10 Tips for a Successful BIM Workflow for MEP Contractor
BIM process workflows have transformed the way MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) contractors facilitate new construction and renovation projects. With global standards and needs, clash-free MEP coordinated layouts have enhanced the preconstruction stage while working well with architectural designs. Greater numbers of contractors and MEP firms are latching onto BIM to streamline planning, design, and construction.
MEP contractors are responsible for various activities. Achieving accurate spatial coordination, detailing, fabrication, and installation are some of the roles and responsibilities of MEP contractors. With a myriad of activities to accomplish accurately and within time and cost, MEP teams need to overcome specific challenges.
Challenges faced by contractors with legacy methods:
Clashes in early design lead to costly rework and project delays
Spatial coordination drawing inaccuracies causing onsite construction errors
Fragmented information flow and data management provoking uncoordinated and silo workflows
Design and fabrication of MEP equipment lacking industry standards promotes manufacturing errors
Data extracted from traditional 2D drawings for quantity takeoffs can be inaccurate and incomplete causing onsite material wastage
Based on a study by KPMG, 69% of owners have said, poor contractor performance results in underperforming projects.
Adopting BIM workflows helps contractors improve project efficiencies
While some contracting firms are hesitant to adopt MEP BIM services for improved BIM workflows, others have already adopted and gained significant advantages leading to better project and business outcomes.
BIM is an essential tool that can be easily integrated into existing workflows to improve project efficiencies and achieve high-impact deliverables and results.
The following chart shows the percentage of construction industry professionals using BIM in the UK.
(Source: https://www.statista.com)
Based on a study by United States (US) MEP Services Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 - 2026), the United States MEP services market will grow at a CAGR of 16% from 2021 to 2026.
(Source: https://www.businesswire.com)
10 tips that contractors can utilize to build winning BIM workflows:
1. Simplify the flow of data with the right set of project expectations
Management of generated data through 3D models is key to driving a streamlined transference of information across various teams and stakeholders. As every stakeholder gets access to the same set of accurate and updated information, it becomes easy to visualize design and construction at every stage. Leveraging historical data makes it simpler to accomplish jobs and appoint the necessary set of people for the entire BIM project.
MEP contractors can garner efficiency in information sharing through parametric 3D modeling capabilities that can be enhanced as the project progresses. The preliminary design or content can be simple, yet moving forward to an MEP engineer can become richer with a higher LOD that contains greater information depth.
Simplifying the flow of information with progressive BIM workflows and model-authoring tools diminishes data duplication leading to a greater coordinated design.
A construction company from Egypt outsourced its requirements to Hitech CADD Services to create Architectural, Structural, and MEP BIM models. The team built a coordinated 3D BIM model at LOD 300 based on specific AIA standards. The 3D model helped the client gain cost savings of 30% to 35% with greater energy efficiency and mitigated clashes.
2. Collaborate frequently with multiple teams and stakeholders
True collaboration is one of the most striking aspects to achieve BIM success. Coordinating MEP models with every discipline and stakeholder present solves problems early on in the design stage. Strong collaboration between Architects, MEP engineers, or contractors through model exchange helps resolve MEP equipment clashes through a merged IFC model.
3. Build a centralized repository for BIM projects
As MEP coordination continues to transform how MEP contractors work, teams must manage data on a centralized platform. As 3D MEP models serve as a single source of truth, every deliverable extracted from these models viz. drawings, documentation, databases need to be managed centrally.
Cloud-based construction management tools with BIM 360 ensure uniformity across the complete project. With capabilities that include clash management, drawing storage, RFI and submittals management, etc. BIM managers can make sure every user has access to precise, complete, and updated information.
A mixed-use building construction project from Manchester UK required a 4D coordinated BIM model. The team at Hitech CADD Services built a coordinated BIM model with 4D BIM for hassle-free construction, reduce rework, and save costs.
4. Using Issued for Construction (IFC) as a principal tool to generate and retain consistent data
Sharing a 3D model reinforced with IFC helps stakeholders access a universal format. Accuracy and transparency are key aspects of IFC as MEP contractors and stakeholders can access information from a myriad of platforms. The use of IFC files promotes data interoperability across various viewers to visualize MEP elements uniformly.
The IFC schema was developed to facilitate efficient data sharing between various parties such as architects, engineers, contractors, etc. Using BIM workflows, teams can perform code checks, build cost estimates, and perform structural and energy analysis. This standardized methodology of sharing design and construction data reaps significant value and rewards for various parties.
