Identification of target subjects and their constraints for automated MEP routing in an AEC project

Since Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing(MEP) routing is a repetitive and experience-centered process that requires considerable time and human resources, if automated, design errors can be prevented and the previously required time and human resources can be reduced. Although research on automatic routing has been conducted in many industries, the MEP routing in AEC projects has yet to be identified due to the complexity of system configuration, distributed expertise, and various constraints. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the target subjects for MEP routing automation and the constraints of each subject. The MEP design checklist provided by a CM company and existing literature review were conducted, and target subjects and constraints were identified through process observation and in-depth expert interviews for five days by visiting a MEP design company. The target subjects were largely divided into six categories: air conditioning plumbing, air conditioning duct, restroom sanitary plumbing, heating plumbing, and diagram. The findings from interviews show that work reduction and error reduction has the greatest effect on air conditioning plumbing while the level of difficulty is the highest in air conditioning duct and restroom sanitary plumbing. Major constraints for each subject include preventing cold drafts on air conditioning pipes, deviation in ventilation volume in air conditioning ducts, routing order on restroom sanitary plumbing, and separation distance from the wall on heating plumbing. In this way, subjects and constraints identified in this study can be used for MEP automatic routing.