BIM is Changing the MEP Design Process

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been a paradigm of the architectural engineering industry for many years. BIM services are being used to design buildings from the ground up, bringing together all aspects of design into one collaborative process.

The benefits of this have been significant for architects, engineers, and owners alike. But what about the way MEP designers think about their own work? Is it time to update your business practices to match those of other industries? Here’s why you should be considering using Agon Coordination’s BIM Services as a new strategy for your business!

What is BIM?

BIM is a 3D computer-based platform that is used to design buildings. This process includes the use of all aspects of the design, such as materials, space, and energy usage. By combining these facets into one program, BIM has made it easier for architects and engineers to conceptualize, coordinate, collaborate, and complete building design.

BIM is how MEP engineers are designing now

BIM is changing the way engineers design. If you’ve been following the industry for any amount of time, you know that MEP BIM Engineering has been a particular beneficiary of this movement.

In fact, in a recent survey from Autodesk, it was found that when BIM is used in engineering projects, productivity improves by 58% and cost savings increase by 21%. When you compare these numbers to traditional engineering practices, they seem almost too good to be true.

But how do MEP designers feel about working in a BIM-centric environment? Well, the benefits are clear for all parties involved in the process.  When an architect specifies components in their 3D model, it is automatically added to the list of materials provided to the MEP engineer for use during design and documentation phases.

Opening up a dialog of what type of equipment is needed and integral to the buildings overall function.  MEP engineers use this information to begin cataloging the systems needed in order to perform the functions the building is meant to serve.

Another huge benefit is increased collaboration with architects and other trades partners. In many cases MEP designers are able to work with existing information from architectural models or drawings without having to retrace their steps and create something new from scratch. It saves a lot of time and reduces errors due to discrepancies in modeling.

The increased efficiency doesn’t stop there – because users can share data across different software platforms (AutoCAD, Revit, Microstation, into Navisworks), there is no need for proprietary systems which means you won’t have any headaches when it comes time to collaborating your systems.  Each trade can use the software that they’re most proficient in.

BIM and MEP Design

BIM is the medium paradigm that MEP design is executed.

MEP designers use BIM for two reasons:

  1. It’s the only way they can see how all of the pieces of a project fit together.
  2. They can work more efficiently.  MEP designers are always juggling many tasks at once–working on drawings for one part of the project while working on schematics for another.

When designing with BIM, everyone’s goal is able to see what’s happening. They don’t have to guess or rely on someone else’s word about what their needs are.

MEP BIM Modeling gives the tangibles needed for all trades to get it right. Because MEP design processes are so complex, this kind of collaboration is critical to success. It allows each person to stay more on task and tackle their own responsibilities more easily without having to wait on other people who may not be working as quickly or efficiently as they would like.

The Benefits of BIM for MEP Design Teams

BIM has the potential to be an extremely powerful tool for MEP designers. It can create a collaborative process that harmonizes design and engineering into one cohesive, coordinated effort. The benefits of this in the architectural and engineering fields have been enormous: less time and money spent, more accurate designs, and increased safety.

The benefits of BIM for MEP designers may not be as tangible when compared to its use in other industries; but it’s important to consider how it could change your business practices for the better.

BIM can help your design-build projects run smoothly from start to finish by facilitating collaboration between different parties, such as architects and contractors.

This would eliminate the need for back-and-forth emails to exchange changes and updates, saving both time and money. You don’t have to spend hours or days making edits between two separate design programs anymore.

Create your initial design in one program and share it with your design team. Any changes will automatically update across all documents – so you’ll no longer need to worry about forgetting to send over changes.  Also, by using BIM, you’ll reduce the worry about miscommunication leading to costly errors down the road again either!

BIM also provides a safer environment in which designers can work because they’re not working with outdated blueprints or iffy construction plans. The model provides up-to-date data with the latest information – eliminating any confusion or misunderstandings that might arise from a static document that was created months ago.

“What should I do next?”

Many businesses ask this question when they find themselves stuck in the same old design process. The answer is not always easy, but it’s clear that BIM offers a new way of thinking about your business and how to move forward.

BIM is a collaborative process that will allow you to combine all aspects of your work into one cohesive process. This exciting idea will eliminate the need for multiple processes and will help you achieve a higher level of quality overall.

The Benefits of BIM include:

  • Shared Models: Allows teams to collaborate on models with different software programs, rather than having to rely on one system
  • Collaborative Processes: Designers can communicate with each other more effectively, making it easier for everyone to see what’s happening with the project at any given time
  • Efficient Sharing: Connects all departments and ensures that information is easily accessible

Conclusion

BIM has already begun to change the way engineers design.  With BIM, MEP designers can solve complicated design issues that are difficult or impossible to solve without it. MEP designers are finding that their BIM software reveals previously unidentified design issues, giving them the chance to fix them before the entire project is completed.

BIM has also helped MEP designers to see more clearly how their design will work in the real world before they start on the final project, leading to better decision-making.

If your MEP design team is interested in seeing how MEP BIM Services can benefit you, feel free to contact us at Agon Coordination to help you navigate a better way to design your projects/buildings.

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