Coordinated MEP Shop Drawings: Top 6 Ways they Benefit Construction (PART 1)

Coordinated MEP Shop Drawings: Top 6 Ways they Benefit Construction (PART 1)

MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) systems and components are of great significance in a building project, irrespective of the type of the building (commercial, residential or industrial). To ensure construction of safe, functional and energy-efficient structures, it is necessary for construction companies to adopt efficient MEP BIM Services and create coordinated BIM models. These digital models are used to extract MEP shop drawings that enable seamless fabrication, manufacturing, assembly, installation and on-site maintenance of MEP components.

Construction industry faced numerous roadblocks previously when MEP shop drawings were not extracted from a coordinated BIM model such as:

  • Lack of swift communication and coordination facility lead to constant exchange of plans and drawings between professionals, often going through one professional multiple times due to frequent modifications and the resulting need to adapt and accommodate accordingly.
  • Absence of project visualization in pre-construction stage hinders informed decision making, leading to vague judgments that are left open to interpretation by inexperienced labor, eventually causing project failure.
  • Unavailability of detailed information such as material requirements leads to extra time and efforts having to be put in by contractors, causing delays. Last minute decisions made under pressure might also lead to scheduling errors, resulting in further chaos and delays.
  • CAD based drawings do not allow for fabrication standardization, the consequence of which is inconsistent construction work causing disappointment in und users, thus damaging the reputation of the construction firm.

With the advent of BIM and software applications that allow its implementation in building projects, the process of creating MEP shop drawings has become increasingly simplified. It has also allowed firms to capitalize on a host of advantages, some of which are discussed here.

1. Comprehensible design, assembly and installation instructions

Extraction of clear, detailed and accurate drawings from coordinated 3D BIM models provide contractors with comprehensible representation of guidelines for precise MEP installation.

These drawings include color coordinated and scaled outline for final assembly and fixture of MEP components along with their accessories, dimensions, weight as well as cable and piping connections. Owing to such extensive accuracy and detailing, fabricators gain a through insight of what to build and supply.

Additionally, the inclusion of material requirement lists, visualization of MEP components from every angle and step-by-step directions allows for contractors and manufacturers to achieve hassle-free fabrication and installation. As a result, onsite installation time and project costs can be reduced by a significant proportion leading to improvised project ROI.

2. Assured standardization and legal compliance through built-in documentation

In case of inconsistent, faulty or defective MEP components, contractors can quickly refer to drawing plans and documentations for location of repair points and reorder of appropriate substitutes. They can also be referred to repeatedly in case of frequent and multiple ordering of certain components

Furthermore, MEP shop drawings are required by licensing authorities to ensure adherence to latest industry and safety standards and then grant permits. Firms specializing in providing MEP Shop Drawing Services assure that MEP shop drawings and documentations are drafted with strict adherence such standards, making it easier for contractors to get quick approvals and permits from the concerned authorities.

3. Accurate cost and budget estimation

More often than not, final construction expenses exceed estimated budget by a vast difference, compromising the feasibility of the project. Minor deviations are accepted and even encouraged but such major variations discourage stakeholders, making them loose confidence and interest in the project.

MEP systems are account for over 30% of the project cost and one way to reduce it is to ensure seamless acquisition, delivery, assembly and installation of MEP systems and components. MEP shop drawing help with the same by allowing contractors to make delivery schedules and accurate quantity as well as budget estimations for required resources in advance, ensuring timely and cost efficient MEP installation procedure.

To be continued

Stay tuned for part 2 of the blog ‘Coordinated MEP Shop Drawings: Top 6 ways they benefit construction’ to gain a quick and easy understanding of the rest of the 3 ways by which coordinated MEP shop drawings are advantageous to construction.

Author