How to Coordinate MEP in Construction

In a building, the mechanical, electrical and plumbing, or MEP system, is essentially the structure’s central nervous system. The MEP system integrates essential services — from lighting to air conditioning to sewage control — that help assure the building’s functionality, safety and comfort.

In essence, MEP in construction can be defined as the interconnected systems that make buildings suitable for human use. It’s also sometimes abbreviated as MEPFP, an expansive acronym which includes the fire protection system, as these are all interdependent components of a building’s design.

This article explores the coordination of MEP in construction, including its significance for building safety, the trials of maintaining adherence to ever-shifting codes, and best practices for dealing with trade workers who perform vital MEP services. 

Importance of MEP Coordination

The various elements of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are all interconnected. Implementing this system sometimes requires working with MEP engineers, who are responsible for making sure the design of these systems is up to code, efficient and sustainable. 

The mechanical component primarily involves heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These systems regulate the building’s internal environment, controlling temperature, humidity and air quality.

Plumbing systems are responsible for supplying water, removing wastewater and ensuring proper drainage and sanitation. Efficient plumbing systems provide potable water for drinking, cooking and cleaning, while also handling the safe removal of sewage and stormwater.

Electrical systems distribute power throughout the building, ensuring that all devices and amenities have the electricity they need to operate. This includes lighting, outlets, appliances and specialized equipment. Electrical systems are also necessary to power other MEP components, such as HVAC systems and plumbing pumps.

MEP coordination is about understanding all the sequence of activities needed to deliver a complete construction project. It is the overlaying of all the different systems and involves making sure that each system has all the necessary requirements. For instance, when installing an air conditioning unit, power, structural support and backing are needed.

Successful MEP coordination involves establishing a step-by-step process for pre-construction, construction, and close-out. During preconstruction, it’s necessary to set goals and milestones for engineering drawings, followed by milestones for the Business Information Modeling (BIM) system.

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Common Challenges with MEP Construction

The general contractor (GC) should act as the anchor of all communications on the worksite when it comes to MEP coordination.

Being involved in coordination — especially when it comes to designing the building’s MEP system or managing code updates — can help a GC overcome a few common challenges with MEP construction. 

Gaps in Communication

The most challenging projects occur when the general contractor fails to manage the information between all trades. This can result in a disconnect between the mechanical and electrical teams especially, since proper functioning of HVAC systems requires electrical hookups.

A common challenge occurs with gaps in communication and update lapses in BIM models. Often, a trade — whether electrical, mechanical, or plumbing — may forget to update the model. When that happens, a project’s progress can quickly go south because construction may proceed based on outdated drawings.

Managing Code Changes and Updates

One of the significant challenges in MEP coordination is dealing with constantly evolving building codes. Changes in these codes can create complexities that require careful planning and adaptation.

For multi-year projects in particular, owners may request that projects follow the latest and most stringent codes, even if these codes are not yet officially in place. This requires the project team to make provisions for future code requirements, which can be challenging since the specifics of the new code may not be fully known.

Complications with Design-Build

In a design-build project, the owner contracts with one entity, the design-builder, which manages both the design and construction services. This can result in a more streamlined process, but means that the responsibility for designing the complex MEP system falls upon the GC and their design-build team. 

In traditional design-bid-build projects, MEP systems are designed in detail before construction begins, allowing for thorough planning and coordination. However, in design-build projects, the design phase overlaps with the construction phase, which can lead to challenges like code adherence and coordination issues. 

Effective Strategies for MEP Coordination

Meticulous planning and continuous communication is necessary to properly install these components — and following a few best practices can help a GC smoothly transition to handover. 

Involve trade workers early.

Proper proactive planning necessitates early communication with the foremen and crews who are actually going to be performing the labor. Onboarding them early in the project’s life cycle — and taking time to explain their scope of work and the project’s vision — may allow for the identification and resolution of potential conflicts before construction begins. 

Set the agenda during preconstruction.

From the very first preconstruction meeting, create a solid agenda from which the project leadership team can begin to assign timelines and deadlines for sections of the work. Generate milestones for mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades individually so each trade understands their own deadlines and how they align with the overall project goal. 

Use a centralized digital platform.

Effective MEP coordination also relies on using a centralized platform where all trades can make real-time updates. In a fast-paced industry, working with the latest information is vital, and reduces the risk of errors and miscommunication.

Each trade should have permission to post and make updates to the centralized software program, and access to the same live models. Keeping communication inside of the software program—and not in text and email communications — can also help a GC manage their documents and stay organized for closeout.

Managing Union MEP Trade Workers

In most places, trade workers are part of long-standing unions, and the rules of these organizations add another layer of complexity to MEP coordination. 

Union rules typically define the specific tasks that union members are allowed to perform, which can impact the scope of work and require careful coordination. Often, a contract that’s drawn at the start of a project doesn’t adequately address the entire scope of work for trade workers, and additional documentation might be needed.

Harnessing Technology for MEP Coordination

The current state of technology adoption in the MEP field is filled with both opportunities and challenges.

While advancements in technology have the potential to revolutionize MEP coordination, the construction industry has been slow to adopt tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. A significant barrier is the fear of job security among field workers and the perceived complexity of these tools. 

Despite resistance, there are many potential benefits of integrating technology into MEP coordination. For example, BIM systems can greatly benefit from AI-driven clash detection. A significant advantage of AI is the ability to expedite the submittal process, since it can handle the heavy load of paperwork involved at high speeds, freeing up time for task coordination and problem-solving. 

There’s a need across the field of construction for better data analytics, which can help pinpoint the root causes of recurring issues.

The Bottom Line of MEP Coordination

In essence, the GC is the playmaking quarterback of all MEP operations — they manage the intricate web of communications necessary for responsible coordination, problem-solving and setting deadlines to ensure the structure is functional and safe for human occupancy.

By embracing best practices and leveraging opportunities to harness technology, construction projects can achieve better MEP coordination, leading to smoother operations and successful project outcomes.

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