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The Method of Covering MEP Scope in an Estimating Course

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Conference

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

San Antonio, Texas

Publication Date

June 10, 2012

Start Date

June 10, 2012

End Date

June 13, 2012

ISSN

2153-5965

Conference Session

Innovative Course Developments in Construction

Tagged Division

Construction

Page Count

10

Page Numbers

25.1321.1 - 25.1321.10

DOI

10.18260/1-2--22078

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/22078

Download Count

2211

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Paper Authors

biography

Suat Gunhan University of Texas, San Antonio

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Suat Gunhan received both his bachelor's of architecture and master's of science in architecture degrees from Dokuz Eylul University and a Ph.D. degree in civil engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the Construction Science and Management program at the University of Texas, San Antonio.

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biography

Yilmaz Hatipkarasulu University of Texas, San Antonio Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0002-4819-6407

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Yilmaz Hatipkarasulu holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering from Louisiana State University. He is currently the Coordinator of the Construction Science and Management program at the University of Texas, San Antonio.

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Abstract

THE METHOD OF COVERING MEP SCOPE IN AN ESTIMATING COURSEMechanical-electrical-plumbing (MEP) trades played an important role in the evolution ofconstruction management practice. The scope of these trades initially forced contractors to usesubcontracting method in the building process. The main reason for that is these systems arecostlier, therefore it requires effectiveness to build, secondly they are technologically complexand their integration to building structure requires in-depth understanding of the technical scope,expertise in terms of timing, coordination with other trades, and organizing testing andcommissioning. Near future specialized markets will even require more specialty expertise inrelated fields. Graduates from construction programs are expected to understand all the workscopes of construction trades. This way, they can support estimating teams in their organizations.Having good understanding of MEP scope is highly valued in construction organizations sincefewer professionals possess expertise on these trades. Students need to develop proper skills inestimating courses for MEP scope understanding; therefore they can eliminate the fear of dealingwith technologically complex work scope when they are assigned as junior estimators. This isthe ultimate desired outcome from the course.The paper presents a systematic approach that is used in an estimating course on how to developan MEP scope which later can be used in detailed estimating process. Students are firstintroduced to common scope methodology that is used in MEP specifications. Understandingthis methodology prepares them on how to approach respective construction drawings. Studentsare then introduced to common methodology on how to evaluate MEP construction drawings.Common characteristics of MEP drawings’ are highlighted and the procedures for their analysisare presented in a systematic order. Differentiating aspects of each system from the others arealso presented. The laboratory portion of the course concentrates on using estimating software.Students have the chance to carry MEP scope development practices onto the digital estimatingplatform such as creating scope items while using the software. The paper further explains thedetailed scope identification methodology for each system and the way it is integrated toestimating course environment.

Gunhan, S., & Hatipkarasulu, Y. (2012, June), The Method of Covering MEP Scope in an Estimating Course Paper presented at 2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, San Antonio, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--22078

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