2D Coordination And 3D BIM Coordination

1. 2D Coordination 2D Coordination And This article is concerned with understanding 2D coordination as well as 3D coordination, before comparing the two methods, to see the pros and the cons of each and to then help to determine the preferred or the best method for modern construction and engineering. 2D coordination and 3D BIM coordination are concerned with ensuring the spatial coordination of building services including HVAC, mechanical pipework, containment and plumbing. This means that all of the building services are planned accordingly and spatially laid out both vertically and horizontally within a ceiling void, or a riser, an underfloor void or a plant room. The importance of spatial coordination cannot be underestimated as it provides the various trades with accurate layout and installation information for building services in ceiling voids, risers, plant areas, underfloor and also mid-level services. Correctly executed coordination will mean that there are fewer clashes on site. This will then result in fewer delays, which can be costly and also delay the project timescales. There is also a need to include the architectural and structural elements within the coordination activity. This means that when inserting building services in a drawing or in a model, the model must also contain the building fabric and structural components, so that the building services do not clash with the structure or the architecture as well as with the other services. It is important for the structural and architectural information ideally in 3D models or in the worst case in 2D format, to be available to the coordinator before he can start his work. The architecture and structure being a part of the coordination consideration, the coordinator also has a responsibility for ensuring that the building services installation takes into account all aspects concerned with coordination, such as ease of installation, post installation access, manufacturing, lagging, expansion and of course efficiency. Without taking into account such aspects, the building services coordinated solution might or might not work or be efficient or easy. By taking in on account this factor the coordination will be deemed as installation ready coordination, which can be quite different to a standard coordinated solution. In terms of approaching coordination, there are two methods, the first is 2D coordination, which has been the traditional method used. The second method is 3D coordination, which has become an evolving standard in the last few years and indeed the last decade. 2D coordination involves creating plan drawings as well as sections detailing the services layout for HVAC, pipework, sprinkler, containment, plumbing and drainage. Typically, these are all added to one drawing which is known as the coordinated building services drawing. Once the coordinated drawing is approved then single service drawings which are also coordinated are provided. These are more detailed single service drawings show the invert levels, dimensions and sizes. 2D coordination relies on a good level of skill, both in terms of service knowledge and also software knowledge from the user to avoid clashes on site. As 2D coordination is very difficult to check quickly, the ability to check and approve the 2D coordinated drawings relies on the skills and scrutiny of someone capable of interpreting and understanding the drawings. As a result of this, coordinated drawings are often difficult to review and approve with any real assurance. This has unfortunately resulted in problems which are not being identified until the installation on site had been started. With 3D coordination, the ability of a coordinator to produce an accurate and error-free model, which will result in less clashes on site and therefore less delays and additional cost, is substantially improved. In 3D coordination the user or users can work on an area providing or adding models for ductwork, pipework, electrical containment and drainage to a virtual space which they can be viewed in the virtual space to identify instant issues. As the coordinators are modelling into a virtual space, which also includes the architecture and the structure the user is therefore also taking into account the architectural and structural constraints as well as the constraints or the routes of other services. The ability to then review the model and check for any clashes is improved And 3D BIM Coordination 3D BIM Coordination

