MEP Tutorial

ARCHLine.XP is a building information modeling (BIM) software for professionals.
MEP stands for piping and HVAC which are the current engineering disciplines that are addressed by ARCHLine.XP MEP.

The concept is the idea of using the MEP in a BIM model in ways that allows the common work of architects and MEP designers at each stage of a building project.

Advanced functions help designers to synchronize design tasks, improve project quality, and connect their work.

Automated routing connections, System, MEP calculation, parametric fitting content library with variations.

 

Available as Add-on module for LT and PRO version.

MEP module is available for ARCHLine.XP 2023 LT with the following content:
MEP tools + system + calculation + interference

ARCHLine.XP 2023 Professional comes by default with MEP tools and the MEP module content is:
System + calculation + interference

 

Sample project: 

www.archline.hu/public/downloads/eng/projects/IPSAR_ARCH+MEP_BIM_C.pro

Basics of the MEP system

Track: defines the theoretical 3D location of a system
Physical network: pipes, ducts, connected with objects containing connection elements, the connector.

The Connector defines a plane, a profile on it, the system and the flow direction. Depending on the system, it can also carry physical characteristics, which greatly influences the generated 3D parameters of the system, depending on the approximation of the generating algorithm to reality.

The basis of the physical network is that the Connectors are connected to each other, that is, based on their profile, their spatial appearance must coincide, their specified direction must be appropriate, and the systems must also correspond to each other.

The system can be open or closed.

With an open system, the program will indicate an error during the system check. (A plumbing system can also be closed by putting a tap or a sealing element at the end)

A track can only belong to one system. The systems cannot be mixed.
In general, systems can be connected via mechanical elements, that is, several systems can be connected to one object (e.g.: the gas boiler: cold water, hot water, heating, electricity), but only via the Connector belonging to the corresponding system.

An object typically contains at least 2 Connectors. The elements can only be connected via these Connectors.

 

MEP interface
The software has a set of tools for modeling MEP. These commands are located in the MEP section of the ribbon.

The modeling tools are divided into:
● Piping
● Ducts
● Cable tray
● Fittings
● MEP objects

The visualization tools are divided into:
● ARCH-MEP view: visual effects to show architecture and MEP models together
● Details: for the representation scale in 2D-View
● Dimensions: for annotating measurements

 

ARCHLine.XP MEP implements a system concept, i.e. it is able to identify connected elements that are part of the same plant system (e.g. Domestic hot water, or Ventilation, etc...) and perform mass operations such as scaling, coloring, calculating and balancing, always keeping the elements connected to each other.

From the first button of the ribbon it is possible to access the properties of the MEP entities. For example, it is possible to establish the properties of a pipe or duct, save or recall a SET.

 

 

 

MEP modeling and connections
MEP modeling, unlike architecture, is a much more rigid modeling, closely related to connecting elements together. ARCHLine.XP offers techniques to support the user in modeling, facilitating the connections between elements.
Connector drawing
As previously said, the software allows you to insert a Pipe or duct starting from a connector. This command is accessible via the menus or via the grips.
The pipe or duct is inserted with the general properties set, except for the section which is taken from the connector.

From Menu
Select the "Draw from Connector" command from the MEP menu, then select the MEP object. The software will show the available connectors.Select the starting connector.

 

Grip
Directly select the grip on the MEP object, and from the menu activate the "Draw from connector" command

Floor plan	3D view

 

The “Draw from Connector” command is the default command when the connected green grip is clicked. If the grip is red it means that the connector is already occupied.

 

Manual connection
When tracing a pipe or duct, the software allows you to take references, by passing the mouse over other connectors of the same system (we will explain the concept of system later), a blue grip appears. If I finish drawing over a blue grip the software connects the pipe or duct to the connector.

Attention, the connection takes place only if the pipe is aligned in 3D, and therefore if the drawing ends exactly above the connector.

 

Automatic routing
The software provides a command for routing. Routing is an algorithm that the software calculates to automatically generate the connection between two connectors of MEP objects, having the same system.

The Automatic Routing command is activated from the multifunction menu, while a pipe or duct is being drawn. So it is a subcommand.

Select the destination object, the software will propose the choice of connectors of the same system to connect to, if any.

The optimal path (polyline) is calculated by the software, but can later be modified by editing.

 

Default height
Through the software options it is possible to define the default height for each type of system. It means that the routing algorithm first tries to bring the path to the defined height, then finds the optimal path to reach the destination MEP entity, and finally moves up again to connect.

Avoiding collisions
Automatic routing includes in its algorithm the search to bypass other MEP entities

 

Branches, connector routing
There are two special routing techniques, which are activated before you start drawing a pipe run. Therefore, these are main commands and not subcommands.
Routing from connector allows you to connect a connector of a device to another section of pipe or duct, inserting the branch.

First of all, both commands ask you to identify a point in the section of pipe or main duct where to insert the fitting, then they differ in the connection method. The first makes an automatic connection.
The second allows the user to manually drive the route (to optionally use the automatic routing subcommand later).

 

Dimensions
Changing the size manually
The software, thanks to the System concept, is able to break down the network of connected pipes or ducts into Sections and Branches.
Branch: set of sections, between one branch and another.
Section: Single piece of pipe or duct between two nodes.

It is possible to modify the section of a section or of an entire branch. The software will take care of keeping the circuit connected, adding the reductions, or modifying the properties of the fittings..

Edit entire branch

Edit single part

 

Sanitary water system

The domestic hot water model can be created using MEP objects with Domestic Hot Water or Domestic Cold Water type connectors.

After having positioned the boiler and the taps, it is possible to proceed by connecting the MEP objects appropriately.

It is advisable to set 2 different elevation levels for the lines so as to avoid overlapping between the pipes.

 

Heating system

The model for the heating system can be built using MEP objects with Supply Hydronic or Return Hydronic type connectors.

After having positioned the boiler and the manifolds, it is possible to proceed by connecting the MEP objects appropriately.

It is advisable to set 2 different elevation levels for the lines so as to avoid overlapping between the pipes.

 

Mechanical ventilation system
The model can be built using MEP objects with Supply Air or Return Air type connectors.

After having positioned the ventilation unit and the manifolds, it is possible to proceed by connecting the MEP objects appropriately.

A particular "Add flexible" function allows you to connect the pipe to the terminals.

 

View Templates

View Templates help to increase accuracy and reliability of MEP design in BIM model.
Enables to alter the appearance of the 3D views between architecture and MEP disciplines.

1. MEP only view displays the MEP elements only.
2. MEP primary view shows the building in the background and MEP elements clearly in the foreground.
3. Architecture primary view is exactly the opposite.
4. Architecture only view shows the building only.

5. Reset view displays all.

The command allows you to modify the properties of a 3D-View, or a Section View to view the MEP model and the architectural one together.

For example, it is possible to display the MEP elements in the primary mode, which will thus appear superimposed, or to display only the MEP model.
It is possible to combine this option with the typical options for displaying the 3D-View.

 

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Schematic design phase

In this phase, the designer can place the main units and terminals according to the building requirements. Piping strategy might be coordinated manually on 2D floor plan or automated routing with sizing estimates. 

Detailed design phase

The detailed design phase is where MEP system calculation is the core activity. It performs sizing and balancing for all MEP components.

Designers can also switch to manufacturers products, meaning they can create the design with real products.

Quantity take-off

Material lists are available of all the fittings and MEP objects in the project with selected properties.

 

Integrated system calculations 

The integrated system calculation allow designers to perform calculations throughout the design process in order to visualize planned system performance and to compare design alternatives if necessary. System calculation executes automatic sizing, and verification of compliance with design requirements.