Out of most practices in construction, MEP coordination demands particular care from all the AEC specialists included in a project. This process assures that the structural framework and architectural design don’t clash with its MEP-FP systems. The MEP coordination method varies in every organization as per the level of details (LOD), and client’s requirement. However, following are the standard stages involved in the same

1. Evaluation of Consultant Design Drawings and Structural/Architectural Plans

In the initial step, the MEP coordination service providing organization gets single -line drawings from the MEP-contractors or consultants. Later, they analyze the structural and architectural plans in depth. Also, they study the MEP specifications apart from the evaluation of drawings, layouts with consistency. In the end, MEP coordination services provider designs a roadmap for coordination.

2. 3D Prototype Creation

According to the requirements received in the preliminary stage, the MEP coordinator makes a precise 3D model with the help of AutoCAD or Revit. This 3D model exhibits total MEP services as per the architectural and structural constraints of the building. Further, this complete model serves as the foundation for several other crucial development-related plans, elevations or sections. Also, for client inputs and creating complete walkthroughs, they use the 3D model.

3. Clash Detection and Resolution

This stage is where the MEP coordinating organization examines the previously established 3D model for clashes between the MEP systems and the design elements. For this, they use Navisworks, a particular clash-detection software application. It detects all types of clashes like workflow clashes, geometry-related hard clashes, and clearance clashes. Also, it finds feasible alternatives, and they can be sent to clients.

4. Making of Coordinated Sections and Drawings

After the testing of a 3D model for vertical and horizontal coordination, they prepare the drawing sets to show how MEP-FP systems work in coordination. Besides, for further clarity, annotation and tagging process is performed. In addition to this, organizations responsible for managing MEP coordination can take elevation, section, and isometric views from the previously made 3D model. Further, they can use them for client explanations.

5. Creation of Detailed Service Drawings

Here, they create all the structural service-by-service drawings and add details related to their dimensions like heights, and distances from gridlines. Site installation teams use these drawings and also make the base for fabrication drawings.

6. Creation of Spool, Fabrication Drawings, and Hangar Drawings

As per the scope of work, they use specific services drawings to produce fabrication drawings by some software or detailing. These drawings represent fabrication features for ductwork, and therefore the CNC machines can directly recognize them for rendering purposes.

If needed, the MEP coordination unit also specifies details of the model to form spooling data for production crews. Apart from this, the firm can even plan out and then show the hangars for each design. Once planned, the hangar specifications are put on a list for the production units.
MEP coordination services providers may exclude some steps as per the scope of the project. However, each point is vital for stable project completion without any setbacks, extra cost, and unexpected design modifications.

7. As-Fitted Modifications

This final step involves making alterations to the design model and the pictures due to some site changes from the construction designs. When the coordination work is proper, and the installation is as per the construction drawing directions and plans, the modifications to the as-fitted (also known as as-installed and as-built) designs are minimum.

If you want to learn MEP coordination in BIM, then you can join NIBT’s BIM related courses.