Why is Building Information Modeling alone not enough for MEP Contractors?

Building information modeling alone not enough for mep contractors UK

Evolution of the construction industry in terms of technologies is enhanced by digital transformation such as BIM and data-rich 3D Models. 3D graphical model of a building had made the projects to visualize the model on completion, coordinate scheduling, and resolve fabrication issues to check projects are completed faster and efficiently.

The skillset of designers and architects enhance BIM Software since its emergence. Companies if want to ahead of the competition need to implement and adopt BIM, which they might think would not be enough for MEP design Contractors.

The constructible process is what is needed by the construction companies other than BIM, where the MEP Contractors can streamline the BIM Services Standards in its workflow while coordinating the projects with other disciplines.

The constructible process includes stages, designs, and professionals to be connected internally to make the model and workflow as content-enabled and enhance the constructible models to drive smarter workflows. This process is used at every stage of a construction project to increase profitability, upgrade standard for quality driven projects, accuracy, and efficiency, and to work collaboratively to improve the projects for all the stakeholders.

How constructible process enhances MEP design workflow

The constructible process can be an effective tool for MEP Contractors to know why to let us see the narration below. Standard BIM processes would require the following MEP Services workflow such as 2D Drawings from architects and engineers can get converted into 3D Models, 3D Drawings is useful for clash detection, visualization and collaboration among all the stakeholders during project phases and 2D Drawing are created to fulfill contractual documentation needs, facilitate fabrication and collaboration in the workflow.

A collaborative approach with the adoption of technologies can aid project management and MEP Contractors to start building beyond BIM. Contractors can capitalize on the clash detection, visualization, and data-rich 3D Models to resolve issues occurring on the manual process.

5 Reasons why BIM is not sufficient for MEP Contractors

BIM alone does not guarantee the design is constructible

3D Model made by architects and engineers to visually showcase the designs are not constructible models. 3D models are the foundation model for any project where the constructible model can be applied to save time and efforts made by architects, structural and MEP engineers to view the design from the model.

The information available in the 3D Model is variable depending upon the level of detail it is made and how many parameters it needs to value upon. LOD is the fixed standard to be used in any BIM projects which describe what type of information the model can contain and what level the model can be prepared upon.

LOD 100 is planning of the design of the model, LOD 200 is a basic geometry based model, and LOD 300 is a model that has basic information and geometry figure. Whereas LOD 350 is the construction based model that can depict how the model will be on complete construction done, LOD 400 defines the fabrication of components, and its installation of the model and LOD 500 is the as-built model showing all physical components.

LOD describes the components of a 3D Model designed by the architects and engineers can aid in calculating estimates efficiently using software designed to coordinate among construction disciplines for the model. By using the constructible model into a project can save time while adding valuable data to the model.

BIM cannot alone coordinate the detailing

MEP engineers define the model’s design based on engineering concepts applied to it, construction knowledge and experience to designing the model based on MEP systems. 3D Model impacts the fabrication and installation process of a model with the use of a collaborative approach that helps in clash detection, reduction of adverse roads and grabs faster collaboration with the architects, structural and MEP engineers. By this, the MEP detailer can save time and money put on the project and helps in productivity.

BIM alone does not optimize the fabrication process

When fabricators are acquiring the design to fetch information regarding the model, the project may not be accurate as the information is not specific and does not match with the capabilities of using standards of BIM.

Fabricators, MEP detailers, and project managers provide the benefit of the data to be taken from the informative constructible model. Fabrication can be made easier by automating the programs of fetching data from the model and fabrication process. It aids in improving scheduling and cost estimating a factor of a project to be managed efficiently and control waste.

BIM alone does not ensure fast and efficient installation

BIM does not have accurate information about the real-world installation Subcontractors will see the design files that would contain the details of how parts are to be fitted or how components interact.

The installation process is improved as fabrication done for constructible models. All the stakeholders, owners, contractors, etc. are using the same information on the job site where collaboration happens in real-time and budgets are accurately calculated.

BIM alone does not facilitate structural maintenance

The constructible process, once completed in a project, can benefit the owners and facility managers who use the as-built model for maintenance activities. The information can be used here for energy and space allocation, future remodeling, or upgradation in the projects.

Conclusion

Constructible process other than BIM can help to improve the project’s efficiency, productivity, and accuracy for the MEP Contractors.  It will aid in the workflow of the building project to make it successful. BIM is useful to MEP Contractors that will enhance the project’s profitability and productivity by visual graphics elements exposure to aid in resolving clash detection across all the disciplinarians.

Author

  • Tesla CAD – UK is an Architectural and Engineering Firm providing CAD, BIM & Pre-construction Services in United Kingdom. Our core strengths are to provide quality deliverables within a quick turn around time. We follow British standards and codes diligently while working on building design and CAD Drawing projects. Our understanding is aligned with the needs of our clients. We aim to deliver high quality output in tandem to requirements of our clients. Our Services: Architectural Services, BIM Services, Scan to BIM Services, Steel Detailing Services, MEP BIM Co-ordination, MEP shop Drawings, Drafting Services and Mechanical Services.