Emerging Technologies That Will Change MEP Design

Will MEP Design Change?

The construction industry is in the process of massive transformation with emerging technologies accelerating change. Faced with workflows that keep evolving and increasingly complex projects with tight schedules, MEP contractors are exploring the benefits of new technologies that make it easier for them to manage. 

Some of the benefits of the new technologies are more efficiency, a reduction in office construction mistakes, the streamlining of construction schedules, and less waste. Here are some of the emerging technologies that are changing MEP design and helping to save time, effort, and money. 

The Internet of Things

One of the technologies expected to transform the MEP design industry is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT basically refers to physical devices connected to the Internet that exchange data. All MEP devices and systems will be impacted by IoT. 

For a long time, buildings have had sensors that collect data but new technology capabilities and economics are creating a rapid proliferation of IoT technologies in the construction industry. 

Engineering custom research paper services have stated a good example related to it. MEP contractors are using IoT for tracking progress on job sites in real-time and visualizing data in 3D models. IoT technologies also help to simplify the installation and commissioning of MEP systems in the construction phase of a building. 

Another science and engineering assignment help states that buildings are likely to have more sensors in the future as well as a range of other connected devices. The smart building systems market is expected to grow dramatically in the next few years. 

Constructible Process

Building Informational Modeling (BIM) has traditionally aided visualization and provided an intuitive and interactive way to conceptually model buildings. It helps to deliver construction and design coordination improvements, quality assurances, and cost savings. 

However, the next generation of buildings will need construction professionals to go beyond this and use real-time collaboration, streamlined workflows, and rich data to ensure that every person, phase, and process work seamlessly together. 

Connected, content-enabled and constructible data will allow project teams to optimize and coordinate the entire cycle of building, designing, and operating. 

Constructible Content 

BIM content consists of a 3D model enriched with actionable information that includes factors such as sourcing, pricing, installation, and performance. 

According to the engineering and design specialists at college paper reviews, content becomes constructible when geometric parameters that form the external product characteristics are added to the technical information. This enables models to be so precise that a virtual design is an exact replica of the final physical building. 

It helps to think of constructible content in terms of being the digital building blocks of a project. The reliability and accuracy of this content affect the value of the process and the finished product. Projects benefit from improved coordination and fewer errors during physical construction. 

Cloud-based collaboration 

Cloud-based collaboration allows project teams to share data efficiently in real-time between the field and the office. This ensures information is available throughout the project. 

With more visibility, various trade teams are able to communicate and collaborate directly. If a foreman needs a specific plan, it is easy to find if the document is in the cloud. He can search for project files from the field on a phone or tablet. 

As per the data specialist at a finance assignment help, document control is also easier if people in the office and in the field are able to access and edit documents. Using cloud-based communication reduces errors and improves communication by eliminating data silos. Increased cloud-based communication decreases rework, delays, and other common construction problems. 

Prefabricated components

Construction companies are always looking for ideas to help speed up delivery times. The use of prefabricated components is increasing because they make things easier in the design phase and in construction. The ability to integrate and share data in real-time makes prefabrication more practical and less expensive than it was in the past. 

It is possible to look at prefabricated components available in the libraries of manufacturers and assemble a functional building model compatible with what a client needs. This means not having to start from scratch when building a model. 

A variety of building modules can be prefabricated and delivered to the building site, where they can easily be assembled. This can lead to higher quality and more efficient workflow, thus accelerating project schedules. 

Robotics

Autonomous robots enable the automation of routine, tedious tasks. This helps to improve workload, safety, and quality control. Humans will no longer have to do routine tasks in hazardous environments where they may be harmed. 

For example, demolition robots are safer and cheaper to use for demolishing concrete and structural components of buildings. One use case is construction robots for bricklaying and masonry. Robots will also be used for daily review and inspection. 

This saves a site supervisor from walk-through inspections and increases data collection consistency. As construction companies start automating more tasks, so the demand for construction robots is likely to grow. 

Artificial intelligence (AI)

AI can help to track real-time interactions of workers with machinery and equipment on-site and alert supervisors of possible safety issues, productivity issues, and construction errors. 

AI in generative design form can identify and prevent clashes between models generated by different teams in the planning and design stages. The software is able to learn from each stage of the design and generate suggestions to help optimize future projects. 

Virtual Reality (VR) 

When people think about virtual reality, they tend to do so in terms of entertainment and gaming. However, it can also be very useful in engineering and construction. 

For example, a project manager can visit a site by using virtual reality and not have to spend time traveling long distances to the physical site. Virtual reality headgear enables engineers and product managers to visit various projects remotely. 

MEP contractors use augmented reality to visualize complex data so that they can make better decisions on the job site. Using AR makes it possible to superimpose virtual data on physical surroundings. 

This makes it easier to view spatial relationships and allow project teams to identify clashes and quickly address them. AR assists in determining progress and discussing various critical engineering decisions.

3D laser scanning in MEP design

By using reality capture software and 3D scanning, hardware contractors are able to find locations of existing MEP systems more efficiently. They are then able to import the scan data into a 3D modeling environment. Real-world conditions can then inform the design and enable the creation of accurate as-built constructible models. 

Emerging Technologies Will Change MEP Design – Conclusion

As emerging technologies radically change the construction industry, it is important for all stakeholders to invest in new technology and have a shared vision for the future as well as train new talent. Seamless workflows and increased collaboration will help to close the productivity gap and help the construction industry move towards optimal levels of efficiency. 

Author Bio

Kurt Walker has three years’ work experience as an academic writer and working for UK-based professional writing services. The current assignment writing service he is working with is a well-known essay writing agency and his role is to provide assignment help to college students. He is currently developing a video course on writing skills and wishes to provide it for free to budding writers and authors.