Top 5 benefits of BIM for MEP

BIM affects the construction as a whole and also changes the relationships within the project. As a result, it has a special impact on the MEP. So, now we will talk about the advantages of BIM in the design of MEP systems.

Full-data model

The main advantage of BIM is that pipes are pipes, not a bunch of lines with visual parameters. All elements of the system that we design are filled with different data. We can specify the material of the air duct, pipe or any other element of the system, we can specify the colour, but in addition to external parameters, there are also physical characteristics. For example, we can specify or even calculate the main parameters for required systems: depending on the size and speed, the program will calculate the volume and mass costs, or other data. In addition, when changing the size or other data that affects, the system itself will change the calculated data. This rich repository enables a more efficient design process for MEP teams. That’s why BIM is sometimes called “visual programming”.

Wide storage of completed elements

BIM programs usually have default catalog of typical elements needed for drawing the system. 

It is elbows, tees, ducts, pipes, and other connections with automatic detection and calculation, so you can just draw the way that you need, and the program will automatically find the best connection or elbow.

If you did not find right component, you always can create it, or even find it on the web to save your time. Also, when editing the system, you can easily add various elements that determine the geometric dimensions. Such small features significantly affect performance and time usage.

Reduced field changes

BIM includes 3D modeling. This feature allows engineers to constantly work in an environment with real dimensions and scale, which instantly solves many logical errors that inevitably occur during design. In addition, this model can be very detailed, which helps to correct the smallest moments before construction. For example, places with very crowded systems and connections, which are often the case in office buildings and shopping malls.

In addition to viewable clashes there are many internal and completely invisible in the overall picture of the building that need additional tools of BIM services for coordination the model. It helps to analyze the system in detail.

Improved collaboration

BIM is a great tool for teamwork, as it unites all engineers around one model, in which every change is visible to everyone. There is also a common format that can be integrated into construction programs, which expands the possibilities of collaboration, regardless of the environment in which the engineer or company works.

The advantages of BIM for MEP systems are especially evident in combination with architectural and structural elements. This not only allows you to see the system directly in the design space, but also to work with the team in real time, quickly correcting any questions.

This is especially true in complex buildings with numerous systems, which significantly increases the possibility of intersections. In such projects, BIM will definitely reduce the number of problems and make the process much more optimized.

Enhanced fabrication documentation

Thanks to bim information model, project documentation is created much faster than in CAD systems. After all, there, you need to draw lines of all the necessary types and elements, which is often faster than once, but when you need to fix something, it will take much longer. In BIM programs, like Revit, all views are tied to the 3D model, and when there is a change in the model, everything changes in the sheets. In addition, when drawing up documentation in systems, you need to put a lot of diameters, names and marks, BIM can fully automate this process at the touch of a button. Also, it helps to automate the process of creating a specification, all you need is to correctly name and group the necessary elements, and the program will generate everything for you.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the benefits of using BIM for MEP engineers. Using the information model will undoubtedly improve your teamwork, speed up and facilitate the creation of documentation, and allow you to avoid design errors before the shovel scoops up the ground