Singh, H; Elghaish, F and Brooks, T (2023) Automated workflows for design coordination: Supporting MEP systems. In: Tutesigensi, A and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 39th Annual ARCOM Conference, 4-6 September 2023, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Abstract
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) are becoming more complex with increasing project scope and technological advancements. Automated tools to support design and coordination workflows like plug-ins and programming scripts can provide a data-centric positioning to designers to generate more accurate and timely outputs. However, ongoing automated processes for MEP revolve around individual tasks and do not focus on coordination and interoperability. This study presents the development of a solution for coordinating MEP design systems by enabling interoperability. The solution is called the Live Clash Detection System [LCDS]. The solution enables an automated clash detection tool. A Design Science Research Method (DSRM) approach is adopted, where LCDS is tested and evaluated using a real-life case study. The findings show that the proposed workflow and its automated clash detection tool create significant efficiency for its users, minimising the required time and effort to develop MEP design. The results demonstrate the huge potential for increased automation for both routine and more complex operations in MEP design using BIM.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automation workflows; BIM; MEP coordination; information management; project management |
| Index terms: | plumbing, script, project scope, design science research, efficiency, interoperability, case study, routine, coordination, designer, automation, workflow, programming, project management, becoming, automated process |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, sociology, programming, project management theory and practice, design practice, profession, philosophical process, scope management, automation and robotics, performance management, systems and processes, mechanical systems, management |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Research Practice, Design Practice, Organizational Design, Project Management, Digital Applications, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here