Keeping up with new engineering trends, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund applied MultiTrade integrated approach for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing works (MiMEP), Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology and a number of digital technologies for the first time to replace four chillers which had been in service for more than 20 years in Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory (TLVL) under the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
To tackle the challenging works, the EMSD specifically created a BIM model for the surrounding environment of the works site and leveraged on BIM technology to simulate the dynamic process of transportation, lifting and module assembly, which significantly enhanced transparency and accuracy of the design as well as preparation and construction efficiency. The construction team used augmented reality technology to integrate the BIM model and the actual on-site situation virtually for predicting the constraints that may arise during construction, repair and maintenance. During the assembly of chilled water pipe modules, the team also adopted robotic welding technology and pre-insulated pipe technology to save the construction time on site. Upon completion of module assembly, we also adopted 3D scanning technology to compare each assembled module to the designed BIM model to ensure its precision before delivery to the site. With the application of MiMEP, the project was completed in only 38 days, which is around half of that compared with conventional approach.
In addition, we adopted a non-proprietary standard communication protocol BACnet to transmit key operational data of the chillers to the integrated Building Management System, and to transmit the data wirelessly to the Regional Digital Control Centre at the EMSD Headquarters via the Government-Wide Internet of Things Network and LoRa network. Besides, we were able to acquire digitalized E&M asset information easily by using the Building Information Modelling-Asset Management system and radio frequency identification technology, thus improving asset maintenance efficiency and data accuracy.
The successful implementation of the works at TLVL brings great significance. The use of MiMEP has numerous merits. Not only does it entail a shorter construction period, better quality control, enhanced works safety and site management, and minimised impact of the works on the clients’ daily operation, but it also reduces material consumption and boosts productivity. As a whole, more efficient and effective services are provided to the clients. At the same time, the success of the project demonstrates that the adoption of technological applications such as MiMEP is not limited to new works, and they can also benefit repair, maintenance, alteration and addition works. This assures us with confidence and lays a solid foundation for the application of MiMEP in more projects in the future.