Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

User:Drew Panchal

2022-03-07T19:40:34Z

Megan Cox:

United-BIM Inc. is an East Hartford, CT based company providing BIM modeling services (Architectural, Structural, MEPFS), [https://www.united-bim.com/mep-bim-coordination-clash-detection-services/ BIM Coordination], and [https://www.united-bim.com/clash-detection-services-clash-report-generation/ Clash Detection], [https://www.united-bim.com/construction-gatekeeping-services/ Construction Gatekeeping], [https://www.united-bim.com/revit-family-bim-object-creation-services/ Revit Family Creation] and Maintenance, [https://www.united-bim.com/point-cloud-scan-to-bim-services/ Scan to BIM], [https://www.united-bim.com/pdf-cad-to-bim-services-conversion-modeling/ PDF to BIM], and [https://www.united-bim.com/pdf-cad-to-bim-services-conversion-modeling/ CAD to BIM] modeling services for clients across Architectural Design & MEP Engineering Firms, Construction (GC/CM) Companies, Laser Scan Companies, Building Products, and Furniture Manufacturers.

We provide BIM modeling services with Quality, Speed, and a Consultative Approach by delivering "Peace of Mind" and "Value" to our clients through our [https://www.united-bim.com/bim-services/ BIM Services].

File:BIM Guidelines by DDC-NY.jpg

2022-03-07T19:36:28Z

Megan Cox:

The BIM uses guidelines by DDC (Department of Design & Construction) state consistent use of BIM across a wide range of building types and municipal agencies. This guide is about utilizing BIM and ensuring uniformity in the use of BIM for all the public building projects in New York City. The information in BIM and digitization of building information will enhance buildings project from conceptual design to operations & maintenance and on to demolition or renovation.

DDC-NY BIM Guidelines state that BIM authoring software shall be used through the project life cycles, supporting design criteria, pre-preliminary design, schematic design, design development, final construction documents, bid award and registration, construction, and regulatory approvals.

Read the full blog - [https://www.united-bim.com/bim-uses-guidelines-ddc-ny/ BIM Uses: A Guidelines by NY-Department of Design & Construction]

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:BIM]]

File:BIM Guidelines by DDC-NY.jpg

2022-03-07T19:32:48Z

Megan Cox:

Custom Revit Family Library

2020-10-06T07:28:16Z

Megan Cox:

Custom Revit Family Library (aka BIM Object or BIM Content) as the name suggests is a process of creating a customized family library of building materials or products or objects to achieve many-fold business objectives such as spatial planning, design analysis, cost estimation, product selection, and facility management. The biggest advantage of custom Revit BIM family or library is, any change to a family is updated and permeated throughout the project file where this particular family is being used. As a result, the biggest benefit is ‘Speed with Accuracy’ (along with the reduced cost of failure) for the project that can be achieved with Custom Revit Family Library.

As we all know, Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) authoring software built by [https://www.autodesk.com/ Autodesk]. It is a design and documentation software program widely used by the AEC professionals, building product and furniture designers and detailers, and facility and asset managers.

Jeff Hanson, Sr. Subject Matter Expert, Autodesk in his blog titled “[https://blogs.autodesk.com/revit/2018/08/27/understanding-revit-families/ Your guide to understanding Revit Families]” states that Revit families are at the core of Revit, creating Revit Family is same as writing DNA code for an element and quoting further “Simply: the family contains the DNA of how to make an element in Revit, and when you author Revit families, you are writing the DNA code for an element. The family describes the basic geometry of the element, the behavior/relationships of the geometry, and defines the element’s parameters.”

At [https://www.united-bim.com/revit-family-bim-object-creation-services/ United-BIM], our Revit family creation and maintenance services provide our clients, such as architects, engineers, building product and furniture manufacturers, detailers, facility managers/asset managers, and suppliers with customized Revit families or BIM objects and we can provide the product data in the format (.rfa, .rvt, .ifc) of their choice.

== What is a Revit Family? ==

Everything in a Revit is a part of a family. There are three types of families – system families, component families, and in-place families and they all fit into a clearly defined hierarchy. At the highest level of this hierarchy, are Categories – model and annotation.

* Model: Walls, Windows, Stairs, Beams, Doors, etc
* Annotation: Text, Dimensions, Tags, etc.

All the above-mentioned category items come in all shapes, sizes, and behaviors. Therefore, the next level of the hierarchy after Category is the Family. All Revit elements belong to a family and the best way to think about families as a collection of like items sharing the same overall look and behavior.

Families are enriched by common attributes, parameters, properties, article number (SKU), and pictorial representations. Each family can have multiple types such as different sizes, materials, parameter variables, etc. Any changes made to a particular type are updated throughout the entire project. The concept is known as being parametrically-aligned. For example, if the height of a door in a family is changed once, heights of all the doors of the same type throughout the project get automatically updated.

BSI is providing with a [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/Building-Information-Modelling-BIM/bim-objects/ BSI kitemark certification] that provides assurance to specifiers and customers that BIM Objects and the associated data are accurate in their representation.

Our Revit experts embed BIM objects and metadata including product literature, standard details, technical datasheets, NBS specifications, model numbers, and warranty information in the product catalogs.

=== Download Revit Family 101 - Infographic ===

Download a printable “Revit Family 101” infographic. It is specially designed to explain the hierarchy and the elements in a Revit family.

[[w/index.php?title=W/index.php%3Ftitle%3DSpecial:Upload%26wpDestFile%3DRevit-Family-101-Hierarchy-and-Elements-in-a-Revit-Family-Explained-by-United-BIM_.jpg&action=edit&redlink=1|750px]] [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-revit-family-101/ DOWNLOAD]

=== Download Revit Family 201 - Infographic ===

Download a printable A3 size “Revit Family 201” infographic describing key design considerations & explaining the 5-step process for creating a family in Revit.

[[w/index.php?title=W/index.php%3Ftitle%3DSpecial:Upload%26wpDestFile%3DRevit-family-201-A-5-Step-Process-for-Revit-Family-Creation-by-United-BIM.jpg&action=edit&redlink=1|750px]] [https://www.united-bim.com/revit-family-201-infographic/ DOWNLOAD]

The following components are used for building a model:

# Architectural: Floors, Caseworks, Windows, Railings, Furniture, Entourages, Doors.
# Structural: Columns, Steel Beam Sections & Steel Trusses, Structural Connections, Steel Sections, Stiffeners.
# Mechanical: Pipe- Valve, Strainer, Hanger. Duct Hanger, Air Terminal, HVAC systems with Ducting and Air Terminals, Pipe Systems.
# Electrical: Switches and Sockets, Distribution Boards, Transformers, Fire Alarm Devices, Lighting Fixtures, Electrical Panels, and Junction Boxes, Recessed and Track Lighting.
# Plumbing: Fixtures (Urinals, Water Closets, and Washbasins), Valves, Fittings, Pumps, Devices (measuring devices, gauges).
# HVAC: Diffusers, Registers & Grilles, Fan Coil Units, Valves and Fittings, AHU (Air Handling Units).
# Furniture and Fixtures: Chairs, Desks/Tables, Monitor Arms.

== Types of Revit Families: ==

There are three different kinds of families in Revit. These families are differentiated based on parameter values, sizes, materials, or the applicability of a family. Here are the different types of Revit families:

=== 1. System Families ===

System families are the families that come predefined in the software. These families are used for the creation of basic components in a model such as walls, ceilings, and other components used for creating a structure.

As they are already predefined, they cannot be created or deleted and cannot be loaded from an external source. However, most system families can have more than one TYPE. A type is like a collection of variables like sizes or materials for a family. A family can have more than one type.

So, while you cannot load system families into templates and projects, you can add, delete and edit the types associated with each of the provided families.

=== 2. Loadable or Component Families ===

Loadable or component families are the exact opposite of system families. Here, one can create a component from scratch which can be used at a later stage according to the project requirements. These can be imported into any project and be customized according to the specific requirement without any restriction.

Custom families can speed up the modeling process as teams can quickly embed the available components in a project. Not only does this help in the creation of an accurate and standardized model but it speeds up the entire modeling process by leveraging custom Revit libraries.

=== 3. In-place Families ===

In-place families are user-defined families that include particular BIM components created for a particular project. Similar to system families, they can only be used for a particular project and cannot be saved to any other project.

Although, in-place families can only be created in a project and not as a separate family file. That allows customized creation and free-form objects in a project. In-place families are more effective when the project demands very specialized and unique design scenarios.

== Who Needs Revit Families and How They are Used? ==

* AEC Firms – Architectural, MEP and Construction Firms
** Architecture & Interior Design firms: For the product selection to carry out spatial planning, functional design, and cost estimation.
** Engineering Firms: For the product selection to carry out spatial planning, functional design, and cost estimation.
** Construction Firms: To purchase the products as per project specs and requirements.
* Building Product Manufacturers (BPM) – To provide digital models to the Architecture & Design community for product planning & selection.
* Product Design Companies – To carry out a detailed feasibility study, functional design analysis, and to provide digital models to the Architecture & Design community.
* Facility Manager/Asset Manager: To manage the life-cycle of installed products based on their serial number, asset tag, warranty, etc.

== Revit Family File Formats ==

All the above-mentioned stakeholders can ask for a Revit Family in their choice of file format/extension. The different file formats in which a Revit family can be provided are RVT, RTE, RFA, RFT, IFC. A family is created in RFA (Revit Family File) file format in Revit. RVT is associated with the project files of a Revit Family. They are used to fully render 3D views in design projects & they contain various building modeling data like images, plans, sections, project settings, etc. RTE & RFT (Revit Family Template) are family templates to make a standardized template for a company. IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is a neutral, open file format specification that is not controlled by a single vendor. It provides an interoperability solution between different software applications. The format establishes international standards to import and export building objects and their properties. The model is submitted in one of two file formats: IFC or IFX (xml format) and then converted into a Revit model.

To create a Revit Family the file can be submitted in various file formats or softwares. All the following softwares are accepted and can be converted into a Revit Family:

# AutoCAD
# IFC
# Solidworks
# Fusion 360
# InfraWorks
# 3DS Max
# SketchUp
# TinkerCAD, etc.

While writing this blog, we came across a few very good websites offering free downloads of BIM objects uploaded by product manufacturers:

* The largest BIM objects library for MEP engineers – [https://www.mepcontent.com/en/ https://www.mepcontent.com/en/]
* Autodesk Revit –[https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/revit/ https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/revit/]
* BIM Objects – [https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/find-bim-objects/ https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/find-bim-objects/]
* 21 sites to download free Revit families – [https://www.arch2o.com/architects-download-revit-families-free/ https://www.arch2o.com/architects-download-revit-families-free/]

=== Key Considerations While Developing Custom Revit Families (BIM Content/Models/Objects) ===

# LOD – Family can have level of detail ranging from LOD 100 to LOD 500 depending on the use case of it.
# Data Accuracy – Since BOM (Bill of material), BOQ (Bill of Quantity), prefabrication sets, ordering lists, takeoffs & submittals depend on the accuracy of the information, they are key considerations while designing a family.
# Compact Content (File Size) – It is important for the interoperability of the files that each .rvt, .rte, .pcf, .pln, .ifc etc. file type is compact enough to transfer from one stakeholder to another or for the website upload/download
# Software Type and Version – The compatibility depends on the software type & version used for the entire design project like Revit 2018 or 2019 or 2020.
# Cataloging Product Family – Define the parent category and sub-categories with an option to select parameters for the product selection.

== Benefits of Custom Revit Family Development ==

Revit Families can improve operational efficiency as well as the end-results. As user-defined families are highly-customizable, modelers can make use of the components as and when required, based on the needs of the project.

The parametric advantage of user-defined families is that it ensures that a project is standardized and that reduces wastage of time and efforts. Here are some benefits of using custom Revit families:

[[w/index.php?title=W/index.php%3Ftitle%3DSpecial:Upload%26wpDestFile%3DRevit-Family-BIM-Content-Creation-Services-by-United-BIM.jpg&action=edit&redlink=1|800px]]

=== 1. Re-use of Components in Multiple Projects – Savings in Time and Effort ===

Professionals can use components and elements of loadable Revit families again and again on multiple projects. This means they don’t have to design elements within a model from scratch, every time, saving valuable man-hours and hours of effort while working on a project.

=== 2. Easy Replacement of One Component with Another ===

Components in a Revit family can be easily replaced without disturbing other aspects of a model. A designer just has to delete a custom component of a Revit family and embed another component without having to disturb the entire project and start from scratch. As every component is saved in the Revit library, the designer can toggle between components easily.

=== 3. Quick Customization According to Project Needs ===

User-defined loadable component libraries can easily be customized using available Revit tools and components. This means that each of the components can be customized according to the specific project requirement. Moreover, the parametric nature of the Revit family ensures that the component from the same family gets updated throughout the entire project model.

=== 4. Better Operational Flexibility ===

As there is immense scope for customization of Revit family components, it empowers designers and teams to achieve the desired level of flexibility. They can cater to the personalized demands of the client and become more flexible in their approach without wasting time. They can learn from demand patterns and industry trends to create custom Revit libraries that suit their design goals.

