Today, I will summarize how BIM is applied to common spatial collision factors, aiming to help you better understand BIM applications.
1. Floor Height:
Traditional panel configurations are usually based solely on the existing floor space, with little consideration for overall aesthetics, future maintenance, or reserved expansion space. With BIM technology, you can directly assess potential spatial conflicts between equipment size and building space and height within a 3D environment. This makes floor height a primary factor influencing spatial conflicts.
2. Net Height Under Beams:
Beyond floor height, power centers are typically designed with large areas and reinforced main beams. Large equipment must account for the net height below the beams to avoid issues like insufficient space or inability to place equipment. During the design phase, BIM’s 3D visualization clearly reveals the net height under beams and provides early insight into how much space remains for future expansions.
3. Channel Size:
During construction, excavating channel space can be challenging due to limited room or conflicts. However, these spatial conflicts often become apparent during the operation and maintenance phases—especially when equipment needs replacing or large components must be partially dismantled. BIM enables simulation of the movement of the largest instruments or equipment to be disassembled or transported, allowing you to identify any conflicts or interferences well in advance.
4. Import and Export Gates:
The main concern here is ensuring that the largest equipment can be transported into the power center. Mechanical room doors should ideally be designed as double doors (mother and child doors). For routine maintenance, only the smaller door needs to be opened, while the full double doors can be used to move large equipment in and out.
5. Floor Load:
Mechanical and electrical engineers often overlook the overall weight of equipment within a space. BIM’s object-oriented and parameterized equipment components allow for accurate calculations of each component’s weight. This enables checking whether the total weight exceeds the floor load capacity. However, this BIM-based evaluation only serves as a reference; structural engineers must still verify and reinforce the floor load as necessary.
6. Dimensions Between Pipelines:
Typically, vertical (longitudinal) spacing between pipelines is the main concern. Future maintenance and expansions often require sufficient space between power center pipelines. For example, cable trays require room for cable laying and fixing, while plug-in bus ducts need an electrical room to accommodate insertion components and allow pipelines to extend into vertical bus ducts. BIM helps determine the distances between bus slots and the necessary maintenance space around plug-in NFB enclosures.
7. Equipment Size:
Applying BIM requires creating 3D equipment components to accurately understand their dimensions. When analyzing spatial conflicts, it is important to consider whether the equipment’s working space—including length, width, and height—interferes with other spaces.
The above points summarize the author’s insights into BIM applications addressing common spatial collision factors. While not exhaustive, I hope students will contribute further knowledge in the future to benefit everyone.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up