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.

Due to the growing complexity of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) functions, the design, production and installation of hanger based on MEP has become low efficiency in traditional ways. Compared with the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) approach, the MEP hanger three-dimensional (3D) design approach has not received adequate attention in the process of engineering practice. Based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Revit secondary development technology, an automatic generation construction shop design model system of MEP hanger (MEP hanger-CDM) for the quick placement of hanger components, automatic grouping of hanger components and hanger component constructability checking was developed. By conducting investigations with the construction companies and construction sites in China, four basic forms of MEP hanger layouts were identified to accommodate different types of MEP layouts. In addition, the design requirements of the family of LOD 400 BIM models were summarized along with the analysis of user requirements. The results of the case studies indicate a 70% reduction in the manpower number on the MEP hanger shop design and an 85.9% reduction in the number of working hours. Moreover, the efficiency of the hanger construction model design and the accuracy of the output of material lists and shop drawings could be improved. Thus, the process of designing MEP hanger could be optimized in a visualized method.