MEP CAMPUS MODEL with Multiple Projects

[NNelsonCLKArch]

How does everyone deal with multiple projects on a single building? We currently have ONE MEP model for a building that we've uploaded to the cloud. Everyone uses the Shell model, Interior model, and MEP model. Any changes are reflected here and each building is separted by floor. This is because we can be working on the same building, different levels. My issue is the MEP model. We have a model that has the entire system, but we may have multiple projects within this same building. Currently, the consultant is copying the central MEP model and using it as a link to annotate all of their work using their template. This will update the MEP model with their work, but what do you do if there's another firm working on another portion of the building? The MEP consultant says that all of the smart functions get lost when you don't use the entire model. For the architectural portion, we just copy the walls we're affecting on that floor from the LEVEL file. Hope that makes sense...

[Tom_Kunsman]

You might want to consider using different Phases for the multiple projects in a single model. Another option would be maybe using Worksets for the different projects. 

Is there a BIM Execution Plan that maybe anwsers this? 

Is the consultant working on a specific portion or system in the building? This is where I get confused in your question(s). 

[NNelsonCLKArch]

Thank you for your response, Tom. The Consultant is working on all of the MEP for a portion of the building - basically the small surgical suite etc.,but we could have multiple projects within the same building and sometimes use different MEP consultants depending on the project. I have thought of using different phases and worksets. This might be the best solution, but the MEP consultant was concerned that the other consultant might mess up or affect their project. As for the BIM execution Plan - I'm basically taking the reigns in setting all of this up and trying to establish best practices. We're a small firm..

[RLY_15]

How stringent is the LOD for the building?

If different consultants are working in different wings of the building as part of different project scopes, there's generally two system effects that can happen:

• A system is replaced/added/removed entirely
• A branch of a system is replaced/added/removed

In the case of whole system change (like a packaged rooftop unit serving a wing), there shouldn't be any cross-pollination of errors.

In the case of branch work, if your BEP/Building LOD requirements permit it, you could insert duct accessories/pipe accessories/etc. as system separators that do not transmit information 'live' back to the central system. They would serve as floodgates for managing the work. The separators would be filled with the existing flow data, and would report as a separate parameter the revised values based on the consultant's work. This allows the main system to hold the original flow information and maintain the ability to run calculations. You, as the functioning BIM manager for the building, can then set milestones in the design process to update the separators with the new design values once it's been proven that one section of the design is sufficiently well-modelled so as not to affect the work of the consultants in another part of the building.

If the consultant is worried that the other consultants would physically modify the MEP work in parts of the building they are not contracted to work in (which would be odd, and likely an accident that would be trackable with journal files), worksets exist for this exact reason. Have each consultant check out their respective wings of the building.

[RSomppi]

You might want to explore Facilities Management workflows which involve a master model that is used to check out and in any renovation projects. Consultants are not given access to this master. It is updated by the facilites management person or team as projects are completed. Renovation projects only contain as much information as needed to complete the job. It's kind of a specialized field and not for the faint of heart.

[NNelsonCLKArch]

Thank you! This is very helpful information I will pass on to our MEP consultant. 

[NNelsonCLKArch]

I think you're on to something here...As the architecture firm who completes most of the projects for this entity we are basically maintaining this for them as a Master. I will look into this Facility Management workflow and see if I find any good ways of maintaining this Master model. Thanks!