collectively. It may be used to monitor the undertaking on-site. Additionally, BIM 360 Glue generates a coordinated model, consisting of particular person fashions that each one group members can take a look at. This may be ‘glued’, or up to date fashions may be uploaded, frequently. Every consumer can resolve clashes sooner by evaluating fashions and instantly speaking with one another.
Within the dynamic world of MEP coordination, new strategies and options promise to crop up with unceasing regularity. The secret’s discovering the tactic that works finest for you.