Transitioning from 2D to 3D with Autodesk AEC Collection Workflow for MEP Contractor

GECO Mechanical & Electrical Limited faced several challenges in their design and construction processes while using traditional 2D CAD methods:

• Limited collaboration: The use of 2D CAD software hindered effective communication and collaboration among the MEP design team, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, leading to delays, errors, and coordination issues.
• Design inconsistencies: Working in 2D made it difficult to ensure design consistency across multiple projects, resulting in variations and discrepancies that affected project quality and coordination with other trades.
• Clashes and rework: With 2D CAD, it was challenging to identify clashes and conflicts between MEP systems and other building components early in the design phase, leading to costly rework and construction delays.
• Document management complexities: Managing project documentation in disparate file systems and formats created inefficiencies, made version control difficult, and hampered collaboration among team members.

Recognizing these challenges, ImageGrafix worked along with GECO to achieve the following project goals:

• Improved collaboration: Enhance communication and coordination between the MEP design team, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Enhanced design accuracy: Create accurate and clash-free MEP models to minimize errors, conflicts, and rework during construction.
• Increased efficiency: Optimize the construction workflow by eliminating redundant tasks, improving coordination between different trades, and reducing overall project duration.

To address these challenges and achieve their project goals, GECO Mechanical and Electrical adopted a comprehensive suite of solutions from Autodesk, including Revit for 3D BIM modeling, Navisworks Manage for clash detection and coordination, and Docs for streamlined documentation management. 

The solution comprised the following steps:

• Training and education: The MEP design team underwent extensive training on Revit, Navisworks Manage, and BIM methodologies to develop the necessary skills and proficiency.
• Project setup: Standardized project templates and workflows were established within Revit and Navisworks Manage, ensuring consistency across all MEP projects and facilitating easier collaboration with other trades.
• 3D MEP modeling: The MEP design team began creating detailed 3D models in Revit, allowing them to visualize the entire MEP systems and identify clashes or coordination issues early in the design phase.
• Clash detection and coordination: Utilizing Navisworks Manage's powerful clash detection capabilities, the team proactively identified and resolved clashes between MEP systems and other building components, minimizing conflicts and rework during construction.
• Cloud-based documentation management: Initial presentation completed on the Docs workflow to centralize project documentation, enabling real-time collaboration, version control, and easy access to critical project files from anywhere, at any time.

By implementing the transition from 2D CAD to 3D BIM Revit, and Navisworks Manage, GECO Mechanical & Electrical achieved significant business outcomes:

• Enhanced collaboration: Improved communication and coordination between the MEP design team, subcontractors, and other stakeholders resulted in more effective decision-making, reduced clashes, and increased project efficiency.
• Improved design accuracy: The use of 3D BIM modeling in Revit and clash detection in Navisworks Manage allowed the MEP team to create accurate and clash-free models, reducing errors and conflicts during construction and improving overall project quality.
• Increased efficiency: Streamlined workflows, clash detection, and coordination between different trades within Revit and Navisworks Manage led to improved project efficiency, reduced rework, and faster construction timelines.

By overcoming the challenges associated with 2D CAD methods through the transition to 3D BIM Revit, Navisworks Manage, GECO Mechanical & Electrical successfully achieved their project goals. The adoption of advanced technologies empowered them to enhance collaboration, improve design accuracy, increase efficiency, and streamline the deliverables. GECO Mechanical & Electrical is now better equipped to handle complex MEP projects, deliver higher-quality installations, and maintain a competitive edge in the MEP contracting industry.