All about MEP Coordination

MEPFS coordination is a practice of multidisciplinary communication between three main vertical structures of any building system, such as construction, structure (beam, pillar, torsion, etc.), and MEP models.

The effective building systems, notably the mechanical electrical plumbing services (MEP) and Fire Protection (FS) structures, are essential components of any structure, expected to cost up to 60 percent of the overall construction project costs. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) coordination is a crucial task and an integral aspect of the constructability examination process. Three areas of expertise are needed for MEP teamwork: planning, development, operation, and maintenance.

The functions of the MEPFS coordination are:

·     *     MEP Mechanical system – HVAC appliances and supply, e.g,. cooling tower, AHU, ducting, etc.

  * MEP Engineering Services – tables, switchboards, elevators, transformers, wire trays, etc. 

·    *   MEP Plumbing and Sanitary Facilities – pumps, water collection containers, pool cleaning machines, swamps, drainage dumps, grease and sand traps, etc.

·      *    MEP Fire Protection System – Fire sprinkler devices, fire shutters, smoke curtains, tubing systems, etc. 

·     *   Outside of the Building– External works, roof, and exterior of the house, etc.

MEP coordination is mostly about identifying and settling trade disputes – architectural, financial, electronic, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety – before work begins.

To preserve the balance between these different designs, it is important to integrate the revised designs of and discipline. Discipline must be mindful of the positions of other installations during the modelling process, and this will only work if the new, most detailed iteration of the grand plan of each MEP is made accessible. These prototypes may have collisions or interactions in certain places where one or more of the components share the same area. It is really important to get acquainted with these disputes at the early stage of the building process, which could cost you millions if not spotted in the design phase.

MEP collaboration operation synchronises all construction facilities with other disciplines that make up the building fabric, structure, and exterior envelope (steel, concrete, etc.). Building service coordination requires horizontal and vertical positions for individual device components under specified architectural and structural restrictions. Many of the specialists participating in the coordination process work on heavily congested areas inside infrastructure structures to avoid interfering with the design of service networks. 

BIM - A Crucial Part of MEP Coordination Process

BIM provides a visual capability (through 3D modelling) to the structures and talks close to the pre-construction design. This technology-based teamwork approach provides several advantages as connectivity and coordination begin at the 3D modelling level. MEP design service will get offered at a later level after the architectural BIM and structural BIM models have designed the premises for the MEP BIM model.

Fundamentally, BIM not only addresses systemic teamwork and simulation problems but also allows cooperation between various teams, contractors, suppliers, consultants, and engineers to create a clear communication platform. It reaches above and beyond and works along with new developments to facilitate positive outcomes for the job.

Benefits of MEP Coordination Using BIM

Clash-free Designs

The 3D model for Architecture, Structure, and MEP is made based on the designs of the BIM modellers. This model then gets submitted to Autodesk's Navisworks, where the collisions are tested, and a clash report gets produced. These clashes are overcome by making changes to the critical framework of the BIM model. Since the conflicts in the model are undeniable, it is easier to recognise them.

Reducing Project Rework 

A lot of time and resources will be lost if the clashes start at the building point (i.e., in the field) and need to get resolved. MEP BIM modelling services can decrease the amount of project rework and decrease emissions.

Early Stage Partnership 

Professionals are expected to work together at the design level and may be able to clarify their requirements to all team members. Thanks to early cooperation, the concept will be more successful because there would be fewer defects to be repaired at production.

Production Reductions 

BIM will create a building twice, first as a blueprint with all the data and second on-site. This determines the priorities in any disagreement before the start of the actual building. These improvements are easier and more affordable than the changes that can be made on-site (i.e., in the field). This, thus, eliminates waste as far as material and labour is concerned, thus saving resources as well.

Reduction of Waste Material 

Efficient collaboration during the design process would minimise the amount of waste produced by mistakes and modifications during the construction phase since the conflicts get settled at the design level.