ECE UK have been working as a team with Medway Hospital, Cardy Group and Norman Bromley Partnership to develop a 3D BIM standard for all HTM03 - 01 air handling units.
Our objective was to identify how measurable benefits could be brought to improve Air Handling Unit (AHU) compliance with HTM 03-01 Part A: Design & Validation and Part B: Operational Management & Performance Verification by using 3D modelling.
The group identified key items from both Part A and Part B: Design, Validation, Operation and Performance; and it was the AHU approval process made around these key items that we concentrated our efforts on improving.
To enable correct decisions to be made, accurate component construction information (data) had to be made available. This removed the need to make assumptions and enabled an effective and transparent decision making process to take place prior to manufacturing each individual component that makes up the complete AHU product.
By making available a rendered 3D model of each individual component that makes up the complete AHU, all parties involved were able to view and dissect the construction at the same time. This enabled solutions to be found to each issue raised in areas concerning fire regulations, infection control, plant sizing, plant room size and location, provision of primary services, inspection and maintenance, inlet and discharge sizing and location, access, AHU drainage system, layout of AHU, sequence of components, component design, location of test holes and specific performance standards.
Following on from this we were able to identify cost implications and agree any variations prior to manufacturing the equipment.
HTM 03-01 has always been understood and verbalised differently by those in the construction industry. By working together and as a team we have gained a client led understanding of how HTM should be interpreted and how the Trust want the product manufactured to their set standards.
3D modelling and BIM allowed us to communicate in a co-ordinated and aligned way. It acted as a stakeholder project between all parties involved, allowing snagging to take place pre-manufacture rather than on site. This in turn saved time and cost to all parties involved.
This digital technology we have introduced will now change the way we plan, build, maintain and use our equipment. It has helped us to build at a lower cost and operate and maintain it more efficiently. Above all it will help customers to understand exactly the equipment they are purchasing before they place the order and spend their money.
