Paper ID #11565
Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Systems in Construction Management: A Literature Review of Existing MEP Textbooks. Dr. Dr. Rogelio Palomera-Arias, University University of Texas at San Antonio Dr. Rogelio Palomera-Arias Palomera-Arias educational and professional background is multidisciplinary and multilingual in nature. He obtained his Ph. D. in architecture with a concentration in building technology, and an M.S. in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge MA. Dr. Palomera-Arias joined the faculty at Construction Science Department at UTSA in the Fall 2013. The main teaching responsibilities in the department are the courses in Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Building Systems in Construction, as well as the Structural Design for construction management courses. Dr. Rui Liu, University of Texas at San Antonio
c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015
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Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Systems in Construction Management: A Literature Review of Existing MEP Textbooks. Abstract
This paper reviews the most common textbooks used in courses covering Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems in construction science and management programs accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) in US institutions. The review provides a comparison of the textbook’s topics and subject areas c overed, and their relation to the MEP and specialty contractor skills and knowledge required by construction mana gement graduates in order to perform their jobs, whether in a general contractor or a specialty contractor firm. The paper also highlights the achievements, as well as the shortcomings of the reviewed MEP textbooks in supporting the learning objectives of traditional construction management courses such as print reading, estimating, scheduling and o ther related subjects. Introduction
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and related systems (MEP systems) have become one of the bigger contributors to the building construction costs. They are also heavy contributors of the [1] energy consumption in buildings , as well as their operation and maintenance costs. This has led to a general recognition of the importance of MEP systems in today’s construction industry. Consequently, the various accreditation organizations for higher edu cation in the fields of construction have recognized and require MEP content to be covered in the curricula of [2] construction science, management, and technology programs . Such coverage includes the selection and/or generation of appropriate literature, such as tex tbooks, supporting the teaching of MEP systems in construction. This paper reviews the most common textbooks used in courses covering MEP systems in construction science and management programs accredited b y the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) in US institutions. The various programs were surveyed to determine the textbook requirements, if any, of their MEP course offerings. The five most used textbooks are reviewed for topics and subject a reas covered, as well as for the their main focus. The paper ends with a discussion and comparison of the books reviewed, and their role in supporting the development of the skillsets and knowledge expected from construction science and management students as it relates to the field of MEP systems construction. Textbook Adoptions
As of the academic year 2014-2015, there were 73 construction science and management programs accredited by the ACCE. These programs offer a total of 105 required MEP courses. Reviewing publicly available course information from the school catalogs and bookstores websites, the authors found that 81 of these courses used a total of 17 different b ooks as required course materials. These books varied from textbooks to specific building-code books and handbooks. The remaining 24 MEP courses did not require a textbook, or information was not
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available regarding textbook requirement at the time of the survey. Table 1 presents the bibliographic information of the seven most common used MEP books in the schools surveyed. Table 1 Most Common MEP Textbooks Adoptions. Course Title 23 Mechanical and Electrical Systems in (21%) Buildings 19 Mechanical and Electrical Systems for (17%) Construction Managers 12 Mechanical and Electrical Systems in (11%) Architecture, Engineering and Construction 9 Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for (8.3%) Buildings 5 Design of Mechanical and Electrical (4.6%) Systems in Buildings 2 NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (1.8%) 2 Electrical Wiring Commercial (1.8%)
Ed. Year
Authors
Publisher
th
5 2014 Janis & Tao 3
rd
ISBN-13
Prentice Hall 9780138015626
2013 ATP Staff
ATP
9780826993632
5th 2010 Dagostino & Wujek Prentice Hall 9780135000045 th
11 2010 1
st
--
Grondzik et al.
Wiley
2004 Trost & Choudhury Pearson 2014
National Fire Protection Assoc.
