Imagine that your commercial build is well on track! The structure is complete and the installers are getting ready to install the building services. However, you quickly find there is a conflict with the HVAC ductwork and the plumbing pipework in the same area and you can’t access the equipment due to the electrical conduit.
Despite being a simple design issue, you can quickly run into issues. The install is paused, the installers go back over previous work, changes need to be made to the materials and your project schedule starts to be affected.
This is where Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) can help. Using a coordinated digital environment for the building services, you can avoid any clashes, improve communication and make informed decisions.
Using VDC on commercial builds can help ensure your building can be built efficiently, run efficiently and will be easy to maintain after the installers have left.
What is VDC in Commercial Construction?
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a planning method using digital models, project information and collaboration to help construction teams understand how the building will fit together.
On commercial projects, VDC is often used with BIM to help coordinate the mechanical, electrical and plumbing services.
Mechanical includes HVAC, ventilation ducting and exhaust systems. Electrical includes power, lighting, conduit and connections. Plumbing includes water, drainage, waste and venting.
Whilst each service has specific requirements, they all need to work together. Beams, fire suppression, ceiling grids and maintenance access all need to be considered.
Using VDC can help the team understand the relationship between the services. This allows the installers to look at how the services will fit together, spot any potential issues and make decisions.
This can help contractors such as Airco Mechanical coordinate their commercial HVAC, plumbing, electrical and pre-construction services.
Why MEP Coordination Can Make or Break Your Project
On a typical office build, above the false ceiling there will be several services needing to be installed. This includes ducting, drainage, electrical, sprinklers, lighting and controls.
Each service will look correct on their own drawings. However, once on site, you can quickly run into issues.
Large ducting may block the drainage, plumbing cleanouts may be behind fixed cabinets, electrical panels may not be accessible to technicians and there may be no openings in the structure.
This can cause extra labour, materials, changes to drawings and extra site visits.
Using VDC can help you spot any issues early on. Often changes can be discussed and made with little disruption. This also gives a shared understanding of how the work will affect other trades.
We cannot promise there will be no clashes, as conditions can change on site and not everything can be planned. However, VDC can help reduce any unnecessary clashes and give the team a more organised way of solving any issues.
How VDC Helps with HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Coordination
There are many issues to consider when coordinating each service. A useful VDC process needs to consider:
HVAC Coordination
HVAC can take up a lot of space, especially on commercial projects with lots of ventilation. Main ducting, branch ducting, air handling units, roof units, exhaust and condensate all need to be planned.
Using VDC can help the team look at how the ducting will fit around the structure and other services. This can help to identify any ducting clashes with beams, extra space needed for equipment and if the ceiling heights are still reasonable.
Planning also needs to consider future servicing. Whilst the air handling unit may fit perfectly in the room, if the technicians cannot access the filter or service panel it will not be fully practical.
Airco Mechanical provides commercial HVAC construction services to support the planning and installation of heating, cooling and ventilation systems.
Plumbing Coordination
Plumbing can be an issue to coordinate as the pipework needs to fit the gradient, connections and access.
Drainage in particular may not be able to be moved around easily. This can cause issues if you spot a clash later on.
Using VDC can help the team look at how the drainage, plumbing risers, floor drains, cleanouts, valves and connections will fit around the structure and other services.
This gives the installers a good opportunity to look at any issues with the routing.
Learn more about Airco Mechanical’s commercial plumbing construction services for commercial plumbing system design and installation.
Electrical Coordination
Electrical needs to have good routing, connections, panel space, lighting and access.
Using VDC can help coordinate the conduit, distribution panels, lighting, controls and connections to the mechanical services.
For example, whilst the HVAC unit may have a confirmed position on the mechanical model, the electrical supply and disconnect need to be coordinated.
By looking at these requirements together, you can reduce the risk of finding out that one contractors work has stopped another from completing essential work.
Mechanical Rooms, False Ceilings & Roof Equipment
Some areas need special consideration.
Mechanical rooms can have many services in a small space. Pumps, boilers, valves, air handling units, pipework, electrical panels and controls may all need to be placed in the same room. This needs to be planned to allow for installation, safe access, servicing and future replacement.
