Mechanical Systems in Building Information Modelling (BIM)

This research project explores the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the design and construction of mechanical systems in buildings. It discusses the benefits and applications of BIM in plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and vertical transport systems. The research aims to understand how BIM has assisted in the design and installation of these mechanical systems.

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RESEARCH PROJECT
By Name
Course
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Institution
Location
Date

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MECHANICAL SYSTEMS IN BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)
Abstract
As per the Building Information Modelling Handbook, BIM is defined as “a more integrated design
and construction process that results in better quality buildings at lower cost and reduced project
duration, “contains precise geometry and data needed to support the construction, fabrication, and
procurement activities through which the building is realized”.The main aim of this study is to
research about the mechanical systems of Building information modeling. The use of BIM in the
design and construction of the building mechanical systems has many benefits such as consistency,
simulation and visualization of elements before their actual construction, that can greatly assist in
reducing the errors that are experienced during the actual implementation stage. In the building
plumbing system, the Building Information Technology is used in the construction of a 3D building
Information Model, which in most cases contains ball the necessary data in the plumbing design. All
the information which is contained in the model refers to the drainage and water design such as pump
size and power consumption and any other information which can be obtained from the model,
various professional data can be directly obtained from the model.

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Table of Contents
Abstract.................................................................................................................................................1
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................1
Research background.............................................................................................................................1
Research aims and objectives................................................................................................................2
LITERATURE REVIEW......................................................................................................................2
Plumbing systems in Building Information modeling...........................................................................2
Application of BIM in the design and construction of plumbing systems.............................................3
Vertical transport systems in BIM.........................................................................................................5
Requirement increase for the elevator design software through BIM....................................................5
BIM IN THE ELEVATOR INDUSTRY...............................................................................................5
HVAC IN Building Information Modelling (BIM)...............................................................................6
Benefits of BIM for the HVAC system construction...............................................................................6
RESAERCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................................................7
Review of secondary sources.................................................................................................................7
Computer models and simulations.........................................................................................................7
Research plan (Gantt chart)...................................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION.....................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES......................................................................................................................................8

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Introduction
Design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings relies on very complex building
information to locate the assets and troubleshoot equipment failures. The incorporation of mechanical
systems in Building information modelling has many benefits such as Building Information modelling
has created Revit software, which offers users with capability of constructing and maintaining a
better quality and energy efficient buildings. In the Revit models, data sheets, 3D, 2D, drawings,
schedules, etc., are normally saved in the form of the same building information. Which makes it
possible for the parameters of the Revit b model to be modified and refined at any time, and at the
same time the contents of the database of the model are automatically updated (Wu, Li, & Wang,
2016).
Due to the low adoption of Building Information Modelling in the design of the mechanical systems
and lack of standards on producing the facilities management, the clients and managers cannot be
able to utilize BIM in operations and maintenance (Mahdjoubi, Brebbia, & Laing, 2013). Hence, there
is need for an automated approach which could be able to reconstruct BIM automatically ton address
the barriers of adopting BIM in the design of building mechanical systems.
Research background
The mechanical systems play a very crucial role during the construction of construction projects,
which in most cases affects the overall success of the project. This is particularly practical in the
current world, since the building systems are becoming more complex day by day and the demand for
green buildings is increasing which needs more efforts in the construction of mechanical systems
(Crotty, 2013).
There are many benefits which are associated with the use of BIM in the construction industry which
ranges from the basic improvement consistency, simulation and visualization, coordination and the
collaboration to the greater client satisfaction. Even though the utilization of Building Information
Modelling (BIM) in construction has many benefits there are a number of risks and challenges. The
table below shows the befits, challenges and risks of utilizing BIM in the construction projects.

