The impact of building information modeling, or BIM, processes has been a turning point in the history of the construction industry. Design workflows have been disrupted by the advent of BIM technology, and both the architecture and MEP (mechanical, engineering, plumbing) industries have had to adapt to emerging trends in the design process. Traditionally, architects and construction engineers have had different design and documentation workflows. These practices have been modified and integrated through the use of BIM models.

In the MEP design industry, the traditional methods of developing a 2D design from an MEP designer into a 3D model coordinated by the contractor are finding less popularity. BIM modeling is largely responsible for this change, and we discuss how this is.

Most engineering work in construction follows design information received from architects, for example, column grids for structural design or roof plans for MEP design. Architectural information, such as the geometry of the building, is then used as input for structural load, heating and cooling load analysis by building engineers. The results collected from such analysis are then applied to the required dimensioning of components such as structural units, heating and cooling systems. The number and characteristics of structural joints and MEP distribution systems are calculated to determine the loads and sizes of connections, structural members, ducts, and piping.

In some cases, architects may have to forgo areas designed to include MEP components. At this point, the design layout would have to be modified while maintaining the engineering systems of the building. The use of coordinated 3D models allows the integration of MEP into construction plans at an early stage. Therefore, a 3D model-based workflow became a viable option. Models designed with CAD have certain advantages in the field of MEP design, such as the following:

• Studies show that 3D CAD tools improve the development cycle by 30-50%

• Using a 3D model reduces non-conformance issues by 30-40%

• 3D-based design produces fewer inaccuracies

Therefore, the use of 3D CAD models saves time and money and reduces errors.

MEP design usually involves a significant number of stakeholders responsible for the smooth execution of the different stages of construction engineering. These internships typically include planning, design, spatial coordination, fabrication, installation, and maintenance. The teams involved in the design of building services typically consist of design engineers (also known as consulting engineers or building designers) and MEP contractors. Sometimes a fabricator, creating ductwork, piping, escalators, or sprinklers with frame modules, may also be involved in the design process. The design engineer traditionally worked with the architect to oversee lighting, cooling, heating, drainage, waste, fire prevention, and protection services. In this case, the design engineer moves away from the detailed spatial design of lighting, cooling, heating, etc. It was the MEP contractor, or commercial contractor, who would execute the spatial design requirements and the installation. The MEP contractor must then turn the design consultant into a ready-to-install building services solution.

There were some challenges with this workflow, such as:

• Design, architectural and MEP data had to be shared.

• The MEP design was created by one engineer/team and detailed by another/them.

• Schematics and plans may present inconsistent data or discrepancies.

• Design changes may occur after design completion.

The introduction of BIM modeling provided a solution to these challenges, as designs became 3D models and design data became increasingly centralized and changes were notified to stakeholders at a faster rate. With the use of BIM modeling, five different MEP design workflow options have emerged. They are the following:

1. 2D design with 3D BIM coordination

2D design outputs, such as 2D plan layouts, 2D sections, and MEP schematics, are created by the designer using traditional 2D CAD tools and then delivered to the contractor, who will create a coordinated Revit BIM model that enables problem identification and resolution. conflicts before the siege. The work begins.

2. 2D MEP design and 3D BIM coordination

2D layout drawings are created by the MEP designer: the drawings detail design intent rather than installation requirements. These designs are then handed over to the commercial MEP contractor for detailed 3D coordination. Architectural and structural models are provided to the contractor to also allow for coordination.

3. 3D BIM design and coordination by MEP designers

Design engineers create Revit BIM models that are spatially coordinated with the actual components specified in projects. The coordination of structural, architectural and MEP services ends. The resulting model is almost ready to install. Typically, during a round of value engineering or preferred fabrication or installation requirements, the MEP contractor will still make final changes.

4. Design and 3D BIM coordination by MEP contractors

Responsibility for design and coordination rests with the MEP contractors. Previously known as a “design and build” workflow, this method is becoming increasingly popular. The contractor works on the design and model based on the client’s specifications. A coordinate drawing is created from the model for installation or fabrication. This is a fast and cost-effective method, as the contractor’s resource costs are lower than those of the design engineers. Since he makes the final procurement and manufacturing decisions, this also puts all control in one team, which streamlines the process a bit.

5. 3D coordination by general contractors

Architectural, structural, and MEP 2D designers work for a general contractor. The team also typically includes detail teams that handle coordination at the level of a commercial MEP contractor. A 3D BIM model is created for the contractor to review the strength of the model and adherence to the design. The model is then checked for conflicts.

Although there are five different MEP workflows, there is a traditional architectural design workflow, which consists of three basic phases. They are:

1. Schematic design

The form and function of the space are designed by the architect and converted from sketches into a 3D model.

2. Design development

CAD technicians add dimensions, details, and supporting information to 3D models. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety plans are generated. Using standard part libraries and including tagged component data early in this phase enables productivity tools that enhance construction or shop drawings.

3. Construction document

Accurate, detailed drawings show materials of construction, component data sheets, specifications, and material or component schedules. Data can be assigned to the walls, floors, and building envelope in the model, as well as component information for steel and concrete bars, and detailed information for parts.

Seeing that MEP and architectural workflows are different, how do you integrate the use of BIM technology between the two? BIM engineering modeling tools can integrate engineer-designed construction content with BIM architectural models for clash detection. That is how:

Construction software platforms such as BIM 360 use cloud-based checklists to enable quality control, on-site safety, equipment tracking, and task monitoring. Project stakeholders such as project managers, subcontractors, designers, and architects can access, change, and update the data. Models designed with BIM 360 can generate 2D construction documents and 3D MEP coordination. MEP designers can therefore plan designs more effectively if projects include 3D modeling of architectural and commercial aspects from the start.

Round trip transportation

Architectural models created with BIM traditionally do not show the division of volumes and surfaces spatially, which is required to build energy analysis packages in MEP. Revit MEP takes care of repartitioning architectural models into units that can be analyzed for non-disruptive building services. Therefore, BIM modeling tools enable construction data to be transported back and forth from architectural models to MEP analysis tools and back to the architectural model with coordinated and reintegrated engineering components.

Certain aspects of engineering analysis can be integrated into the architectural design for more interactive communication with the use of specific tools. Architects can then receive direct feedback on the MEP effects of their architectural designs. Tools that offer these capabilities include IES plugins for Revit MEP or Revit Architecture. Recent software acquisitions by Bentley and Autodesk have led to an increased ease of interoperability, where engineers may prefer a particular analysis package for internal workflow, but are constrained by one authoring software package. of models required by project agreements. Enabling cross-platform workflows was one of the main causes of the establishment of the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard, now better known as buildingSMART.

Integrated architectural and MEP workflows are gaining popularity in building design circles due to ongoing technological developments. With IFC’s standard guiding principles, architects and MEP engineers can use data collected from other disciplines as a reference while coordinating and sharing projects. Ultimately, the initial collection of MEP analysis data and the successful implementation of building information models can help architects design an integrated project that can be executed in a continuous construction process.