Importance of BIM in Fire Protection Modeling; For Mechanical & Electrical Engineers

Introduction

Fire Protection Systems in Public Utility Building and structures with sizable human occupancy becomes significantly critical demanding high-levels of accuracy & efficiency. Mechanical & Electrical Engineers are in a continuous effort to make sure that all the emergency modes of tackling any mishaps are well in place. To become an expert in BIM Fire Protection Modeling, professionals may opt for training and short term courses after mechanical engineering and also some of the specialized electrical design courses & fire engineering courses.

Conventional methods of devising a fire protection system in synergy with mechanical & electrical engineering usually deployed the use of plane 2D drawings illustrating the fire protection module along with the electrical layout. The BIM models for the fire protection system have become an essential part of the short term courses after mechanical engineering & fire engineering courses as well as that of the electrical design courses. Interested professionals may enroll in such courses to get maximum benefit and exposure to the latest & trendier technologies.

How has BIM transformed designing?

Nowadays, BIM has facilitated the 3D and further versions of modeling designs that provide a detailed analysis of Fire Protection system with 3D visuals well in advance. The capabilities of BIM are still being explored, and it isn't confined only to the detection, alarm, and suppression of any threat to life, but it also integrates all the life safety systems in a way that leaves no scope for any discrepancy.

There is a sound coordination between the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing or MEP models, which are further integrated with the Fire Protection model to detect any clashes or overlaps. The major responsibility of any modeler is to identify and mitigate risks associated with the complexities of the design & BIM exactly serves the purpose.

Building Information Modeling facilitates the effective collaboration of data to collate models and designs across various trades involved in a construction project to produce a realistic view. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have helped the modelers to visualize the structure in an as-built way to assess any potential flaws.

Can we afford errors in Fire Protection Modeling?

Remember the infamous 'Towering Infernos,' an unpleasant site which still instigates goosebumps. Fire Protection must have a top priority when it comes to the designing and modeling part of any structure. Architects design structures and assess the life & durability based on the geography, climate, and local issues but the most important aspect is usually ignored, and that is 'what if there is fire?'. Most of the infamous fire accidents in the history have indicated that improper planning to locate, alert, suppress and evacuate occupants got faulty. What if the design could have been better and there could have been additional provisions to evacuate occupants quickly. BIM comes as a handy tool to resolve a crisis when it comes to discovering odds and probabilities. BIM is a process that involves huge data sets which in turn provide valuable information and facilitates impeccable collaboration between various trades & functions. Electrical Engineering curriculum consists of electrical design courses that train the students about potential risks involved in designing that may lead to any adversity. Such designs when get integrated with BIM models can indicate better alternatives and suggest proactive measures to deal with any emergency situation.

What's the solution & how to grasp it?

There are solutions in the form of resources like BIM technology and allied software which can help us create flawless designs and derive robust solutions. But a software needs an operator, and that's where the problem area lies. We need adept professionals who just can't use the software but derive effective solutions. If professionals from an engineering background and relevant trades aspire to become proficient fire protection modelers, then they must first learn BIM technology and its extent of applications. BIM isn't just modeling, but it is a complete process involving a huge volume of data and information which can collaborate between mechanical and electrical engineering domains.  

BIM isn't just a technology or software, but it is a process that involves voluminous data that can be accessed and exchanged instantaneously to collaborate functions across multiple trades. To make sure that the fire protection measures in place, hydrants, sprinklers, extinguishers and other related paraphernalia are functional throughout the life cycle, and BIM FP models prove to be instrumental. An effective evacuation plan can also be worked out to carry out the effective rescue of trapped occupants in a building structure. BIM models facilitate models which are realistic and provide a glimpse to the actual building way before its construction.

Till now developed countries have made deployment of BIM mandatory for the construction of buildings and facilities to ensure maximum safety. Nowadays, even developing countries are adopting the BIM technology and its allied technologies along with the cutting-edge software to construct smart structures. However, the success of BIM models largely depends upon the proficient workforce that can face challenges emerging during the designing and modeling phases. There are various short term courses after mechanical engineering & electrical design courses that can prove useful to learn BIM technology and its applications in MEP FP. Various institutes are imparting quality training in various areas of construction which can further produce skilled and talented workforce. Some of these institutes are as mentioned below:

1.      NIBT (National Institute of Building Technology)

NIBT is a premier institute that offers various courses in BIM technology and its application across various trades. Mentioned below are some of the highlights of the courses:

BIM in MEP & FP Modeling Services  (Advanced)

Students can learn required software’s in detail during the practical session

·         Autodesk Revit and Navisworks

·         Bluebeam

·         Sketchup

·         Virtual and augmented Reality Mockups

Computers – NIBT will have group access to virtual labs for selected time.

Next Batch begins 15th September'2017. Registrations open till 10th September'2017

Sunday – Friday. Saturday – Off. 8 hours a day. Adequate timing allotted for Group project, practical’s, and Lab work.

Distance learning – Students, will have to attend sessions at Authorized ‘NIBT Student Centers’.

Flexible Retakes – Students can repeat the program anytime if the same program is available for small re-entry fee.

2.      Admec MultimediaADVANCED)(Autodesk Certified Revit)

Admec Multimedia conducts various online courses, and the prominent one is the Online AutoDesk Revit Master Course that includes Revit MEP which provides an overview of Fire Protection modeling as well.

3.      NICMAR: National Institute of Construction Management and Research

NICMAR has been functioning since 1983 and takes pride in becoming a pioneer institute imparting education in the field of Advanced Construction technology like BIM and its applications across various trades and functions. Students from civil, mechanical & electrical engineering, etc. & relevant streams can apply for the courses offered by NICMAR.

4.      RICS School of Built Environment, Amity University

RICS school of built environment conducts Undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. programs in Real Estate & urban infrastructure, construction management, Economics & Quantity Survey, Infrastructure management along with Facilities Management.  

Conclusion

Fire Protection is an important aspect of construction which should be prioritized during the designing & planning phase itself. Proper modeling of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing in coordination with the Fire Protection plan makes sure that all the measures for the safety of occupants and the building structure are in place. BIM technology helps achieve the objective mentioned above. However, proper training and practical exposure to internships, on-the-job training, and practical sessions are necessary for the trainees. To get a holistic view of the capabilities of the BIM technology, short term courses after mechanical engineering prove to be very useful.