=== 5. Better Models for Marketing & Promotion Purposes ===

One of the main advantages of using Revit family components is the standardization and uniformity they promise. Once developed, a Revit family component stays the same and can be customized throughout the project without dealing with each instance of the component, individually.

This means that the final model design is much more refined and appealing to all the stakeholders.

== Wrapping Up ==

Custom Revit Family Library is flexible, easy-to-use, and highly-efficient for all building design and construction projects as well as for the building product and furniture design. In the modern AEC landscape that demands resilient and reliable models, all the stakeholders involved in designing a building as well as a building product and furniture manufacturers can offer a significant edge to their customers by providing custom Revit family (BIM object/Content).

== References: ==

For those who would like to understand the topic in more detail, we recommend reading the following references

# [https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/article/Revit-Families-Step-Step-Introduction-2018 https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/article/Revit-Families-Step-Step-Introduction-2018]
# [https://www.augi.com/articles/detail/starting-a-revit-family https://www.augi.com/articles/detail/starting-a-revit-family]
# [https://ec-3.org/conf2019/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/Contribution_187_final.pdf https://ec-3.org/conf2019/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/Contribution_187_final.pdf]

Custom Revit Family Library

2020-10-06T07:25:36Z

Megan Cox:

Custom Revit Family Library (aka BIM Object or BIM Content) as the name suggests is a process of creating a customized family library of building materials or products or objects to achieve many-fold business objectives such as spatial planning, design analysis, cost estimation, product selection, and facility management. The biggest advantage of custom Revit BIM family or library is, any change to a family is updated and permeated throughout the project file where this particular family is being used. As a result, the biggest benefit is ‘Speed with Accuracy’ (along with the reduced cost of failure) for the project that can be achieved with Custom Revit Family Library.

As we all know, Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) authoring software built by [https://www.autodesk.com/ Autodesk]. It is a design and documentation software program widely used by the AEC professionals, building product and furniture designers and detailers, and facility and asset managers.

Jeff Hanson, Sr. Subject Matter Expert, Autodesk in his blog titled “[https://blogs.autodesk.com/revit/2018/08/27/understanding-revit-families/ Your guide to understanding Revit Families]” states that Revit families are at the core of Revit, creating Revit Family is same as writing DNA code for an element and quoting further “Simply: the family contains the DNA of how to make an element in Revit, and when you author Revit families, you are writing the DNA code for an element. The family describes the basic geometry of the element, the behavior/relationships of the geometry, and defines the element’s parameters.”

At [https://www.united-bim.com/revit-family-bim-object-creation-services/ United-BIM], our Revit family creation and maintenance services provide our clients, such as architects, engineers, building product and furniture manufacturers, detailers, facility managers/asset managers, and suppliers with customized Revit families or BIM objects and we can provide the product data in the format (.rfa, .rvt, .ifc) of their choice.

== What is a Revit Family? ==

Everything in a Revit is a part of a family. There are three types of families – system families, component families, and in-place families and they all fit into a clearly defined hierarchy. At the highest level of this hierarchy, are Categories – model and annotation.

* Model: Walls, Windows, Stairs, Beams, Doors, etc
* Annotation: Text, Dimensions, Tags, etc.

All the above-mentioned category items come in all shapes, sizes, and behaviors. Therefore, the next level of the hierarchy after Category is the Family. All Revit elements belong to a family and the best way to think about families as a collection of like items sharing the same overall look and behavior.

Families are enriched by common attributes, parameters, properties, article number (SKU), and pictorial representations. Each family can have multiple types such as different sizes, materials, parameter variables, etc. Any changes made to a particular type are updated throughout the entire project. The concept is known as being parametrically-aligned. For example, if the height of a door in a family is changed once, heights of all the doors of the same type throughout the project get automatically updated.

BSI is providing with a [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/Building-Information-Modelling-BIM/bim-objects/ BSI kitemark certification] that provides assurance to specifiers and customers that BIM Objects and the associated data are accurate in their representation.

Our Revit experts embed BIM objects and metadata including product literature, standard details, technical datasheets, NBS specifications, model numbers, and warranty information in the product catalogs.

=== Download Revit Family 101 - Infographic ===

Download a printable “Revit Family 101” infographic. It is specially designed to explain the hierarchy and the elements in a Revit family.

[[w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Revit-Family-101-Hierarchy-and-Elements-in-a-Revit-Family-Explained-by-United-BIM_.jpg|750px]] [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-revit-family-101/ DOWNLOAD]

=== Download Revit Family 201 - Infographic ===

Download a printable A3 size “Revit Family 201” infographic describing key design considerations & explaining the 5-step process for creating a family in Revit.

[[w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Revit-family-201-A-5-Step-Process-for-Revit-Family-Creation-by-United-BIM.jpg|750px]] [https://www.united-bim.com/revit-family-201-infographic/ DOWNLOAD]

The following components are used for building a model:

# Architectural: Floors, Caseworks, Windows, Railings, Furniture, Entourages, Doors.
# Structural: Columns, Steel Beam Sections & Steel Trusses, Structural Connections, Steel Sections, Stiffeners.
# Mechanical: Pipe- Valve, Strainer, Hanger. Duct Hanger, Air Terminal, HVAC systems with Ducting and Air Terminals, Pipe Systems.
# Electrical: Switches and Sockets, Distribution Boards, Transformers, Fire Alarm Devices, Lighting Fixtures, Electrical Panels, and Junction Boxes, Recessed and Track Lighting.
# Plumbing: Fixtures (Urinals, Water Closets, and Washbasins), Valves, Fittings, Pumps, Devices (measuring devices, gauges).
# HVAC: Diffusers, Registers & Grilles, Fan Coil Units, Valves and Fittings, AHU (Air Handling Units).
# Furniture and Fixtures: Chairs, Desks/Tables, Monitor Arms.

== Types of Revit Families: ==

There are three different kinds of families in Revit. These families are differentiated based on parameter values, sizes, materials, or the applicability of a family. Here are the different types of Revit families:

=== 1. System Families ===

System families are the families that come predefined in the software. These families are used for the creation of basic components in a model such as walls, ceilings, and other components used for creating a structure.

As they are already predefined, they cannot be created or deleted and cannot be loaded from an external source. However, most system families can have more than one TYPE. A type is like a collection of variables like sizes or materials for a family. A family can have more than one type.

So, while you cannot load system families into templates and projects, you can add, delete and edit the types associated with each of the provided families.

=== 2. Loadable or Component Families ===

Loadable or component families are the exact opposite of system families. Here, one can create a component from scratch which can be used at a later stage according to the project requirements. These can be imported into any project and be customized according to the specific requirement without any restriction.

Custom families can speed up the modeling process as teams can quickly embed the available components in a project. Not only does this help in the creation of an accurate and standardized model but it speeds up the entire modeling process by leveraging custom Revit libraries.

=== 3. In-place Families ===

In-place families are user-defined families that include particular BIM components created for a particular project. Similar to system families, they can only be used for a particular project and cannot be saved to any other project.

Although, in-place families can only be created in a project and not as a separate family file. That allows customized creation and free-form objects in a project. In-place families are more effective when the project demands very specialized and unique design scenarios.

== Who Needs Revit Families and How They are Used? ==

* AEC Firms – Architectural, MEP and Construction Firms
** Architecture & Interior Design firms: For the product selection to carry out spatial planning, functional design, and cost estimation.
** Engineering Firms: For the product selection to carry out spatial planning, functional design, and cost estimation.
** Construction Firms: To purchase the products as per project specs and requirements.
* Building Product Manufacturers (BPM) – To provide digital models to the Architecture & Design community for product planning & selection.
* Product Design Companies – To carry out a detailed feasibility study, functional design analysis, and to provide digital models to the Architecture & Design community.
* Facility Manager/Asset Manager: To manage the life-cycle of installed products based on their serial number, asset tag, warranty, etc.

== Revit Family File Formats ==

All the above-mentioned stakeholders can ask for a Revit Family in their choice of file format/extension. The different file formats in which a Revit family can be provided are RVT, RTE, RFA, RFT, IFC. A family is created in RFA (Revit Family File) file format in Revit. RVT is associated with the project files of a Revit Family. They are used to fully render 3D views in design projects & they contain various building modeling data like images, plans, sections, project settings, etc. RTE & RFT (Revit Family Template) are family templates to make a standardized template for a company. IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is a neutral, open file format specification that is not controlled by a single vendor. It provides an interoperability solution between different software applications. The format establishes international standards to import and export building objects and their properties. The model is submitted in one of two file formats: IFC or IFX (xml format) and then converted into a Revit model.

To create a Revit Family the file can be submitted in various file formats or softwares. All the following softwares are accepted and can be converted into a Revit Family:

# AutoCAD
# IFC
# Solidworks
# Fusion 360
# InfraWorks
# 3DS Max
# SketchUp
# TinkerCAD, etc.

While writing this blog, we came across a few very good websites offering free downloads of BIM objects uploaded by product manufacturers:

* The largest BIM objects library for MEP engineers – [https://www.mepcontent.com/en/ https://www.mepcontent.com/en/]
* Autodesk Revit –[https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/revit/ https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/revit/]
* BIM Objects – [https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/find-bim-objects/ https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/find-bim-objects/]
* 21 sites to download free Revit families – [https://www.arch2o.com/architects-download-revit-families-free/ https://www.arch2o.com/architects-download-revit-families-free/]

=== Key Considerations While Developing Custom Revit Families (BIM Content/Models/Objects) ===

# LOD – Family can have level of detail ranging from LOD 100 to LOD 500 depending on the use case of it.
# Data Accuracy – Since BOM (Bill of material), BOQ (Bill of Quantity), prefabrication sets, ordering lists, takeoffs & submittals depend on the accuracy of the information, they are key considerations while designing a family.
# Compact Content (File Size) – It is important for the interoperability of the files that each .rvt, .rte, .pcf, .pln, .ifc etc. file type is compact enough to transfer from one stakeholder to another or for the website upload/download
# Software Type and Version – The compatibility depends on the software type & version used for the entire design project like Revit 2018 or 2019 or 2020.
# Cataloging Product Family – Define the parent category and sub-categories with an option to select parameters for the product selection.

== Benefits of Custom Revit Family Development ==

Revit Families can improve operational efficiency as well as the end-results. As user-defined families are highly-customizable, modelers can make use of the components as and when required, based on the needs of the project.

The parametric advantage of user-defined families is that it ensures that a project is standardized and that reduces wastage of time and efforts. Here are some benefits of using custom Revit families:

[[w/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Revit-Family-BIM-Content-Creation-Services-by-United-BIM.jpg|800px]]

=== 1. Re-use of Components in Multiple Projects – Savings in Time and Effort ===

Professionals can use components and elements of loadable Revit families again and again on multiple projects. This means they don’t have to design elements within a model from scratch, every time, saving valuable man-hours and hours of effort while working on a project.

=== 2. Easy Replacement of One Component with Another ===

Components in a Revit family can be easily replaced without disturbing other aspects of a model. A designer just has to delete a custom component of a Revit family and embed another component without having to disturb the entire project and start from scratch. As every component is saved in the Revit library, the designer can toggle between components easily.

=== 3. Quick Customization According to Project Needs ===

User-defined loadable component libraries can easily be customized using available Revit tools and components. This means that each of the components can be customized according to the specific project requirement. Moreover, the parametric nature of the Revit family ensures that the component from the same family gets updated throughout the entire project model.

=== 4. Better Operational Flexibility ===

As there is immense scope for customization of Revit family components, it empowers designers and teams to achieve the desired level of flexibility. They can cater to the personalized demands of the client and become more flexible in their approach without wasting time. They can learn from demand patterns and industry trends to create custom Revit libraries that suit their design goals.

=== 5. Better Models for Marketing & Promotion Purposes ===

One of the main advantages of using Revit family components is the standardization and uniformity they promise. Once developed, a Revit family component stays the same and can be customized throughout the project without dealing with each instance of the component, individually.

This means that the final model design is much more refined and appealing to all the stakeholders.

=== Wrapping Up ===

Custom Revit Family Library is flexible, easy-to-use, and highly-efficient for all building design and construction projects as well as for the building product and furniture design. In the modern AEC landscape that demands resilient and reliable models, all the stakeholders involved in designing a building as well as a building product and furniture manufacturers can offer a significant edge to their customers by providing custom Revit family (BIM object/Content).

=== References: ===

For those who would like to understand the topic in more detail, we recommend reading the following references

# [https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/article/Revit-Families-Step-Step-Introduction-2018 https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/article/Revit-Families-Step-Step-Introduction-2018]
# [https://www.augi.com/articles/detail/starting-a-revit-family https://www.augi.com/articles/detail/starting-a-revit-family]
# [https://ec-3.org/conf2019/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/Contribution_187_final.pdf https://ec-3.org/conf2019/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/Contribution_187_final.pdf]

Custom Revit Family Library

2020-10-06T07:19:33Z

Megan Cox: Created page with "Custom Revit Family Library (aka BIM Object or BIM Content) as the name suggests is a process of creating a customized family library of building materials or products or objects..."

