Leveraging BSRIA BG 6 for BIM Development in MEP Design, Coordination, Construction, and Handover Across RIBA Stages

Introduction

The integration of BSRIA BG 6 (Design Framework for Building Services) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) has the potential to greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) design, coordination, construction, and handover processes. Aligning these processes with the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Plan of Work and adhering to the ISO 19650 standard ensures a robust approach to managing and delivering construction projects. In this blog post, we'll explore how to use BSRIA BG 6 in conjunction with BIM throughout all RIBA stages for MEP design and how it ties in with ISO 19650.

1. RIBA Stages and BIM

The RIBA Plan of Work divides construction projects into eight stages (0-7), with each stage encompassing a range of tasks and respon­sibi­lities. BIM is employed across these stages to improve collaboration, communication, and coordination among stakeholders, streamlining the design, construction, and operation processes. Integrating BSRIA BG 6 with BIM facilitates a more efficient approach to MEP design and implementation throughout the RIBA stages.

2. Establishing BIM Execution Plans and Protocols

A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) should be developed at the outset of the project to define BIM goals, processes, and standards. This includes assigning roles and respon­sibi­lities, establishing communication protocols, and specifying BIM software and Level of Development (LOD). Incorporating BSRIA BG 6 principles into the BEP ensures that the MEP design is aligned with project requirements and industry standards, such as ISO 19650.

3. BIM and BSRIA BG 6 Across RIBA Stages

• Stages 0-1 (Strategic Definition and Preparation and Brief): Define BIM and MEP objectives, set project goals, and incorporate BSRIA BG 6 guidelines into the Project Brief. Begin developing the BEP with a focus on project-specific MEP requirements.
• Stage 2 (Concept Design): Integrate MEP design concepts with the BIM model, following BSRIA BG 6 guidelines and ISO 19650 standards. Coordinate and collaborate with other disciplines to ensure a holistic design approach.
• Stage 3 (Developed Design): Refine MEP design and LOD using BSRIA BG 6 principles. Ensure coordination between MEP and other disciplines, utilising clash detection tools and addressing any issues.
• Stage 4 (Technical Design): Finalize MEP design, ensuring compliance with BSRIA BG 6 and ISO 19650. Use BIM for fabrication and installation planning, and coordinate with contractors and suppliers to ensure seamless integration of building services.
• Stages 5-6 (Construction and Handover): Monitor and manage MEP construction and installation using BIM tools, adhering to BSRIA BG 6 guidelines. Hand over MEP documentation, including as-built BIM models, operations and maintenance manuals, and asset information, in compliance with ISO 19650.
• Stage 7 (In Use): Utilize BIM for facilities management and maintenance, leveraging the BSRIA BG 6 framework to ensure building services operate as designed and comply with ISO 19650 requirements.

4. Coordination with ISO 19650

ISO 19650 is an international standard that outlines the management process for information exchange during the lifecycle of a built asset using BIM. Incorporating BSRIA BG 6 into the BIM process helps to ensure compliance with ISO 19650 by providing clear guidelines for MEP design, communication, and documentation. By aligning BIM processes with both BSRIA BG 6 and ISO 19650, project stakeholders can benefit from a more streamlined, efficient, and collaborative approach to the design, construction, and operation of building services.

5. Benefits of Integrating BSRIA BG 6 and BIM Across RIBA Stages

By leveraging BSRIA BG 6 throughout the BIM process and across RIBA stages, project teams can achieve numerous benefits, including:

• Improved communication and collaboration: The BSRIA BG 6 framework provide a common language for all parties involved in the design, construction, and operation of building services, fostering better collaboration and communication.
• Enhanced coordination: Utilizing BIM tools for coordination and clash detection ensures that any conflicts between MEP systems and other disciplines are identified and resolved early, avoiding costly rework and delays.
• Greater efficiency: BIM enables the visualisation, simulation, and analysis of MEP systems, allowing for more informed decision-making and optimised system design.
• Streamlined handover: Adherence to BSRIA BG 6 and ISO 19650 ensures that all necessary MEP documentation, including as-built models and asset information, is delivered in a standardised format, facilitating a smoother handover process.
• Improved facilities management: BIM models containing MEP information in accordance with BSRIA BG 6 guidelines can be used for more effective facilities management, maintenance, and future modifications.

Conclusion

Integrating BSRIA BG 6 with BIM across all RIBA stages is a powerful approach to MEP design, coordination, construction, and handover. Aligning these processes with ISO 19650 ensures that project teams adhere to industry best practices and international standards. By embracing this approach, project stakeholders can achieve better collaboration, coordination, and efficiency, ultimately resulting in a more successful project outcome.