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(Yusuf Arayici, Mahdjoubi, & Nagy, 2017)
Research aims and objectives
The main aim of this research is to find out the mechanical system in Building information modelling
and how BIM has assisted their design and installation. In order to achieve the main aims of the
research there was need to developed specific objectives such as;
1. Discussing the plumbing systems in Building Information Modelling
2. Discussing the HVAC systems in BIM
3. Discussing the Vertical transport systems in a building
4. Carrying out a detailed literature review on the topic

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LITERATURE REVIEW
Plumbing systems in Building Information modeling
With the continuous improvement of the living standards and the progress of urbanization process, the
level at which the plumbing systems are designed has to be improved to meet the population
growing demand for quality water and sewage services in buildings. To improve the overall quality
of water supply and the drainage works in buildings, there is need to give attention to safety and
aesthetic of the structures (Kensek, 2014). Hence, in addition to having very experienced and skilled
plumbers there is need to have auxiliary building water supply system and the drainage design
software, which can facility efficient design of reliable and excellent drainage and water systems.
Application of BIM in the design and construction of plumbing systems
i) Collaborative design
In the building plumbing system, the Building Information Technology is used in the construction of
a 3D building Information Model, which in most cases contains ball the necessary data in the
plumbing design. All the information which is contained in the model refers to the drainage and water
design such as pump size and power consumption and any other information which can be obtained
from the model, various professional data can be directly obtained from the model (Eastman,
Teicholz, Sacks, & Liston, 2016). The BIM model can be updated automatically when there are
changes that are made to some of the data in the model. BIM allows the verification of all the
plumbing specialties; this facilitates simplification process and at the same time promotes the linkage
of all the construction works. In the scenario where the model would have been modified by any of
the parties involved in the design process, all other parties can be able to see in time the changes that
have been made and be able to discuss the proposed changes to enhance the collaborative efficiency
of the design.
ii) Pipeline design

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Through the Building Information Modelling (BIM) model for plumbing design, designers and
engineers can be able to omit a lot of drawing links and the clearance height of the pipe can be able
to be displayed visually. Building Information Modelling can be able to meet the work requirements.
For the existence of different problem and conflict experienced in the design process, With BIM it is
possible to identify the problems and all the conflicts and with that it is possible to make timely
changes and adjustments (Crotty, 2013). The figure below shows pipes being designed in BIM.
iii) Parametric design
Building Information modelling has created Revit software, which offers users with capability of
constructing and maintaining a better quality and energy efficient buildings. In the Revit models, data
sheets, 3D, 2D, drawings, schedules, etc., are normally saved in the form of the same building
information. Which makes it possible for the parameters of the Revit b model to be modified and
refined at any time, and at the same time the contents of the database of the model are automatically
updated. The Revit model can be updated and modified by the drainage and water supply designers to
EXCEL and BIM software (Eastman, Teicholz, Sacks, & Liston, 2016).
iv) Visual design
The traditional plumbing designs were mainly based on Computer Aided Design system, elevation
map information, plan map information and profile map information. To reasonably establish the

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beam height characteristics, structures and architectural features must be restored and integrated by
the plumbing designers. In the situations where complex building structures were encountered, and
there is need for the duration to be compensated., the transmission of data is likely to cause data
distortion. If the 3D building information data was transferred by BIM technology, which was
intuitive and which was able to achieve good transmission. In the scenarios where there was a degree
of difference in the design of the model, the model would be actually be divided as per the floor area
and the plumbing design mainly b based on the civil engineering design. IF the local changes, the
entire floor plane was to be affected (Kensek, 2014). The floor in most cases was the basis of the
traditional plumbing system design model, the building system is then divided, in the event of minor
changes, it was to affect a number of drawings. If the application of Building Information Modelling,
the local data changes, the other data will be automatically updated and the control system is to be
very convenient. The figure below is an illustrates a virtual model of pipeline layout.
v) Material table statistics
The design of plumbing systems in the past was very cumbersome and it was prone to many mistakes
through the measurement of the CAD sheet and the material table information of the plumbing
projects. The original data performed once again for the revised design drawings. The application of
Building Information Modelling is the best solution to this challenge, because the plumbing

