Emin Beganović

The many roles of engineers within the AEC industry largely benefit from technological advancements such as the introduction and upgrade of BIM. BIM – Building Information Modeling is a step forward in each phase of the project lifecycle as it helps all parties obtain the information they require more easily, more efficiently, all while improving the overall communication around the project.

MEP engineering and MEP engineers have also found benefits in using BIM. Our goal for this blog article is to shine a light on the usefulness of using BIM tech within this particular branch of MEP engineering.

However, it feels almost mandatory to let you in on the expressions individually, and we’ll start by explaining BIM technology.

BIM tech explained 

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a smart 3D model-based method that provides architects, engineers, and construction (AEC) professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure more effectively.

The benefits of BIM are shown through the connection between teams, the workflow, and the data throughout the project lifecycle, providing better results.

What is BIM used for?

During the design, building, and operations processes, BIM is utilized to create and manage data. BIM combines multidisciplinary data to produce detailed digital representations that can be maintained in real-time on an open cloud platform. On AEC projects, BIM provides improved insight, better decision-making, more sustainable solutions, and cost savings.

Process of BIM

To get a clearer picture of what the process BIM entails, you may visit THIS link to a blog we’ve recently written on innovation Walter Code makes within the AEC industry, mentioning the process of BIM in great detail.

MEP Engineering explained

In the construction world, MEP stands for “Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing”.

MEP engineering is the science and art of planning, designing, and managing a building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Those are the capabilities that an MEP design firm specializes in. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering consulting businesses, as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering consulting businesses, are vital at all phases of the building process. They help with decision-making, cost estimating, construction management, and documentation, among other things.

The core nervous system of a building is its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. MEP systems are in charge of a structure’s “creature comfort” qualities. The MEP systems make the difference so you can be comfortable at a home, unbothered by the cold/hot weather conditions – no matter the size of the building.

Well-designed MEP solutions make sure to turn the building’s interior into cozy spaces we all enjoy, as opposed to caves.

The connection between BIM and MEP Engineering

Some of the most important information to MEP Engineers are about:

• Ceiling elevations
• Rooms
• Walls with electrical devices
• Walls with plumbing

This is the information that can be quite easily acquired thanks to BIM technology. There’s no need to be present at a certain time at a certain place to obtain this information since the data is already available through the cloud. Early insight into critical design data in real-time scenarios is accessible directly from the architectural model.

It allows MEP Engineers to detect issues beforehand, that way allowing them to remodel electrical wiring and plumbing before the first brick is even laid. This can save both money and time as the final model can be prepared even way before the construction allows it.

With the data being neatly collected in one place, it’s easily shareable between and accessible, allowing for better collaboration between everyone involved on the project. Lack of coordination will be highlighted that way, providing a way of making design improvements in a shorter time and enabling easier review of the models.

Practical examples of the advantages of using BIM in MEP

With BIM, you have the opportunity to detect changes within the project, and highlight them while improving the communication of the data which makes moving on to another stage of the project less complicated.

Some practical advantages of using BIM in MEP services can be quite obvious. Electrical outlines, or frames, are used by MEP Engineers to see all the electrical components within a building. With BIM, this information can be accessed all at once, even before the actual building is constructed, allowing for better planning and implementation of the project, as well as maintaining system guidelines in the future phases of the project.

Furthermore, mechanical drawings present even more advantages of using BIM. If we think of the example of an elevator, mechanical engineers, as well as electrical engineers, will be involved in the process, and BIM will make it far more efficient to communicate the data between all parties involved. With the information “streamlined” it’s easier to make sure everyone is working on the same page.

When it comes to building inspectors, there are some things that they have to approve and verify, such as plumbing diagrams. Thanks to the software capabilities of BIM tech, all of the details regarding the project are easily accessible and stored, making sure that it’s just a click away.

Conclusion

It takes a lot of cooperation between engineering design teams to specify the arrangement of numerous building systems. Avoiding overlapping sites for equipment belonging to distinct building systems is one of the most difficult challenges, and it can be overcome by using BIM. 

Integrating 3d models, logistical planning and procurement, solving challenges, and allowing more sustainability with access to quick prototypes with 3d printing – all of these and many more advantages fully approve the use of BIM in MEP Engineering, as well as the AEC Industry in general.

And learning about the BIM software is also quite straightforward, with courses and certification available through Walter Academy – the authorized Autodesk Certification Center. 

All of the information regarding the courses and certification available through the Walter Academy can be found here.

We’ve just recently added a Revit MEP HVAC Basic and Advanced courses, available online as well! You can check out more here. 

Make your projects more informative, more detailed, and more streamlined – use BIM.