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PHILADELPHIA, PA — MYCO Mechanical is a data-driven MEP contractor that prides itself on bringing together highly-skilled workers and the latest technology. This approach has proved especially effective on complex projects, such as MYCO's recent part in a $73 million project to renovate and expand Interboro High School in Philadelphia.
MYCO, headquartered in Telford, PA, was founded in 1996 by current Owner and President Brian Myers. Initially, MYCO was a sheet metal subcontractor, doing work for some of the companies it competes against today. Myers, along with company Vice President and Co-Owner Mark Haley have grown the company through a focus on accurate coordination, safety, and recruiting a valued, tech-savvy workforce.
MYCO Mechanical was tasked with updating the MEP systems to lower energy costs for a 50-year-old 197,000-square-foot building, as well as developing the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for a new addition to the school. Phased benchmarks, work spanning retrofit and new construction, and working on a jobsite where students and staff were present increased the need to deliver the project safely, accurately and efficiently.
Trimble SysQue was used to model and coordinate MYCO Mechanical’s interpretation of the engineer’s design and its VDC team with the parts, pieces and tools to create coordination and construction drawings and 3D models. Sysque was also used to generate the bill of materials and assembly and fabrication-ready drawings that teams in the shop used to fabricate pipe spools. “The ability to use the model downstream increased on-site productivity and accuracy, and fabricating components offsite for precise assembly in the field helped us work faster and more safely on the jobsite,” said Edward Sharp, Virtual Design Detailer at MYCO Mechanical.
Getting the Dimensions Correct
MYCO teams used a Trimble X7 to scan the existing space. Teams then used the scan data to design, verify and coordinate the work before mobilizing field personnel. “Leveraging this technology was invaluable and equated to significant savings in labor and material planning,” said Sharp. “The X7 is a crucial tool for completing projects within existing structures. Scanning has become standard on most of our retrofit projects because it enables us to get ahead of the projected timeline without consistently having verification personnel in the field.”
“It’s not uncommon for us to receive incomplete or inaccurate data from 3rd-party sources at the onset of a project,” said Tim Libman, Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Manager at MYCO. “K-12 education makes up a large amount of our portfolio. Many schools need retrofitting, but those built in the 1940s don’t often have reliable as-built information and because architects and engineers don't have much to work from, we sometimes receive inaccurate models.”
For the new construction, Myco Mechanical used a Trimble robotic total stations (RTS) to accurately layout MEP components, including pipe and duct hangers, wall and floor penetrations, equipment and pipe layout. “We can stake over 500 points per day with each Trimble RTS, which is a significant time saver,” said Libman. “This removes the potential for error when installing prefabricated pipe and hangers during layout. ”
“Drilling concrete can be unsafe and time-consuming,” added Sharp. “Using the RTS lowers safety risks and saves time by allowing us to accurately lay out the underground pipes before pouring the concrete.”
Everyone on the Same Page
Trimble's ProjectSight project management software helped deliver the project under budget and ahead of schedule. “RFIs, punch lists and change orders are linked to the drawing, allowing everyone on the team to see completed work and work that is outstanding,” said Sharp.
In addition to creating a centralized source of truth and simplifying drawing management, ProjectSight streamlined coordination and collaboration with other project participants. “ProjectSight and Trimble Connect allowed us to upload 3D files to the cloud," said Sharp, "which gave access to superintendents and project managers who otherwise wouldn't be able to see them. Making data accessible to the right people at the right time enabled us to adapt as needed and accelerate work that would have otherwise been resource-draining, tedious and time-consuming.”
Embracing Technology for Growth
When the right data is accessible to the right people at the right time, the potential gains to project delivery are transformational. From labor-saving efficiency to tracking job status and having the information needed to make critical, real-time decisions, connected technology solutions are giving MEP contractors like MYCO Mechanical a competitive edge.
“It's great to be on the cutting edge and know that we’re doing the most for our teams by empowering them with technology that will make their jobs easier and lead to successful project outcomes,” said Libman. “We never stop exploring new technologies and workflows to drive efficiencies and streamline production because if you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind.”