NFPA
th
14 2012 Mullin & Simmons Cengage
9780470195659 9780130972354 9781455906727 9781435498297
Figure 1 shows the distribution of textbook adoptions in ACCE Construction programs. In the chart, books having less than 2% adoption were grouped together under the “Other References” category. The chart also shows the percentage of schools with no textbook reported, and those using custom books. Custom books are books produced by publishing companies using sections from existing books with additional content provided b y the course instructors. MEP Textbook Adoptions Other References 13%
No Text/Unknown 22%
Custom Books 3% Trost & Choudhury 5% Grondzik et al. 8%
Janis & Tao 21%
Dagostino & Wujek 11% ATP Staff 17%
Figure 1 Distribution of MEP Textbooks Adoption within ACCE Construction Programs. For the courses that had a textbook requirement, the majority of them specified a single textbook for the course, with a few courses requiring two or three different books. Nevertheless the great
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variety of reading and reference materials available covering MEP materials, five textbooks stood out as the main selections by MEP courses instructors: “Mechanical and Electrical [3] Systems in Buildings” written by Janis & Tao , “Mechanical and Electrical Systems for [4] Construction Managers” published by the staff at American Technical Publishers (ATP) , “Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Architecture, Engineering and Construction” by [5] Dagostino & Wujek , “Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings” by Gr ondzik et [6] al. , and “Design of Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings” written by Trost & [7] Choudhury . The other twelve textbooks used by the MEP courses were required by less than two courses each. Textbook Reviews
The five most common MEP textbooks were reviewed, as mentioned previously, for the coverage of MEP content and the main focus of such coverage. Table 2 shows the number of chapters that each textbook dedicates to the following subjects: 1. Building science: topics include fundamentals of building heat transfer, psychrometrics, building material thermal properties, indoor air quality, and comfort concepts. 2. HVAC systems: this includes HVAC equipment, distribution and delivery systems, load calculations, and refrigeration principles. 3. Electrical systems: this includes electricity fundamentals, loads and power, wiring materials and methods, service entrance equipment and switchgear, utilization devices, and might include low-voltage systems such data and communications. 4. Lighting systems: this includes electric lighting systems and controls, lighting devices and fixtures, as well as light properties and fundamentals. 5. Plumbing systems: includes materials and methods for clean water supply and distribution, DWV (drain, waste and vent) systems, storm drains. It also covers plumbing fixtures, and system loads and sizing. 6. Fire protection systems: includes fire suppression systems and equipment, and might include fire alarms and other life protection and safety systems. 7. Others: this category encompasses coverage of topics and s ystems that do not fall directly under the MEP categories defined previously. These include architectural design principles; acoustics and noise control systems; testing and inspection; passive solar and daylighting systems, conveyance systems, and sustainable systems if not covered as a subset of the MEP systems. Also included in this category is MEP system coordination, whic h is covered only by one textbook in the group. Table 2 Number of Chapters Used by MEP Subject Area in Reviewed Textbooks Textbook Author Janis ATP Staff Dagostino Grondzik Trost *
Pages
576 710 960 1792 432
Building Science 2 2 3 4 3
HVAC
Electrical
Lighting
Plumbing
5 9 7 3 4
4 11 4 6 6
4 0 2 6 6
1 6 5 4 4
Fire Protection 1 0 1 1 1
Some commercial lighting systems are mentioned in the last electrical chapter
Others
2 2 3 9 2
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The following subsections summarize each textbook individually, presenting the general approach to the MEP topics, and a description of their organization and co ntent delivery. A discussion and comparison of all the textbooks is presented then in the final section of this p aper. th
A. “Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings”, 5 Ed. by Janis & Tao In “Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings” book , MEP equipment, materials and methods are presented with detailed text descriptions with hundreds of photographs and diagrams to supplement the descriptions. The textbook also uses data tables extensively to present and compare properties and typical performance values of the equipment described in the text. The textbook is very consistent in the format it presents HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems: fundamental theory and principles governing the s ystems, followed by descriptions of equipment, materials and methods, and systems layouts; and endin g with system design and sizing methods with fully explained and worked examples. Each chapter includes at the end problems and exercise pertaining to the material covered in the chapter. The textbook provides coverage of MEP construction drawings, presenting common symbols and abbreviations used. Plans, riser diagrams, as well as i sometric sketches are presented to supplement the systems descriptions. Also, this is the only book of that introduces the concept of systems coordination, and as such provides comm on installation and clearance requirements for the various systems. The coordination information is provided using detailed installation drawings and diagrams in various locations throughout the text, and summarized in a chapter at the end of the textbook. Building load calculations, system selection and sizing methods for the main MEP systems are introduced in the book through text description with very few examples. General design guidelines for each system are also presented. Th e design methods used are based on algebraic equations and the use of charts and tables. However, the authors over simplified the equations to the point where the units and meaning of the constants used in the equations might be lost to the reader. The textbook also provides a good presentation of building science concepts and thermal loads calculations using simplified methods. It also introduces the reader to simplified methods of estimating heating and cooling energy consumption of buildings. In addition to the main MEP and lighting systems, the book also covers noise and vibration controls. It does not cover, as other textbook s, concepts of solar systems, sustainability, nor alternative energy systems in buildings, with the exception o f short mentions of daylighting and natural ventilation in buildings. It provides, however, a good introduction to MEP coordination, and a very basic introduction to economic analysis of MEP system design choices using the concepts of payback period and initial and operation costs. rd
B. “Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers”, 3 Ed. by ATP Staff “Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers” presents MEP equipment, materials and methods using detailed text descriptions and two-color illustrations, photographs, and diagrams. The illustrations are clear and present good details regarding system installation.
