Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been increasingly used in coordinating the different mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services in the construction industries. As the construction industries are slowly adapting to BIM, the use of 2D software may become obsolete in the future as MEP services are technically more complicated to coordinate, due to respective services’ codes of practice to follow and limit ceiling height. The 3D MEP designs are easy to visualize before installing the respective MEP services on the construction site to prevent delay in the construction process. The aid of current advanced technology has brought BIM to the next level to reduce manual work through automation. Combining both innovative technology and suitable management methods not only improves the workflow in design coordination, but also decreases conflict on the construction site and lowers labor costs. Therefore, this paper tries to explore possible advance technology in BIM and management strategies that could help MEP services to increase productivity, accuracy, and efficiency with a lower cost of finalizing the design of the building. This will assist the contractors to complete construction works before the targeted schedule and meet the client’s expectations.

As there are different services in a building, it is essential to ensure that there are no clashes when the contractors install their respective services in the building. BIM software is widely used in the modern construction industry to coordinate the different services involved, such as architecture, structural, and MEP systems for energy efficiency calculations, project coordination, and operation and maintenance.

BIM is a technique that allows architects and civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers and/or drafters to design, collaborate, consolidate, and show all details on the building/project. BIM can be used in any part of the cycle, from renovation, planning, designing, documentation, and construction, to operation and maintenance as shown in Figure 1.

 

 

 

The different dimensions of BIM, as illustrated in Figure 2, can help to improve the efficiency and productivity in all stages of construction process. Further details on the different dimensions of BIM, specifically 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, and 7D, are explained as follows.

1.BIM 3D (Design Modeling)

This involves all services, such as architecture, structure, and MEP services collaborating on one platform. BIM 3D provides visualization to check for clashes and better communication between all services.

2.BIM 4D (Time)

BIM 4D helps to plan and schedule data on the amount of time needed to complete the project and provide additional information on time variable schedules, such as contracts, project duration, procurement, and cost of contract. This will provide more details on the sequence of the construction and installation process to make site planning manageable. As the information is shared with everyone who is involved in the project, the contractors will be more prepared when it is their turn according to the schedule. This will improve safety and productivity and minimize buffer and lead time on-site if everything goes according to schedule.

3.BIM 5D (Construction Management)

BIM 5D can provide a prediction on budget evaluation and cost at the beginning of the project. The cost will also be automatically amended when there are changes to the project. This allows the clients and/or owners to evaluate and track the actual cost used for the project.

4.BIM 6D (Sustainability)

BIM 6D provides an estimate of energy consumption analysis of the building at the initial design stage. The client and/or owner will know the total cost of their building, which includes the construction cost and estimated cost of energy consumption after the building has started operating. They will then have an idea on how to achieve sustainability to further minimize costs on energy consumption. Therefore, BIM 6D can assist in improving sustainability in terms of minimizing energy usage and enhancing operational management when the project is completed.

5.BIM 7D (Facilities Management)

BIM 7D helps building owners track vital asset data, such as information on warranty and technical specifications for future usage in facility operations and management. The building owners will be updated on which areas of the building require maintenance. The relevant information in the BIM 7D model can assist the contractors to improve the maintenance process.

With these progressions, it will be easier to collaborate with other services, e.g., architectural, structural, and MEP services, and integrate the design together to identify and solve clashes before the start of construction stage to avoid conflict on the construction site. Therefore, it is considered as an efficient method to visualize and have an overview of how the design looks.