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related information is stored in the Building Information Modelling Database, a given information
which is required during the production of the material tables is very easy to find and all the data
can be extracted for the purpose of preparing the cost budget of the plumbing system.
vi) Simulated installation
Building Information Modeling can offer standardized design and operations guidance for the
plumbing designers and engineers. More so where the layout of the pipeline is very complex, and in
the scenarios where there are restrictions on space, which is known to cause problems during the
installation stage. The application of BIM model for the virtual construction, the problems which
could have been identified during the installation stage can be detected earlier and be fixed. With BIM
it is possible to for the installation of the pipeline to be guided to control the progress of the project
and at the same time to be able to coordinate the design job of different departments. For instance, in
a high-rise building plumbing system designs, BIM has been used to carry out simulation of the
pipeline installation process. Firstly, the location of the bathrooms is determined, the 3D images then
can be moved directly, which do not have to be recognized and labeled. the plumbing system can be
developed in the model, this will include; toilets, bathroom and bath plumbing systems (Yusuf
Arayici, Mahdjoubi, & Nagy, 2017), the pipeline layout can be directly generated through the
operations of the BIM platforms; then the BIM system can be edited to add other bathroom
appliances to generate connections and layoffs; Lastly the virtual simulation function of Building
Information Modelling technology was used to determine the performance and the effectiveness
of the plumbing system.
Vertical transport systems in BIM
The manufacturers of elevators and other vertical transport systems in a building require to have
carefully designed components such as doors and drives in a 3D BIM model in order to develop a
complete digital model for the elevator. In most cases the architect integrates this into a 3D model of
the building. The main benefit of using BIM in the design of the vertical transport systems in a

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building is to check the interface between the elevator and the building. This is very beneficial since it
avoids typical errors such as the wrong shaft dimensions or floor dimensions.
Once a building is erected, facility managers can be able to retrieve all the data regarding the
building’s elevators in their digital BIM building. As per the European directive 2014/24/ EU, all the
public buildings should be planned and constructed using the BIM approach. In countries such as
United Kingdom and Netherlands, this has been made a mandatory.
Requirement increase for the elevator design software through BIM
With many changes, the needs for elevator planning software will probably increase, and also the
users. Up to date, one can be able to copy a similar 2D drawing and make some adjustments so that
it can fit in a new project. With the introduction of BIM in the design of vertical transport systems in
buildings this will end soon, since a 3D model will be required with full details.
BIM IN THE ELEVATOR INDUSTRY
Currently the demand for the 3D BIM elevator models is increasing since the architects and other
designers need them especially in the construction of the high-rise building and other large-scale
projects. The use of BIM in the design of the elevators is an upward trend especially for the high-rise
buildings. Currently there is a high application of BIM software which are being used by the vertical
transportation consultants. In the small projects, buildings and medium-sized businesses.
BIM in the components industry
Currently 3D models and configuration tools are standard in most scenarios. Majority of the facility
managers need accurate information such as the maintenance cycle or the part numbers, regarding
the used components from the building’s BIM model. The future generation BIM tools which will be
used in the design of elevators will include a well-structured elevator component which will be
calculated and selected directly in the software.
More than just 3D geometry

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Additionally to the original 3D geometry, the BIM models have their own intelligence and offers an
additional information, such as the size, type code and manufacturer. For instance, after changing the
distance of the floor in the proposed building, the intelligent BIM software automatically updates the
rail bracket distance (Kensek, 2014).
Currently BIM processes are becoming much more standardized. In future, there will be digital
buildings which will be reviewed and be modified online by all the parties involved in the design and
construction process, this will include Client, architect, engineers and the notified bodies. It is much
conceivable that the elevator firms will include an optimized elevator solution int6o the architectural
project and supervise it during the design and construction stages.
HVAC IN Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Commercial HVAC construction projects are very expensive. In most cases they are complicated to
be managed as they involve many different contractors across different HVAC and the energy
systems.
BIM has great applications in the HVAC and energy construction projects. BIM is considered vas a
place where all the construction ideas, functional characteristics, operational details and design
documents are stored. Essentially BIM permits contactors to develop a highly virtual model of your
existing systems, as well as to developing models for the proposed new systems. The 3D BIM models
have proven to be of great importance to any company which is involved in the construction of
HVAC projects, which has may merits to the client.
Benefits of BIM for the HVAC system construction
Building Information Modelling greatly assists the management with the daily operations of the
HVAC construction projects. Some of the benefits of BIM in the HVAC construction include;
i) BIM facilitates single-source HVAC projects

