Designing and Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems

Hexagon’s Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division has partnered with EDV Software Service (ESS) to add AX3000 to its solution portfolio. ESS specializes in the development of building systems and energy modeling software solutions and has been developing and refining its tools since 1978. Working in close contact with engineers, architects, and building services engineering specialists, ESS has developed extremely efficient, tried and tested, hands-on software that meets the customer’s expectations.

AX3000 is the leading MEP solution for all aspects of building services design for BIM. AX3000 runs on BricsCAD or AutoCAD and each specialized module (ventilation, heating, sanitation, sprinkler, and electricity) works seamlessly with each other leveraging the power of CAD and flexibility of DWG file format. Key benefits of this solution are a simple user interface, flexibility, easy implementation and continuous development.

The ventilation module leverages lines, blocks, and material tables to create 3D systems from basic inputs. In addition to visualization, users can run calculations using “Equal Friction Loss” based on the Darcy-Weisbach equation taking in consideration the roughness of material and tables for loss coefficients. From the 3D models, users can run analysis on the systems considering velocity, diameter and temperatures, generate the bill of materials, and labeled drawings for construction, all utilizing built in components that meet local standards.

The heating systems can also be easily drawn and modeled using the Easyline system feature for supply and return piping designating start points. Fan coils, radiators, and floor heating systems can be designated as load points. This module also relies on the Darcy-Weisbach equation to calculation equal friction loss for sizing. The result is a fully planned 3D piping system that includes pipe, fittings, components, valve settings, all taking into account pressure loss calculations.

The sanitation module includes everything to design potable water, wastewater and fire sprinkler piping systems. Every load point has connectors to connect the system, for example, sinks, toilets, showers, washing machines etc. The Easyline method helps size and route the system using hydraulic calculations based on the Darcy-Weisbach’s and Prandtl-Colebrook's equation. The result is a fully planned 3D piping system, including pipes, fittings, components, valve settings and pressure loss calculations.

The electrical module allows for easy placement of electrical elements, such as switches, receptacles, etc. and their connections via conduits. There are also tools to provide efficient design of cable ladders and trays based on manufacturer databases including posts and hangers. This module comes standard with intelligent symbols with 2D and 3D views.

Leveraging its simple user interface, flexibility, easy implementation, and modularity, AX3000 is an easy choice for companies to take their MEP design and build to the next level for non-residential/residential, food and beverage, hospitals, industrial and administration buildings.