The Significance of Constructability in MEP/FA Design for Offsite Construction in Multifamily Projects

The Changing Landscape of Construction:

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As seasoned contractors and laborers retire, there is a noticeable gap in the availability of skilled tradespeople. Younger generations are not entering the construction trade at the same rate, leading to a shortage of experienced contractors. This shift has prompted a need for alternative construction methods, such as offsite construction, which relies on the expertise of skilled engineers and the conversion of traditional contractors to assemblers.

The Role of MEP/FA Design in Offsite Construction:

In offsite construction, coordinating and integrating mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire alarm systems (MEP/FA) are crucial for ensuring efficiency, functionality, and sustainability in multifamily projects. Unlike traditional onsite construction, offsite construction requires a more comprehensive and detailed approach to design to facilitate successful assembly and installation in a factory-controlled environment.

Enhancing Constructability in MEP/FA Design:

To adapt to the changing dynamics of the construction industry and meet the demands of offsite construction, engineers must prioritize constructability in their MEP/FA design process. This involves developing design packages that go beyond design intent and focus on providing clear instructions and means of assembly for the assemblers on the factory floor. Engineers can ensure seamless integration between design and assembly by partnering and collaborating with the offsite construction factory and the BIM integration team developing the factory’s shop drawings.
Collaboration between the engineering team and the offsite construction factory is crucial in achieving constructible designs. By working closely with the factory, engineers can gain insights into the manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and limitations of the offsite construction environment. This collaborative approach allows for the optimization of MEP/FA design, ensuring that the design packages align with the capabilities and requirements of the factory assembly process.

Furthermore, integrating building information modeling (BIM) technology in developing the factory’s shop drawings enhances constructability. BIM enables the creation of detailed 3D models visually representing the offsite construction project. These models can be shared and reviewed by both the engineering team and the factory, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the design intent and facilitating effective communication. Engineers can identify and resolve potential clashes or conflicts through BIM integration before the manufacturing and assembly processes begin, minimizing rework and delays.

Benefits of Constructible Design Packages:

Constructible design packages facilitate smooth assembly processes and lead to other benefits in offsite construction. These include increased productivity, reduced rework, improved quality control, enhanced safety measures, and shorter project timelines. By considering constructability from the initial design stages, engineers can optimize efficiency and minimize errors or complications during assembly.

The partnership between the engineering team and the offsite construction factory increases productivity. Engineers can develop designs tailored to the assembly process through effective collaboration, enabling assemblers to work efficiently and effectively. Clear instructions and means of assembly provided in the design packages empower the assemblers, streamlining the construction process and maximizing productivity.

Constructible design packages also contribute to reduced rework. When designs account for constructability, the likelihood of issues or conflicts during assembly decreases significantly. The design packages provide clarity and guidance to the assemblers, minimizing errors and the need for rework. This reduction in rework saves time, reduces costs, and enhances overall project efficiency.

Improved quality control is inherent in constructible designs. Engineers can ensure consistency and uniformity in the assembly process by incorporating clear instructions and standardized components. This leads to a higher level of quality control, as the manufactured modules are constructed according to the precise specifications outlined in the design packages. Improved quality control minimizes the risk of defects, deviations, or discrepancies in the final product.

Shorter project timelines are a significant advantage of constructible design packages in offsite construction. The streamlined assembly processes resulting from clear instructions and comprehensive designs enable faster completion of projects. By minimizing delays, rework, and conflicts, engineers contribute to more efficient project schedules, which can be particularly beneficial for meeting tight deadlines or addressing urgent housing needs.

Conclusion:

As offsite construction gains traction in the multifamily sector, the significance of constructability in MEP/FA design cannot be overstated. The industry must adapt to the changing workforce dynamics and provide design packages that enable assemblers to clearly understand the “how” of construction, not just the “what.” Skilled engineers who possess trade knowledge and experience are invaluable assets in this process. By embracing constructability as a fundamental aspect of design and collaborating closely with the offsite construction factory and their BIM integration team, the construction industry can overcome labor shortages, meet the growing demands for construction, and deliver efficient, cost-effective, and completed projects within shorter timelines.