An empirical study of MEP workspace modeling approaches for 4D model-based time-space conflict analyses: Case study on the international linear collider project

The use of 4D model-based time space conflict analysis to detect potential workspace conflicts can be vital in projects with highly compacted Mechanical/Electrical/Piping (MEP) systems. However, manually modeling individual workspace requirements can be time consuming and error prone. Whereas existing research have focused on formalizing workspace types and conflict taxonomies, determining the appropriate 3D modeling approach available in commercial CAD applications have not been examined in detail. This research addresses this need by performing a case study using the International Linear Collider project, which requires installing MEP components in heavily congested areas and in limited time. Three modeling approaches - isotropic tolerance, solid and parametric modeling - are used to model workspaces and subsequently evaluated with respect to the accuracy and efficiency in generating workspaces, and also the ease in updating workspace requirements. Results indicate that parametric modeling, which enables automatic update of workspaces, provides the greatest leverage in model reuse and flexibility.