Building Information Modelling (BIM) is changing the way that MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineering is being carried out. Worldwide and especially across North America, MEP contractors are being hit with shorter and shorter deadlines for projects, new standards, and BIM requirements in multiple formats and models. The adoption of BIM has been varied in different countries and regions, but for those who are successfully utilizing the BIM technology, for example Revit it is without a doubt providing immense benefits.

In this article we want to go through some tips for MEP contractors to reap the most rewards from their BIM software, utilize its tools to the fullest, and optimize their workflow.

Promote Smooth Information Flow

BIM is made possible by the sharing and management of information. What might surprise you is one of the main challenges in BIM is the sharing of the right information at the right time. Pair this with getting that information to the right person and managing what they do with the information, at each stage of the project. In order to prevent duplicating work, there has to be discussions about what party is doing what, and what everyone expects from each other. Typically a BIM manager is appointed to make sure that this whole process runs smoothly. For a lot of projects, a BIM Execution plan is put together to ensure that everything and everyone is on the same wavelength. This plan is the foundation of the whole BIM-enabled project.

One way to ensure smooth information flow between parties on a project is to establish a “generic to specific” model. The way it works is like this; an engineering consultant can lay out a more generic design at the initial stage of the project, then the ME contractor comes along and applies more detail to the design with some manufacturer specific information. This can be relevant to the various trades and their layout that are involved with that specific project. Using this model, the level of information changes as the project timeline progresses, and no work is duplicated.

Regular Meetings with Stakeholders

When agreements are being made between the shareholders, the LOD (Level of Development) must be discussed. LOD Level is an industry standard term that describes the many development stages going from 100 to 500 within construction projects in BIM. BIM projects’ success is determined by the amount and quality of the communication between parties. This can go as deep as integrated project delivery or IPD. IPD is a model for project execution in which business practices and processes, systems, and stakeholders (GC, owner, engineers, trade contractors, architects, etc.) are all integrated into a workflow that allows all of the individual insights and talents of each team to mesh together and optimize the project. This will increase value to the owner, reduce waste over the timeline of the project, prefab, and construction, and maximize efficiencies. Unfortunately this approach is not always feasible, so an alternative is model coordination, which simply is to hold regular meetings to perform clash detections, establish an efficient path forward, and generally compare models.

Centrally Manage BIM Projects

BIM is without a doubt changing the method with which we are working, but the data that we are using has been around for years. It is the way that we are handling and using this information is now different, all of this is now being taken care of digitally, paper print-outs and blueprints are now antiquated! Digital representations of 3D models has taken their place, and these files can be access from multiple devices in various places all at the same time. Even though the way ew work has changed, what hasn’t changed in the need to be able to search through all work documents in a central location fast. For BIM enabled projects especially, it is critical that they are managed centrally, this gives one source of truth to the shareholders. Shareholders need the correct information presented to them in the correct manner, and for this the team needs to all agree on a solution that makes this possible. This tool must be able to manage and structure drawings, databases, and documents. The correct type of communication must also not be forgotten here.

Integrate Openings!!

Certain projects will involve complex installations, limited space, heavy structures, or all of the above. It is essential to integrate opening at the earliest stage possible in the project. This is due to the shortage amount of space on the building site, and how complicated it is to coordinate between all trades. Establish the “cut-outs” early in the project, or prepare for a mess when something has to be changed down the line.

Integrate Prefabrication Into Your BIM Process

A new trend in the BIM industry is to integrate the prefabrication into the BIM process. Taking advantage of prefabrication facilities will improve the quality of work, employee safety, eliminate a lot of risks like labor delays, downtime, weather delays, reworking etc., and generally increase efficiency which lowers costs.

A lot of MEP contractors utilize the prefab functionality within BIM to make cutting lists and drawings for workers who work in their shop. By connecting the BIM software and a prefabrication program like FABPro, this can streamline the workflow for everyone.

BIM is completely changing the way that the MEP industry works, slowly but surely. Utilizing these best practices will help any company operate at its optimum level and reap the rewards. As mentioned above, deciding to adopt BIM software should be one that is agreed upon by an organization and backed up by collaborative intuitive.

So, what do you think of the growth of BIM software usage in the MEP industry? Will your company be changing over to it soon, or do you use it already? Engineering Solutions would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, and if you need help with your next MEP project, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!