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Each chapter includes at the end review questions pertaining to the material co vered in the chapter. This textbook, the only one amongst the reviewed group, provides basic coverage of testing, measurement, and inspections tools and procedures for MEP systems. It also has a dedicated chapter on building automation and controls. However, it does not provide any information on mechanical or plumbing plans and specification reading and interpretation. Only electrical plans are covered briefly. Isometric drawings of plumbing systems are presented as p art of the system sizing and design examples. Building loads calculations, system selection and sizing methods for the main MEP systems are presented clearly using meaningful and well-explained and illustrated examples. However, the equations used are limited to the English system of units, and similar to Janis & Tao textbook, the physical constants used in the equations have no indication of their units or their explicit meaning. In addition, the scope of the textbook is limited to the three main MEP systems: HVAC, plumbing, and electric power and distribution. Other systems, like fire protection, alternative energy systems, and sustainable systems are not covered anywhere in the book. Furthermore, electric lighting systems coverage is limited to a few paragraphs within the commercial circuits chapter of the book. th
C. “Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Architecture, Engineering and Construction”, 5 Ed. by Dagostino & Wujek In the “Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Architecture, Engineering and Construction” textbook, MEP equipment, materials and methods are presented with detailed text descriptions and over 800 pictures and diagrams used to supplement the descriptions. The textbook also uses data tables extensively to present and compare properties and typical performance values of the equipment described in the text. The textbook is very consistent in the format it presents HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems: fundamental theory and principles governing the systems, followed by descriptions of equipment, materials and methods, an d systems layouts; and ending with system design and sizing methods with fully ex plained and worked examples. Each chapter includes at the end problems and exercise pertaining to the material covered in the chapter. The textbook provides good coverage of MEP construction drawings, presenting common symbols and abbreviations used, as well as listing of information requirement of p lans and specs. Plans, riser diagrams, as well as isometric sketches are presented during the system layout and design examples throughout the book. However, no coverage of plans and specs is presented for fire protection systems, communications systems, or conveyance systems. Building loads calculations, system selection and sizing method s for the main MEP systems are presented clearly using meaningful and well-explained and illustrated examples. The design methods used are based on algebraic equations and extensive use of charts and tables. The textbook also provides a good presentation of building science concepts and thermal loads
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calculations using simplified methods. It also introduces the reader to simplified methods of estimating heating and cooling energy consumption of buildings. In addition to the main MEP and lighting systems, the book also covers ac oustic control systems, conveyance systems, passive solar and da ylighting systems, as well as sustainable and alternative energy systems. th
D. “Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings”, 11 Ed. by Grondzik et al. The “Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings” textbook is the longest of all the books reviewed. It presents the various MEP systems using a combination of text descriptions, sketches and pictures to describe equipment, materials, operation principles, as well as basic design concepts. Detailed architectural drawings of MEP components and installation details are used extensively throughout the book to supplement the descriptions provided in the text. Coverage of plan and specs reading and interpretation varies with the system covered, with electrical system receiving the most coverage and HVAC systems the least coverage. MEP plans and riser diagrams are presented as part of building ex amples used to explain the design and sizing processes. Load calculations and systems sizing methods presented a re based on the use and application of algebraic equations, charts and tables. The book provides extensive coverage of traditional MEP systems as well as updated coverage on recent developments on MEP systems. It also covers sustainable and renewable systems, including passive and active solar systems. However, the coverage provided is mainly from an architect’s design perspective, with some engineering background. In addition to MEP systems, this book also provides extensive coverage of lighting and daylighting design principles, architectural acoustics fundamentals, sound and noise control s ystems, and conveyance systems. E. “Design of Mechanical and Electrical S ystems in Buildings” by Trost & Choudhury. “Design of Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings” presents the MEP concepts by providing practical design examples using simple realistic building plans from which the design process is explained. Design methods are based on using simplified calculations, and the proper use of charts and tables. It explains how to read and interpret the various MEP plans in simple terms, and indicates how information is typically presented on them. It also shows how to read and create various schedules used in MEP plans, especially electrical schedules. Devices and equipment, as well as MEP materials and methods, are presented using short text descriptions, supplemented with sketches and perspective drawings. The textbook has no photographic images. Sketches and drawings are used to convey that same information that other textbooks do using photographs. In addition to covering the basic MEP systems, the authors also cover concepts of daylighting and solar thermal systems. However, it doesn’t cover other renewable systems such as photovoltaic systems or heat recovery systems. In addition to that, the textbook would benefit from an update to incorporate new developments in MEP systems, for example adding coverage
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of LED’s in the lighting section, including the newer NEC requirements in the electrical design section such as the use of AFCI’s, and adding other developments in the subject of sustainable MEP systems. Of the five books reviewed, it is the shortest and oldest one with a single edition. Discussion
