How Has BIM Changed MEP Coordination?

They say, ‘Change is always good.’ In the construction industry, the numerous benefits of technological advances have only reinforced that idea. Prime among new technological breakthroughs, the development of BIM (Building Information Modelling) technology was a marked advancement for AEC (architectural, engineering, construction) industry professionals and processes. Significantly, the BIM process soon became a game changer in the delivery of MEP (M&E) services layouts, MEP coordination and MEP coordination drawings.  

In construction, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) services, or building services, are vital for the efficient functioning of building structures. These services also include fire protection, gas piping, pneumatic tubing, data systems, etc. The coordination of MEP services involves ensuring that these services and their layouts do not clash with each other nor with architectural and structural disciplines. So, conflicts must be avoided in the layout of equipment in spaces and the routing of ducts, piping and raceway systems. Actual construction can begin only once coordination challenges have been eliminated.

This coordination process takes time, especially for large projects with intense MEP requirements. The exact position of every MEP component and architectural and structural component must be defined and checked for clashes or conflicts with each other, which could prove to be a cumbersome procedure, fraught with the potential for human error at any point in the back-and-forth process of checks and changes between services and disciplines. Successful MEP coordination requires different trade professionals on an ongoing project to be in sync. Generally, MEP layouts require many drafts, as spatial and functional clashes are slowly removed at the planning stage. 

Well, this is what used to happen traditionally during MEP coordination:

A draftsman used to visit the site with preliminary drawings to survey and measure the site, add dimensions to the drawings, producing fabrication drawings to be used later by the manufacturer and installer.

The draftsman had to take into account several restrictions, eg. when space is tight, the duct should be high and tight, without extending below or decreasing ceiling height. The MEP coordination process became tougher with less space above the ceiling, since electrical, plumbing and fire suppression plans would need to be incorporated. Ductwork requires the majority of the space above the ceiling and is a relatively rigid system. Therefore, duct mains and its large branches were detailed first, so the ductwork drawing was created first. After that, the electricians, plumbers, fitters and other trades integrated their plans with the ductwork drawings as a reference.

At this point, conflicts may have ensued. A transparent Mylar sheet was used so sketches and errors could be erased easily. These MEP coordination drawings were typically developed without design team approval. If MEP coordination did not occur, program conflict, tear-out/re-do work and delays resulted. 

The evolution of BIM technology brought about some much-needed respite. How so?

Being an intelligent 3D model-based process, BIM gave AEC professionals detailed information and tools to methodically plan, design, construct and manage structures. As a digital representation of the building’s physical features, BIM models function as a shared, reliable resource to help make informed decisions during the design process and beyond. The BIM environment is much more – it hosts information about spatial relationships, light analysis, geographic information and quantities of building components. Further layers to BIM involve more than 3D (width, height, depth), such as 4D BIM (width, height, depth, time), 5D BIM (width, height, depth, time, cost) and 6D BIM (width, height, depth, time, cost, as-built operation). 

So, using BIM technology and methods, the process of 3D MEP coordination became more collaborative, with easy and continuous communication. First, HVAC, piping, plumbing and electrical services are spatially zoned and modelled. Services and systems can be included in the model without clashes, since the architectural and structural layouts are also part of the model. On completion of the model, challenges can be easily determined. These models can be reviewed by walkthroughs and Navisworks, clash detection software, can highlight clashes between services and disciplines. These clashes are eliminated during MEP coordination.

A clash-free model can be used to create drawings – MEP coordinated drawings. The software can also create sections from the model. The completion of the coordination process facilitates fabrication and installation of building systems in accordance with industry best practice, resulting in less concerns on site, including re-work, change orders and increasing costs.

Over the years, BIM solutions in MEP coordination have proven to result in improved work quality, faster design time and greater productivity, which ultimately lead to overall lower costs.

• Improved Quality: BIM enables flexibility to make changes to design or documentation. This leads to less coordination time and minimal manual checks. The design team have more time to solve architectural concerns. There is greater control over technical decisions. Digital representation also improves planning of building renovations.
• Faster: BIM enables simultaneous design and documentation. Schedules, diagrams, drawings, estimations, value engineering, planning, etc. are created while the work progresses. Changes in site conditions can be adapted to the model.
• Lower Cost: BIM allows smaller teams to deliver more, leading to lower costs and less miscommunication. Improved document quality and better planning result in less time and money spent in the process.
  

Other benefits of BIM include:

Clash-free MEP design - Building plans and MEP layouts can be designed at the same time. As the BIM model is centralised, updated changes are instantly available to all project stakeholders.

Effective visualisation, collaboration – Primary MEP, architectural and structural components are placed first in the model. Space is optimised by placing secondary components around core elements, thus allowing effective visualisation from the onset of the design process.

Increased collaboration – Improving MEP coordination improves control and collaboration. 

With the advantages of BIM technology, accurate MEP coordination drawings are created so that minimum clarification and communication is required. Complicated manual survey practices ware avoided and errors are minimised. The pre-construction 3D views of the planned building help precisely develop MEP coordination much before the onset of construction.

The new MEP coordination process, depending on client requirements and the Level of Detail (LOD) needed, became as follows:

1. Architectural, Structural, MEP Design Drawing Review

Single-line MEPF design drawings and architectural and structural plans are reviewed in detail by the BIM coordination services provider for consistency. The MEPF specifications are evaluated, and the MEP BIM coordination services provider plans the project’s MEP coordination.

2. 3D BIM Model Creation

An accurate 3D MEP BIM model is created, showing more details than the initial 2D design drawings. The model shows MEP services within the architectural and structural framework. Autodesk Revit is a popular software choice for MEP coordination. The model created can be used to develop construction-related drawing sets and walkthroughs.

3. Clash Detection

Navisworks evaluates the BIM model for clashes between architectural, structural and MEPF elements and systems. Clashes concerning geometry, clearance and workflow are detected, and a thorough report is generated. 

4. Clash Resolution

The MEP services provider offers alternative solutions by re-directing the services to avoid the clashes. Structural and architectural clashes must be resolved by design architects and engineers. 

5. Coordinated Drawings Creation

A coordinated BIM model with fully resolved clashes can be used to extract coordinated drawings. All MEPF systems are shown in the same space. Sizes of equipment and connections can be noted on the drawings. The coordinated models can be used to generate elevations, sections or isometric views. 

The use of BIM technology for MEP coordination is increasingly popular globally, but involves well-developed infrastructure and experienced, skilled professionals to ensure accurate results. Western firms may find this a challenge due to budgetary restrictions or other factors. Overseas firms, especially in India, present viable solutions. 

The vast Indian population and general value for technical education ensures a large number of available MEP professionals in India. Indian companies can provide retained teams, consisting of experienced and highly qualified staff who can manage MEP coordination from start to finish quickly and economically, without compromising quality.  

Indian MEP design partners with the right infrastructure, expertise and experience can provide BIM MEP coordination services through precise 2D and 3D CAD designs with a strong grasp of the relevant software, while engaged in industry best practices. These partnerships can produce quality MEP construction coordination drawings, while saving time and money. 

Whether sourced overseas or at home, MEP coordination services within the BIM environment have significantly altered MEP coordination processes and quality.