Custom Revit Family Library (aka BIM Object or BIM Content) as the name suggests is a process of creating a customized family library of building materials or products or objects to achieve many-fold business objectives such as spatial planning, design analysis, cost estimation, product selection, and facility management. The biggest advantage of custom Revit BIM family or library is, any change to a family is updated and permeated throughout the project file where this particular family is being used. As a result, the biggest benefit is ‘Speed with Accuracy’ (along with the reduced cost of failure) for the project that can be achieved with Custom Revit Family Library.

As we all know, Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) authoring software built by [https://www.autodesk.com/ Autodesk]. It is a design and documentation software program widely used by the AEC professionals, building product and furniture designers and detailers, and facility and asset managers.

Jeff Hanson, Sr. Subject Matter Expert, Autodesk in his blog titled “[https://blogs.autodesk.com/revit/2018/08/27/understanding-revit-families/ Your guide to understanding Revit Families]” states that Revit families are at the core of Revit, creating Revit Family is same as writing DNA code for an element and quoting further “Simply: the family contains the DNA of how to make an element in Revit, and when you author Revit families, you are writing the DNA code for an element. The family describes the basic geometry of the element, the behavior/relationships of the geometry, and defines the element’s parameters.”

At [https://www.united-bim.com/revit-family-bim-object-creation-services/ United-BIM], our Revit family creation and maintenance services provide our clients, such as architects, engineers, building product and furniture manufacturers, detailers, facility managers/asset managers, and suppliers with customized Revit families or BIM objects and we can provide the product data in the format (.rfa, .rvt, .ifc) of their choice.

== What is a Revit Family? ==

Everything in a Revit is a part of a family. There are three types of families – system families, component families, and in-place families and they all fit into a clearly defined hierarchy. At the highest level of this hierarchy, are Categories – model and annotation.

* Model: Walls, Windows, Stairs, Beams, Doors, etc
* Annotation: Text, Dimensions, Tags, etc.

All the above-mentioned category items come in all shapes, sizes, and behaviors. Therefore, the next level of the hierarchy after Category is the Family. All Revit elements belong to a family and the best way to think about families as a collection of like items sharing the same overall look and behavior.

Families are enriched by common attributes, parameters, properties, article number (SKU), and pictorial representations. Each family can have multiple types such as different sizes, materials, parameter variables, etc. Any changes made to a particular type are updated throughout the entire project. The concept is known as being parametrically-aligned. For example, if the height of a door in a family is changed once, heights of all the doors of the same type throughout the project get automatically updated.

BSI is providing with a [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/Building-Information-Modelling-BIM/bim-objects/ BSI kitemark certification] that provides assurance to specifiers and customers that BIM Objects and the associated data are accurate in their representation.

Our Revit experts embed BIM objects and metadata including product literature, standard details, technical datasheets, NBS specifications, model numbers, and warranty information in the product catalogs.

=== Download Revit Family 101 - Infographic ===

Download a printable “Revit Family 101” infographic. It is specially designed to explain the hierarchy and the elements in a Revit family.

[[File:Revit-Family-101-Hierarchy-and-Elements-in-a-Revit-Family-Explained-by-United-BIM_.jpg|750px|link=https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-revit-family-101/]] [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-revit-family-101/ DOWNLOAD]

=== Download Revit Family 201 - Infographic ===

Download a printable A3 size “Revit Family 201” infographic describing key design considerations & explaining the 5-step process for creating a family in Revit.

[[File:Revit-family-201-A-5-Step-Process-for-Revit-Family-Creation-by-United-BIM.jpg|750px|link=https://www.united-bim.com/revit-family-201-infographic/]] [https://www.united-bim.com/revit-family-201-infographic/ DOWNLOAD]

The following components are used for building a model:

# Architectural: Floors, Caseworks, Windows, Railings, Furniture, Entourages, Doors.
# Structural: Columns, Steel Beam Sections & Steel Trusses, Structural Connections, Steel Sections, Stiffeners.
# Mechanical: Pipe- Valve, Strainer, Hanger. Duct Hanger, Air Terminal, HVAC systems with Ducting and Air Terminals, Pipe Systems.
# Electrical: Switches and Sockets, Distribution Boards, Transformers, Fire Alarm Devices, Lighting Fixtures, Electrical Panels, and Junction Boxes, Recessed and Track Lighting.
# Plumbing: Fixtures (Urinals, Water Closets, and Washbasins), Valves, Fittings, Pumps, Devices (measuring devices, gauges).
# HVAC: Diffusers, Registers & Grilles, Fan Coil Units, Valves and Fittings, AHU (Air Handling Units).
# Furniture and Fixtures: Chairs, Desks/Tables, Monitor Arms.

== Types of Revit Families: ==

There are three different kinds of families in Revit. These families are differentiated based on parameter values, sizes, materials, or the applicability of a family. Here are the different types of Revit families:

=== 1. ===

=== System Families ===

System families are the families that come predefined in the software. These families are used for the creation of basic components in a model such as walls, ceilings, and other components used for creating a structure.

As they are already predefined, they cannot be created or deleted and cannot be loaded from an external source. However, most system families can have more than one TYPE. A type is like a collection of variables like sizes or materials for a family. A family can have more than one type.

So, while you cannot load system families into templates and projects, you can add, delete and edit the types associated with each of the provided families.

=== 2. ===

=== Loadable or Component Families ===

Loadable or component families are the exact opposite of system families. Here, one can create a component from scratch which can be used at a later stage according to the project requirements. These can be imported into any project and be customized according to the specific requirement without any restriction.

Custom families can speed up the modeling process as teams can quickly embed the available components in a project. Not only does this help in the creation of an accurate and standardized model but it speeds up the entire modeling process by leveraging custom Revit libraries.

=== 3. ===

=== In-place Families ===

In-place families are user-defined families that include particular BIM components created for a particular project. Similar to system families, they can only be used for a particular project and cannot be saved to any other project.

Although, in-place families can only be created in a project and not as a separate family file. That allows customized creation and free-form objects in a project. In-place families are more effective when the project demands very specialized and unique design scenarios.

=== Who Needs Revit Families and How They are Used? ===

* AEC Firms – Architectural, MEP and Construction Firms
** Architecture & Interior Design firms: For the product selection to carry out spatial planning, functional design, and cost estimation.
** Engineering Firms: For the product selection to carry out spatial planning, functional design, and cost estimation.
** Construction Firms: To purchase the products as per project specs and requirements.
* Building Product Manufacturers (BPM) – To provide digital models to the Architecture & Design community for product planning & selection.
* Product Design Companies – To carry out a detailed feasibility study, functional design analysis, and to provide digital models to the Architecture & Design community.
* Facility Manager/Asset Manager: To manage the life-cycle of installed products based on their serial number, asset tag, warranty, etc.

=== Revit Family File Formats ===

All the above-mentioned stakeholders can ask for a Revit Family in their choice of file format/extension. The different file formats in which a Revit family can be provided are RVT, RTE, RFA, RFT, IFC. A family is created in RFA (Revit Family File) file format in Revit. RVT is associated with the project files of a Revit Family. They are used to fully render 3D views in design projects & they contain various building modeling data like images, plans, sections, project settings, etc. RTE & RFT (Revit Family Template) are family templates to make a standardized template for a company. IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is a neutral, open file format specification that is not controlled by a single vendor. It provides an interoperability solution between different software applications. The format establishes international standards to import and export building objects and their properties. The model is submitted in one of two file formats: IFC or IFX (xml format) and then converted into a Revit model.

To create a Revit Family the file can be submitted in various file formats or softwares. All the following softwares are accepted and can be converted into a Revit Family:

# AutoCAD
# IFC
# Solidworks
# Fusion 360
# InfraWorks
# 3DS Max
# SketchUp
# TinkerCAD, etc.

While writing this blog, we came across a few very good websites offering free downloads of BIM objects uploaded by product manufacturers:

* The largest BIM objects library for MEP engineers – [https://www.mepcontent.com/en/ https://www.mepcontent.com/en/]
* Autodesk Revit –[https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/revit/ https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/revit/]
* BIM Objects – [https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/find-bim-objects/ https://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/en/find-bim-objects/]
* 21 sites to download free Revit families – [https://www.arch2o.com/architects-download-revit-families-free/ https://www.arch2o.com/architects-download-revit-families-free/]

=== Key Considerations While Developing Custom Revit Families (BIM Content/Models/Objects) ===

# LOD – Family can have level of detail ranging from LOD 100 to LOD 500 depending on the use case of it.
# Data Accuracy – Since BOM (Bill of material), BOQ (Bill of Quantity), prefabrication sets, ordering lists, takeoffs & submittals depend on the accuracy of the information, they are key considerations while designing a family.
# Compact Content (File Size) – It is important for the interoperability of the files that each .rvt, .rte, .pcf, .pln, .ifc etc. file type is compact enough to transfer from one stakeholder to another or for the website upload/download
# Software Type and Version – The compatibility depends on the software type & version used for the entire design project like Revit 2018 or 2019 or 2020.
# Cataloging Product Family – Define the parent category and sub-categories with an option to select parameters for the product selection.

== Benefits of Custom Revit Family Development ==

Revit Families can improve operational efficiency as well as the end-results. As user-defined families are highly-customizable, modelers can make use of the components as and when required, based on the needs of the project.

The parametric advantage of user-defined families is that it ensures that a project is standardized and that reduces wastage of time and efforts. Here are some benefits of using custom Revit families:

[[File:Revit-Family-BIM-Content-Creation-Services-by-United-BIM.jpg|800px]]

=== 1. Re-use of Components in Multiple Projects – Savings in Time and Effort ===

Professionals can use components and elements of loadable Revit families again and again on multiple projects. This means they don’t have to design elements within a model from scratch, every time, saving valuable man-hours and hours of effort while working on a project.

=== 2. Easy Replacement of One Component with Another ===

Components in a Revit family can be easily replaced without disturbing other aspects of a model. A designer just has to delete a custom component of a Revit family and embed another component without having to disturb the entire project and start from scratch. As every component is saved in the Revit library, the designer can toggle between components easily.

=== 3. Quick Customization According to Project Needs ===

User-defined loadable component libraries can easily be customized using available Revit tools and components. This means that each of the components can be customized according to the specific project requirement. Moreover, the parametric nature of the Revit family ensures that the component from the same family gets updated throughout the entire project model.

=== 4. Better Operational Flexibility ===

As there is immense scope for customization of Revit family components, it empowers designers and teams to achieve the desired level of flexibility. They can cater to the personalized demands of the client and become more flexible in their approach without wasting time. They can learn from demand patterns and industry trends to create custom Revit libraries that suit their design goals.

=== 5. Better Models for Marketing & Promotion Purposes ===

One of the main advantages of using Revit family components is the standardization and uniformity they promise. Once developed, a Revit family component stays the same and can be customized throughout the project without dealing with each instance of the component, individually.

This means that the final model design is much more refined and appealing to all the stakeholders.

Wrapping Up

Custom Revit Family Library is flexible, easy-to-use, and highly-efficient for all building design and construction projects as well as for the building product and furniture design. In the modern AEC landscape that demands resilient and reliable models, all the stakeholders involved in designing a building as well as a building product and furniture manufacturers can offer a significant edge to their customers by providing custom Revit family (BIM object/Content).

References:

For those who would like to understand the topic in more detail, we recommend reading the following references

# [https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/article/Revit-Families-Step-Step-Introduction-2018 https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/article/Revit-Families-Step-Step-Introduction-2018]
# [https://www.augi.com/articles/detail/starting-a-revit-family https://www.augi.com/articles/detail/starting-a-revit-family]
# [https://ec-3.org/conf2019/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/Contribution_187_final.pdf https://ec-3.org/conf2019/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/Contribution_187_final.pdf]

MEP Coordination

2020-10-06T07:05:25Z

Megan Cox:

If your building design philosophy is ‘First Time Right’ and you firmly believe in ‘Prevention is Better Than Cure’ than you will truly appreciate the value that BIM-based MEP coordination (also known as design collaboration) process brings to a design and construction project.

In this article, our goal is to walk you through the entire MEP coordination and share a Downloadable Checklist ([https://www.united-bim.com/about-united-bim-services/quality-checks-and-practices-bim-drawing-check-list-revit/ Design Coordination & Drawing Review]) and Downloadable Infographics ([https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-mep-coordination-workflow-relation-with-lod/ MEP Coordination Workflow] & [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-mep-dashboard-for-gate-keeper-meeting MEP Dashboard]) that you can use it for your current or upcoming design and construction project.

Before we get into MEP coordination, let us understand design phases, building-design approach, and building services.

== Building Design Phases ==

American Institute of Architects, Pittsburgh in their community article has separated the building design process into multiple phases. We have outlined five phases and included the emphasis of each phase.

== Approaches for Design Coordination of a Construction Project ==

=== Traditional approach ===

For many centuries the basis of architecture projects were 2D drawings (plans, sections, elevations) and in those designs, it was hard to find out the interference.

Traditionally MEP coordination is conducted through a “sequential comparison overlay process” (Riley et al. 2005; Khanzode et al. 2008; Korman and Speidel 2010). In this process, the functional design is prepared by a consultant engineer, while the detailed design for each trade is developed by specialty contractors. The specialty contractors sequentially compare their shop drawings of the same scale on a light table and try to identify potential conflicts. Obviously, this manual method is costly, time-consuming, and inefficient.