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For managers and clients, energy and HVAC construction projects can be very challenging, juggling
contractors, giving directions and managing resources and the costs. BIM software facilitates intense
coordination in the construction field, between the energy and HVAC contractors and between the
client and the contractor (Eastman, Teicholz, Sacks, & Liston, 2016). With this high level of
coordination, one construction company can more easily be trusted to manage the entire construction
process, which makes the process much easier for the client and the mangers.
ii) Improved construction productivity
In the scenarios where there is one accurate point of reference for the construction, cross referencing
and the time taken for approval are dramatically cut. This directly contributes higher productivity gain
can add up quickly.
iii) Reduced rework
In BIM software for the design of the HVAC system, it is possible to make updates instantly and
universally, hence leading to reduced mistakes which occur due to poor communication. Since the
BIM software facilitates better communication and serves as a single point of reference, both of which
leads to directly fewer mistakes and less reworks, this further adds to reduced costs and productivity
gains for energy and HVAC construction projects.
BIM software adds value to the energy and HVAC construction projects in a number of ways –
primarily through the improved management of projects and enhanced communication, which can
directly contribute to cost and time savings. Clients and managers who hire companies to leverage
BIM software will find their HVAC projects completed on time, more productively and with easier
management on their part.
RESAERCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology refers to a careful approach which the researcher will use to collect and
analyze appropriate data or at the same time to embrace examination of the assembled data by

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utilizing different research strategies. The main aim of this study is to find out the mechanical system
in Building information modelling and how BIM has assisted their design and installation.
Carrying out a detailed literature review was emphasized during the research period to give the
researcher a deeper understanding of the topic of research. With that a qualitative research together
with be detailed literature review will be used to collect all the relevant data. Some of the techniques
that will be used to collect data include;
Review of secondary sources
Reviewing of the secondary sources which contains information which is relevant to the topic of
study. The secondary sources which will be reviewed will include; books, peer reviewed journal,
online sources and any other source which have information relevant to the topic of study.
Computer models and simulations
This will involve carrying out some simulations and study of Building Information modelling.
Different BIM software can be used during the study such as Revit and ArchiCAD. There are many
benefits which are associated with the use of computer models and simulations such as;
Merits of computer models and simulation
The computer simulation will be more cost-effective
The simulation process can be slowed down to allow the study of the mechanical systems more easily
Different conditions can be varied to and the outcome of the variation determined.
Limitations of Computer models and simulation
For the researcher to carry out the simulation and study of the models he/she requires a deeper
understanding of the simulation software

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.
Research plan (Gantt chart)
The research will be carried out in 10 weeks as shown in the Gantt chart below.

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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there are many benefits which are associated with the use of BIM in the construction
industry which ranges from the basic improvement consistency, simulation and visualization,
coordination and the collaboration to the greater client satisfaction. Even though the utilization of
Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction has many benefits there are a number of risks
and challenges. Some of the mechanical systems in BIM include; plumbing system, vertical transport
systems and HVAC systems. In BIM software for the design of the HVAC system, it is possible to
make updates instantly and universally, hence leading to reduced mistakes which occur due to poor
communication. Since the BIM software facilitates better communication and serves as a single point
of reference, both of which leads to directly fewer mistakes and less reworks, this further adds to
reduced costs and productivity gains for energy and HVAC construction projects.
REFERENCES
Crotty, R. (2013). The Impact of Building Information Modelling: Transforming Construction. Chicago:
Routledge.
Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., & Liston, K. (2016). BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building
Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. London:
John Wiley & Sons.
Kensek, K. M. (2014). Building Information Modeling. Texas: Routledge,.
Mahdjoubi, L., Brebbia, C., & Laing, R. (2013). Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Design,
Construction and Operations. Texas: WIT Press,.
Wu, P., Li, H., & Wang, X. (2016). Integrated Building Information Modelling. London: Bentham
Science Publishers,.
Yusuf Arayici, J. C., Mahdjoubi, L., & Nagy, G. A. (2017). Heritage Building Information Modelling.
Paris: Taylor & Francis.

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