Improving the MEP coordination using BIM technologies - A case study based on observations and interviews

Oct 28, 2026

In the construction industry, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) work can represent up to sixty percent of total project cost, making coordination a design priority. Traditional drawing overlays were time-consuming for clash identification and routing, while CAD improved speed. BIM introduces clash detection and high-detail 3D visualizations, yet guidance on best practice remains debated. The thesis develops understanding of how BIM-enabled MEP communication and collaboration enhance design coordination.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages41

Reading Time1 h 43 min

AccessFree to download

ABSTRACT

SAMMANFATTNING

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Improving the MEP coordination using BIM technologies – A case study based on observations and interviews Master’s Thesis in the Master’s Programme Design and Construction Project Management VAIDAS MOTIEJUNAS MASTER’S THESIS BOMX02-16-100 Improving the MEP coordination using BIM technologies – A case study based on observations and interviews Master’s Thesis in the Master’s Programme Design and Construction Project Management VAIDAS MOTIEJUNAS Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Division of Construction management CHALMERS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Göteborg, Sweden 2016 Improving the MEP coordination using BIM technologies – A case study based on observations and interviews Master’s Thesis in the Master’s Programme Design and Construction Project Management VAIDAS MOTIEJUNAS © VAIDAS MOTIEJUNAS, 2016 Examensarbete BOMX02-16-100/ Institutionen för bygg-och miljöteknik, Chalmers tekniska högskola 2016 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Division of Construction management Chalmers University of Technology SE-412 96 Göteborg Sweden Telephone: + 46 (0)31-772 1000 Cover: Beyond the Curve: BIM in Healthcare Moves from Design Phase to the Field [http://www.pagethink.com/v/blog-detail/Beyond-the-Curve-BIM-in-Healthcare](http://www.pagethink.com/v/blog-detail/Beyond-the-Curve-BIM-in-Healthcare)Moves-from-Design-Phase-to-the-Field/4j/ Printed by Chalmers Reproservice Master’s thesis in the Master’s Programme Design and Construction Project Management VAIDAS MOTIEJUNAS Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Division of Construction management Chalmers University of Technology ABSTRACT In the construction industry, the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) of a facility can amount to up to sixty percent of its total cost. Considering this number, together with the challenges of routing each of its systems, the MEP coordination becomes a high priority in design of constructions. The coordination usually involves the trade contractors and other contract responsible e.g. engineers, VDC coordinator, to discuss how to integrate their systems into the building. Traditionally, this process considered a time demanding overlay of drawings-to identify clashes and route the MEP systems. With the development of CAD, this process became faster and replaced the traditional way. Going beyond CAD, BIM technologies brought new processes with clash detections and high detail visualizations. However, it is yet argued how BIM technologies should be used as a best approach in the MEP coordination. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to develop a better understanding of how effective MEP team communication and collaboration can enhance the design coordination, by taking advantage of BIM technologies. The collection of data was done through two semistructured interviews and five observations of the coordination meetings of different construction projects. The limitations of this thesis consider the two interviews and the repetitive nature of the observations. The findings suggest that using BIM for MEP is at an advanced stage, where the coordination is benefiting from clash detection and 3Dvisualizations. To improve the coordination several key areas were identified as important: familiarity with the software, participant commitment, avoiding postponing, and having present the decision makers during the meetings. Keywords: Construction industry, CAD, BIM technologies, MEP coordination, clash detection, 3D visualizations. Förbättring av MEP samordning med hjälp av BIM-teknik Examensarbete inom Design and Construction Project Management Design and Construction Project Management VAIDAS MOTIEJUNAS Institutionen för bygg-och miljöteknik Avdelningen för Construction Management Chalmers tekniska högskola SAMMANFATTNING Inom byggbranschen, mekaniska, el och VVS (MEP) av en anläggning kan uppnå till sextio procent av hela projekt kostnaden. Med hänsyn till

FAQs

What problem does the thesis address in MEP coordination?

The thesis addresses the priority of coordinating MEP systems during design because MEP can account for up to sixty percent of total project cost, and routing introduces significant challenges.

How does BIM change the coordination process compared with traditional approaches?

BIM enables processes with clash detection and high-detail 3D visualizations, going beyond CAD by supporting more effective design coordination.

What findings and key improvement areas are identified?

Findings indicate that BIM for MEP is at an advanced stage, benefiting coordination through clash detection and 3D visualizations. Improvements are linked to software familiarity, participant commitment, avoiding postponement, and ensuring decision makers are present during meetings.

Oct 28, 2026

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