When CAD was introduced, designs were made in a 2D model, in this method, there is no automated system to identify the clashes/conflicts in the MEP system and therefore there is a high degree of reliance on the intuition, imagination, technical knowledge, and experience of the team members to put out the services without site teams experiencing clashes.

2D drawings can show the layout of it but can’t detect the conflict or the clash since that’s only possible with 3D simulation/model and also there is always a challenge of getting required (requested) MEP space from the design team members.

=== BIM-based approach ===

BIM-based (3D modeling) approach modernized the design process by providing a virtual 3D model of the building which can be developed before the actual construction begins. This virtual model provides/delivers speed as well as convenience, making design changes in a 3D model is easier. You can easily alter any part of a 3D model, eliminating the need to redraw the design again and again. Also, the 3D model shows the clashes/conflicts between different trades/disciplines.

The BIM-based approach during MEP coordination facilitates collaboration among all the different discipline specialists (includes Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural engineers), so that they could share comparative data and necessary interdisciplinary information with each other. BIM allows for the simplification of many tasks and considerable savings both in terms of money and time.

With respect to MEP coordination, the traditional design process relies on the completed design from all project participants (trades/discipline), while in the BIM-based approach it starts in the earliest form of the design development process stage.

Usually, MEP BIM models are developed at five level-of-details:

# 3D MEP preliminary design model (LOD 100)
# 3D MEP detailed design model (LOD 200)
# 3D MEP construction design model (LOD 300)
# MEP construction model (LOD 350)
# MEP prefabrication model (LOD 400)

The following image shows differences between the traditional design coordination and the BIM-based design approach.

All designs start with sketches and move to 2D drawings ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview Autodesk’s AutoCAD] widely used) and then advances towards the 3D model ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/overview Autodesk’s Revit] widely used) in the case of BIM-based design approach.

Revit follows a BIM (Building Information Model) workflow as compared to a CAD workflow. With Revit, You can streamline the design documentation process and maximize productivity.

Downloadable Checklist ([https://www.united-bim.com/about-united-bim-services/quality-checks-and-practices-bim-drawing-check-list-revit/ Design Coordination & Drawing Review]) and Downloadable Infographics ([https://www.united-bim.com/info-graphic-mep-coordination-workflow-relation-with-lod MEP Coordination Workflow] & [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-mep-dashboard-for-gate-keeper-meeting MEP Dashboard]) that you can use it for your current or upcoming design and construction project.

Now let’s understand building service systems and how important they are for MEP coordination/collaboration:

== About Building Design Systems ==

As per Bachman 2004, the fundamental building systems classifications are:

* Architectural system – Indoor and outdoor separation: wall, fenestration, roofs
* Structural system – Elements providing static equilibrium against gravity and dynamic loads
* Building services – HVAC, electrical, plumbing, vertical transportation, and life safety systems
* Interior systems – Occupied space encompassing partitions, finishes, lighting, acoustics, and furniture
* Site service – Landscape and support systems for the building, including parking, drainage, vegetation, and utilities

Building service systems termed as the active building systems include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Building services must fit within the constraints of architecture and structure and must meet the expected performance regarding comfort and safety. Building systems moderate the building environments, distribute electric energy, allow communication, enable critical manufacturing process, provide water and dispose of waste, and provide critical resources for life safety as mentioned in Korman 2008.

The scope of building services systems is continually increasing due to increasing requirements for building users. Building projects now include more than the traditional Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems, such inclusion is fire protections, controls, process piping, and telephone/datacom as per Korman 2008.

== What is MEP Coordination? ==

MEPFS coordination is a practice of multi-disciplinary collaboration of three major design verticals of any building infrastructure, which are architecture, structure (beam, column, torsion, etc.) and MEP designs.

The active systems of the building namely Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) and Fire Safety (FS) frameworks are fundamental components of any building, they have been estimated to cost up to 60% of the total cost of the building projects as per Korman and Huey-King 2013. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) coordination is one critical activity and an important part of the constructability review process. Three knowledge domains are required for MEP coordination, namely, design, construction, and operations and maintenance.

The trades of MEPFS Coordination are:

* Mechanical System – HVAC Equipment and distribution such as Cooling tower, AHU, Ducting, etc.
* Electrical System – Panels, switchboards, elevators, transformer, cable trays, etc.
* Plumbing and Sanitary System – Pumps, water holding tanks, pool filtration equipment, Sump, sewage pit, grease and sand traps, etc.
* Fire Safety System – Fire sprinkler pumps, sprinkler tanks fire shutter, smoke curtains, piping system, etc.
* Outside of Building – External works, rooftop, and external face of a building, etc.

MEP coordination is all about detecting and resolving clashes among trades – architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety before construction starts.

To keep the harmony between these separate designs, it’s essential to have a coordination of updated designs of each discipline. Each discipline must be precisely aware of the locations of other installations during the modeling phases and this can only happen when the latest, most precise version of each MEP’s master plan is made available. It may happen that these designs have collisions or clash in some locations, where one or many components are occupying the same space. It is very crucial to get knowledge of these clashes at an earlier stage of the construction project which can cost you millions if not detected in the design phase.

MEP coordination service is about synchronizing all the building services with other disciplines that form the building fabric, structure and external envelope (steel, concrete, etc.). Building service coordination involves assigning horizontal and vertical locations for individual systems components within the defined architectural and structural constraints. Mostly the professionals conducting the coordination process focus on highly congested spaces within the structural systems to prevent building service systems interference.

The building services coordination at the design development and review stage is the first stage of coordination of building projects.

== BIM - An Integral Part of MEP Coordination Process ==

BIM gives a visual capacity (through 3D modeling) to the structures and intently speaks to the developed structure at the pre-construction stage. This technology-based approach for coordination offers multiple advantages as communication and collaboration begin at the 3D modeling stage itself. MEP BIM 3D Modeling services comes in the later stage after the Architectural BIM and Structural BIM models have structured the premise for an MEP BIM model.

Fundamentally, BIM not just resolves the structure coordination and modeling difficulties however it helps coordination between different teams, contractors, fabricators, consultants and engineers to build up a consistent communication channel. It goes above and beyond and works together with new advances to encourage better task results.

In the BIM-based approach, MEPFS 3D coordination modeling ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/overview Autodesk’s Navisworks] widely used), highlights all clashes within MEP systems against other MEP systems or MEP systems against structural) integrates each team’s designs and finds out all the clashes, ensuring that there is harmony between the Architectural design, Structural design, and MEPFS design. Conflicts eliminated at an early stage will surely have a positive outcome on the project.

At this stage, BIM modeling service providers like United-BIM can help you in MEP Coordination. Once we run the [https://www.united-bim.com/what-is-clash-detection-in-bim-process-benefits-and-future-scope-in-modern-day-aec-industry/ clash detection process] in Navisworks by providing Architectural, Structural, and MEP models, we have the clash report showing possible collisions or clashes at multiple locations with reference positions in the coordinated design. After locating and analyzing the cause of clash, the required design changes need to be done to solve the clash.

A BIM representation can be viewed as a smart object or parametric model that changes in all views if any one input is updated since it is all digital.

As per our experience of over 300 projects, most clashes are found in “Plumbing to Structural” and “Mechanical to Structural”. Here is a list of coordination of different disciplines with the examples of their clash report.

1. Plumbing to Structural (mostly found with flange and foundation)

2. Mechanical to Structural (with Flange)

3. Electrical to Structural

4. Plumbing to Mechanical

5. Mechanical to Electrical

6. Plumbing to Electrical

== How to do MEP Coordination in BIM-based Design? ==

MEP coordination starts in Schematic Design (SD) phase and it has to be completed before the Construction Documents (CD) phase. Usually, GC (General Contractor) holds a Gatekeeper meeting where all disciplines are involved and collectively they review clash reports with an objective to have a design that is completely clash-free.

Download a template of MEP Dashboard for Gatekeeper Meeting. It is specially designed for you to track down the MEP coordination and clash detection activities from the start of the meeting till the final sign-off meeting.

Let’s look at the flow of how MEP coordination is carried out in the design and construction project.

There are 5 steps to successful MEP Design & Coordination process:

=== Step 1: Using Right MEP BIM Template ===

Load MEP BIM Template before the start of a new project. The template should be based on the company’s standards for each of the listed trades:

* Mechanical Services
* Electrical Services
* Plumbing and Sanitary Services
* Fire Protection Services

=== Step 2: Architectural Model Validation ===

Verify/Check the coordinate of the Architectural model. It is important to have the same coordinates for both MEP and Architectural models before linking them. The best approach is to use the “Origin to Origin” positioning option for placing both models.

=== Step 3: Prepare the MEP Model ===

Prepare MEP model each of the disciplines/trades – Mechanical (HVAC etc.), Electrical, Plumbing and include all elements before linking them for coordination with other sub-disciplines within the central file.

Coordination or collaboration between MEP sub-disciplines within the building are:

* Level by Level (Story by Story)
* Room by room (Below Raised Floor)
* Horizontal Space (Plenum)
* Vertical Space (Core Shafts)

And collaboration elements outside the building are:

* Mechanical System – HVAC equipment and distribution, ducting, etc.
* Plumbing and Sanitary System – Pumps, water holding tanks, pool filtration equipment, Sump, sewage pit, grease and sand traps, etc.
* Fire Protection System – Fire sprinkler pumps, sprinkler tanks fire shutter, smoke curtains, piping system, etc.
* Electrical System – Panels, switchboards, elevators, transformer, cable trays, etc.

=== Step 4: Run the Clash-detection ===

In Autodesk’s Navisworks any two disciplinary models are coordinated together and by clicking on “Run Test”, it shows the report of the clashes occurred between the coordinated model.

=== Step 5: Review and Resolve ===

In this step, we can know the ID of the element that clashes, and fix it in the Revit file.

Once all clashes/conflicts are solved in the Revit file, you have to export it again, with the same name and in the same folder. When you reload the cache in the Navisworks, resolved clashes will appear in the yellow in the “Resolved Section”. If any new clashes emerge, they are classified in red as new.

== How MEP Coordination can help in a Construction Project? ==

In some cases, around 40% of a building’s construction budget can go into project’s Mechanical (i.e. ducts, pipes, equipment, etc.), Electrical (i.e. light fixtures, data/power outlets, etc.), Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems; a huge monetary investment that has an impact on the operating cost of the building in both, shorter and longer run. Thus, to establish disciplined MEP coordination in a construction project is admirable for every sector. A well-executed MEP design coordination can save you millions and maybe more importantly deliver the project faster.

Through MEP coordination, when the clash is detected in design, the Architect & Engineer can collaborate and decide upon the redesign of collided design elements. The new version of the design is updated in the entire design model. This multi-disciplinary collaboration can save designers and engineers from cumbersome efforts of repetitively updating designs.

MEP Coordination is also useful for retrofit and redevelopment projects. There are technologies and software available to capture existing infrastructure with accuracy. HVAC, electrical, and plumbing model retrofit provides improvements in energy and building performance through MEP coordination. Reality computing and [https://www.united-bim.com/scan-to-bim/ Point Cloud to BIM] are some of the technology which enables us to fully coordinate the MEP model of existing facilities in quick time.

Greater flexibility, scalability, swifter turnarounds, a reduction in overhead expenditures, and access to state-of-the-art resources are all benefits of outsourcing BIM MEP coordination.

=== Benefits of MEP Coordination ===

# Clash-free Design
# Reduce Project Rework
# Collaboration at Early Stage
# Cost Saving
# Reduction in Material Waste

== Benefits of MEP Coordination using BIM ==

Let’s talk about benefits, it is a no-brainer and very well understood but still, it is important to highlight the key benefits and what advantages it offers to various stakeholders and to the project.

=== 1. Clash-free Designs ===

A 3D model for Architecture, Structure, and MEP is made dependent on the plans created by the BIM modelers. This model is then sent out to Autodesk Navisworks where it is checked for the clashes and a clash report is created. These clashes are settled by making the vital structure changes in the BIM model. Since the clashes are effectively unmistakable in the model, it is simpler to determine them.

=== 2. Reduce Project Rework ===

A lot of time and money can be wasted if the clashes are found at the construction stage (i.e. in the field) and then they need to be rectified. Having MEP BIM Modeling services can reduce the amount of project rework and limiting waste.

=== 3. Collaboration at Early Stage ===

The professionals are required to work together at the designing stage and they will be able to explain their specifications to other team members. Because of the early collaboration, the design can be more effective and there will be fewer mistakes to be rectified at the time of construction.

=== 4. Cost Saving ===

BIM can build a building twice, first as a model with all the data and second on the site. This guides in the goals of any contentions before the beginning of the actual construction. These changes are simpler and more affordable when contrasted with the changes that should be done on-site (i.e. in the field). This, thus, lessens wastage as far as material and labor, consequently saving money as well.

As per Riley (2000), I found the average cost of fixing a field conflict on an average project to range from $500-$3500 for minor rerouting, $2,000-$25,000 for a major conflict, and design change.

=== 5. Reduction in Material Waste ===

Effective coordination during the design stage will reduce waste generated by errors and alterations during the construction stage because the clashes are solved at the design stage.