2. by using tools such as, Navisworks, which is a roaming, clash detection and interference analysis tool. As well as the ability to review the model easily, the 3D output can also be used for design review meetings and design approval and also to highlight potential issues to other parties. These meetings would typically involve walkthroughs of the model and highlighting clashes and other problem areas of the building services disciplines and for the other domains for the architect or structural engineer. Added to this are all the ongoing benefits that the 3D model provides which includes, the ability to use information from the model for installation maintenance in a facilities management environment. It is fair to assume that the 3D coordination method as an approach is considered to be an improvement on the 2D coordinated approach. This is mainly because of the certainty that the 3D coordinated approach provides to the installer or the contractor or the trade installing the services. It is also true to say that 3D software and the 3D coordination process takes more time and costs more money due to the software costs and also the skills involved in producing 3D models. However when considering the benefits and reduced on-site construction timescales and costs, the overall benefit of 3D coordination does outweigh the risks associated with 2D coordination. 3D BIM Coordination help to save time & money 3D BIM Coordination help to save time & money The creation of MEP (M&E) coordination drawings is essential for design and development of MEP (M&E) element, this include design of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), duct, pipe, and electrical components. An MEP design must intertwine within an architect’s vision of a building, so it is crucial to coordinate these systems accurately within the constraints of an architect’s design. The challenge for building design engineers is spatial coordination of the building services (MEP elements). A trend, which is dwindling with time, is coordination completed using 2D plan sets composed for each discipline. Unfortunately, this approach is often time consuming, expensive, and can lead to a variety of mistakes including, clashes discovered during construction, repetitious work, and project delays. Nowadays, MEP (M&E) design consultants are using BIM modeling services and Revit 3D BIM modeling to design and coordinate multi-disciplinary work in a virtual, 3D environment. BIM services identify and reduce the amount of early stage planning problems in the design. Creating a collaborative BIM model allows all engineers involved to coordinate their design with other disciplines; thus, reducing the number of design clashes and resulting in costs being saved during installation. 3D BIM modeling services using Revit MEP are often used to coordinate MEP and architecture related designs and plan sets. These services often include the use of Revit MEP programs because the software allows for the accurate scale modeling of a project and its many intricate components. The implementation of BIM modeling services for coordination improves clash detection as compared to traditional 2D methods used. By creating a 3D model which can be used for walkthroughs, owners and designers can avoid costly, last minute construction changes due to building services, structural and architectural building clashes. BIM modeling manages the risk during the design process by minimizing and significantly reducing constructability issues for the MEP industry. Revit 3D BIM models also allow engineers to produce accurate MEP coordination drawings as well as simplifying the process for quantity takeoffs, locations, scheduling, and estimates. Using 3D BIM modeling services to create project models also reduces the need for requests for information (RFI’s) and change orders during the construction process, because a working, easily maneuverable 3D model is readily accessible to investigate and analyse before construction is started. 3D BIM modeling has become a useful trend in the MEP and architecture industry, but these models ultimately require a number of core team competencies to successfully and accurately create a useful model. To create an accurate BIM coordination model in 3D, appropriate software (such as, Revit MEP) must be used to design, author and review the model. Expert knowledge and use of Revit MEP is

3. therefore required as well as domain related experience and knowledge by design team members. A team that is unable to manipulate, navigate, and review a 3D model will not reduce project costs, nor create an efficient construction model, or successfully maneuver through the many project challenges that can (and will) arise. The use of tools such as Navisworks, a roaming tool from Autodesk which also provides interference analysis reports, helps to achieve this aim at least. The outcome of having a BIM modeling service team that is knowledgeable in their domain and experienced in the use of the software will result in the creation of a model that is produced on a 3D environment that can easily be walked through, before the project is built physically. Use of a 3D BIM model will also reduce costs, improve construction efficiency, and increase estimate accuracy when the model is used in the creation of quantity takeoffs, construction schedules, and accurate estimates. The 3D BIM coordination model will also provide the owner and designers a view of the project’s virtual construction; thus, highlighting project problems and avenues for cost reduction. Ultimately, the use of BIM modeling services for project coordination reduces risk throughout the construction process. For example, 3D BIM models allow MEP and architectural designers to zoom in on problem areas and see a 3D representation of the free overhead allotted to certain pipes. 3D BIM models also virtually allow designers to examine locations and means to re-route building services through alternative locations within the project in order to improve efficiency during the construction and building use phases. In some cases, a simple HVAC duct re-routing or re-location chosen during model examination can save time and funds during construction. Sub-contractors from all aspects of the design process can offer input regarding construction improvements. The use of BIM services alongside MEP coordination drawings can also minimize waste onsite and reduce the number of construction materials waiting for use on-site. Through use of 4D planning and scheduling from the BIM model, materials can be brought to the site at an appropriate time due to improved scheduling accuracy. Instead of relying solely on traditional 2D MEP coordination drawings, many teams are relying on the outputs from 3D BIM models which are based on accurate 3D models that are contributed and approved by an entire design team. Ultimately, the use of BIM modeling services for coordination has allowed for an accurate creation and examination of the project to be built thereby reducing the number of mistakes and cost related issues that may have been experienced in a project designed in 2D.