Er Joseph Toh, IES Head (MEP), MOHH

Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)

Prefabricated Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Systems

What are Prefabricated MEP Systems?Prefab Components Sub-assemblies

Integrated Assemblies

MEP PPVC

45% 60% 70%30%

Pre-insulated plastic piping

Prefab horizontal services / vertical riser modules

Prefab vertical riser module with catwalk

Prefab horizontal module with ceiling board

Prefab plant room

Include MEP services onlyIntegrated with architectural/

structural componentsComplete assembly

Plug-and-play cables

1. Labour-intensive

2. Shortage of skilled workforce

3. Poor coordination

4. Compromised workmanship due to compressed timeline

5. Maintenance issues due to poor workmanship and limited access to services

Installation on-site by individual

trade workers

Design Stage

Construction Stage

Installation Stage

Development of Coordinated

Services Drawings (CSD) by

main contractors

M&E consultants develop overall

design

Difficulty in maintenance

due to congested MEP

services

Challenges faced

Duplication of effort in

mounting individual

supports for individual

trades

Clashes on site

Development of individual MEP trades throughout the project cycle

Common MEP Practices in Singapore

Up to 60%* Manpower Savings at Trade Level

Up to 45%* Manpower Savings at Trade Level

Up to 30%* Manpower Savings at Trade Level

Prefab Components Sub-assemblies

Flexible water pipe Prefab air-con metal duct

Flexible Sprinkler dropper Prefab pump module

Ceiling services module

Plug & play cable* Manpower data based on information from

UK, Japan and Korea project data

Prefab MEP Systems Save Time and Manpower

Vertical riser module integrated with platform/ catwalk

Better Health and Safety

Neat and tidy factory

Improved Quality and Productivity

Detailed design is done in advance

Easy to install (lifting one subassembly instead of

multiple ducts, pipes, etc.)

Working in a factory environment and at ground

level will help improve productivity

Benefits of Prefab MEP Systems

Objectives of Guidebook

1. Raise awareness among industry stakeholders;

2. Equip stakeholders with fundamental knowledge in prefab MEP

design, procurement practices, construction and maintenance, etc.

Technical Committee (TC)

Special advisor:

Private SectorPublic Sector

Comments sought from industry and technical agencies

Contents – Prefab MEP Guidebook

Chapter 2 Good industry practices - Procurement

Meetings with contractors and MEP specialists

Early involvement of contractors and MEP specialists

Tender requirements – How to facilitating the adoption of prefab MEP systems

Chapter 3 Good industry practices - Design

Key considerations for design

Guidelines for designing various prefabricated MEP modules

Transportation Ease of MaintenanceLifting & Handling

Chapter 4 Good industry practices - Fabrication

Areas to look out for during fabrication

Quality assurance Ensuring alignment of modules

Protection of modules

Chapter 5 Good industry practices – Installation

Logistics planning

Positioning modules

Connecting modules

Chapter 6 Roles of Different Project Parties

Design of MEP Services

• Consultants

• Main Contractor

• MEP Prefabricator

• MEP Sub-Contractors

Shop Drawings preparation

• Main Contractor

• MEP Sub-Contractors

• MEP Prefabricator

Fabrication, Testing and Commissioning (T&C) in Factory

• MEP Prefabricator

• MEP Sub-Contractors

Coordinating with Site from Factory

• Main Contractor

• MEP Prefabricator

Installation of MEP Modules, on-site T&C

• Main Contractor

• MEP Sub-Contractors

Project work flow and parties involved

Chapter 7 Project showcase

Crossrail Tottenham Court Road MRT Station,

United Kingdom

Riser modules

Horizontal modules

Chapter 7 Project showcase

Global Switch Data Centre, a 6-storey project in Singapore

Plant integrated withchiller water pipe modules

Riser modules c/w platform

Horizontal modules

The first prefab MEP guidebook

The Prefabricated MEP Systems electronic

Guidebook is now officially launched

Download a copy at

https://www.bca.gov.sg/cpc/others/MEP_Guidebook

_final.pdf

Thank you