Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES FEBRUARY 2023 13 More significantly, though, traditional contracting models delivered by non-specialist companies without a full understanding of the HTMs have in some instances led to project failures, with particularly notable cases of this happening in the delivery of pharmacy aseptic suites. This problem was highlighted in a 2018 NHS Improvement ‘Review of Pharmacy Aseptic Services’. The Review noted the increasing demand for on-site aseptically prepared treatments, at an annual growth rate of around 5%, and emphasised the ‘asset intensive’ nature of these services with the requirement for their ongoing maintenance and periodic renewal of the estate and equipment. Tellingly, numerous common problems in the design of aseptic facilities that prevent them functioning as planned were revealed, including: • low quality builds or delays in new facilities due to construction by contractors lacking ‘clean room’ experience • insufficient local experience to plan, manage and troubleshoot projects • lack of understanding of maintenance and service costs. Digital tools Digital tools are carefully chosen ‘bolt-ons’ that bring all the design information into one space. For example, the design is not just about theway the final facility looks: it has to take in practical aspects such as howmuch spacewill be needed for certain functions – or is available in a building that is being re-purposed, perhaps for plant such as ventilation and thermal control, all of which are particularly space-consuming in aseptic preparation areas. The ‘BIMplus digital bolt-on conglomeration’ enables an effective interface between each process ensuring that all information is available in real time for both the delivery teamand the client, as well as allowing calculation of running costs and energy efficiencies. All of the data that themanager needs to run the unit can be embedded into themodel and themanual for the handover, aiding transparency and validation of all data. This ‘digital assembly’ also provides a regulatory function: for example, by supplying the extensive validation data for IQ (Installation Qualification), OQ (Operational Qualification) and PQ (Performance Qualification) required for MHRA approval for pharmacies and aseptic facilities. 3D visualisation 3D visualisation models are fundamental to working with clinicians and estates management personnel on the ergonomics they require, as well as benefitting subsequent facility management strategies. Revit can be used as a core 3D coordination, design and visualisation tool, which links to other programs. The Revit model can be fed into Autodesk Navisworks Manage, converting it to a version easily read by all delivery partners, aiding clash prevention throughout the design and construction phases. Avoiding downtime is always critical, Revitzo is a digital cloud- based collaboration/clash detection tool that pulls together BIM intelligence and allows all project teammembers to identify and manage any issues within the 3D model in real time. It’s highly beneficial to internal teams, enabling efficient collaboration on any type of project. Another sophisticated visualisation system used is Lumion, which enables clients’ input into the design process. Using this tool, all stakeholders can experience the finished product, both visually and spatially, even in terms of particular finishes. This function allows user groups to respond to a design and their feedback to informmodifications. Document management Revit links directly to our internal document management system (DMS) Symetri’s Excitech DOCS, an open database that has been customised to interface with our existing processes. Excitech DOCS enables the management of all project documentation from schedules to invoices, and a CAD (computer aided design) interface that facilitates compliance to industry standards according to the UK BIM Framework for the organisation and digitisation, of all information in the design and build process. As a DMS, its value is in the management of all project documentation. The structure of documentation and workflows that are required by ISO 19650 are controlled within the Excitech DOCs environment, so the information generated can be easily pushed into a compatible CDE (Common Data Environment). Facilitating mechanical design Mechanical engineering requirements often form the backbone of a design. To speed up and increase accuracy and design verification, a digital toolbox should contain IES, a virtual environment analysis and performance modelling software. IES provides scope for mechanical engineers to optimise designs through much more complex calculations. This facilitates the effectiveness of a design through a pre-validation check, while computational fluid dynamics enable the simulation of airflows and eliminate dead spots. This improves energy efficiency to comply with the ISO 14644 standard and refine the design as often as required. Compliance and customer engagement tools To provide accurate specification information, NBS Chorus and Construction Information (CIS) software can be used. NBS Chorus is a cloud-based tool that can be used on any device from any location to allow collaborative working across and with customer teams. Linked to Revit, this software enables design and specification in a single process based on manufacturers’ product data. CIS enables verification of the design against all relevant standards, ensuring rectification of any non- compliance at the design stage. Data fed into our Revit models also allows output into IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) and COBie (Construction Operations Building information exchange) formats, in turn feeding directly into Facilities Management Systems. FEATURE VERTICAL FOCUS More information can be found at www.besltd.org