Hydrosanitary and fire protection networks for a corporate building

The challenge

A 12-storey corporate building with 3 basement parking levels needed a single party responsible for all of its hydraulic installations: potable water, sewage and greywater, stormwater drainage and fire protection. The construction schedule was tight and clashes between disciplines had to be solved before reaching the field.

Technical scope

• Potable water: cistern, constant-pressure pumping set, distribution network and hot water system.
• Sanitary and stormwater: separate drainage networks, sump pump pits in the basements and rainwater harvesting system.
• Fire protection: class I hose cabinet network on every floor, sprinklers in basements and hazard areas, and a dedicated fire pump set per NFPA 14 and 20.
• BIM coordination: 3D model of every network coordinated with structure, electrical and HVAC.

Execution

1. Engineering: demand calculations, sizing of networks and equipment, and a coordinated BIM model to eliminate clashes on site.
2. Supply: certified piping, valves, pumping equipment and hose cabinets.
3. Installation: floor-by-floor installation following the civil works progress, with permanent supervision.
4. Testing: leak tests of every network, hydrostatic test of the fire protection network and pump tests, all documented.

Results

• Zero rework due to clashes thanks to BIM coordination.
• Delivery within the overall construction schedule.
• Complete documentation: as-built drawings, calculations and operation and maintenance manuals.

“Solving hydrosanitary and fire protection with the same engineering team avoids the problems that appear when everyone only looks at their own pipe.” — HWDE Engineering