== Summary ==

BIM-based design and construction approach (part of Virtual Design Construction) allows data-driven collaboration among architectural, structural, and MEP from the outset increases design confidence, and simplified phasing. And as a result, the design-to-construction workflow is significantly overhauled.

== References ==

In this article, we have taken references to published materials by various experts and researchers. We have credited them throughout the article to acknowledge their work.

For those who like to get into details, we recommend reading the following references.

# Korman, T., Simonian, L., & Speidel, E. (2008). Using Building Information Modeling to improve the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing coordination process for buildings. In Proceedings of the AEI 2008 Conference, Colorado, USA.
# A [http://eprints.kfupm.edu.sa/140079/1/Babatunde_Olusegun_Adewale_Thesis.pdf#page=65&zoom=100,0,524 thesis] by Babatunde Adewale on the topic “A framework for the process of effective coordination of building services during the design development and review stages.”
# [https://www.corenet.gov.sg/media/586155/Essential-Guide-MEP.pdf Building an essential guide for MEP consultants] by Building and Construction Authority.
# [https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Integrated+Buildings%3A+The+Systems+Basis+of+Architecture-p-9780471388272 Integrated Buildings: The Systems Basis of Architecture] by Leonard R Bachman.
# [https://aiapgh.org/aia-community/working-with-an-architect/six-phases-of-your-project/ American Institute of Architect Pittsburgh] in its community article has separated the building design process into multiple phases.
# [https://stacks.stanford.edu/file/druid:vn180wh3959/WP054.pdf MEP Coordination in Building and Industrial Project] by C. Bob Tatum and Thomas Korman

[[Category:BIM]]

MEP Coordination

2020-09-25T12:49:05Z

Megan Cox:

If your building design philosophy is ‘First Time Right’ and you firmly believe in ‘Prevention is Better Than Cure’ than you will truly appreciate the value that BIM-based MEP coordination (also known as design collaboration) process brings to a design and construction project.

In this article, our goal is to walk you through the entire MEP coordination and share a Downloadable Checklist ([https://www.united-bim.com/about-united-bim-services/quality-checks-and-practices-bim-drawing-check-list-revit/ Design Coordination & Drawing Review]) and Downloadable Infographics ([https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-mep-coordination-workflow-relation-with-lod/ MEP Coordination Workflow] & [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-mep-dashboard-for-gate-keeper-meeting MEP Dashboard]) that you can use it for your current or upcoming design and construction project.

Before we get into MEP coordination, let us understand design phases, building-design approach, and building services.

== Building Design Phases ==

American Institute of Architects, Pittsburgh in their community article has separated the building design process into multiple phases. We have outlined five phases and included the emphasis of each phase.

== Approaches for Design Coordination of a Construction Project ==

=== Traditional approach ===

For many centuries the basis of architecture projects were 2D drawings (plans, sections, elevations) and in those designs, it was hard to find out the interference.

Traditionally MEP coordination is conducted through a “sequential comparison overlay process” (Riley et al. 2005; Khanzode et al. 2008; Korman and Speidel 2010). In this process, the functional design is prepared by a consultant engineer, while the detailed design for each trade is developed by specialty contractors. The specialty contractors sequentially compare their shop drawings of the same scale on a light table and try to identify potential conflicts. Obviously, this manual method is costly, time-consuming, and inefficient.

When CAD was introduced, designs were made in a 2D model, in this method, there is no automated system to identify the clashes/conflicts in the MEP system and therefore there is a high degree of reliance on the intuition, imagination, technical knowledge, and experience of the team members to put out the services without site teams experiencing clashes.

2D drawings can show the layout of it but can’t detect the conflict or the clash since that’s only possible with 3D simulation/model and also there is always a challenge of getting required (requested) MEP space from the design team members.

=== BIM-based approach ===

BIM-based (3D modeling) approach modernized the design process by providing a virtual 3D model of the building which can be developed before the actual construction begins. This virtual model provides/delivers speed as well as convenience, making design changes in a 3D model is easier. You can easily alter any part of a 3D model, eliminating the need to redraw the design again and again. Also, the 3D model shows the clashes/conflicts between different trades/disciplines.

The BIM-based approach during MEP coordination facilitates collaboration among all the different discipline specialists (includes Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural engineers), so that they could share comparative data and necessary interdisciplinary information with each other. BIM allows for the simplification of many tasks and considerable savings both in terms of money and time.

With respect to MEP coordination, the traditional design process relies on the completed design from all project participants (trades/discipline), while in the BIM-based approach it starts in the earliest form of the design development process stage.

Usually, MEP BIM models are developed at five level-of-details:

# 3D MEP preliminary design model (LOD 100)
# 3D MEP detailed design model (LOD 200)
# 3D MEP construction design model (LOD 300)
# MEP construction model (LOD 350)
# MEP prefabrication model (LOD 400)

The following image shows differences between the traditional design coordination and the BIM-based design approach.

All designs start with sketches and move to 2D drawings ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview Autodesk’s AutoCAD] widely used) and then advances towards the 3D model ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/overview Autodesk’s Revit] widely used) in the case of BIM-based design approach.

Revit follows a BIM (Building Information Model) workflow as compared to a CAD workflow. With Revit, You can streamline the design documentation process and maximize productivity.

Downloadable Checklist ([https://www.united-bim.com/about-united-bim-services/quality-checks-and-practices-bim-drawing-check-list-revit/ Design Coordination & Drawing Review]) and Downloadable Infographics ([https://www.united-bim.com/info-graphic-mep-coordination-workflow-relation-with-lod MEP Coordination Workflow] & [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-mep-dashboard-for-gate-keeper-meeting MEP Dashboard]) that you can use it for your current or upcoming design and construction project.

Now let’s understand building service systems and how important they are for MEP coordination/collaboration:

== About Building Design Systems ==

As per Bachman 2004, the fundamental building systems classifications are:

* Architectural system – Indoor and outdoor separation: wall, fenestration, roofs
* Structural system – Elements providing static equilibrium against gravity and dynamic loads
* Building services – HVAC, electrical, plumbing, vertical transportation, and life safety systems
* Interior systems – Occupied space encompassing partitions, finishes, lighting, acoustics, and furniture
* Site service – Landscape and support systems for the building, including parking, drainage, vegetation, and utilities

Building service systems termed as the active building systems include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Building services must fit within the constraints of architecture and structure and must meet the expected performance regarding comfort and safety. Building systems moderate the building environments, distribute electric energy, allow communication, enable critical manufacturing process, provide water and dispose of waste, and provide critical resources for life safety as mentioned in Korman 2008.

The scope of building services systems is continually increasing due to increasing requirements for building users. Building projects now include more than the traditional Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems, such inclusion is fire protections, controls, process piping, and telephone/datacom as per Korman 2008.

== What is MEP Coordination? ==

MEPFS coordination is a practice of multi-disciplinary collaboration of three major design verticals of any building infrastructure, which are architecture, structure (beam, column, torsion, etc.) and MEP designs.

The active systems of the building namely Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) and Fire Safety (FS) frameworks are fundamental components of any building, they have been estimated to cost up to 60% of the total cost of the building projects as per Korman and Huey-King 2013. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) coordination is one critical activity and an important part of the constructability review process. Three knowledge domains are required for MEP coordination, namely, design, construction, and operations and maintenance.

The trades of MEPFS Coordination are:

* Mechanical System – HVAC Equipment and distribution such as Cooling tower, AHU, Ducting, etc.
* Electrical System – Panels, switchboards, elevators, transformer, cable trays, etc.
* Plumbing and Sanitary System – Pumps, water holding tanks, pool filtration equipment, Sump, sewage pit, grease and sand traps, etc.
* Fire Safety System – Fire sprinkler pumps, sprinkler tanks fire shutter, smoke curtains, piping system, etc.
* Outside of Building – External works, rooftop, and external face of a building, etc.

MEP coordination is all about detecting and resolving clashes among trades – architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety before construction starts.

To keep the harmony between these separate designs, it’s essential to have a coordination of updated designs of each discipline. Each discipline must be precisely aware of the locations of other installations during the modeling phases and this can only happen when the latest, most precise version of each MEP’s master plan is made available. It may happen that these designs have collisions or clash in some locations, where one or many components are occupying the same space. It is very crucial to get knowledge of these clashes at an earlier stage of the construction project which can cost you millions if not detected in the design phase.

MEP coordination service is about synchronizing all the building services with other disciplines that form the building fabric, structure and external envelope (steel, concrete, etc.). Building service coordination involves assigning horizontal and vertical locations for individual systems components within the defined architectural and structural constraints. Mostly the professionals conducting the coordination process focus on highly congested spaces within the structural systems to prevent building service systems interference.

The building services coordination at the design development and review stage is the first stage of coordination of building projects.

== BIM - An Integral Part of MEP Coordination Process ==

BIM gives a visual capacity (through 3D modeling) to the structures and intently speaks to the developed structure at the pre-construction stage. This technology-based approach for coordination offers multiple advantages as communication and collaboration begin at the 3D modeling stage itself. MEP BIM 3D Modeling services comes in the later stage after the Architectural BIM and Structural BIM models have structured the premise for an MEP BIM model.

Fundamentally, BIM not just resolves the structure coordination and modeling difficulties however it helps coordination between different teams, contractors, fabricators, consultants and engineers to build up a consistent communication channel. It goes above and beyond and works together with new advances to encourage better task results.

In the BIM-based approach, MEPFS 3D coordination modeling ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/overview Autodesk’s Navisworks] widely used), highlights all clashes within MEP systems against other MEP systems or MEP systems against structural) integrates each team’s designs and finds out all the clashes, ensuring that there is harmony between the Architectural design, Structural design, and MEPFS design. Conflicts eliminated at an early stage will surely have a positive outcome on the project.

At this stage, BIM modeling service providers like United-BIM can help you in MEP Coordination. Once we run the [https://www.united-bim.com/what-is-clash-detection-in-bim-process-benefits-and-future-scope-in-modern-day-aec-industry/ clash detection process] in Navisworks by providing Architectural, Structural, and MEP models, we have the clash report showing possible collisions or clashes at multiple locations with reference positions in the coordinated design. After locating and analyzing the cause of clash, the required design changes need to be done to solve the clash.

A BIM representation can be viewed as a smart object or parametric model that changes in all views if any one input is updated since it is all digital.

As per our experience of over 300 projects, most clashes are found in “Plumbing to Structural” and “Mechanical to Structural”. Here is a list of coordination of different disciplines with the examples of their clash report.

1. Plumbing to Structural (mostly found with flange and foundation)

2. Mechanical to Structural (with Flange)

3. Electrical to Structural

4. Plumbing to Mechanical

5. Mechanical to Electrical

6. Plumbing to Electrical

== How to do MEP Coordination in BIM-based Design? ==

MEP coordination starts in Schematic Design (SD) phase and it has to be completed before the Construction Documents (CD) phase. Usually, GC (General Contractor) holds a Gatekeeper meeting where all disciplines are involved and collectively they review clash reports with an objective to have a design that is completely clash-free.

Download a template of MEP Dashboard for Gatekeeper Meeting. It is specially designed for you to track down the MEP coordination and clash detection activities from the start of the meeting till the final sign-off meeting.

Let’s look at the flow of how MEP coordination is carried out in the design and construction project.

There are 5 steps to successful MEP Design & Coordination process:

=== Step 1: Using Right MEP BIM Template ===

Load MEP BIM Template before the start of a new project. The template should be based on the company’s standards for each of the listed trades:

* Mechanical Services
* Electrical Services
* Plumbing and Sanitary Services
* Fire Protection Services

=== Step 2: Architectural Model Validation ===

Verify/Check the coordinate of the Architectural model. It is important to have the same coordinates for both MEP and Architectural models before linking them. The best approach is to use the “Origin to Origin” positioning option for placing both models.

=== Step 3: Prepare the MEP Model ===

Prepare MEP model each of the disciplines/trades – Mechanical (HVAC etc.), Electrical, Plumbing and include all elements before linking them for coordination with other sub-disciplines within the central file.

Coordination or collaboration between MEP sub-disciplines within the building are:

* Level by Level (Story by Story)
* Room by room (Below Raised Floor)
* Horizontal Space (Plenum)
* Vertical Space (Core Shafts)

And collaboration elements outside the building are:

* Mechanical System – HVAC equipment and distribution, ducting, etc.
* Plumbing and Sanitary System – Pumps, water holding tanks, pool filtration equipment, Sump, sewage pit, grease and sand traps, etc.
* Fire Protection System – Fire sprinkler pumps, sprinkler tanks fire shutter, smoke curtains, piping system, etc.
* Electrical System – Panels, switchboards, elevators, transformer, cable trays, etc.

=== Step 4: Run the Clash-detection ===

In Autodesk’s Navisworks any two disciplinary models are coordinated together and by clicking on “Run Test”, it shows the report of the clashes occurred between the coordinated model.

=== Step 5: Review and Resolve ===

In this step, we can know the ID of the element that clashes, and fix it in the Revit file.

Once all clashes/conflicts are solved in the Revit file, you have to export it again, with the same name and in the same folder. When you reload the cache in the Navisworks, resolved clashes will appear in the yellow in the “Resolved Section”. If any new clashes emerge, they are classified in red as new.

