Automated Rule Checking for MEP Systems Based on BIM and KBMS

Abstract

Due to the growing complexity of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) designs and the rules that govern them, performing rule checks manually has become expensive. However, MEP-based rule checking has not received adequate attention compared to automated rule checking in other domains. Based on Knowledge Management and Building Information Modeling (BIM), an automated rule checking system integrated knowledge base management system (KBMS) for model information expansion, information extraction, system integrity checking, and element spacing checking was developed. MEP rules for automated rule checking were collected, optimized, and stored in the MEP knowledge base. The KBMS facilitates the management of MEP rules in the knowledge base. A Revit plug-in of MEP rule checking system was developed including functions of KBMS, Model Integrity Checking, Elements Space Checking, and Locating the non-compliant element in model view. This study integrated both KBMS and BIM technologies to achieve automated rule checking for MEP. This simplifies the process of rule checking of MEP systems in an automated manner.