There’s no question about the significant growth in popularity that BIM or Building Information Modeling has been getting these past few years. On the off chance that it’s your first time learning about BIM, it’s often described as a new way of architectural BIM services going about the documentation and design of construction projects.
BIM comprises the virtual representations of actual pieces and parts used to construct a building. These BIM elements have the logical and physical characteristics of their counterparts in the real world. Simply put, BIM elements are digital prototypes of the physical elements of a building. Users of BIM list several benefits it offers at different phases of the construction project, including estimation, scheduling, risk analysis, more effective management of facilities, and developing a more collaborative process among all stakeholders. However, BIM can offer more in other specific aspects and areas. One particular case is how it provides substantial advantages to contractors who work on mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection or MEP/FP design and construction. Using BIM in MEP/FP modeling streamlines projects improves collaboration, and reduces waste and risk. With the help of MEP BIM Services, you can build something virtually before you build it physically.
Benefits of integration of architectural BIM services in the MEP/FP design process
The 3D advantage
The first is the most basic BIM modeling service benefit. However, 3D designs of ductwork and piping can help MEP/FP contractors save more effort and time. Thanks to these designs, they can better visualize and understand their clearances and know how to add equipment or make adjustments before its final implementation in the field.
They can also view the model from all possible angles, for example, which include the interface of the processes. It can also be used for redesigning the model and making further enhancements along the way.
Interference prevention
How often have you heard horror stories about electrical trays and plumbing being installed haphazardly? This clash, mainly when several players are involved in the project’s different facets, is typical in construction projects.
The bright side is that it is possible to detect these clashes with the help of BIM during the design stage to solve them immediately. Clash detection includes but is not limited to Hard Clash, Soft Clearance Clash, 4D/Workflow Clash, and the like. You can imagine how much money and time you can save if delays are prevented before they happen.
Improved estimation of costs
BIM software consists of tools for budget management and cost estimation. It simplifies estimating their work’s cost more simplified for MEP/FP engineers to ensure that they stick to their budget. With the help of BIM, MEP/FP engineers can also pinpoint areas where they can further lower costs and enhance their systems’ efficiency in general.
Improved visualization
BIM offers a building representation in 3D that allows MEP/FP engineers to visualize how the finished product will look. It makes it possible for MEP engineers to detect potential problems early on in the process and make the necessary adjustments before the start of construction. BIM also offers MEP/FP engineers an enhanced understanding of how their systems and the rest of the building will interact to improve the overall quality of their work.
Gain total control
MEP/FP contractors can also use BIM to get a bird’s eye view of different components, including ceiling elevations, the plumbing layout, the walls with electrical wires, and the rest. They only need to use a single platform to access these details.
The common platform also serves as the single version of truth for every stakeholder involved in the project. It gives them total control over the project’s scope of work and saves them from more agony since flaws can be detected early on. All of these mean that there will no longer be unwanted wastage of resources because of errors.
Complete BIM integration has been proven to be greatly beneficial. If you’re still unsure as to how architectural BIM services can complement the MEP design process, here are a few points to convince you further:
Final Lines
BIM has a significant potential to become the most powerful partner for MEP/FP contractors. It offers a long list of benefits. However, the exciting technology’s improved collaboration and planning capacities can drive better control of resources, early detection and solving of problem areas, and more integrated efforts.