== How MEP Coordination can help in a Construction Project? ==

In some cases, around 40% of a building’s construction budget can go into project’s Mechanical (i.e. ducts, pipes, equipment, etc.), Electrical (i.e. light fixtures, data/power outlets, etc.), Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems; a huge monetary investment that has an impact on the operating cost of the building in both, shorter and longer run. Thus, to establish disciplined MEP coordination in a construction project is admirable for every sector. A well-executed MEP design coordination can save you millions and maybe more importantly deliver the project faster.

Through MEP coordination, when the clash is detected in design, the Architect & Engineer can collaborate and decide upon the redesign of collided design elements. The new version of the design is updated in the entire design model. This multi-disciplinary collaboration can save designers and engineers from cumbersome efforts of repetitively updating designs.

MEP Coordination is also useful for retrofit and redevelopment projects. There are technologies and software available to capture existing infrastructure with accuracy. HVAC, electrical, and plumbing model retrofit provides improvements in energy and building performance through MEP coordination. Reality computing and [https://www.united-bim.com/scan-to-bim/ Point Cloud to BIM] are some of the technology which enables us to fully coordinate the MEP model of existing facilities in quick time.

Greater flexibility, scalability, swifter turnarounds, a reduction in overhead expenditures, and access to state-of-the-art resources are all benefits of outsourcing BIM MEP coordination.

=== Benefits of MEP Coordination ===

# Clash-free Design
# Reduce Project Rework
# Collaboration at Early Stage
# Cost Saving
# Reduction in Material Waste

== Benefits of MEP Coordination using BIM ==

Let’s talk about benefits, it is a no-brainer and very well understood but still, it is important to highlight the key benefits and what advantages it offers to various stakeholders and to the project.

=== 1. Clash-free Designs ===

A 3D model for Architecture, Structure, and MEP is made dependent on the plans created by the BIM modelers. This model is then sent out to Autodesk Navisworks where it is checked for the clashes and a clash report is created. These clashes are settled by making the vital structure changes in the BIM model. Since the clashes are effectively unmistakable in the model, it is simpler to determine them.

=== 2. Reduce Project Rework ===

A lot of time and money can be wasted if the clashes are found at the construction stage (i.e. in the field) and then they need to be rectified. Having MEP BIM Modeling services can reduce the amount of project rework and limiting waste.

=== 3. Collaboration at Early Stage ===

The professionals are required to work together at the designing stage and they will be able to explain their specifications to other team members. Because of the early collaboration, the design can be more effective and there will be fewer mistakes to be rectified at the time of construction.

=== 4. Cost Saving ===

BIM can build a building twice, first as a model with all the data and second on the site. This guides in the goals of any contentions before the beginning of the actual construction. These changes are simpler and more affordable when contrasted with the changes that should be done on-site (i.e. in the field). This, thus, lessens wastage as far as material and labor, consequently saving money as well.

As per Riley (2000), I found the average cost of fixing a field conflict on an average project to range from $500-$3500 for minor rerouting, $2,000-$25,000 for a major conflict, and design change.

=== 5. Reduction in Material Waste ===

Effective coordination during the design stage will reduce waste generated by errors and alterations during the construction stage because the clashes are solved at the design stage.

=== Summary ===

BIM-based design and construction approach (part of Virtual Design Construction) allows data-driven collaboration among architectural, structural, and MEP from the outset increases design confidence, and simplified phasing. And as a result, the design-to-construction workflow is significantly overhauled.

=== References: ===

In this article, we have taken references to published materials by various experts and researchers. We have credited them throughout the article to acknowledge their work.

For those who like to get into details, we recommend reading the following references.

# Korman, T., Simonian, L., & Speidel, E. (2008). Using Building Information Modeling to improve the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing coordination process for buildings. In Proceedings of the AEI 2008 Conference, Colorado, USA.
# A [http://eprints.kfupm.edu.sa/140079/1/Babatunde_Olusegun_Adewale_Thesis.pdf#page=65&zoom=100,0,524 thesis] by Babatunde Adewale on the topic “A framework for the process of effective coordination of building services during the design development and review stages.”
# [https://www.corenet.gov.sg/media/586155/Essential-Guide-MEP.pdf Building an essential guide for MEP consultants] by Building and Construction Authority.
# [https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Integrated+Buildings%3A+The+Systems+Basis+of+Architecture-p-9780471388272 Integrated Buildings: The Systems Basis of Architecture] by Leonard R Bachman.
# [https://aiapgh.org/aia-community/working-with-an-architect/six-phases-of-your-project/ American Institute of Architect Pittsburgh] in its community article has separated the building design process into multiple phases.
# [https://stacks.stanford.edu/file/druid:vn180wh3959/WP054.pdf MEP Coordination in Building and Industrial Project] by C. Bob Tatum and Thomas Korman

[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]

MEP Coordination

2020-09-25T10:14:52Z

Megan Cox:

If your building design philosophy is ‘First Time Right’ and you firmly believe in ‘Prevention is Better Than Cure’ than you will truly appreciate the value that BIM-based MEP coordination (also known as design collaboration) process brings to a design and construction project.

In this article, our goal is to walk you through the entire MEP coordination and share a Downloadable Checklist ([https://www.united-bim.com/about-united-bim-services/quality-checks-and-practices-bim-drawing-check-list-revit/ Design Coordination & Drawing Review]) and Downloadable Infographics ([https://www.united-bim.com/info-graphic-mep-coordination-workflow-relation-with-lod MEP Coordination Workflow] & [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-mep-dashboard-for-gate-keeper-meeting MEP Dashboard]) that you can use it for your current or upcoming design and construction project.

Before we get into MEP coordination, let us understand design phases, building-design approach, and building services.

== Building Design Phases ==

American Institute of Architects, Pittsburgh in their community article has separated the building design process into multiple phases. We have outlined five phases and included the emphasis of each phase.

== Approaches for Design Coordination of a Construction Project ==

=== Traditional approach ===

For many centuries the basis of architecture projects were 2D drawings (plans, sections, elevations) and in those designs, it was hard to find out the interference.

Traditionally MEP coordination is conducted through a “sequential comparison overlay process” (Riley et al. 2005; Khanzode et al. 2008; Korman and Speidel 2010). In this process, the functional design is prepared by a consultant engineer, while the detailed design for each trade is developed by specialty contractors. The specialty contractors sequentially compare their shop drawings of the same scale on a light table and try to identify potential conflicts. Obviously, this manual method is costly, time-consuming, and inefficient.

When CAD was introduced, designs were made in a 2D model, in this method, there is no automated system to identify the clashes/conflicts in the MEP system and therefore there is a high degree of reliance on the intuition, imagination, technical knowledge, and experience of the team members to put out the services without site teams experiencing clashes.

2D drawings can show the layout of it but can’t detect the conflict or the clash since that’s only possible with 3D simulation/model and also there is always a challenge of getting required (requested) MEP space from the design team members.

=== BIM-based approach ===

BIM-based (3D modeling) approach modernized the design process by providing a virtual 3D model of the building which can be developed before the actual construction begins. This virtual model provides/delivers speed as well as convenience, making design changes in a 3D model is easier. You can easily alter any part of a 3D model, eliminating the need to redraw the design again and again. Also, the 3D model shows the clashes/conflicts between different trades/disciplines.

The BIM-based approach during MEP coordination facilitates collaboration among all the different discipline specialists (includes Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural engineers), so that they could share comparative data and necessary interdisciplinary information with each other. BIM allows for the simplification of many tasks and considerable savings both in terms of money and time.

With respect to MEP coordination, the traditional design process relies on the completed design from all project participants (trades/discipline), while in the BIM-based approach it starts in the earliest form of the design development process stage.

Usually, MEP BIM models are developed at five level-of-details:

# 3D MEP preliminary design model (LOD 100)
# 3D MEP detailed design model (LOD 200)
# 3D MEP construction design model (LOD 300)
# MEP construction model (LOD 350)
# MEP prefabrication model (LOD 400)

The following image shows differences between the traditional design coordination and the BIM-based design approach.

All designs start with sketches and move to 2D drawings ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview Autodesk’s AutoCAD] widely used) and then advances towards the 3D model ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/overview Autodesk’s Revit] widely used) in the case of BIM-based design approach.

Revit follows a BIM (Building Information Model) workflow as compared to a CAD workflow. With Revit, You can streamline the design documentation process and maximize productivity.

Downloadable Checklist ([https://www.united-bim.com/about-united-bim-services/quality-checks-and-practices-bim-drawing-check-list-revit/ Design Coordination & Drawing Review]) and Downloadable Infographics ([https://www.united-bim.com/info-graphic-mep-coordination-workflow-relation-with-lod MEP Coordination Workflow] & [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-mep-dashboard-for-gate-keeper-meeting MEP Dashboard]) that you can use it for your current or upcoming design and construction project.

Now let’s understand building service systems and how important they are for MEP coordination/collaboration:

== About Building Design Systems ==

As per Bachman 2004, the fundamental building systems classifications are:

* Architectural system – Indoor and outdoor separation: wall, fenestration, roofs
* Structural system – Elements providing static equilibrium against gravity and dynamic loads
* Building services – HVAC, electrical, plumbing, vertical transportation, and life safety systems
* Interior systems – Occupied space encompassing partitions, finishes, lighting, acoustics, and furniture
* Site service – Landscape and support systems for the building, including parking, drainage, vegetation, and utilities

Building service systems termed as the active building systems include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Building services must fit within the constraints of architecture and structure and must meet the expected performance regarding comfort and safety. Building systems moderate the building environments, distribute electric energy, allow communication, enable critical manufacturing process, provide water and dispose of waste, and provide critical resources for life safety as mentioned in Korman 2008.

The scope of building services systems is continually increasing due to increasing requirements for building users. Building projects now include more than the traditional Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems, such inclusion is fire protections, controls, process piping, and telephone/datacom as per Korman 2008.

== What is MEP Coordination? ==

MEPFS coordination is a practice of multi-disciplinary collaboration of three major design verticals of any building infrastructure, which are architecture, structure (beam, column, torsion, etc.) and MEP designs.

The active systems of the building namely Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) and Fire Safety (FS) frameworks are fundamental components of any building, they have been estimated to cost up to 60% of the total cost of the building projects as per Korman and Huey-King 2013. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) coordination is one critical activity and an important part of the constructability review process. Three knowledge domains are required for MEP coordination, namely, design, construction, and operations and maintenance.

The trades of MEPFS Coordination are:

* Mechanical System – HVAC Equipment and distribution such as Cooling tower, AHU, Ducting, etc.
* Electrical System – Panels, switchboards, elevators, transformer, cable trays, etc.
* Plumbing and Sanitary System – Pumps, water holding tanks, pool filtration equipment, Sump, sewage pit, grease and sand traps, etc.
* Fire Safety System – Fire sprinkler pumps, sprinkler tanks fire shutter, smoke curtains, piping system, etc.
* Outside of Building – External works, rooftop, and external face of a building, etc.

MEP coordination is all about detecting and resolving clashes among trades – architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety before construction starts.

To keep the harmony between these separate designs, it’s essential to have a coordination of updated designs of each discipline. Each discipline must be precisely aware of the locations of other installations during the modeling phases and this can only happen when the latest, most precise version of each MEP’s master plan is made available. It may happen that these designs have collisions or clash in some locations, where one or many components are occupying the same space. It is very crucial to get knowledge of these clashes at an earlier stage of the construction project which can cost you millions if not detected in the design phase.

MEP coordination service is about synchronizing all the building services with other disciplines that form the building fabric, structure and external envelope (steel, concrete, etc.). Building service coordination involves assigning horizontal and vertical locations for individual systems components within the defined architectural and structural constraints. Mostly the professionals conducting the coordination process focus on highly congested spaces within the structural systems to prevent building service systems interference.

The building services coordination at the design development and review stage is the first stage of coordination of building projects.

== BIM - An Integral Part of MEP Coordination Process ==

BIM gives a visual capacity (through 3D modeling) to the structures and intently speaks to the developed structure at the pre-construction stage. This technology-based approach for coordination offers multiple advantages as communication and collaboration begin at the 3D modeling stage itself. MEP BIM 3D Modeling services comes in the later stage after the Architectural BIM and Structural BIM models have structured the premise for an MEP BIM model.

Fundamentally, BIM not just resolves the structure coordination and modeling difficulties however it helps coordination between different teams, contractors, fabricators, consultants and engineers to build up a consistent communication channel. It goes above and beyond and works together with new advances to encourage better task results.

In the BIM-based approach, MEPFS 3D coordination modeling ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/overview Autodesk’s Navisworks] widely used), highlights all clashes within MEP systems against other MEP systems or MEP systems against structural) integrates each team’s designs and finds out all the clashes, ensuring that there is harmony between the Architectural design, Structural design, and MEPFS design. Conflicts eliminated at an early stage will surely have a positive outcome on the project.

At this stage, BIM modeling service providers like United-BIM can help you in MEP Coordination. Once we run the [https://www.united-bim.com/what-is-clash-detection-in-bim-process-benefits-and-future-scope-in-modern-day-aec-industry/ clash detection process] in Navisworks by providing Architectural, Structural, and MEP models, we have the clash report showing possible collisions or clashes at multiple locations with reference positions in the coordinated design. After locating and analyzing the cause of clash, the required design changes need to be done to solve the clash.

