What are the benefits of determining a quote for firestopping via Orange Button BIM method compared to traditional methods?
Preparing a quotation for firestop penetration seals can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Factors such as the stage in the construction process, the intended use, the size, and the complexity of a project play a crucial role in determining the typical methods used to establish pricing.
In the traditional approach to quoting firestop seals, pricing can be determined either through an on-site inspection or by calculations based on installation and architectural drawings.
Traditional method
On-site inspection
Let’s first discuss the traditional method where pricing is determined based on an on-site inspection. It’s crucial – in this method – that all mechanical and electrical installations are completely assembled. Furthermore, it’s important that all openings are processed into the walls and floors, to enable a complete on-site inspection. An one-site inspection can be carried out relatively quickly, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Most firestop specialists utilize a mobile application to quickly document the MEP services penetration fire rated walls and floors. Other firestop specialists conduct on-site inspections using only paper and pencil, manually processing the information into a digital file afterward. This method takes a lot more time and – in the process – a lot of valuable information is lost. However, the issue with this pricing method is that you lose control over the architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical elements within the project.
Conditions
Certified firestops require strict adherence to technical approvals and fire codes.
Various specific conditions must align with on-site parameters, including:
- Wall and floor thickness
- Drywall assembly
- Opening dimensions
- Multi Service Penetration configuration
- Spacing between installations
- Support systems
A certified firestop can only be installed if these on-site conditions exactly align with the field of application of the technical approvals. However, our experience shows that this rarely aligns perfectly! This misalignment also raises the question of who is ultimately responsible for the fire safety within a project and who must demonstrate that fire safety standards are met.
The drywall specialist assumes responsibility for wall assembly, while the MEP contractor is accountable for installation assembly; both are responsible for managing openings. The firestop specialist is tasked with ensuring the efficacy of their firestop seals. However, to install a certified firestop, it’s crucial that the architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire safety components are aligned with the exact configurations as specified in the technical approvals. This ultimate responsibility lies with the general contractor.
While this method of pricing may be quick, we should ask ourselves the question: does this traditional pricing method enable the installation of a certified firestop seal on project site?
MEP and architectural drawings
The second traditional pricing method for firestopping is determined based on MEP and architectural drawings, is a very time-consuming process. Especially in large and complex projects, contractors want to receive multiple quotes early in the construction process for price comparison. In that case, conducting a site inspection is not possible. We believe every firestop specialist is familiar with specifying a quote from 2D drawings for a large and complex project. This requires a significant amount of time and effort from the pricing department, sometimes taking up to two months of work for one FTE. The respective firestop specialist submits a price to the general contractor, and ends up hearing nothing about the submitted quote.
With this traditional method of submitting a quote, the firestop specialist has more influence on the quality of the fire protection seals to be installed. However, it is important that the firestop specialist is assigned in an early stage of the construction process to provide important information regarding opening dimensions, routing of installations, and wall and floor configurations. Coordinating all of this in the traditional way – taking into account all involved stakeholders – is extremely challenging; takes a lot of time and is certainly not automated.
If you really want to do this work well, the firestop specialist must consider the thickness of walls and floors; drywall assembly; pipe wall thickness; pipe end configurations; dimensions of openings; combination of installations within a Multiservice Penetration (MSP); distance between installations within an MSP; distance between adjacent openings; and installation hanging systems. This applies to every unique penetration in the project. Manual handling of this is not practical, and the translation into practice is also not guaranteed.
Orange Button BIM
The third way to submit a quote is through the Orange Button BIM methodology. It’s crucial for the firestop specialist to be involved early in the design process. Preferably, the firestop specialist should be assigned, by the general contractor, in the same month as the MEP contractor. For pricing of firestop seals, according to the Orange Button BIM working method, it’s important that the models are developed to a level where at least information is processed regarding fire resistance period (in walls and floors); thickness and composition of walls and floors; dry wall assembly; dimensions of installations; pipe wall thickness; pipe-end configurations; product names of installations; product names of insulations; thickness of insulation; product names of fire dampers.
With Orange Button BIM software, an automated data check can be performed. Subsequently, the missing information can be communicated with all stakeholders (architect, structural engineer and MEP contractors) in a clear manner. When the missing information is processed into the models, Orange Button BIM can automatically determine where firestop seals needs to be installed in BIM. Subsequently, you can select approved firestop solutions online with Orange Button Office. The selected firestop solutions have, by default, an integrated advice for drywall assembly; aperture advice and installation support advice. Using Orange Button Field, this information can be shared with firestop installers on project site, ensuring that all data and information from BIM is communicated to the field.
BIM pricing method
In conclusion, the BIM pricing method enables quick and efficient determination of a quote for firestopping. Upon issuance of the order confirmation, the fire protection seals, along with integrated advice, can be easily loaded into BIM with the push of a button.
The Orange Button BIM software comprehensively considers various factors, including:
- Thickness and composition of walls and floors
- Drywall assembly details
- Fire resistance period specifications
- Types of installations
- Dimensions of installations
- Pipe wall thickness and configurations
- Insulation type and thickness
- Dimensions of openings
- Multiservice Penetration (MSP) configurations
- Distance between installations within an MSP
- Spacing between adjacent openings and installation hanging
By encompassing these elements, the software ensures a thorough analysis and accurate representation of project requirements.
The advice and designed firestop systems are ultimately communicated via Orange Button Field. With the Orange Button BIM pricing method, you can offer quotes for firestopping 5 times faster than traditional pricing methods and guarantee the quality of the firestopping on project site!
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