Using Revit for MEP Coordination Projects in the US

The benefits offered by Revit for MEP Coordination Projects for MEP Contractors and Consultants:

1. Advanced Revit MEP technology helps in coordinating the building components with other crucial disciplines to create a 3D model2. Eases the work for MEP Engineers working on the Project3. Helps in coordinating all building services such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC4. Aids in reducing or eliminating site based issues5. Enhances client satisfaction as they get a detailed view of the building in a 3D environment during planning stages

What the MEP Engineers can do with the help of Revit?

1. They can visualize how the prevailing structures, MEP system and new construction will fit together2. Revit helps them to create the required design and take informed decisions based on the result3. Revit MEP is not only vital for new construction proposals but also crucial for planning refurbishment projects.

Revit MEP is quite effective for AEC companies for 3D M&E (MEP) Coordination in the US, as it allows them to plan, budget, categorize as well as resolve the onsite issues, if any. Today, the US is a vital market for the AEC industry and thus the use of Revit for MEP Coordination Projects there has not only eased out the work for MEP Engineers, but has also proven to be one of the essential components in providing effective 3D Building Services Coordination to the clients.

The AEC industry is a valuable component of any developed economy in terms of investment, income and employment. Construction and engineering projects within the AEC industry need to be more cost effective and delivered on time to clients. 3D M&E (MEP) Coordination is a vital aspect of the MEP industry but requires proficiency in terms of execution and management. How does one go about maximising the value from 3D MEP (M&E) coordination? The answer lies in the use of highly advanced three dimensional modelling and planning tools which can create an inclusive and precise virtual model of a building as well as the building services, thus introducing greater levels of certainty to the project.

Revit for MEP Coordination projects can be a boon to MEP companies if used effectively. What Revit does is let organizations plan and budget effectively, which further helps them to minimise possible on-site concerns while designing in the virtual space. MEP engineers can use 3D tools to plan the design, materials and resources as well as the budget to achieve greater levels of certainty. Moreover, 3D models built using Revit ensure great efficiency, cost efficiency, greater accessibility and ease of installation and access for engineers.

How effective is Revit for MEP Coordination Projects in the US? As far as the AEC industry is concerned in the US, using Revit for the MEP coordination process enables use of the latest tools and technologies across various sectors including healthcare, education, industrial, commercial, retail, hospitality, etc.

All building services such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire and pipework is are effectively modelled and spatially coordinated in Revit in 3d so that a full scale building structure, building services and building fabric are in place before a drawing is even created and before any site work is undertaken.

Furthermore, Revit has surpassed the expectations of many who were earlier using AutoCAD. Clients needing 2D files can still be accommodated using Revit, but with Revit, document accuracy, coordination and accuracy is enhanced, especially when all other disciplines i.e. Architecture and Structure are also using the software. Also, as 2D drawings are taken from 3D model, every aspect such as plans, elevations and sections are synchronized. This multi-directional associatively features of Revit means that one doesn’t have to adjust all drawings after making a change in a floor plan for example. Revit, thus, makes the amending and updating the design easier than AutoCAD too.

The US is a large market for the AEC Industry, and Revit has been a major tool in enhancing the productivity and efficiency of architects and structural engineers in MEP coordination. Accurate drawings, clash interference checks, schedules, component checks are some of the features of Revit relevant to MEP. In addition, construction projects are likely to be more profitable and are more likely to be delivered on time in the US using Revit.

By creating Revit MEP for Coordination Drawings, Installation Drawings, Penetration Drawings and Revit MEP models, firms are enhancing their engineering design development and construction documentation processes. Revit for MEP Coordination projects has thus brought about great value to the AEC industry. The firms have experienced parametric change management, a more coordinated work atmosphere and streamlined processes, thanks to effective implementation of Revit MEP.

Most AEC organizations in the US are already using or certainly considering the use of Revit for all aspects of building design including 3D Building Services Coordination for MEP Coordination Projects. Given that use of BIM and therefore Revit will soon be a requirement for all Federal Government projects, the race to be Revit-Ready and BIM-Ready is already gathering pace.

The accelerated path towards greater use of Revit across the MEP industry is placing, and will continue to place, great strain on Revit resources as they are required by designers, contractors and fabricators in the MEP environment. As the global AEC industry starts to incorporate Revit MEP as a pre-requisite in almost all construction projects, several organizations are now outsourcing MEP Coordination services in order to ensure that they can meet internal demands while ensuring quality levels are maintained. The outsourcing firms, primarily based in India, possess great proficiency and expertise due to their engineering strength and skilled IT enabled resources allowing them to offer a real time, proficient MEP modelling and MEP coordination service. In most cases such firms are familiar with US construction standards and requirements.

Kuldeep Bwail, Director at XS CAD, providing 3D Architectural Modelling,3D BIM Modeling to Homebuilder, Architect