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 trendy constructing services business considerations the efficient control of BIM fashions between MEP Consultants and MEP Contractors.
BIM has many advantages together with: better 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 knowledge circulate 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 members.
Within the conventional system, the place 2D design information is obtained, the MEP contractor could be accountable 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 – normally by utilizing 3D instruments or by utilizing BIM instruments. The top end result 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 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 a number of the scope historically taken on by contractors. Nonetheless and extra importantly, the MEP model from the guide just isn’t at all times coordinated in the way in which that the services could 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 programs, the 3D model supplied to the contractor by the guide might fall short as a result of a number of causes resembling: I) procurement-led adjustments for supplies and equipment; ii) it might not symbolize the precise set up course of or format; iii) the layouts will not be environment friendly i.e. permitting for too many bends and connections; iv) there will not be enough allowance for lagging; v) there will not be enough allowance for set up/hanging; and vi) there will not be allowance for entry for upkeep functions. In short, the guide’s 3D model could also be spatially coordinated however not enough for set up bim management services.
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 area. At that stage it’s virtually too late to make too many adjustments and the set up might be compromised as a evaluation of the model and revised drawings at that late stage will virtually definitely create further prices and charges.
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 further 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 initially of the method to outline the deliverables of every get together the scope might be diminished.
There are three alternate options accessible to the challenge staff to keep away from scope overlap on this method. Firstly, the guide might create a BIM model however might 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’s not coordinated however with environment friendly routes and shops for services 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 might 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’ expertise. By using these expertise on the design stage the output is extra prone to be extra helpful for the contractor whose position might then be to fine tune the model after which create drawings.
By managing MEP tasks utilizing one in all these strategies scope overlap might be diminished and tasks might be extra successfully managed and delivered throughout the pre-construction and BIM levels. The top end result might be a acquire for shoppers and a extra constructive and efficient use of BIM know-how to ship MEP BIM tasks.