A BIM representation can be viewed as a smart object or parametric model that changes in all views if any one input is updated since it is all digital.

As per our experience of over 300 projects, most clashes are found in “Plumbing to Structural” and “Mechanical to Structural”. Here is a list of coordination of different disciplines with the examples of their clash report.

1. Plumbing to Structural (mostly found with flange and foundation)

2. Mechanical to Structural (with Flange)

3. Electrical to Structural

4. Plumbing to Mechanical

5. Mechanical to Electrical

6. Plumbing to Electrical

== How to do MEP Coordination in BIM-based Design? ==

MEP coordination starts in Schematic Design (SD) phase and it has to be completed before the Construction Documents (CD) phase. Usually, GC (General Contractor) holds a Gatekeeper meeting where all disciplines are involved and collectively they review clash reports with an objective to have a design that is completely clash-free.

Download a template of MEP Dashboard for Gatekeeper Meeting. It is specially designed for you to track down the MEP coordination and clash detection activities from the start of the meeting till the final sign-off meeting.

Let’s look at the flow of how MEP coordination is carried out in the design and construction project.

There are 5 steps to successful MEP Design & Coordination process:

=== Step 1: Using Right MEP BIM Template ===

Load MEP BIM Template before the start of a new project. The template should be based on the company’s standards for each of the listed trades:

* Mechanical Services
* Electrical Services
* Plumbing and Sanitary Services
* Fire Protection Services

=== Step 2: Architectural Model Validation ===

Verify/Check the coordinate of the Architectural model. It is important to have the same coordinates for both MEP and Architectural models before linking them. The best approach is to use the “Origin to Origin” positioning option for placing both models.

=== Step 3: Prepare the MEP Model ===

Prepare MEP model each of the disciplines/trades – Mechanical (HVAC etc.), Electrical, Plumbing and include all elements before linking them for coordination with other sub-disciplines within the central file.

Coordination or collaboration between MEP sub-disciplines within the building are:

* Level by Level (Story by Story)
* Room by room (Below Raised Floor)
* Horizontal Space (Plenum)
* Vertical Space (Core Shafts)

And collaboration elements outside the building are:

* Mechanical System – HVAC equipment and distribution, ducting, etc.
* Plumbing and Sanitary System – Pumps, water holding tanks, pool filtration equipment, Sump, sewage pit, grease and sand traps, etc.
* Fire Protection System – Fire sprinkler pumps, sprinkler tanks fire shutter, smoke curtains, piping system, etc.
* Electrical System – Panels, switchboards, elevators, transformer, cable trays, etc.

=== Step 4: Run the Clash-detection ===

In Autodesk’s Navisworks any two disciplinary models are coordinated together and by clicking on “Run Test”, it shows the report of the clashes occurred between the coordinated model.

=== Step 5: Review and Resolve ===

In this step, we can know the ID of the element that clashes, and fix it in the Revit file.

Once all clashes/conflicts are solved in the Revit file, you have to export it again, with the same name and in the same folder. When you reload the cache in the Navisworks, resolved clashes will appear in the yellow in the “Resolved Section”. If any new clashes emerge, they are classified in red as new.

== How MEP Coordination can help in a Construction Project? ==

In some cases, around 40% of a building’s construction budget can go into project’s Mechanical (i.e. ducts, pipes, equipment, etc.), Electrical (i.e. light fixtures, data/power outlets, etc.), Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems; a huge monetary investment that has an impact on the operating cost of the building in both, shorter and longer run. Thus, to establish disciplined MEP coordination in a construction project is admirable for every sector. A well-executed MEP design coordination can save you millions and maybe more importantly deliver the project faster.

Through MEP coordination, when the clash is detected in design, the Architect & Engineer can collaborate and decide upon the redesign of collided design elements. The new version of the design is updated in the entire design model. This multi-disciplinary collaboration can save designers and engineers from cumbersome efforts of repetitively updating designs.

MEP Coordination is also useful for retrofit and redevelopment projects. There are technologies and software available to capture existing infrastructure with accuracy. HVAC, electrical, and plumbing model retrofit provides improvements in energy and building performance through MEP coordination. Reality computing and [https://www.united-bim.com/scan-to-bim/ Point Cloud to BIM] are some of the technology which enables us to fully coordinate the MEP model of existing facilities in quick time.

Greater flexibility, scalability, swifter turnarounds, a reduction in overhead expenditures, and access to state-of-the-art resources are all benefits of outsourcing BIM MEP coordination.

=== Benefits of MEP Coordination ===

# Clash-free Design
# Reduce Project Rework
# Collaboration at Early Stage
# Cost Saving
# Reduction in Material Waste

== Benefits of MEP Coordination using BIM ==

Let’s talk about benefits, it is a no-brainer and very well understood but still, it is important to highlight the key benefits and what advantages it offers to various stakeholders and to the project.

=== 1. Clash-free Designs ===

A 3D model for Architecture, Structure, and MEP is made dependent on the plans created by the BIM modelers. This model is then sent out to Autodesk Navisworks where it is checked for the clashes and a clash report is created. These clashes are settled by making the vital structure changes in the BIM model. Since the clashes are effectively unmistakable in the model, it is simpler to determine them.

=== 2. Reduce Project Rework ===

A lot of time and money can be wasted if the clashes are found at the construction stage (i.e. in the field) and then they need to be rectified. Having MEP BIM Modeling services can reduce the amount of project rework and limiting waste.

=== 3. Collaboration at Early Stage ===

The professionals are required to work together at the designing stage and they will be able to explain their specifications to other team members. Because of the early collaboration, the design can be more effective and there will be fewer mistakes to be rectified at the time of construction.

=== 4. Cost Saving ===

BIM can build a building twice, first as a model with all the data and second on the site. This guides in the goals of any contentions before the beginning of the actual construction. These changes are simpler and more affordable when contrasted with the changes that should be done on-site (i.e. in the field). This, thus, lessens wastage as far as material and labor, consequently saving money as well.

As per Riley (2000), I found the average cost of fixing a field conflict on an average project to range from $500-$3500 for minor rerouting, $2,000-$25,000 for a major conflict, and design change.

=== 5. Reduction in Material Waste ===

Effective coordination during the design stage will reduce waste generated by errors and alterations during the construction stage because the clashes are solved at the design stage.

=== Summary ===

BIM-based design and construction approach (part of Virtual Design Construction) allows data-driven collaboration among architectural, structural, and MEP from the outset increases design confidence, and simplified phasing. And as a result, the design-to-construction workflow is significantly overhauled.

=== References: ===

In this article, we have taken references to published materials by various experts and researchers. We have credited them throughout the article to acknowledge their work.

For those who like to get into details, we recommend reading the following references.

# Korman, T., Simonian, L., & Speidel, E. (2008). Using Building Information Modeling to improve the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing coordination process for buildings. In Proceedings of the AEI 2008 Conference, Colorado, USA.
# A [http://eprints.kfupm.edu.sa/140079/1/Babatunde_Olusegun_Adewale_Thesis.pdf#page=65&zoom=100,0,524 thesis] by Babatunde Adewale on the topic “A framework for the process of effective coordination of building services during the design development and review stages.”
# [https://www.corenet.gov.sg/media/586155/Essential-Guide-MEP.pdf Building an essential guide for MEP consultants] by Building and Construction Authority.
# [https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Integrated+Buildings%3A+The+Systems+Basis+of+Architecture-p-9780471388272 Integrated Buildings: The Systems Basis of Architecture] by Leonard R Bachman.
# [https://aiapgh.org/aia-community/working-with-an-architect/six-phases-of-your-project/ American Institute of Architect Pittsburgh] in its community article has separated the building design process into multiple phases.
# [https://stacks.stanford.edu/file/druid:vn180wh3959/WP054.pdf MEP Coordination in Building and Industrial Project] by C. Bob Tatum and Thomas Korman

[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]

MEP Coordination

2020-09-25T09:26:50Z

Megan Cox: Created page with "If your building design philosophy is ‘First Time Right’ and you firmly believe in ‘Prevention is Better Than Cure’ than you will truly appreciate the value that BIM-base..."

If your building design philosophy is ‘First Time Right’ and you firmly believe in ‘Prevention is Better Than Cure’ than you will truly appreciate the value that BIM-based MEP coordination (also known as design collaboration) process brings to a design and construction project.

In this article, our goal is to walk you through the entire MEP coordination and share a Downloadable Checklist ([https://www.united-bim.com/about-united-bim-services/quality-checks-and-practices-bim-drawing-check-list-revit/ Design Coordination & Drawing Review]) and Downloadable Infographics ([https://www.united-bim.com/info-graphic-mep-coordination-workflow-relation-with-lod MEP Coordination Workflow] & [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-mep-dashboard-for-gate-keeper-meeting MEP Dashboard]) that you can use it for your current or upcoming design and construction project.

Before we get into MEP coordination, let us understand design phases, building-design approach, and building services.

== Building Design Phases ==

American Institute of Architects, Pittsburgh in their community article has separated the building design process into multiple phases. We have outlined five phases and included the emphasis of each phase.

== Approaches for Design Coordination of a Construction Project ==

=== Traditional approach ===

For many centuries the basis of architecture projects were 2D drawings (plans, sections, elevations) and in those designs, it was hard to find out the interference.

Traditionally MEP coordination is conducted through a “sequential comparison overlay process” (Riley et al. 2005; Khanzode et al. 2008; Korman and Speidel 2010). In this process, the functional design is prepared by a consultant engineer, while the detailed design for each trade is developed by specialty contractors. The specialty contractors sequentially compare their shop drawings of the same scale on a light table and try to identify potential conflicts. Obviously, this manual method is costly, time-consuming, and inefficient.

When CAD was introduced, designs were made in a 2D model, in this method, there is no automated system to identify the clashes/conflicts in the MEP system and therefore there is a high degree of reliance on the intuition, imagination, technical knowledge, and experience of the team members to put out the services without site teams experiencing clashes.

2D drawings can show the layout of it but can’t detect the conflict or the clash since that’s only possible with 3D simulation/model and also there is always a challenge of getting required (requested) MEP space from the design team members.

[[File:Glass-Tracing-MEP-Coordination.jpg|560px]]

Image Credit: [https://www.instructables.com/id/light-box/ https://www.instructables.com/id/light-box/]

=== BIM-based approach ===

BIM-based (3D modeling) approach modernized the design process by providing a virtual 3D model of the building which can be developed before the actual construction begins. This virtual model provides/delivers speed as well as convenience, making design changes in a 3D model is easier. You can easily alter any part of a 3D model, eliminating the need to redraw the design again and again. Also, the 3D model shows the clashes/conflicts between different trades/disciplines.

The BIM-based approach during MEP coordination facilitates collaboration among all the different discipline specialists (includes Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural engineers), so that they could share comparative data and necessary interdisciplinary information with each other. BIM allows for the simplification of many tasks and considerable savings both in terms of money and time.

With respect to MEP coordination, the traditional design process relies on the completed design from all project participants (trades/discipline), while in the BIM-based approach it starts in the earliest form of the design development process stage.

Usually, MEP BIM models are developed at five level-of-details:

# 3D MEP preliminary design model (LOD 100)
# 3D MEP detailed design model (LOD 200)
# 3D MEP construction design model (LOD 300)
# MEP construction model (LOD 350)
# MEP prefabrication model (LOD 400[[File:CLASH-PATH-1024x578.jpg|1024px]]

The following image shows differences between the traditional design coordination and the BIM-based design approach.

[[File:Tradition-vs-BIM-based-design_Web.jpg|1112px]]

Image Source: – [https://eprints.kfupm.edu.sa/id/eprint/140079/1/Babatunde_Olusegun_Adewale_Thesis.pdf#page=65&zoom=100,0,524 Comparison between the traditional design process and BIM-based design process (Wang et al.2014)]

All designs start with sketches and move to 2D drawings ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview Autodesk’s AutoCAD] widely used) and then advances towards the 3D model ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/overview Autodesk’s Revit] widely used) in the case of BIM-based design approach.

Revit follows a BIM (Building Information Model) workflow as compared to a CAD workflow. With Revit, You can streamline the design documentation process and maximize productivity.

Downloadable Checklist ([https://www.united-bim.com/about-united-bim-services/quality-checks-and-practices-bim-drawing-check-list-revit/ Design Coordination & Drawing Review]) and Downloadable Infographics ([https://www.united-bim.com/info-graphic-mep-coordination-workflow-relation-with-lod MEP Coordination Workflow] & [https://www.united-bim.com/infographic-mep-dashboard-for-gate-keeper-meeting MEP Dashboard]) that you can use it for your current or upcoming design and construction project.

