Project Profile: PS182X

In the attempt to perform geotechnical, structural and plumbing surveys for this SCA school, as well as provide designs to repair and reinforce a collapsed structural tab, we discovered that our architectural team had both never worked on a ground up building/addition or used REVIT.

By Lilker Associates Consulting Engineers PC August 15, 2022
Courtesy: CFE Media

Engineering firm: Lilker Associates Consulting Engineers PC
2022 MEP Giants rank: 68
Project: PS182X
Location: Bronx, NY, United States
Building type: Educational facility
Project type: Addition to existing building
Engineering services: Plumbing, piping; reinforcing support elements/paved areas
Project timeline: January 2017 to December 2021
MEP/FP engineering budget: $11,000,000

Challenges

In the attempt to perform geotechnical, structural and plumbing surveys for this SCA school, as well as provide designs to repair and reinforce a collapsed structural tab, we discovered that our architectural team had both never worked on a ground up building/addition or used REVIT. This produced issues as the models and parameters created did not align with client expectations. In addition to this, there was limited space to run the MEP elements associated with a building addition including matching the floor heights and slabs to the existing building.

Solutions

In an endearing display of AEC collaboration, the Lilker BIM manager sat down with the architectural team and coached them on how to appropriately set up models in REVIT, which was the client-requested format. These parameters cannot be changed mid-design, so this meeting was crucial. We also had the opportunity to inform the team on productive MEP coordination allowing all consultants to effectively communicate individual needs in real time.