Plumbing installations are also subject to code requirements. The plumbing design process involves a layout of piping routes, similar to ductwork in mechanical design and conduit in electrical design. MEP engineers use advanced software to simplify the process and avoid clashes.
Plumbing installations interact with mechanical and electrical systems at many points, and collaboration among design teams is important:
- High-rise buildings normally need water booster pumps, which run with electricity.
- Domestic hot water systems normally use a dedicated water heater, or a heat exchanger connected to a space heating boiler.
Fire protection design can be challenging in NYC, since local codes are especially demanding in that area. In addition, Local Law 26 of 2004 made automatic fire sprinklers mandatory for all business occupancies taller than 100 feet. The law was also applied retroactively for existing constructions, and the deadline to complete the building upgrade was July 1, 2019.
Added Value of MEP Design
When designing building systems, an integrated MEP approach achieves better results than designing each system in isolation. Interactions between building systems are difficult to coordinate when the design process is isolated, and equipment location conflicts are very likely.
- Given the complexity of MEP system layouts, modern engineering firms use software to speed up the design process.
- Simple and repetitive tasks are automated by a computer, while MEP engineers can focus on making the best design decisions.
When modern MEP software is used, the value of the 3D model produced during the design phase goes beyond the construction stage. The model can be used as reference for maintenance activities, and it can be updated along with the building major renovations.