Now let’s understand building service systems and how important they are for MEP coordination/collaboration:

== About Building Design Systems ==

As per Bachman 2004, the fundamental building systems classifications are:

* Architectural system – Indoor and outdoor separation: wall, fenestration, roofs
* Structural system – Elements providing static equilibrium against gravity and dynamic loads
* Building services – HVAC, electrical, plumbing, vertical transportation, and life safety systems
* Interior systems – Occupied space encompassing partitions, finishes, lighting, acoustics, and furniture
* Site service – Landscape and support systems for the building, including parking, drainage, vegetation, and utilities

Building service systems termed as the active building systems include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Building services must fit within the constraints of architecture and structure and must meet the expected performance regarding comfort and safety. Building systems moderate the building environments, distribute electric energy, allow communication, enable critical manufacturing process, provide water and dispose of waste, and provide critical resources for life safety as mentioned in Korman 2008.

The scope of building services systems is continually increasing due to increasing requirements for building users. Building projects now include more than the traditional Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems, such inclusion is fire protections, controls, process piping, and telephone/datacom as per Korman 2008.

== What is MEP Coordination? ==

MEPFS coordination is a practice of multi-disciplinary collaboration of three major design verticals of any building infrastructure, which are architecture, structure (beam, column, torsion, etc.) and MEP designs.

The active systems of the building namely Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) and Fire Safety (FS) frameworks are fundamental components of any building, they have been estimated to cost up to 60% of the total cost of the building projects as per Korman and Huey-King 2013. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) coordination is one critical activity and an important part of the constructability review process. Three knowledge domains are required for MEP coordination, namely, design, construction, and operations and maintenance.

The trades of MEPFS Coordination are:

* Mechanical System – HVAC Equipment and distribution such as Cooling tower, AHU, Ducting, etc.
* Electrical System – Panels, switchboards, elevators, transformer, cable trays, etc.
* Plumbing and Sanitary System – Pumps, water holding tanks, pool filtration equipment, Sump, sewage pit, grease and sand traps, etc.
* Fire Safety System – Fire sprinkler pumps, sprinkler tanks fire shutter, smoke curtains, piping system, etc.
* Outside of Building – External works, rooftop, and external face of a building, etc.

MEP coordination is all about detecting and resolving clashes among trades – architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety before construction starts.

To keep the harmony between these separate designs, it’s essential to have a coordination of updated designs of each discipline. Each discipline must be precisely aware of the locations of other installations during the modeling phases and this can only happen when the latest, most precise version of each MEP’s master plan is made available. It may happen that these designs have collisions or clash in some locations, where one or many components are occupying the same space. It is very crucial to get knowledge of these clashes at an earlier stage of the construction project which can cost you millions if not detected in the design phase.

MEP coordination service is about synchronizing all the building services with other disciplines that form the building fabric, structure and external envelope (steel, concrete, etc.). Building service coordination involves assigning horizontal and vertical locations for individual systems components within the defined architectural and structural constraints. Mostly the professionals conducting the coordination process focus on highly congested spaces within the structural systems to prevent building service systems interference.

The building services coordination at the design development and review stage is the first stage of coordination of building projects.

== BIM - An Integral Part of MEP Coordination Process ==

BIM gives a visual capacity (through 3D modeling) to the structures and intently speaks to the developed structure at the pre-construction stage. This technology-based approach for coordination offers multiple advantages as communication and collaboration begin at the 3D modeling stage itself. MEP BIM 3D Modeling services comes in the later stage after the Architectural BIM and Structural BIM models have structured the premise for an MEP BIM model.

Fundamentally, BIM not just resolves the structure coordination and modeling difficulties however it helps coordination between different teams, contractors, fabricators, consultants and engineers to build up a consistent communication channel. It goes above and beyond and works together with new advances to encourage better task results.

In the BIM-based approach, MEPFS 3D coordination modeling ([https://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/overview Autodesk’s Navisworks] widely used), highlights all clashes within MEP systems against other MEP systems or MEP systems against structural) integrates each team’s designs and finds out all the clashes, ensuring that there is harmony between the Architectural design, Structural design, and MEPFS design. Conflicts eliminated at an early stage will surely have a positive outcome on the project.

At this stage, BIM modeling service providers like United-BIM can help you in MEP Coordination. Once we run the [https://www.united-bim.com/what-is-clash-detection-in-bim-process-benefits-and-future-scope-in-modern-day-aec-industry/ clash detection process] in Navisworks by providing Architectural, Structural, and MEP models, we have the clash report showing possible collisions or clashes at multiple locations with reference positions in the coordinated design. After locating and analyzing the cause of clash, the required design changes need to be done to solve the clash.

A BIM representation can be viewed as a smart object or parametric model that changes in all views if any one input is updated since it is all digital.

As per our experience of over 300 projects, most clashes are found in “Plumbing to Structural” and “Mechanical to Structural”. Here is a list of coordination of different disciplines with the examples of their clash report.

=== 1. Plumbing to Structural (mostly found with flange and foundation) ===

[[File:Clash-report-image-for-Plumbing-to-Structural-disciplines-by-United-BIM.jpg|1024px]]

=== 2. Mechanical to Structural (with Flange) ===

[[File:Clash-report-image-for-Mechanical-to-Structural-disciplines-by-United-BIM.jpg|1024px]]

=== 3. Electrical to Structural ===

[[File:Clash-report-image-for-Electrical-to-Structural-disciplines-by-United-BIM.jpg|1024px]]

=== 4. Plumbing to Mechanical ===

[[File:Clash-report-image-for-Plumbing-to-Mechanical-disciplines-by-United-BIM.jpg|1024px]]

=== 5. Mechanical to Electrical ===

[[File:Clash-report-image-between-Mechanical-to-Electrical-by-United-BIM.jpg|1024px]]

=== 6. Plumbing to Electrical ===

[[File:Clash-report-image-for-Plumbing-to-Electrical-disciplines-by-United-BIM.jpg|1024px]]

Here are the images showing clash (plumbing and HVAC duct) and how easy it is to resolve the clash in a 3D BIM model.

[[File:Design-with-Clashes-1.jpg|800px]]

[[File:Design-Adjustment-to-Remove-Clashes-2.jpg|800px]]

== How to do MEP Coordination in BIM-based Design? ==

MEP coordination starts in Schematic Design (SD) phase and it has to be completed before the Construction Documents (CD) phase. Usually, GC (General Contractor) holds a Gatekeeper meeting where all disciplines are involved and collectively they review clash reports with an objective to have a design that is completely clash-free.

Download a template of MEP Dashboard for Gatekeeper Meeting. It is specially designed for you to track down the MEP coordination and clash detection activities from the start of the meeting till the final sign-off meeting.

Let’s look at the flow of how MEP coordination is carried out in the design and construction project.

There are 5 steps to successful MEP Design & Coordination process:

=== Step 1: Using Right MEP BIM Template ===

Load MEP BIM Template before the start of a new project. The template should be based on the company’s standards for each of the listed trades:

* Mechanical Services
* Electrical Services
* Plumbing and Sanitary Services
* Fire Protection Services

=== Step 2: Architectural Model Validation ===

Verify/Check the coordinate of the Architectural model. It is important to have the same coordinates for both MEP and Architectural models before linking them. The best approach is to use the “Origin to Origin” positioning option for placing both models.

=== Step 3: Prepare the MEP Model ===

Prepare MEP model each of the disciplines/trades – Mechanical (HVAC etc.), Electrical, Plumbing and include all elements before linking them for coordination with other sub-disciplines within the central file.

Coordination or collaboration between MEP sub-disciplines within the building are:

* Level by Level (Story by Story)
* Room by room (Below Raised Floor)
* Horizontal Space (Plenum)
* Vertical Space (Core Shafts)

And collaboration elements outside the building are:

* Mechanical System – HVAC equipment and distribution, ducting, etc.
* Plumbing and Sanitary System – Pumps, water holding tanks, pool filtration equipment, Sump, sewage pit, grease and sand traps, etc.
* Fire Protection System – Fire sprinkler pumps, sprinkler tanks fire shutter, smoke curtains, piping system, etc.
* Electrical System – Panels, switchboards, elevators, transformer, cable trays, etc.

=== Step 4: Run the Clash-detection ===

In Autodesk’s Navisworks any two disciplinary models are coordinated together and by clicking on “Run Test”, it shows the report of the clashes occurred between the coordinated model.

=== Step 5: Review and Resolve ===

In this step, we can know the ID of the element that clashes, and fix it in the Revit file.

Once all clashes/conflicts are solved in the Revit file, you have to export it again, with the same name and in the same folder. When you reload the cache in the Navisworks, resolved clashes will appear in the yellow in the “Resolved Section”. If any new clashes emerge, they are classified in red as new.

== How MEP Coordination can help in a Construction Project? ==

In some cases, around 40% of a building’s construction budget can go into project’s Mechanical (i.e. ducts, pipes, equipment, etc.), Electrical (i.e. light fixtures, data/power outlets, etc.), Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems; a huge monetary investment that has an impact on the operating cost of the building in both, shorter and longer run. Thus, to establish disciplined MEP coordination in a construction project is admirable for every sector. A well-executed MEP design coordination can save you millions and maybe more importantly deliver the project faster.

Through MEP coordination, when the clash is detected in design, the Architect & Engineer can collaborate and decide upon the redesign of collided design elements. The new version of the design is updated in the entire design model. This multi-disciplinary collaboration can save designers and engineers from cumbersome efforts of repetitively updating designs.

MEP Coordination is also useful for retrofit and redevelopment projects. There are technologies and software available to capture existing infrastructure with accuracy. HVAC, electrical, and plumbing model retrofit provides improvements in energy and building performance through MEP coordination. Reality computing and [https://www.united-bim.com/scan-to-bim/ Point Cloud to BIM] are some of the technology which enables us to fully coordinate the MEP model of existing facilities in quick time.

Greater flexibility, scalability, swifter turnarounds, a reduction in overhead expenditures, and access to state-of-the-art resources are all benefits of outsourcing BIM MEP coordination.

=== Benefits of MEP Coordination ===

# Clash-free Design
# Reduce Project Rework
# Collaboration at Early Stage
# Cost Saving
# Reduction in Material Waste

[https://www.united-bim.com/bim-coordination-clash-detection/ MEP BIM Coordination & Clash Detection Services]

== Benefits of MEP Coordination using BIM ==

Let’s talk about benefits, it is a no-brainer and very well understood but still, it is important to highlight the key benefits and what advantages it offers to various stakeholders and to the project.

=== 1. Clash-free Designs ===

A 3D model for Architecture, Structure, and MEP is made dependent on the plans created by the BIM modelers. This model is then sent out to Autodesk Navisworks where it is checked for the clashes and a clash report is created. These clashes are settled by making the vital structure changes in the BIM model. Since the clashes are effectively unmistakable in the model, it is simpler to determine them.

=== 2. Reduce Project Rework ===

A lot of time and money can be wasted if the clashes are found at the construction stage (i.e. in the field) and then they need to be rectified. Having MEP BIM Modeling services can reduce the amount of project rework and limiting waste.

=== 3. Collaboration at Early Stage ===

The professionals are required to work together at the designing stage and they will be able to explain their specifications to other team members. Because of the early collaboration, the design can be more effective and there will be fewer mistakes to be rectified at the time of construction.

=== 4. Cost Saving ===

BIM can build a building twice, first as a model with all the data and second on the site. This guides in the goals of any contentions before the beginning of the actual construction. These changes are simpler and more affordable when contrasted with the changes that should be done on-site (i.e. in the field). This, thus, lessens wastage as far as material and labor, consequently saving money as well.

As per Riley (2000), I found the average cost of fixing a field conflict on an average project to range from $500-$3500 for minor rerouting, $2,000-$25,000 for a major conflict, and design change.

=== 5. Reduction in Material Waste ===

Effective coordination during the design stage will reduce waste generated by errors and alterations during the construction stage because the clashes are solved at the design stage.

=== Summary ===

BIM-based design and construction approach (part of Virtual Design Construction) allows data-driven collaboration among architectural, structural, and MEP from the outset increases design confidence, and simplified phasing. And as a result, the design-to-construction workflow is significantly overhauled.

=== References: ===

In this article, we have taken references to published materials by various experts and researchers. We have credited them throughout the article to acknowledge their work.

For those who like to get into details, we recommend reading the following references.

# Korman, T., Simonian, L., & Speidel, E. (2008). Using Building Information Modeling to improve the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing coordination process for buildings. In Proceedings of the AEI 2008 Conference, Colorado, USA.
# A [http://eprints.kfupm.edu.sa/140079/1/Babatunde_Olusegun_Adewale_Thesis.pdf#page=65&zoom=100,0,524 thesis] by Babatunde Adewale on the topic “A framework for the process of effective coordination of building services during the design development and review stages.”
# [https://www.corenet.gov.sg/media/586155/Essential-Guide-MEP.pdf Building an essential guide for MEP consultants] by Building and Construction Authority.
# [https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Integrated+Buildings%3A+The+Systems+Basis+of+Architecture-p-9780471388272 Integrated Buildings: The Systems Basis of Architecture] by Leonard R Bachman.
# [https://aiapgh.org/aia-community/working-with-an-architect/six-phases-of-your-project/ American Institute of Architect Pittsburgh] in its community article has separated the building design process into multiple phases.
# [https://stacks.stanford.edu/file/druid:vn180wh3959/WP054.pdf MEP Coordination in Building and Industrial Project] by C. Bob Tatum and Thomas Korman

[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]