Pre-fabricated MEP modular installations
What are MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) modular installations?
Modular installations are not modern technology, it is an innovative way of assembling installations in a building.
Today, with the advancement of computer technology there’s a tremendous opportunity to change the commercial construction industry through prefabricating MEP components off-site and assemble ready-made sections on site.
MEP modules facilitate coordination and introduce manufacturing efficiencies to the traditionally complex HVAC and mechanical industry.
A typical module consists of steel frames to which pipes, ventilation ducts and cable trays are attached. Its length is usually from 6 to 12 meters, width and height is limited mainly by the possibilities of transport on the construction site.
The design of the installation modules is similar to the preparation of the coordination drawing. In addition, you need to rethink the method of connecting modules, and calculate the weight and size of steel beams from which the mounting frame will be made.
Fabrication of MEP modules can take place in two ways: in a workshop located outside the construction site, or at the construction site in a temporary workshop where our module can be easily transported to the place of installation.
Modules installation is typically carried out by duct lifters, or chain block. A tower crane can also be uses to assemble modules in shafts.
Advantages of pre-fabricated MEP installations:
- Quicker completion. Instead of waiting for civil team to open area and issue MEP clearance, the work can start of-site much earlier. For example, on one of my projects, the installation of 30 m high chilled water riser in traditional way last for 4 weeks. On the next project assembly of similar chilled water riser took only two days and fabrication in off-site workshop about a week.
- Lower execution costs. Despite appearances, the cost of prefabrication of MEP systems is not entirely higher . You may incur higher initial expenses like an additional coordination costs, greater use of steel, the purchase or hire of appropriate lifting equipment. But from the other hand the time of completion and the workload will be significantly lower. Initial investments will return quickly.
- No snags, no damaging of services by different trades. MEP modules are installed from the ground floor, in this way you can avoid many defects. Carrying out works in a workshop is much easier than doing the same thing from scaffoldings.
- Higher safety. Work on scaffoldings is kept to minimum.
- Good quality. MEP installation will be done in a neat way. Use of common supports for all services will improve clarity of installation.
- Easier workforce planning. Modules can be made regardless of the readiness of construction works. It is not necessary to involve a large number of workers and a scaffolding for the modules assembly.
Disadvantages of pre-fabricated MEP installations:
- Large dispersed installations (eg in garages, single-family houses) modules will not apply. Modules are worth installing in the corridors of commercial buildings, lobbies (wherever we deal with repeatability of installation).
- Drainage pipework (because of the slope) often can not be installed modularly.
- Resistance to news, need of additional drawings is main reason that effectively discourages many engineers to get involved in pre-fabricated method of installing MEP services.
Summary.
Installation method of MEP services has a huge impact on the time and cost of its implementation. By modular installations, we not only shorten the lead time, but also improve the quality of installation and the level of safety of our employees.
It is definitely worth making modular installations in commercial buildings such as office buildings, hotels and shopping malls and many residential buildings.