Because the MEP (M&E) trade worldwide continues to show to parametric 3D model-based constructing providers design and coordination processes, the query of who does what between contractors and consultants has re-emerged. One of many challenges within the trendy constructing providers trade 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 value effectivity. Nonetheless, implementing BIM requires efficiently managing scope definition and supply in addition to the data stream between the MEP (M&E) guide, 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 challenge) between MEP (M&E) consultants, contractors and different downstream contributors.
Within the conventional system, the place 2D design knowledge is obtained, the MEP contractor can be liable for providers coordination and conflict detection. He/she would overlay the 2D drawings of every of the providers (HVAC, electrical, and plumbing) and carry out an in depth coordination train – normally by utilizing 3D instruments or by utilizing BIM instruments. The tip outcome can be a model that’s spatially coordinated that may then be used for set up drawing creation and subsequent becoming/set up.
The standard strategy (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 guide can 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 among the scope historically taken on by contractors. Nonetheless and extra importantly, the MEP model from the guide isn’t all the time coordinated in the best way that the providers can be put in or be value efficient for an MEP contractor.
Although the consultants’ BIM MEP model could also be clash-free and spatially coordinated with the architectural and structural techniques, the 3D model supplied to the contractor by the guide could fall quick because of numerous causes reminiscent of: I) procurement-led adjustments for supplies and tools; ii) it might not symbolize the precise set up course of or structure; iii) the layouts is probably not environment friendly i.e. permitting for too many bends and connections; iv) there is probably not satisfactory allowance for lagging; v) there is probably not satisfactory allowance for set up/hanging; and vi) there is probably not allowance for entry for upkeep functions. In brief, the guide’s 3D model could also be spatially coordinated however not satisfactory for set up great site.
With out updating the BIM model to his personal becoming and set up necessities/requirements, the contractor is not going to expertise constructability points till within the discipline. At that stage it’s nearly too late to make too many adjustments and the set up will likely be compromised as a evaluation of the model and revised drawings at that late stage will nearly actually 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 value which is able to influence challenge profitability and schedules.
To many observers, such an overlap defeats the aim of using MEP (M&E) BIM strategies. With extra time at the beginning of the method to outline the deliverables of every social gathering the scope will be decreased.
There are three options out there to the challenge crew to keep away from scope overlap on this method. Firstly, the guide could create a BIM model however could not concentrate on making a coordinated or conflict free model. He/she would use the model to then create design drawings. This would supply the contractor with a model that isn’t coordinated however with environment friendly routes and retailers for providers that may then be fine-tuned. This strategy would scale back BIM modelling time for the guide because it removes the coordination ‘headache’.
Secondly, he could create a 2D design as within the conventional non-BIM period. This can nonetheless enable BIM model creation by the contractor and subsequently challenge’s want for BIM will nonetheless be served. This methodology permits the contractor to create a coordinated BIM model utilizing specialist MEP coordination corporations if wanted.
The third strategy 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 more likely to be extra helpful for the contractor whose function could then be to wonderful tune the model after which create drawings.
By managing MEP initiatives utilizing one in every of these strategies scope overlap will likely be decreased and initiatives will likely be extra successfully managed and delivered in the course of the pre-construction and BIM levels. The tip outcome will likely be a achieve for purchasers and a extra optimistic and efficient use of BIM expertise to ship MEP BIM initiatives.