| The coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems is a major challenge for complex buildings and industrial plants. MEP coordination involves locating equipment and routing connecting elements for each system. Current MEP practice uses a process of sequential comparison and overlay, during which designers and constructors overlay ¼-inch scale transparent drawings of MEP systems on a light table to detect spatial interferences. Representatives from each MEP trade then work together to revise the MEP systems and eliminate all types of interferences. This multi-discipline effort is time-consuming, expensive, and requires knowledge regarding each system over the project life.; Currently, designers and constructors use tailored computer tools to design and fabricate MEP systems, but no knowledge-based computer technology exists to assist in the multi-discipline MEP coordination effort. Effective MEP coordination requires recalling and integrating knowledge regarding design, construction, operations, and maintenance of each MEP system. The purpose of this research was to develop a technology that integrates a number of knowledge bases—design criteria, construction, operations, and maintenance—into a knowledge-based system that is able to provide valuable insight to engineers and construction personnel, as well as assist them in resolving coordination problems for multiple MEP systems.; This research focused on the following key questions: How can knowledge of MEP systems, derived from all phases of a project lifecycle: (a) be represented for MEP coordination? (b) be structured to provide reasoning capabilities that identify and assist in resolving coordination problems? and (c) be applied to demonstrate use of computer technology? By acquiring knowledge from industry experts and using symbolic modeling methods, this research resulted in three major contributions. First, it increased the understanding of current practice and problems associated with coordinating building systems. Second, it provided a knowledge framework and reasoning structure that uses the knowledge required for MEP coordination. Third, it demonstrated the technical feasibility of developing a tool to assist in performing MEP coordination. This research provides a foundation for future researchers to build from and for industry to create a revised work process, using information technology, to assist in multi-discipline coordination efforts. |
