Having an efficient, convenient system that optimizes the usage of energy and makes the building stand out. The balance of natural and artificial light, electricity consumption that isn’t harming our environment, and is comfortable to us at the same time. Doesn’t that sound great?
Being able to plan MEP systems well enough for an object to be at its maximum efficiency while not wasting energy can be complicated, but that is what we’re here for! What are the best MEP BIM Modeling practices? Let’s get into it!
Understanding of the process
To truly understand the importance and value of incorporating BIM into designing and modeling MEP, we need to take a closer look at it. Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems helps reduce costs and delays, and enhances efficiency and communication. It is done by using advanced software to model a 3D version of the mentioned systems.
Benefits of using MEP BIM Modeling services:
- Avoiding Clashes
- Eliminating Rework
- Enhancing communication
- Reducing material waste
The best practices in integrating MEP BIM Modeling Services into the Design Process
- Proper communication between the BIM firm and the client. Every project should start with setting ground rules and objectives. This also includes establishing further communication: reports and feedback. It can be done daily or every once in a while, depending on what every part agrees on. On this step, everyone on the project should also receive clear roles. LOD (Level of detail), industry standard, specific tools, and project scope must be set. After completing this part, everyone must be on the same page.
- Better clash detection. This step consists of 2 parts:
- Detecting clashes. While detecting clashes manually is daunting, takes a lot of time, and is prone to human error, many modern BIM platforms have an automatic clash detection feature. Which is incredibly convenient: clashes happen all the time before aligning elements! For it to be most efficient, teams can use an organized and systematic approach. It means that the team examines and addresses issues at every step of the way, starting with bigger problems before moving to smaller details. A search for clashes should be held regularly; every problem – documented and addressed.
- Resolving clashes. Preferably, clashes should be resolved soon or right after detection. These problems should be addressed by a fitting professional. Clashes are often caused by incorrectly placed components or wrong data. So collaboration between parts of the team is needed to resolve problems at the early stages. We don’t need bigger ones later!
- Interoperable content. Since there are many tools that can improve the process, making sure that the content we work with is interoperable can be critical. It refers to BIM applications’ capabilities to share, exchange, gather, and process the same data by using the same file formats and the same protocols. With it, information is more clear and organized. Convenient for everyone!
- Revit families. The term “Revit family” basically refers to predefined objects that are often used. When working on MEP systems, teams can use Revit families to show their clients the planning of the project in full realism! MEP Revit families are geometrically accurate, and the materials are also reflected on the model. Using MEP Revit families also guarantees faster and easier installation.
- Industry standards. We mentioned it in the communication part, so let’s take a closer look. Following industry standards enriches the workflow, making it more reliable and efficient. Now they change quite fast, and the firms must keep up with them. You can use standards like SMACNA and ASHRAE to improve MEP system performance.
- Minimizing energy consumption. For MEP cost reduction, we can use energy-efficient HVAC equipment. BIM technologies can simulate energy usage, so you can make better plans using them. Not only does it help with the cost, but it is also better for our ecology!
- Improving ventilation. Everyone knows how important fresh air is. And nothing reminds of it more than spending time in a space with stale air. Or you can be reminded of it in a better way – by being somewhere with a great flow of fresh air. A great system to incorporate is demand-controlled ventilation (DCV). It maintains indoor air quality and adjusts ventilation automatically. Also, engineers can use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and 3D modeling to simulate and analyze air flow. This way, being inside the building is way more comfortable!
- Water management. Once again, it is great to contribute to ecological engineering. When it comes to water, we can implement rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, etc. It lowers water bills, reuses water, and is overall a great, useful investment.
- Systems coordination. BIM coordinates different MEP systems among themselves by ensuring proper maintenance of pipes, slopes, planning penetration of electrical elements, supporting cable trays,
- 4D and 5D BIM. When working on bigger projects, it can be hard to make every stage of the process is planned correctly. Wouldn’t it be better to know such information? And make sure there are minimal clash risks, and the project is safe? Of course! 4D and 5D BIM come to help.
- 4D BIM integrates time management into projects. It can be logistical plans or schedules. 4D BIM ensures that the installation process is seamless, helps with visualization, and saves time.
- 5D BIM adds budget-related information to a 3D model. In traditional project management cost estimation is a big problem due to the lack of communication, visualization, and any cost estimation template. 5D BIM, on the other hand, provides higher cost estimation accuracy, better planning, and easier modifications.
Conclusion
MEP systems have a big impact on our lives, and so it is very important to be mindful of the way they are created. For something that affects our quality of life so much, we definitely should make sure it is planned and installed in the best way possible!
At BIMPROVE, we can help you with it. We guarantee you the best execution and consideration of even the smallest details.
Book a consultation with BIMPROVE to experience the best way one of the main aspects of buildings can be executed.
With a Master’s in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Mitchell Green has spent over two decades dedicated to the study and practical application of home fixture design. His career started in an architectural firm, providing him a strong foundation in the structural and aesthetic aspects of home interiors. Mitchell brought his comprehensive knowledge to our platform, where he has been an influential voice in our home fixtures and fittings section. Since 2018, he has been guiding our readers through the intricacies of selecting and installing fixtures, combining technical know-how with design flair. In his spare time, Mitchell is a keen photographer, capturing architectural details and design elements, an interest that complements his professional focus.
