Because the MEP (M&E) business worldwide continues to show to parametric 3D model-based constructing services design and coordination processes, the query of who does what between contractors and consultants has re-emerged. One of many challenges within the fashionable constructing services business issues the efficient management of BIM fashions between MEP Consultants and MEP Contractors.
BIM has many advantages together with: larger collaboration between stakeholders, improved design efficiency, much less constructability points on-site and price effectivity. Nonetheless, implementing BIM requires efficiently managing scope definition and supply in addition to the knowledge stream between the MEP (M&E) advisor, the MEP (M&E) contractor, a number of sub-contractors and store fabricators. Nonetheless, BIM can create scope overlap (and subsequently prices and delays for the undertaking) between MEP (M&E) consultants, contractors and different downstream contributors.
Within the conventional system, the place 2D design knowledge is acquired, the MEP contractor could be liable for services coordination and conflict detection. He/she would overlay the 2D drawings of every of the services (HVAC, electrical, and plumbing) and carry out an in depth coordination train – often through the use of 3D instruments or through the use of BIM instruments. The tip outcome could be a model that’s spatially coordinated that may then be used for set up drawing creation and subsequent becoming/set up.
The standard method (2D drawing deliverables) didn’t require design consultants to consider constructability and spatial coordination. Nonetheless, the BIM course of requires MEP (M&E) BIM consultants to create clash-free 3D MEP fashions earlier than creating 2D design drawings for contractors to make use of. Because the advisor can also be handing over their BIM model (which is more and more conflict free and coordinated to some extent) he/she is in impact finishing up a few of the scope historically taken on by contractors. Nonetheless and extra importantly, the MEP model from the advisor will not be at all times coordinated in the best way that the services could be put in or be price efficient for an MEP contractor.
Although the consultants’ BIM MEP model could also be clash-free and spatially coordinated with the architectural and structural programs, the 3D model supplied to the contractor by the advisor could fall short resulting from a variety of causes resembling: I) procurement-led modifications for supplies and gear; ii) it might not characterize the precise set up course of or format; iii) the layouts is probably not environment friendly i.e. permitting for too many bends and connections; iv) there is probably not sufficient allowance for lagging; v) there is probably not sufficient allowance for set up/hanging; and vi) there is probably not allowance for entry for upkeep functions. In short, the advisor’s 3D model could also be spatially coordinated however not sufficient for set up try this out.
With out updating the BIM model to his personal becoming and set up necessities/requirements, the contractor won’t expertise constructability points till within the discipline. At that stage it’s nearly too late to make too many modifications and the set up can be compromised as a assessment of the model and revised drawings at that late stage will nearly definitely create extra prices and costs.
This extra work by the contractor is in impact repeating the modelling train (in addition to the drawing train) and is the important thing space of scope overlap and subsequently extra time and price which is able to impression undertaking profitability and schedules.
To many observers, such an overlap defeats the aim of using MEP (M&E) BIM strategies. With extra time in the beginning of the method to outline the deliverables of every celebration the scope might be decreased.
There are three alternate options obtainable to the undertaking workforce to keep away from scope overlap on this method. Firstly, the advisor could create a BIM model however could not give attention to making a coordinated or conflict free model. He/she would use the model to then create design drawings. This would offer the contractor with a model that isn’t coordinated however with environment friendly routes and shops for services that may then be fine-tuned. This method would cut back BIM modelling time for the advisor because it removes the coordination ‘headache’.
Secondly, he could create a 2D design as within the conventional non-BIM period. This can nonetheless permit BIM model creation by the contractor and subsequently undertaking’s want for BIM will nonetheless be served. This technique permits the contractor to create a coordinated BIM model utilizing specialist MEP coordination companies if wanted.
The third method is for the design consultants to make use of specialist a MEP coordination agency that understands and possesses ‘coordination for set up’ abilities. By using these abilities on the design stage the output is extra prone to be extra helpful for the contractor whose function could then be to fine tune the model after which create drawings.
By managing MEP tasks utilizing considered one of these strategies scope overlap can be decreased and tasks can be extra successfully managed and delivered through the pre-construction and BIM levels. The tip outcome can be a achieve for purchasers and a extra constructive and efficient use of BIM know-how to ship MEP BIM tasks.