Which software do MEP engineers use?

The updated list of the most popular MEP software used by professionals in the AEC industry

MEP software allows engineers, designers and contractors in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) fields to design building systems in their particular discipline.

If you are looking for a MEP software, here is an up-to-date list to compare the most used solutions by engineers and designers involved in modelling, sizing and calculating mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

The best MEP design software

MEP software most used by engineers

Here’s the list of applications that provide mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers with design tools for even the most complex of building systems:

• Edificius MEP – the 3D building design software for modeling and designing installation systems in an all-in-one solution while defining the architectural model. Get an overview of the building-installation system that:
  • allows you to optimise the model design,
  • assess the installation dimensions directly from the 3D model,
  • detect and resolve any interferences with the architectural model,
  • improve collaboration with team members and optimise project delivery times and costs.

  You have many modelling functions, an extensive library of BIM objects that can be customised as required, and a 2D/3D modeller with intelligent connections and automatic alignments. Automatically obtain drawings, tables, schedules of work from the 3D BIM model;

• AutoCAD MEP – is the AutoCAD building systems design software for MEP designers and modellers. Working in the familiar AutoCAD environment offers instant productivity and gives professionals the flexibility to implement discipline-specific design tools;
• Revit MEP – helps engineers, designers and contractors coordinate with each other and model systems with a high level of detail. You can use a single 3D model to improve communication and design choices, prior to construction. Also, you can carry out simulations and interference detection early in the design process.
• HEC-RAS – is software developed for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that allows one-dimensional steady flow calculations, one-dimensional unsteady flow calculations and two-dimensional unsteady flow calculations;
• AutoPIPE – comprehensive and advanced software specialised in pipe stress analysis. Featuring intuitive tools for modelling and advanced analysis. It ensures efficient workflows between engineers and designers through interoperability with leading plant design applications. It includes special functions for advanced buried pipe analysis, interference detection, wave loading and allows integration with other applications;
• SolidWorks Flow Simulation – is an intuitive solution for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and thermal simulation, fully integrated within the SolidWorks environment.

Software for the MEP segment continues to rapidly evolve, allowing engineers to improve accuracy and optimize building system design by enhancing collaboration and sharing data between all members of a project, which in turn, helps speed project completion

The software mentioned are only a small part of those currently available on the market. Generally speaking, there is no MEP software that is better than another. Our advice is to choose the best solution according to the type of project that you are carrying out.

What is a MEP software?

MEP is a software that allows engineers, designers and companies to design mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, starting from 3D modeling. The acronym MEP, in fact, stands for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing.

These solutions simplify and improve the design, modelling and implementation of systems perfectly integrating with the building in which they are installed. MEP software allows designers to carry out very realistic simulations, ensuring that there is no interference between the plant model, the architectural model and the structural model.

BIM MEP model

To be included in the MEP category, a software must:

• be equipped with features to design mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems;
• detect possible conflicts and interferences already at the design stage;
• have efficient cost reporting functions to help users making informed decisions across the project’s lifecycle.

Working in a BIM process gives MEP project teams insight into design and constructability to optimize building systems design through seamless integration in all-in-one solutions.  Some of the benefits that these tools offer are:

• designing directly in 3D;
• designing in an integrated and interdisciplinary way;
• checking for possible interferences between the installations, the architectural model and the structural model;
• speeding up and automating the production of drawings, tables, 2D/3D details, installation system diagrams, BoQs, calculation reports, etc.;
• making more informed decisions because they are verified on clear and realistic 3D models;
• reducing the possibility of errors and problems on site;
• respecting time and cost estimates during the project phase;
• communicating project choices clearly to professionals and clients;
• managing the asset even during the maintenance phase.