Effective MEP design techniques and strategy for large subsurface metro projects

Summary

This paper illustrates the challenges for any major large infrastructure subsurface railway project, to select and undertake a cost effective, manageable and optimum MEP design strategy across a large programme of work. The paper proposes methods to overcome such challenges which extend into procurement of MEP equipment. The paper is intended to highlight the requirement to hand over MEP assets that allow the Railway Operator (RO) to undertake maintenance safely and in a cost effective way. This essentially means to organise and deliver a suitable common design and installation that allows flexible maintenance principles and an achievable Whole Life Cost (WLC) level. The detail in this paper promotes methods of design strategy that are arguably more suited to achieving a common approach to design and delivery. Thus allowing the optimum MEP product for the RO who is the end user of the System. The argument is against one of a multiple type design approach and procurement strategy where projects may choose to adopt through the programme to reduce risk both organisationally and contractually, and enhance the delivery of the project. These are summarised in the three following paragraphs;

MEP design undertaken with one design organisation (SDO) at one location to RIBA F level(1). Benefits and advantages of this type of model application are explained and aspects of this design strategy are argued against a multiple type. Multiple type is where different designers are engaged with the design of effectively the same product, across different locations. Commonality of MEP design and common component selection are discussed against a non-standardised type approach.

Prototyping MEP in Design. This is a novel approach and is where with multiple locations a prototype design strategy can be used. Design can be undertaken for one location i.e. a Station, Shaft or Portal (SSP), and then the template is used across the programme. The paper will detail this novel method which is targeted at MEP systems where there are many similar SSP. As this is novel it is detailed as an alternative to a traditional approach i.e. the multiple SSP locations designed at the same time.

Delivery and control techniques to allow optimum performance in MEP service route and space planning and access and maintenance (AandM). This is critical to success of projects. AandM and plant room space planning including the transfer of services are now becoming more subject of scrutiny by the RO due to the ever increasing requirements to allow more efficient maintenance regimes. During early stages of design designers are less focused on these requirements. The paper will detail the aspects to force optimum space planning, service routes and AandM to be fulfilled at the appropriate time in the MEP design development stages with nominated intervention points.