BIMtopia

Design Project Check-In: Plumbing Systems

Journal Entry For
Module 10 - Plumbing Systems

Plumbing System Elements

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Plumbing System Strategy

  1. Uniformity

    2. Due to the fact that back in architecture I modeled my restrooms such that they were a copy from the floor beneath it, it made for a much easier plumbing system. Whatever I designed on the first floor can be copied and pasted onto the second floor. In terms of constructability, this helps reduce the number of fittings to install and if builders complete one restroom, they are likely to be more productive on the second restroom.

  2. Proper Sizing

    3. I searched online for toilet partitions that already had pre-assigned spaces for toilets, including an ADA-compliant stall. This prevented the scenario where I decided myself how much space to give each person. I utilized partitions from https://www.bradleycorp.com/bim that pre-sized stalls for me.

  3. Proper Spacing

    4. In the soffit between the structural wall and the interior wall that restroom users use, I gave 1’ horizontal clearance. With a sewer pipe at 4” diameter and hot & cold water at 1/2” diameter, this is more than enough space to install wetwork. If there needs to be any respacing, or rearrangement during construction, MEP installers will have plenty of room before they close up the wall.

Challenges While Designing Plumbing

  1. Not conflicting with any other existing systems

      2. I remember during the practice exercise, I had a urinal placed right in front of a structural column. That wouldn’t be possible cause then no plumbing could exist behind the urinal. I ensured that that mistake would not be repeated for my design in this module. The same goes with HVAC — none of my plumbing items should be at the same elevation as my supply and return ducts. Otherwise, during installation, there could be some issues between the HVAC installers and plumbing installers.

    1. Not Blocking Existing Views

      2. If you see in my screenshots, there is a window in each of the bathrooms. Unfortunately, due to limited space, some of the stalls had to extend past the window, which isn’t my desire. This makes me think way back during the sizing requirements module that I should have upsized my restrooms more, especially if I’m going to expect hundreds of people to enter my sustainable exhibition center. Three toilets per restroom will not be enough, but at this point, it was too late to increase the dimensions of my restrooms.