Revit MEP Construction
I’ve always had this idea in my head. If a project is going to be modeled, nobody should be starting over along the way. It should progress from start to finish.
This isn’t always the case, though. Much of this stems from a simple problem. Engineers and contractors are not using the same software and standards. However, as you can see in the pictures above from PACE Collaborative, some engineers and subcontractors are using Autodesk® Revit® to design, coordinate, and prefabricate (LOD 200, LOD 400, and installation, respectively).
That being the case, we now have everyone on the same software. But the reason for the schism in the first place was a difference of standards and detail levels. That gap is being filled in, from both sides, by SysQue with native Revit MEP content, which utilizes Building Data.
Over the last 17 years, the design and construction industry has transitioned from the scale rule and tee-square to the digital scale rule and tee-square known as AutoCAD® and now native 3D BIM construction software, Revit. With each change it also brings new workflows to the construction industry.
Figure 1: Revit view of nursing and classroom building
This MEP Engineering workflow started with a design model from Moseley Architect to provide a constructible MEP model to the subcontractors.
Project: Nursing and Classroom Bldg - Norfolk State University
Location: Norfolk, VA
Size: 140,000 square feet
Value: $39 Million
To quote from Ryan Joyce with PACE Collaborative, “Moseley architects did the design. We had the choice to use Revit or AutoCAD, but because Revit is our preferred software for design and model coordination and with the development of SysQue, we were able to develop detailed LOD 400 shop drawings for SB Ballard to deploy to their subs with the confidence that the MEP and FP systems could be installed as shown on the drawings. We provided mech pipe, sheet metal, electrical conduit, plumbing, sprinkler, layout drawings, and hanger layouts for each system developed with SysQue Supports. When the coordination model was completed it was developed into a 4D model for installation scheduling. iPads were loaded with the Navisworks® model and utilized in the field as a visualization aid to supplement the 2D drawings. Once the project is completed the model will be handed over to the owner with product data integrated into the model for facilities management.”
Figure 2: Revit view of Hyde Park
This MEP Design Build workflow starts with a design team lead by Mortenson Construction, which brings in the MEP Contractors prior to permit review.
Project: University of Chicago Campus North Residence Hall and Dining Commons
Location: Chicago, IL
Size: 400,000 square feet
Value: $153 Million
Team:
University of Chicago – Owner
Mortenson – Design-Builder
Studio Gang Architects – Lead Designer
Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas
dbHMS – MEP Design Engineer
MKA – Structural Engineer
Mechanical Inc. – HVAC
Huen Electric – Electrical
O’Sullivan Plumbing – Plumbing
Jennifer Suerth at Mortenson Construction says, “As a team we wanted a lean process with everyone in the same platform. By bringing the trades on early before permit documents, it allowed the engineers to concentrate on design and the contractors to focus on construction. Implementing this method has cut out nine months of our construction schedule.” She adds, “Since were in Revit we can use the COBie Tool Kit from Autodesk for facilities management. SysQue was the only option to make this successful.”
Figure 3: Revit platform with MEP BIM construction workflows
Workflow depicts the flow of information as a project moves from design to coordination, and finally construction.
In Figure 3, from left to right, the LOD 200 design model with design data for system equipment and schedules. The systems are approximate quantities, size, shape, location, and orientation. As the model progresses to a LOD 400, the means and methods with construction data includes detailed content and connectivity required for 3D coordination. The two example project workflows consist of the MEP engineer working with detailed LOD 400 content. The second project workflow is the MEP contractors working inside the design phase with LOD 400 content. Both workflows leveraged the design model with equipment and performance data with SysQue’s manufacturers’ specific content such as supports, detailed connections for fittings (valves, flanges, joints, etc.) connecting natively to design content.
Revit Platform: Stats
BIM adoption expanded from 17 percent in 2007 to over 70 percent in 2012. (McGraw-Hill Construction)
A July 2014 survey of the top 50 architecture firms showed that 70 percent of the jobs posted required Revit skills. (http://blackspectacles.com/)
40 percent of all construction in 2012 used the design-build process. (DBIA)
Around the world, MEP contractors are providing design services. This is putting pressure on MEP designers to provide construction-ready BIM deliverables.
Revit MEP utilizing SysQue gives the ability to change how a project moves into construction by allowing designers to work more like contractors and giving the contractors the ability to work more like designers in the same platform as the entire design team (architect, general contractor, and owner).
Figure 4: Revit view of mechanical room
Credits and Links
Jennifer Suerth - Mortenson Construction
Ryan Joyce - PACE Collaborative
Bill Nitsche - SNELL SERVICES INC
http://www.dbia.org/Pages/default.aspx
