The acronym MEP became an integral word of a building project in Middle East Gulf region during year 2000. In the inception stage of MEP, there were involvement of only two engineering branches, Mechanical and Electrical, now it included electronics, instrumentation and communication. In some occasions, Mechatronics also partake in the project for smooth completion of the whole MEP works. Companies that carry out MEP works also known as Electro-Mechanical company which has multi-faceted technicians and engineers for effective design, coordination and execution of the works.
Well known Design software AutoCAD has its own version for MEP drafting works. This software package "AutoCAD MEP" helps designers to make more specific and accurate designs and detailing of the MEP project.
What is MEP in Construction Project?
MEP is the acronym for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing work in building construction. When we look at MEP participation in a project, a major work, which is HVAC controlled by Mechanical and secondly goes by Electrical. MEP construction must require to all types of commercial, residential and industrial purpose where services and facilities required. MEP consists of installing air conditioning systems, water supply & drainage systems, fire fighting systems, electrical power and lighting systems including transformer substations and emergency power generators, fire protection and alarm systems, voice & data systems, security access and surveillance systems, UPS, public address systems, Mast antenna TV system, and building management systems.
Architectural and Civil construction give shape, structure and aesthetics to a building but MEP or Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing bring facilities for life providing services. Hence MEP, now known as "Building Services and Facilities".
MEP includes a package of mechanical and electrical services for a number of facilities ranging from residential to commercial buildings, namely processing industries, shopping malls, and housing compounds, including towers. These engineering solutions consist of installing air-condition systems, setting up power and lighting systems, water supply and drainage, fire- fighting systems, Building Management Systems, telephone and data systems.
Mechanical Works in MEP for a Building Project
In MEP, major works are to be handled by Mechanical people because of HVAC or air conditioning system and that has piping work for cold and hot water, fabrication works for ducts, dampers and controllers, thermal / cold insulation works, and erection of machines like chiller unit, air handling units, grills, diffusers etc. Another important Mechanical works are Drinking water, Drainage and Sewerage systems. Other Mechanical works are Fire fighting works that included piping, sprinklers and Pumps.
Electric Works in MEP for a Building Project
Electric works mainly included Electrical Power and Lighting but others like Transformer substations, Emergency power, UPS / Central battery, Voice / Data communication, TV, Security systems like CCTV surveillance system, Access control System, Public address system, Building management system (BMS), Fire alarm system, aircraft warning lights, Traffic Barrier, Surge Protection system, and Lightning protection system.
MEP Specifications for Construction Project
Every project is unique and therefore its specification too. Here we can see different types of specifications for building construction project that can be used after making modifications suitable to the specified project.
