In what order are services coordinated in a ceiling void?

Gravity drainage first, because it needs falls and cannot go up and down. Then large ducts, which are the biggest and least flexible. Then sprinkler mains and large pipes, then cable trays, then small pipes and conduits, which can bend around everything else.

How deep should a ceiling void be?

Add the depth of every service that has to cross at the same point, its insulation and hangers, plus working clearances, plus the depth of light fittings and diffusers above the ceiling. Where services cross under a beam, the beam depth is lost too. Early coordination of this depth with the architect and structural engineer saves redesign.

What should a calculation sheet contain?

Project and document references, the design basis and code editions, inputs with their sources, the method and formulas, results compared with limits, assumptions, references to drawings and a sign-off block for the designer and checker.

Why do consultants reject calculation submissions?

Missing design basis, wrong or old code editions, inputs that cannot be traced to drawings or data sheets, units errors, results not compared with limits, and no checker signature are the most common reasons.

MEP Coordination & Calculation Sheet Compiler

Coordination & Calculation Sheet Compiler

Sizing is only half the job. The services must fit together under real beams and above a real ceiling, and the calculations must be presented so a consultant can check them quickly. This lab does both.

Coordination rules

When services compete for space, the least flexible goes first. Click each priority to see why, then review typical clearances.

Typical clearances and allowances

Typical values for learning. Use your project's coordination rules, the BIM execution plan and the manufacturers' requirements.

Ceiling void planner

Set the slab, beam and ceiling levels, then list the services in the void in installation order from the top. The planner stacks them with their insulation, hangers and gaps and checks both the clear corridor and the crossing under the beam. Sizes from DES-603 and DES-605 are loaded when available.

Levels (mm above finished floor)

Result

Services (top to bottom)

Section at the corridor

Section under the beam

3D corridor and 4D installation sequence

Your stack in a corridor crossing a beam. Anything that does not fit is shown red. Play the 4D sequence to see the install order the planner assumes.

Drag to rotate · tap a service

Step 0

Calculation sheet compiler

Fill in the document header and design basis. The compiler pulls the latest results from the HVAC, electrical and plumbing labs in this browser and builds one printable calculation package.

Document header

Include

Reviewer's checklist

Check your package the way the consultant will before you submit it.

Engineer's notes

Lessons from real design reviews.

Quiz

Score 0

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