Messer Construction Co. - BIM: The Future of Construction.

Trade Coordination

What It Is

A coordination process of building systems using 3D technology.

Why It’s Better

Trade coordination allows all subcontractor fabrication models (structural, MEP, etc.) to be combined into one and conflict resolution performed to identify issues before fabrication and installation. In the past buildings and their systems have been coordinated by examining and overlaying hard to read 2D documents one system at a time. Using 3D modeling technology and interference detecting software all systems can be checked simultaneously with interferences highlighted inside the model.

The Benefit

This feature uncovers and resolves issues before fabrication that would otherwise be found during installation. When installation goes smoothly, the customer avoids conflict-related work stoppages, re-fabrication and rework of material, change orders, loss of contingency funds, and all the down time and cost overruns that can result from these problems.

A BIM database is made up of many “layers”- each layer representing a specific building trade. This set of graphics represents “trade coordination”, a strategic piece of Building Information Modeling. The first layer depicted is an example of the fire protection system.

This layer depicts the plumbing system.Each major subcontractor contributes their own model to the database. Coordination allows each subcontractor model to be combined and compared with the building model, so conflicts can be resolved prior to fabrication and installation.

This layer depicts the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems. Fabrication will be completed based on the model’s specifications, ensuring systems are initially built correctly the first time avoiding costly clashes in the field.

This layer depicts the electrical system. Installation in field occurs as designed, coordinated and fabricated. Avoiding costly change orders ensures the project schedule stays on track.

• Fire
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Electric

CONFLICT: Fire protection / HVAC

CONFLICT: Fire protection / mechanical piping

Fully coordinated mechanical Room

Underground coordinated systems