BIM for MEP Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to BIM Principles

Covers BIM definition, dimensions (3D–7D), and industry adoption drivers. Provides the conceptual baseline for all subsequent MEP modelling work.

Lesson 2 • BIM Execution Planning for MEP

Teaches how to read and contribute to a BIM Execution Plan specific to building services. Students can define MEP deliverables, milestones, and responsibilities.

Lesson 3 • MEP Disciplines and System Overview

Introduces mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and their interdependencies. Contextualises why each discipline requires coordinated BIM modelling.

Lesson 1 • Software Interface and Navigation

Orients students to the MEP BIM authoring interface, ribbons, and view controls. Efficient navigation is prerequisite to all modelling tasks in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Project Setup and Templates

Covers creating MEP project files, loading templates, and configuring units and levels. Correct setup prevents rework and ensures model integrity throughout the project.

Lesson 3 • MEP System Families and Components

Explains system families, loadable families, and in-place components for MEP elements. Students can source, load, and manage the component library for a project.

Lesson 1 • HVAC Load Analysis Integration

Introduces heating and cooling load analysis linked to the BIM model. Students can export model data to analysis tools and interpret results for design validation.

Lesson 2 • Mechanical Equipment Placement

Covers placing AHUs, FCUs, chillers, boilers, and terminal units with correct parameters. Accurate equipment placement enables space coordination and load scheduling.

Lesson 3 • Ductwork Routing and Sizing

Teaches manual and automatic duct routing, fitting selection, and duct sizing methods. Students can produce code-compliant duct layouts with correct pressure classifications.

Lesson 4 • HVAC System Configuration

Covers defining air systems, hydronic systems, and assigning equipment to system types. Proper system configuration drives accurate flow calculations and schedules.

Lesson 1 • Lighting System Modelling

Covers placing luminaires, switches, and lighting circuits with photometric data. Students can model lighting layouts that support both coordination and illuminance analysis.

Lesson 2 • Power Distribution Modelling

Teaches placing panels, switchboards, transformers, and cable trays with correct connectivity. Students can model a complete power distribution network from source to load.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Schedules and Panel Boards

Teaches generating panel schedules, load calculations, and electrical legends from model data. Accurate schedules validate circuit loading and support permit documentation.

Lesson 4 • Electrical System Configuration

Covers defining voltage systems, distribution levels, and electrical settings in the project. Correct configuration ensures circuit calculations and panel schedules are accurate.

Lesson 1 • Drainage and Waste System Modelling

Covers gravity drainage routing, slope configuration, and vent stack modelling. Accurate drainage models prevent coordination conflicts with structural elements.

Lesson 2 • Fire Suppression System Modelling

Introduces sprinkler system layout, pipe sizing, and fire pump placement in BIM. Students can model wet and dry pipe systems to coordination-level detail.

Lesson 3 • Domestic Water System Modelling

Teaches routing hot and cold water supply pipes, placing fixtures, and sizing supply lines. Students can model a complete domestic water system from meter to fixture.

Lesson 4 • Plumbing System Configuration

Covers defining pipe system types, fluid parameters, and plumbing settings in the project. Correct system configuration drives pipe sizing calculations and isometric output.

Lesson 1 • Clash Detection Workflows

Teaches configuring and running hard, soft, and clearance clash tests across disciplines. Students can prioritise and assign clashes for resolution using structured workflows.

Lesson 2 • Model Federation and Aggregation

Covers combining MEP, architectural, and structural models into a federated coordination model. Federation is the prerequisite for all clash detection and spatial coordination tasks.

Lesson 3 • Coordination Issue Management

Covers tracking, communicating, and closing coordination issues using BCF and issue logs. Structured issue management ensures all conflicts are resolved before construction.

Lesson 4 • Spatial Coordination and Zone Planning

Teaches MEP zone planning, ceiling void management, and service corridor allocation. Students can optimise spatial distribution of services to minimise conflicts.

Lesson 1 • Model-Based Quantity Takeoff

Introduces extracting MEP quantities from the model for cost estimation and procurement. Model-based takeoff reduces manual measurement errors and accelerates procurement.

Lesson 2 • MEP Annotation Standards

Teaches tagging, dimensioning, and annotating MEP elements to project and industry standards. Consistent annotation ensures drawings are readable and contractually compliant.

Lesson 3 • Printing, Exporting, and Transmittal

Teaches printing to PDF, exporting to DWG/IFC, and preparing transmittal packages. Students can produce and issue complete MEP drawing sets in required formats.

Lesson 4 • Sheet Setup and Title Blocks

Covers configuring sheet sizes, title blocks, and drawing index for MEP deliverable sets. Standardised sheets ensure professional presentation and document control compliance.

Lesson 1 • Asset Data and COBie Handover

Teaches populating MEP asset data, warranty information, and maintenance schedules for COBie export. Complete asset data enables efficient facility management from day one.

Lesson 2 • As-Built Model Capture

Covers methods for capturing as-built conditions including point cloud integration and field markup. Accurate as-built models are essential for handover and future facility management.

Lesson 3 • Integration with Facility Management Systems

Introduces linking BIM asset data to CAFM and CMMS platforms for ongoing operations. Students can map model data to FM system fields and support post-handover workflows.

Lesson 4 • Prefabrication and Shop Drawing Production

Teaches using the BIM model to produce MEP prefabrication drawings and spool sheets. Model-driven fabrication reduces site waste and improves installation accuracy.