The five textbooks reviewed support, more or less, the typical set of course goals and objectives defined for most of the required MEP courses offered in the ACCE accredited construction programs. These objectives can be summarized as,
Develop an understanding of the fundamental principles governing MEP systems Conduct basic thermal, hydraulic, and electrical load calculations Develop an understanding of materials and methods, and equipment used in MEP systems. Develop an understanding of the design principles of MEP systems Conduct basic sizing and layout of MEP systems based on the building specifications, loads and demands Read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
The depth and scope of the coverage for each system varies across textbooks, as well as within each individual book. For example the ATP book covers only HVAC, plumbing and electric power systems, while Grondzik ’s and Dagostino’s books cover all the MEP systems as well as acoustic systems, conveyance systems and additional topics regarding sustainability and architectural design. Table 3 summarizes each o f the textbooks content supporting the t ypical MEP course objectives for HVAC, plumbing, electric power, electric lighting, low voltage, and fire protection systems. It also shows additional coverage in the textbooks for other systems beyond the traditional MEP systems. All the books have some mention of the relative MEP systems costs without providing actual values, or without indicating whether the MEP associated costs derive primarily from the materials cost or the associated labor and equipment costs. Table 3 Textbook Coverage of MEP Course Goals and Objectives Subject
Fundamentals and Principles s Material and Methods C m A t e Thermal Loads V s System Design and Sizing y H S Equipment Selection Plan Reading and Specs Fundamentals and Principles g s Material and Methods n i mHydraulic Loads b t e m s System Design and Sizing y u l S P Equipment Selection Plan Reading and Specs Fundamentals and Principles c r i r e Material and Methods t c wElectric Loads e o l E P System Design and Sizing Equipment Selection
Janis & Tao
ATP Staff
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Dagostino & Wujek X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Grondzik et al. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Trost & Choudhury X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
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Subject
Plan Reading and Specs Fundamentals and Principles Material and Methods c g i n r i t t Illumination Requirements c h e g System Design and Sizing l i E L Equipment Selection Plan Reading and Specs Fundamentals and Principles e Material and Methods g a w t o l System Design and Sizing L o VEquipment Selection Plan Reading and Specs Fundamentals and Principles n o i t Material and Methods e r c System Design and Sizing i e F t o r Equipment Selection P Plan Reading and Specs Sustainable Systems e MEP Systems Coordination s g u a Testing and Inspections n r o e v Building Automation B o C Noise Control and Acoustics Conveyance Systems
Janis & Tao
ATP Staff
Dagostino & Wujek X X X X X X X
Grondzik et al. X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X X
X X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X
Trost & Choudhury X X X X X X X
X X X X
All the textbooks follow similar methods for calculating building loads, and for the design and sizing of systems. However, the book published by ATP defines and restricts its methods and equations to the English units system only. None of the textbooks reviewed provides coverage of what is typically considered advanced topics in MEP construction, such as MEP estimating, scheduling, or project management; and with the exception of Janis & Tao’s book, none of the books cover the subject of MEP system coordination either. Other topics relevant to MEP systems construction and absent from all the textbooks are discussions on prefabrication, constructability issues such as installation equipment, lifting and rigging requirements, and proper shippin g and handling of materials and equipment. Conclusion
The current paper reviews the five MEP textbooks most commonly required by the MEP courses taught at the construction schools accredited by the ACCE. The schools’ academic catalogs and bookstore websites were surveyed to determine, if any, the textbooks required by the MEP courses. All of the textbooks reviewed cover materials and methods, fundamental principles, and sizing methods of HVAC systems, electric power systems, and plumbing systems. Only one textbook (“Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers”) does not cover fire protection systems, and provides minimum coverage of electric lighting systems.
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None of the textbooks cover advanced topics in MEP construction, such as estimating, scheduling, or project management. Only one textbook (“Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings”) provides basic coverage of MEP coordination. The five textbooks reviewed support the typical set of learning goals and objectives of the introductory MEP systems course(s) in construction programs. The depth and scope of the coverage for each of the MEP systems varies within each textbook, as well as across textbooks. “Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings” and “Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings” provide the most comprehensive coverage of MEP systems.
Bibliography [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
L. Pérez-Lombard, J. Ortiz, and C. Pout, “A review on buildings energy consumption information,” Energy Build., vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 394 – 398, Jan. 2008. ACCE, Document 103: Standards and Criteria for Accreditation of Postsecondary Construction Education Degree Programs. 2013. R. R. Janis and W. K. Y. Tao, Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings, 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 2014, p. 576. ATP, Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction Managers, 3rd ed. Orland Park, IL: American Technical Publishers, 2013, p. 710. F. R. Dagostino and J. B. Wujek, Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction, 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 2010, p. 960. W. T. Grondzik, A. G. Kwok, B. Stein, and J. S. Reynolds, Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 11th ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2010, p. 1792. F. J. Trost and I. Choudhury, Design of Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 2004, p. 432.
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