5. Integrate structural apertures or openings in early design
Complex facilities like healthcare, airports, etc. that include heavy steel requirements and construction, require MEP contractors to create openings to install MEP equipment in tight spaces.
Modeling accurate apertures in the design phase with MEP coordinated models streamlines onsite activities. Prefabricated MEP equipment can be installed without any errors leading to diminished rework, and cost and time savings. Creating openings early on in the 3D model helps steel contractors visualize them and use them accordingly.
6. Lean towards integrated calculations for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and structural analysis
BIM authoring and checking tools are reinforced with capabilities that drive integrated calculations. Running analysis calculations in a BIM model helps save time and cost of using other tools. With calculations directly linked to the 3D model, BIM workflows can be improved.
3D BIM models built on parametric algorithms make sure changes are reflected across the entire model. This capability updates the information overview while reducing carbon footprint, and links multiple data sets to visualize the effects of various revisions. Tools like Revit and Navisworks can be used for MEP dimensioning, lighting, power consumption, flow rate, etc.
7. Model MEP components using standardized Revit content or families
For contractors and MEP professionals to achieve hassle-free fabrication and installation, designers need to utilize standardized Revit families in their 3D models. Incorporating manufacturer-specific MEP components in the 3D BIM model can be extremely useful for creating online BIM libraries.
Modeling ready-to-fabricate products can be effective as they offer customization options for dimensions, specifications, etc. MEP components modeled with accurate and industry-specific product data enable MEP contractors to facilitate hassle-free installation with a significant reduction in change orders and RFIs.
Project management solutions from Saudi Arabia outsourced its MEP BIM modeling requirements to Hitech CADD Services. The team confirmed to the business needs of the client. With a 3D model built at LOD 500, the client streamlined onsite activities, reduced rework, and save construction time. It also enabled the client to reap a better ROI.
8. Enrich your BIM workflows with prefabrication processes
Depending on the complexity and location of the project, contractors need to reinforce their BIM workflows with prefabrication. Offsite manufacturing of MEP components in a controlled environment augments MEP manufacturing accuracy and quality.
Shop drawings extracted from coordinated and clash-free 3D models drive higher manufacturing precision and onsite installation accuracy. Prefab drawings integrated with cutting lists make it simpler for onsite personnel to locate and install MEP equipment with greater transparency and safety.
9. Leverage the 3D BIM model to extract accurate QTOs and cost estimates
Pulling out precise quantity takeoffs to generate cost estimates from the IFC model is important to save time and lower material waste. Drawing BOQs and BOMs from coordinated and interference-free 3D models enables manufacturers to improve material requirements and logistics. MEP equipment information extracted from the model diminishes material duplication leading to efficient material usage and cost savings.
10. Using Virtual Reality to optimize onsite construction
There’s a myriad of ways onsite installation performance can be optimized. Using QR codes, MEP contractors, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers can draw out material information with dimensions, specs, model numbers, warranty, etc.
AR/VR technology and BIM 360 can help deliver additional insights through visualization of every space and corner such as spaces hidden behind concealed walls or ceilings. Personnel working from remote locations can utilize VR headsets to check and measure onsite MEP equipment and activities.
A general contracting company from Muscat, Oman required MEP clash detection services based on IFC drawings and architectural and structural BIM models provided as input. A clash-free 3D MEP model in Revit with LOD 400 was created with detailed clash detection reports. The client saved $7 million due to zero change orders, diminished onsite conflicts, and achieved 100 % installation of MEP systems.
Conclusion
Various factors are experienced by MEP contractors during the new construction or renovation of complex facilities. Ensuring quality MEP components, greater efficiency, and installation synergy becomes simpler with BIM for MEP.
With improved building design and fundamental factors, MEP coordination can reduce operational costs, reduce downtime, mitigate clashes, and improve energy efficiency. Outsourcing MEP coordination services to professionals can help you gain higher flexibility, greater scalability, quick onsite installation, and access to a myriad of MEP system resources.
About Author:
Harika Singh is an academic and published writer. Her passion for engineering and technology reflects in the in-depth coverage she provides on technology trends. 20 years of work association with institutes of repute across India and the US positions her to provide valuable insights to business stakeholders on achieving scalability and operational efficiencies through digitalization.