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 considerations the efficient management of BIM fashions between MEP Consultants and MEP Contractors.
BIM has many advantages together with: higher 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 circulation 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 venture) between MEP (M&E) consultants, contractors and different downstream individuals.
Within the conventional system, the place 2D design information is obtained, the MEP contractor can 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 top 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 normal 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 just isn’t at all times coordinated in the best way that the services can 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 offered to the contractor by the advisor could fall short resulting from a lot of causes similar to: I) procurement-led adjustments for supplies and gear; ii) it might not symbolize 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 enough allowance for lagging; v) there is probably not enough 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 enough for set up.
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 subject. At that stage it’s virtually too late to make too many adjustments and the set up will likely be compromised as a assessment of the model and revised drawings at that late stage will virtually actually create extra prices and costs bim modeling services.
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 can affect venture 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 may be diminished.
There are three options obtainable to the venture crew to keep away from scope overlap on this method. Firstly, the advisor 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’s not coordinated however with environment friendly routes and shops for services that may then be fine-tuned. This method would scale 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 may nonetheless enable BIM model creation by the contractor and subsequently venture’s want for BIM will nonetheless be served. This technique permits the contractor to create a coordinated BIM model utilizing specialist MEP coordination corporations 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 more likely to be extra helpful for the contractor whose function could then be to tremendous tune the model after which create drawings.
By managing MEP tasks utilizing one in every of these strategies scope overlap will likely be diminished and tasks will likely be extra successfully managed and delivered through the pre-construction and BIM levels. The top outcome will likely be a achieve for shoppers and a extra constructive and efficient use of BIM know-how to ship MEP BIM tasks.