Using VDC can help the team look at where the equipment will go, space for servicing, pipework routing, door openings and servicing access.
False ceilings can also cause issues. Ducting, sprinklers, electrical conduit, plumbing, lighting and ceiling supports need to be planned.
Roof equipment can also be an issue to plan. HVAC units, exhaust fans, structural supports, gas pipework if applicable, electrical disconnects, roof openings and drainage all need to work together. Moving a unit on the roof can be very disruptive if the openings and supports have been completed.
Using VDC can give the team an opportunity to trial the layout.
VDC & Prefabrication
One of the main benefits of having a coordinated digital plan is that it can help with prefabrication.
Instead of having to build everything on site in a busy area, you may be able to build the correct pipework, mechanical assemblies, service racks or repeated installations in a workshop.
However, this requires accurate measurements, connections and installation sequences. If the assembly is made using incorrect information then it may not fit.
Using VDC can help the team coordinate these items. It can also help plan how they will be lifted, transported, accessed and installed.
Not all projects/services will be suitable for prefabrication, but having a coordinated model can help the team understand where it may be practical.
When should I start using VDC?
The best time to influence the layout of your project is before any major installations.
During pre-construction, you can look at the design information, equipment placement, potential clashes and coordinate any sleeves or penetrations through walls and floors. This can help with planning your materials, trade sequence and installation.
If you are waiting for the installers to be on site, you won’t have many options. Any clashes that could have been resolved by changing the drawings may now need to be removed.
VDC should also be used throughout the build. Conditions on site may not be what was originally planned, equipment may change and approved changes may affect previously coordinated routing.
Using VDC will keep the coordination linked to the latest drawings and on site information.
Communication is Key
Whilst having a detailed model can help coordinate your project, it is down to the people looking at the information to make decisions.
General contractors, project managers, superintendents, mechanical contractors, electricians, plumbers, structural teams, designers and VDC coordinators will all have their own insight.
Whilst the model may show that two services are in the same area, the relevant teams will need to agree on a solution. This needs to be documented and approved if required. It also needs to be communicated to the installers.
Those on site are key as they will know what practical issues could occur.
A successful VDC process will include coordination, communication, timely decisions and clear ownership of updates.
Long Term Benefits for Building Owners
Having coordinated MEP services can help building owners and facilities managers.
They will need to know where equipment is, access valves, maintain HVAC, check electrical and resolve any plumbing issues.
Having coordinated decisions and changes documented can help with maintenance.
This will not happen automatically. The model and documentation will need to be updated to reflect what was actually installed. Once this has been completed it can help with planning maintenance, future renovations and making more informed decisions.
A well coordinated installation should not only fit together on handover, but will also be easy to access and maintain.
Conclusion – Build Smart
Using VDC for MEP coordination can help commercial construction teams identify potential clashes, organise installation sequences, improve communication and plan for practical issues.
Whether you have a busy false ceiling, complicated mechanical rooms, roof equipment, plumbing and electrical routing, using VDC early on can help reduce any unnecessary rework.
The best way to do this is during pre-construction, involving those who will be installing and as designs change.
If you have a commercial project requiring coordinated HVAC, plumbing, electrical and pre-construction, Airco Mechanical can help you think about how VDC can help deliver a more organised project.
Contact us to discuss your commercial MEP coordination requirements.
FAQs
What is VDC in commercial construction?
VDC stands for Virtual Design and Construction. It uses digital modelling, planning and collaboration to help coordinate building services before and during installation.
How does VDC help with MEP coordination?
It can help identify any potential clashes between mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural and other services. This means solutions can be looked at before installation causes extra issues.
When should I start using VDC on my commercial project?
Ideally during pre-construction.
Can VDC help with prefabrication?
Yes. Having a coordinated model can help the contractors confirm measurements, connections and installation sequences. This can help them create the correct assemblies off site.
Will VDC help after installation?
Yes. If the project has been updated to reflect what has actually been installed, it can help with maintenance and future renovations.
