What is MEP in Construction, and What is the Role of MEP Engineer?
In Construction, MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. MEP systems convert empty structures into livable spaces. MEP engineering is the art of planning, decision making, and maintaining the MEP systems of the building.The reason why MEP is addressed together is that they are highly related in terms of construction. It also prevents issues if mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are designed separately.
The companies that are experts in MEP are known as MEP engineering consulting firms. These firms are very important as they help in cost estimation, building management, planning, building maintenance, etc.
This article will give you a complete guide about What is MEP in Construction and What is the Role of MEP Engineer?
What is MEP in Construction?
Let’s discuss the role of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in construction one by one:
Mechanical:
Buildings have several mechanical systems installed in them, but mostly mechanical work deals with HVAC, space heating, mechanical ventilation, and air conditioning.
These mechanical systems provide healthy living environments by maintaining the indoor temperature and fresh air supply. They also help by providing routes for heat distribution systems such as air ducts, steam piping, etc.
Electrical:
All modern homes use alternating current as mains electricity for running all the appliances. High and multi-story buildings are a challenge for electrical systems installation as you need to ensure the routes and wirings are optimal.
However, electrical systems are more flexible and easier than mechanical systems due to the smaller size of electrical circuits. MEP engineer plays an important role in avoiding location conflicts of the circuit with the mechanical and plumbing systems.
Plumbing:
Plumbing systems installation also requires technical things due to complex pipe routes. The plumbing engineer takes the help of MEP design software to simplify this process.
Plumbing installation is very important as it interacts with mechanical and electrical systems at many interior points, and the whole team collaborates.
What is MEP Engineer?
MEP Engineer is a professional whose responsibility is planning and designing in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. MEP engineers also inspect procedures, develop policies, and estimate the cost of the MEP systems.
MEP engineers assist not only with the design but also with the audits of the project workflow and its specifications.
What is the Role of MEP Engineer?
Following are the general roles and responsibilities of MEP engineer:
MEP Planning:
MEP engineers prepare detailed plans and cost estimations of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Technical Assistance:
MEP engineer is responsible for technical assistance to the supervisor, inspector, and service provider regarding the installation of the MEP system.
Analyzing Problems:
MEP engineers also analyze the MEP engineering issues and provide solutions for them.
Work Evaluation:
MEP engineer is responsible for planning and evaluating the work of consultants, staff, and contractors.
Presentations:
MEP engineers do oral presentations whenever required regarding the MEP process and plans.
Technical Advisor to Project Director:
MEP engineers advise the project director about any technical issues that can affect the project’s construction progress.
LEED Implementation:
MEP engineers inspect issues regarding Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) implementation and validate whether the proper authorities are provided with accurate documentation and information or not. The goal is to maintain the LEED standards on the specific project.
Risk Guidance:
MEP engineers are also responsible for guiding the risks involved in the MEP installation and managing proper risk guidance workshops.
Drawing Review:
MEP engineers review the contactor drawing against the tender drawing for design intent and give proper comments or approval to the project director within the specified time.
Material Proposals Inspection:
MEP engineers review the material proposals against the specific engineering requirements and review the project director with proper recommendations.
What MEP Design Companies Do?
The MEP design companies are specialized in the skills you need for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing in your building. Design of fire protection systems, building automation, energy consulting, and sustainable building design is also done by MEP design companies.
To Wrap It Up
From the above article, you found the importance of MEP in construction and the roles of MEP engineers in this. MEP engineering firms are hired mostly for commercial projects like offices, schools, and hospitals.
Due to the scale of big buildings, they require detailed planning and execution under the proper MEP engineering firm. Whenever these three fields overlap in design and implementation, MEP services are usually required.
