7 Ways MEP BIM Coordination Helps Contractors in Construction Process

Enhances 3D visualization of clashes and eases clash resolution

The coordinated BIM model provides a three dimensional view of the entire building project during pre-construction, enabling MEP contractors to easily visualize any design clashes.

The detailed 3D views of the corridors, fire walls, interstitial space, and sheer walls help contractors to examine the actual or exact space available. This helps to accommodate all the services efficiently and avoid physical interferences between MEP systems. MEP contractors and general contractors can easily mitigate construction delays caused due to rework by devising alternate solutions for the clashes. For example: changing the conduit sizes or the service routes.

Automates clash detection process

The distribution of MEP elements such as ductwork, electrical equipment, plumbing water pipes, VAV boxes etc. makes construction projects complex. It also results in numerous conflicts in MEP coordination.

BIM (Building Information Modeling) based MEP coordination systems automate the coordination and clash detection process by identifying soft clashes, hard clashes and workflow interferences at the pre-construction stage. This saves hundreds of man-hours required for the manual process.

Gets stakeholders on the same page in initial kick-off meetings

If various disciplines are not in sync, MEP coordination and clash-free installation becomes virtually impossible. A 3D coordinated MEP BIM model integrates all the project information into one model, making it a one-stop reference for all the different teams. This increases the effectiveness of the kick-off meetings in the pre-construction stage, allowing contractors and various stakeholders to be on the same page and gain better clarity.

Ensures accurate component pre-fabrication for MEP renovation projects

The use of MEP BIM modelling is also beneficial in renovation or extension of existing buildings. An as-built BIM model of an existing building provides information about the installed MEP systems including precise measurements about the ductwork. This facilitates hassle-free pre-fabrication, coordination and installation of the new MEP systems.

Facilitates accurate construction and site activity planning

The MEP coordinated BIM model clearly shows the placement of all the services and the corresponding structural components. 4D BIM enables contractors to designate material access paths and staging areas and plan and schedule material deliveries. Coordination with other stakeholders on the workflow schedules, facilitates accurate construction and onsite activity planning, ultimately resulting in clash-free construction.

Leads to smoother execution with zero change orders

Coordinated MEP BIM models provide contractors with exact dimensions of MEP fixtures and components, as well as corresponding offsets, materials and insulation at the pre-construction stage. This helps contractors to ensure accurate fabrication of the parts required and to speed up the ductwork and coordinate an efficient construction sequence, with zero rework. It also assists in making pre-emptive changes in duct sizing, pipe rerouting, equipment, and splitting of the electrical ladder.

Improves facility management

Coordinated BIM models improve facility management by providing access paths for the maintenance of existing equipment such as air conditioners, plumbing lines, and electric wiring. It also ensures safe vendor access to these facilities by accurately mapping the interstitial building space. Contractors also use the models to plan upgrades to the existing technology used in the buildings for energy conservation and for the corresponding decrease in the running costs.