Ensuring Systems Designed in BIM/CAD Can Work on the Job Site
Manufacturer-provided PEX content also contains product-specific preferences, or best practices. These preferences specify how and when users can apply a model within a drawing. This promotes best practices and prevents models from being used in real-life situations where their application would not be acceptable.
Take a look at routing preferences, for example. If an engineer were to create a 90-degree change in direction using 1/2-inch PEX pipe within a model, a bend would appear in the PEX pipe. However, if the engineer were to switch out the pipe to 2-inch PEX, the routing preference would automatically force the design platform to insert an elbow fitting.
It’s easy to see that having these product-specific preferences offers valuable benefits not only in the design phase, but also during installation. This ensures the right parts and pieces are being used when and where they are needed.
Faster Downloads and Minimal Mistakes with Templates
In addition to providing individual, data-driven content, manufacturers are also beginning to produce templates for bulk-content download and project setup at a faster pace.
Manufacturer templates are system specific. As such, they supply a framework for engineers to work within. Tailoring a template to an application focuses an engineer’s selection to a product offering that matches the application. This helps eliminate mistakes during the design phase of a project.
Example: a domestic-water template that allows access only to products approved for potable applications, such as lead-free brass fittings. Again, manufacturer-provided content ensures the design is done properly to avoid issues on the project and in the field.
The Impact of Family Files
Manufacturers also can offer family files, which provide all sizes of a product offering into one combined file, rather than just one specific product size and configuration. This smart content allows the user to configure content in real time to streamline the design process.
Example: a family file for a stainless-steel radiant manifold permits a user to choose from various barrel sizes, as well as the number of ports. This option allows users the opportunity to tailor the content to the application.
The biggest advantage to family files, however, is savings on design time. Family files are compact, so they have a reduced download time from the manufacturer’s website and a reduced upload time when importing into a BIM project. When it comes to project efficiencies, every minute counts, whether in the office or in the field.
Model-driven Installation Advantages
Modeling of MEP systems can help drive significant time and material savings on a job site while reducing liability and change orders, especially with PEX repipe projects. There are many software options on the market today to create accurate MEP models that can then be exported into Autodesk Navisworks for proper routing of pipes, ducts and system-component placement.
Navisworks enables a three-dimensional view of a project before it is built by integrating architectural, structural and MEP models into one environment. In this type of design review environment, professionals can identify collisions and spacing constraints before any products have been installed, enabling more coordination between trades earlier in the project cycle. Think about it. If a designer can find a model of the existing building and convert it into a 3-D model compatible with Navisworks, modeling of the MEP repipe work makes good business sense. It allows easier streamlining for project schedules, minimizes change orders and better positions the installing contractor to identify any prefabrication opportunities.
And even if the designer cannot find the existing building plan or cannot convert it into a 3-D model, MEP systems can still be modeled based off 2-D plans (with the exception of running collision detection between the MEP systems and structural elements).
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