MEP Coordination Conditions

Venkatesh Muthu: Possible cases, Reasoning and Solutions

Ceiling VS MEP

 Case: Ceiling to MEP clearance should be Minimum 150mm.

 Reason: Often time it is less than 150mm resulting in Final stage issues such
as light head clashing with MEP containments, Diffuser neck does not have
enough length to fix Volume control damper.
 Solution: All ceilings should have an imaginary boundary projecting upwards
to run clash. This boundary should be adjustable since this length may vary
from case to case.
 How it is done now: We will model a temporary ceiling
Which is 150mm approx. above the actual ceiling
level.
Structure Vs MEP
 Case: Structure clash with MEP is not always acceptable. It varies case by case resulting in
situation where each clash has to be reviewed .
 Reason: Structure Beam less than 300 mm depth cannot be given opening due to structural
integrity failure. At the same time beams which has more than 300 mm depth cannot be given
opening in the bottom 150mm, since the strengthening rebar runs in the perimeter of the
beams.
 Solution: Beams can be given opening only in the middle portions. Otherwise the MEP
elements should run below the beams as mentioned in the images below.
 How it is done: Manual verification. This is a tedious process if the clash is more than 50 in
Numbers.
Lintel Beam Vs MEP
 Case: Lintel Beams above the doors are not modelled in the conventional BIM process. This
beam may be 200mm thick. Although it is not modelled, it is installed in site . These beams are
either RC concrete or Steel structures which cannot be penetrated at any cost.
 Reason: These beams are not given openings since the load above the door will act upon the
door head.
 Solution: During MEP coordination, Care should be taken to avoid running MEP elements above
the door. Failing to do such practice may result in unwanted problems in the site execution.
 How it is done?: It is done manually by checking all the available doors.
MEP Services below Light & Sensors
 Case: MEP services such as Cable tray, Pipes and Ducts are not allowed below lights
and sensors.
 Reason: Services below sensors may interrupt the environmental factors which are
intended to be read. Services below light will result in shadows which in turn result
in poor visibility.
 Solution: Services below sensors and light should be avoided. The minimum
clearance required are mentioned in the data sheets .
 How it is done?: It is done manually.
Electrical vs Electrical
 Case: Spacing Between cable tray when arranged vertically should be accessible for cable pulling in
the future.
 Reason: Less spacing during coordination will make cable laying very difficult. Cable pulling rollers
need to be placed on cable trays for pulling cables. At times cable trays need to be removed for this
reason.
 Solution: Spacing between should be a parameter or a condition during clash coordination.
 How it is done: It is done manually .
Electrical VS LC Systems
 Case: Low Voltage 230V cables and Extra Low voltage cables (5V,12V,24V) should not be
placed in close vicinity to each other.
 Reason: Magnetic field around the power cables will affect the signal in the ELV cable. This
will result in signal distortion.
 Solution: Power cables should be placed at least 300mm away from the signal cable(AV
Intercom, PA , TV ,Access control and Telephone cables). Fiber optic signal has no impact on
its signals due to magnetic field.
 How it is done?; It is done manually.
Panel Clearance:
 Case: Electrical panel should have minimum clearance on the door side for future
maintenance.
 Reason: As per international guidelines, Minimum spacing required for the operating
personnel's to work.
 Solution: Transparent object modelled on the panel door side to make sure that the area is
cleared during clash detection.
 How it is done: It is done manually or by modelling transparent object on the door side.
Plumbing Fittings vs Electrical Fixtures
 Case: In kitchen , Laundry room and Toilet(Shaver socket, Oven Socket, Mixer Grinder
socket) should have a minimum clearance of 300mm on all the sides.
 Reason: Plumbing fixtures and electrical sockets in close proximity is not allowed even
though the later is splash proof.
 Solution: Plumbing fixtures were modelled with transparent sphere to run clash between
the electrical fixtures.
 How it is done: All though we can run the clash , this is an additional task to run.
Incompatible systems
 Case: Kitchen Exhaust duct and Gas pipe are not compatible to each other. Similarly Gas pipe
and Electrical systems are not compatible.
 Reason: As the naming indicates, these two systems in close proximity will result in fire
accidents. Heat and Fuel will leave the systems damaged beyond repair.
 Solution: It is often preferred to have separate risers, corridors for systems such as this.
 How it is done: This is done manually by taking enough precautions during design stage itself.
Door Swings in Egress Path
 Case: Door Swings in Egress path should always be outward .
 Reason: During panic hours, Inward swing will result in stampede near exits.
 Solution: Door swings should be checked for swing direction which falls in
egress path.
 How it is done?: It is done manually
Cable Trays vs Piping
 Case: Pipes are not allowed to run in parallel with cable trays in bottom . Although pipes are
allowed to cross making sure that there is no fittings in the crossing region.
 Reason: In a long run , Dripping from pipes due to condensation, leakage will result in short
circuits since wet cables has low insulation resistance.
 Solution: Pipes should not be allowed to run on top of cable trays.
 How it is done: It is done manually. This is a time taking process since rerouting will cause many
technical problems such as pressure loss, material loss and signal loss in ELV cables.
Note : Below installations are preferred.