Effective MEP consultants for building and industry by Advantage Engineering

Posted by John on July 12th, 2016

By Advantage Engineering                                Tel: (518) 320-2501

As the MEP (M&E) industry worldwide is constantly on the turn to parametric 3D model-based creating services design and coordination procedures, the question of who will what between contractors and experts has re-emerged. One of the challenges within the modern building services industry issues the effective control of BIM versions between MEP Consultants and MEP Companies.

BIM has many benefits such as: greater collaboration between stakeholders, enhanced design performance, less constructability problems on-site and cost efficiency. Nevertheless, implementing BIM requires successfully controlling scope definition and delivery along with the information flow between the MEP (M&E) advisor, the MEP (M&E) contractor, a number of sub-contractors and shop fabricators. Nevertheless, BIM can create scope overlap (and therefore costs and delays for that project) between MEP (M&E) experts, contractors and other downstream individuals.

In the traditional system, exactly where 2D design data is obtained, the MEP contractor would result in services coordination and clash recognition. He/she would overlay the 2D drawings of each one of the services (HVAC, electrical, and plumbing) and execute a detailed coordination exercise - usually by utilizing 3D tools or by utilizing BIM tools. The end result will be a model that is spatially coordinated that may then be used for set up drawing creation and subsequent fitting/installation.

The traditional approach (2D drawing deliverables) didn't require design consultants to consider constructability and spatial coordination. Nevertheless, the BIM process calls with regard to MEP Coordination consultants to produce clash-free 3D MEP models prior to creating 2D design drawings for contractors to make use of. As the consultant is additionally handing over their BIM design (which is increasingly clash free and coordinated with a extent) he/she is in effect carrying out a few of the scope traditionally taken on through contractors. However and more significantly, the MEP model from the actual consultant is not always coordinated in the manner that the services would be installed or be economical for an MEP contractor.

Although the consultants' BIM MEP model might be clash-free and spatially coordinated using the architectural and structural systems, the 3D model provided towards the contractor by the consultant may fall short as a result of number of reasons such because: I) procurement-led changes for supplies and equipment; ii) it might not represent the actual installation procedure or layout; iii) the layouts might not be efficient i. e. allowing for a lot of bends and connections; iv) there might not be adequate allowance for lagging; v) there might not be adequate allowance for installation/hanging; and vi) there might not be allowance for access for upkeep purposes. In short, the consultant's 3D model might be spatially coordinated but not sufficient for installation.

Without updating the BIM model to their own fitting and installation requirements/standards, the contractor won't experience constructability issues until within the field. At that stage it is nearly too late to make a lot of changes and the installation will be compromised as overview of the model and revised sketches at that late stage will likely create additional costs and costs.

This additional work by the mep cad drawings contractor is within effect repeating the modelling exercise (as well since the drawing exercise) and is the important thing area of scope overlap and for that reason additional time and cost that will impact project profitability and agendas.

To many observers, such an overlap defeats the objective of employing MEP (M&E) BIM techniques. With more time at the beginning of the process to define the deliverables of every party the scope can end up being reduced.

There are three alternatives open to the project team to avoid scope overlap in this way. Firstly, the consultant may produce a BIM model but may not concentrate on creating a coordinated or conflict free model. He/she would make use of the model to then create style drawings. This would provide the contractor with a model that isn't coordinated but with efficient paths and outlets for services that may then be fine-tuned. This approach would reduce BIM modelling time for that consultant as it removes the actual coordination 'headache'.

Secondly, he may produce a 2D design as in the standard non-BIM era. This will still allow BIM model creation through the contractor and therefore project's need for BIM it's still served. This method allows the contractor to produce a coordinated BIM model using professional MEP coordination firms if required.

The third approach is for that design consultants to employ professional a MEP coordination firm which understands and possesses 'coordination with regard to installation' skills. By employing these skills in the design stage the output is prone to be more useful for the contractor whose role will then be to fine tune the model after which create drawings.

By managing Coordination Drawings projects using one of these simple methods scope overlap will be reduced and projects could be more effectively managed and delivered throughout the pre-construction and BIM stages. The outcome will be a gain for clients along with a more positive and effective utilization of BIM technology to deliver MEP BIM tasks.

For more information, or to hire experienced Duct Shop Drawings company, contact us here àAdvantage Engineering or by Tel: (518) 320-2501.