MEP - Design & Build

Introduction:

In any Design & Build contract it is important to consider the interface and co-ordination between MEP services , Civil and Architectural Fit-out as crucial to the overall success of the project in terms of achieving the employer requirement on time and within budget. This is an essential task contractors need to pay attention to by appointing the right Engineers to manage it as continuous process from day 1 in any D&B project.

Managed and planned coordination will result in reducing construction time and abortive work , reduce waste, clear scope for the various trades and optimum performance of MEP services. Moreover it will allow for a controlled and safe Operation and Maintenance.

A documented plan highlighting how the co-ordination and interface will be managed and identifying key staff and tools/software to be utilised and executed by senior and experienced Engineers and Managers to be produced at early stage.

The project organization chart to include the co-ordination and interface team as a separate section headed by a manager.

There are various activities at each stage of Design, Procurement , Installation and Testing & Commissioning.

Design Production:

The production of the design require skilled multi-disciplinary team of Architects , Structural and MEP Engineers . The utilization of design consultancy firm with a good track record of F&B contracts is key to ensure optimum and accurate design information. The approach and level of details has to be much more than the standard design that provided to a conventional clients for the purpose of Tender for fixed lump sum contract. . Details , details , details. insist on it.

This is were contractors can fail. Because they do not know how to procure and manage their designers ( it is not in their tradition or standard practice to manage design consultants) . The approach is always get the cheapest lump sum design fees, get it approved by client ( at least approved with comments status B) then send it to be priced by Sub-contractors. During execution all sort of problems arise especially scope gaps and/or the design gone beyond the budget allowed or exceeded the provisional sum set by the client. This leaves the contractor with situation of being caught between rock and hard place. Revisit the design to reduce the cost require additional fees or try to claim additional cost from the client or force the sub-contractors to swallow the scope gaps. This what un-coordinated design can bring; a long list of delays, claims and counter claims. None of it in the favor of the contractor.

In addition to the skilled design team a number of tools will be required achieve best and reliable results. The most important is the 3D BIM model as it provides a best platform for coordination and anticipation of potential clash and solving problems as well as scope demarcation. Other tools such as CFD , Acoustic?simulation , MEP design software all will contribute to the quality and accuracy of the design.

The level of details?need to be at sufficient level to facilitate good understanding of the design therefore ease of approvals,?sufficient detail to procure BOQ, tender package and procurement.

Design Management;

Design management team is required be appointed , preferably in house, to manage the designers and design production and act as a the link with the client and other third parties.

Architectural DM , Structural DM , ?MEP DM?and BIM DM will be the key personal supported by a team of specialized Engineers, Technician ,CAD staff?and document control.

The aim and the purpose?of the DM team is to manage the design process and control the design output in terms of quality, accuracy, compliance ?with standards and employers requirement. Also manage any interface with other parties or contractors. Especially if the project contain more than one design company. Someone need to tie up all the lose ends

The DMs will be selected based on relevant and long experience in design and Engineering with good organization??, communication and problem solving skills.

The tools to be utilized to manage the design shall include: Daily e mail and?face to face discussions, Design issues and interface trackers, MOM ,?Design Review Sheets?and regular design and interface workshops.

Design Co-ordination:

The Design activity starts with a design execution plan and identification of design stages, deliverables and criteria against a time line. As well as method of Quality Control to be utilised to ensure the design executed is ?Compliant, Complete and Co-ordinated.

Design coordination between various architectural elements, structural and MEP services, managed by utilizing BIM model and conducting a weekly clash detection workshops. Also by the production of large scale details to guide the procurement and installation.

?The production of workmanship & material specification will also provide a quality assurance.

Procurement:

Procurement of systems, materials and equipment as well as specialist sub-contractors handled by experienced procurement team. The activity start with establishment of relevant and approved material suppliers and subcontractor’s following the approved list from the employer and managing any necessary additional approvals. it is important not to proceed with any pre-order or fix the cost until the quantity is verified ( cross check BoQ against design drgs) and scope imposed by other systems. Refer to my article "By Others".

Handling & processing Techno-commercial proposals, material samples from approved suppliers??and organizing sample room and mini mock-ups (not cock-ups) for client review and approval. Where required a full size mock-up will be constructed in accordance with the employer requirement.

The whole process will be documented and controlled to ensure only approved materials and equipment’s will be used for used construction and quality assurance.

Material storage and handling will be carried out in a dedicate storage fully protected from accidental damage and harsh weather. In the ME region consultant must insist on indoor storage and just covered materials stored outside. Sunlight, heat , humidity , High winds and flashfloods can ruin any hardy materials.

Installation:?

The installation shall be carried out by approved sub contractors. Who will prepare shop drawings and method statements.

All site personnel will be safety trained and work under strict safety rules and practices. The correct work platforms and hot work permit will be strictly enforced by experienced safety officers.

All shop drgs will be checked against approved design and materials by the design team to ensure compliance and countersigned by all interfacing parties.

Installation activities will follow installation sequence programme as approved by the Engineer. ?

It is important to ensure that site workers/installers are working to status A approved shop drgs. Which means the shop drg has final approval ( no lingering outstanding comments) and coordinated. So the risk of abortive work is reduced as much as possible. The construction manager should have this responsibility of controlling shop drgs delivery to all concerned site operatives and to ensure the replacement of superseded shop drgs. construction team should not be treated like a mushrooms when it comes to shop drgs.

?Testing & Commissioning:

?Testing & Commissioning will require controlled procedure to ensure optimum performance and avoid any damage to high quality finishes. Work permits and method statement will be required to manage the various activities.

Closing of ceilings should be delayed as much as possible until T&C activities completed to the satisfaction of the Engineer to avoid pulling down the ceiling and reconstruction.

Optimum performance of system and equipment will be critical to ensure the internal conditions are maintained within the required range to avoid operation problems such as noise, condensation, over heating , under cooling , glare, direct sun, vibration, dust infiltration & accumulation and water leakage.

A sample of MEP system map

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