Singh et al. 2018 - Implementation of Mass Customization for MEP Layout Design to Reduce Manufacturing Cost in One-Off Projects

Oct 28, 2026

MEP systems are complex building services accounting for 25%–40% of project cost and over 50% of project duration, with layout decisions driven by client requirements, space constraints, and interference considerations. Limited attention to fabrication- and constructability-oriented optimization often increases manufacturing cost and schedule impacts. The paper applies a Design for Manufacture approach using mass-customized MEP components to reduce variety-related manufacturing effort. It proposes a framework for automatically developing piping-system layouts as a basis for further research.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Keywords

1 Research Postgraduate Student

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Design for MEP system location and routing

IMPLEMENTATION OF MASS CUSTOMIZATION FOR MEP LAYOUT DESIGN TO REDUCE MANUFACTURING COST IN ONE-OFF PROJECTS Jyoti Singh1, Min Deng2, and Jack C.P. Cheng3* ABSTRACT MEP systems are complex system representing a considerable portion of commercial and industrial projects, comprising 25%-40% of the total project cost and covering more than 50% of the total duration of the project. The layout design of MEP system is generally based on client and system requirements, space limitations, interference within the system as well as with other trades. Not much consideration is given to the design optimization as per fabrication and constructability perspective thereby often adding significant cost and time to a project in term ofits component manufacturing. This paper introduces Design for Manufacture approach into MEP system design to reduce the manufacturing cost of varieties of MEP components by using mass customized components. Mass customization is the ability to design and produce customized products to meet customer needs at reduced cost and duration. We propose a framework to automatically develop the layout of the piping system using mass customized components as a reference, which can be used for other MEP aspects such as Mechanical & Electrical with relevant changes. We hypothesize that using mass customized MEP components will increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of manufacturing the MEP components. The paper presents a theoretical framework that is the basis for further research. KEYWORDS Mass customization, standardization, cost. 1 Research Postgraduate Student, Dept. of Civil and Environment Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China, +852 5106 4954, [jsinghab@connect.ust.hk](jsinghab@connect.ust.hk) 2 Research Postgraduate Student, Dept. of Civil and Environment Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China, +861 18815275040, [mdengaa@connect.ust.hk](mdengaa@connect.ust.hk) 3 Associate Professor (Corresponding Author), Dept. of Civil and Environment Engineering, The Hong Kong University, of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China, +852 2358 8186, [cejcheng@ust.hk](cejcheng@ust.hk) 1. INTRODUCTION Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems are complex system representing a considerable portion of commercial and industrial projects, comprising 25%-40% of the total project cost and covering more than 50% of the total duration of the project (Riley et al. 2005) . In fact, the cost associated with the MEP engineering and design can be up to 50% of the total investment in some large-sized public projects. Specialized consultants and contractors are responsible for MEP systems design including responsibility for checking clearance, identifying routes and fabrication details and installation locations (Korman et al. 2001) . MEP systems directly influence the total cost of the project as well as its operating efficiency, safety, energy utilization, and flexibility of the architectural and structural design. Considering the value of the MEP portion of a facility, this research investigateshow to efficiently layout the MEP systems to reduce manufacturing cost of the MEP components. The layout design of MEP system is generally based on client and system requirements, space limitations, interference within the system as well as with other trades. Not much importance is given to the design optimization as per fabrication and constructability perspective thereby often adding significant cost and time to a project in term of its component manufacturing. This paper introduces Design for Manufacture (DFM) approach into MEP system design to reduce manufacturing cost of varieties of MEP components by using mass customized components. Mass customization is the ability to design and produce customized products to meet customer needs at lesser cost and duration. Manufacturing and production have been a big contributor to impr

FAQs

Why is optimizing MEP layout design important for reducing project cost and duration?

MEP systems represent a large portion of total project cost (25%–40%) and duration (over 50%). Layout design choices that ignore fabrication and constructability optimization can add significant manufacturing cost and time.

What approach does the paper propose to reduce manufacturing cost of MEP components?

The paper introduces a Design for Manufacture (DFM) approach into MEP system design, leveraging mass customized components to reduce manufacturing cost while supporting variety.

How does the paper plan to develop piping layouts for mass-customized components?

It proposes a framework to automatically develop the piping-system layout using mass customized components as a reference, and suggests the idea can extend to other MEP aspects with relevant changes.

Oct 28, 2026

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