3D Modelling

Extending design to fabrication has been a real challenge back when 2D workflow is at its optimal peak, but thanks to the advent of 3D modelling and all the competitive software packages, streamlining the process especially for long-lead MEP items is now an easy feat.

As you can see, technology plays a vital role in the AEC industry, albeit much of it has not been utilized previously due to these certain factors:

• Underdeveloped technology
• Traditionalists who are rigid in their workflows
• Lack of 3D and BIM experts controlling the process

All these aspects certainly took a toll on the technological growth of the industry, but now that state-of-the-art advancements disrupt the industry as of late, there’s no reason why we should not take part in this revolution. 3D modelling is changing the way we think, and evidently, utilizing it early on in our workflow can certainly tip the scales in your favor. At Nearby EngineersNew York Engineers, we are evidently reaping the benefits from this innovation.

Long gone are the boxy building structures, curvy hyperboloid-shaped parametric structures are now the norm. That’s one powerful architectural and structural advantage you can get from a streamlined 3D-model based design-to-fabrication process.

In terms of engineering MEP components, manufacturing heavily relies on engineering for sufficient design data on fabrication. Case in point, the linear relationship between EBOM and MBOM. Any incomplete detail from the engineering design phase can directly affect your component assembly in manufacturing. This is where 3D modelling proves to be beneficial in our case as utilizing this can produce point-by-point details for your MEP components – effectively reducing rework and producing more components for your building structure in less time and costs.

Better Visualization of MEP Components with 3D Modelling

At Nearby EngineersNew York Engineers, our profound expertise in MEP engineering has continuously lent us the exposure to work in all types of building occupancies. With this experience comes the knowledge that building systems comprise of very complex details. Working with clients and building owners, we know better than to present them with consolidated 2D mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings as this can definitely result in communication blunders. If, from our end, two-dimensional plans do not explicitly serve their purpose in clearly visualizing our plans on a global scale – what more for the first-time building owners who see through a layperson’s eyes?

It is through this dilemma that we see how 3D modelling benefits all end-users in the building and construction spectrum. For expert engineers like us who are primed for scrutinizing every detail in the engineering plans, we can’t emphasize enough how deficient 2D drafting is for our workflow. Perhaps for final detailing drafted with precise lines, 2D workflow methodology can serve its real purpose for our MEP engineers.

However, initial design phases require us to engineer the MEP components on a macro perspective, and 3D modelling delivers the solution to our conundrum. We need to work in a spatial environment and analyze your building systems in three-dimensional context, as this will help better understand how all three disciplines of mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering can work together harmoniously for your building’s optimized performance.

With BIM integrated in 3D modelling, our specialized engineers can specify the material properties for your MEP components, analyze complex pressure and flow calculations, automate changes on multiple 2D and 3D views of your building project, and most notably, mitigate on-site field errors as conflict detection reduces clash interfaces.

To sum it up, here are the three-way benefits all end-users can gain with MEP 3D modelling:

• Better client communication
• Improved collaboration with project stakeholders
• Simplified understanding and application of engineering principles

Enter modern codes, building laws, design requirements, specifications, project timeline, zoning ordinances, site logistics, structural integrity, sustainability, multiple stakeholders, technology and all other aspects needed to be considered to build your structure to reality – design and construction proves to be one of the most time-consuming and intensive undertaking for all AEC professionals.

All contextual factors aside, the bottom line for the golden triangle of design and construction involves:

• Time
• Cost
• Quality

How does 3D modelling factor into this equation? Our proficient team of engineers show you the learning curve of how the three critical items work together for your building’s success.

Anytime you move the slider on the time constraint, this can react in a ripple effect or domino reaction with cost and quality constraints. Take for instance, delays in your construction schedule can result in higher material and labor costs, subpar quality standards, increased change orders, liquidated damages when contractor’s competence is in question, or accelerated claims from the contractor when the client holds the project then unnecessarily demands for a rushed timeline to meet the turnover deadline.

There’s no clear evidence of where the obstacle originated from, but in all such cases, we can draw conclusion that 3D modelling can efficiently negate these design and construction blunders.

Here are some advantages that you can get from 3D modelling:

• Design communication
• Building systems integration
• Project visualization
• Parametric changes
• 4D and 5D BIM
• Integrated project delivery
• Virtual design and construction

When viewed from the cost-time-quality constraints respectively, 3D modelling decreases your overall development costs while reducing project timeline and implementing value-engineered items.  

Execute Efficient 3D Modelling with NY Engineers

Reserve quick wins for your organization and leverage your advantage with our expertise on 3D modelling. Experience the plethora of benefits you can get from expert engineering knowledge backed by digital-model-based workflow. Learn more of how Nearby EngineersNew York Engineers can give your building facility a competitive edge by scanning our list of top 3D modelling projects.