MEP is an acronym used for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing methods for constructing initiatives. With the rising complexity and performance of every system, MEP actions are usually not confined to the normal mechanical, electrical and plumbing system but additionally embody hearth safety, gasoline piping, course of piping, pneumatic tubing, knowledge methods 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 way of the method of spatial coordination and procurement of elements to satisfy the necessities of the design. The coordination of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) methods amongst themselves and with different constructing methods together with architectural and structural disciplines is a important, difficult and time consuming job, particularly in complicated constructing initiatives with intense MEP necessities. The coordination strategy of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) methods includes defining the precise location of every constructing system part all through the constructing throughout the constraints of the envelope outlined by the architectural and structural methods to adjust to various design and operations standards avoiding any interferences/clashes amongst constructing methods. Assuming that almost all firms undertake the duty of MEP Coordination, with out which the positioning set up from a ‘design solely’ set of drawings could 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 Guide. 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 number of sections will probably be drawn and frequent consideration given to ceiling void areas wherein the methods and services are being laid out. In a really perfect world 2D MEP Coordination can work so long as all services and methods are assessed adequately after which drawn right into a 2D drawing. The sizes of the methods would have to be manually added as would the heights and distances from gridlines or partitions. The contractor may have groups of individuals for every system (HVAC, plumbing, electrical and so on) creating their drawings primarily based on the architectural ceiling void. On this technique, there isn’t any automated system to determine the conflicts within the MEP system and subsequently there’s a excessive diploma of reliance on the instinct, creativeness, technical data 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 affect of all methods in addition to structural and architectural parts which will impede or affect a system or service route. What makes issues worse is {that a} third get together can’t simply assessment 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 totally different. Because the methods and services drawings are usually not checked in some type of automated technique there isn’t any assure that the 2D MEP coordination course of will generate a conflict free drawing. Throughout the time of complicated initiatives, it requires a number of part viewings which consuming plenty 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 path by way of spatial zoning which is then used as the idea to start out 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 methods with out creating clashes. As soon as the model is full and all methods and services have been added, the flexibility to determine issues turns into a lot simpler in comparison with the 2D Coordination technique. Firstly, one is ready to stroll by way of the model utilizing roaming software program to assessment the model and, secondly using conflict detection software program, similar to Navisworks, highlights all clashes whether or not these are methods towards different methods or methods 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 should be drawn, the 3D software program permits the creation of sections which are instantly taken from the model. Moreover, because the 3D software program is so clever, the sizes of methods are instantly taken from the 3D model and subsequently there isn’t any probability of services or methods 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 services management, power evaluation and so forth.
Regardless of the MEP Coordination technique used, the necessity for MEP Coordination arises as a result of lack of detailed coordination throughout the design stage. Moreover, the necessity for fabrication and set up of constructing methods in accordance with trade and Sub-Contractor greatest apply requires MEP Coordination to be carried out by them. The 2D MEP Coordination course of gives a restricted interference-checking functionality and subsequently 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 well-liked 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 guide 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 guide gives 2D design to MEP contractor, who then creates 3D fashions and handles MEP coordination architectural drafting.
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 elements, structural and architectural modifications. Due to this fact, 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 accountable for the design and will not be capable to 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.
Technique No. 3 sees the design guide 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 will probably be represented in 2D and a few will probably be in 3D, with totally 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 might consequence.
Moreover, helpful options of the method have mushroomed. Amount take-off analyses initiatives with a brand new diploma of element, making an allowance for portions, areas and finally prices. Additional, simply as 3D BIM permits visualisation of the finished undertaking, 4D BIM scheduling movies 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 have a look at. This may be ‘glued’, or up to date fashions will be uploaded, regularly. Every person 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 is discovering the strategy that works greatest for you.
