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BFC 32602
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Chapter 1 : Introduction

1.1 The importance of M&E System for Building

Function of modern building:

• Shelters from rain, wind, snow, sun and other harsh condition of nature.
Function of modern building system:
• Create better, more consistent and productive environment in which to work and
to live in.

a coordinated set of elements intended to achieve a clearly defined performance

specification; combinations of devices, assemblies, material configurations,
controls and other electronic, mechanical and structural strategies employed to
address a specific goal (Norford & Xing, 2001).

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1.2 Type and features of building M&E systems.

Building system features

LIGHTING HUMIDITY AIR QUALITY

COMFORTABLE SPACE 
HIGH QUALITY SANITATION
TEMPERATURE

CONVENIENT POWER AND  RELIABLE SYSTEMS FOR THE 
COMMUNICATION CAPABILITY PROTECTION OF LIFE & PROPERTY

1.2 Type and features of building M&E systems.

Consists of various complex systems which depending to the living standard

of the society, climatic condition, occupancy, quality of buildings, function of
buildings etc.
Examples:
House in a mild climate does not need heating or cooling
Bulk storage does not need heating in winter
Hospital need a supply of medical gas
Office building need simple cooling device
High-rise building needs central cooling systems.

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Example: Block-type buildings without windows

(such as department stores)

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 totally dependent on electrical lighting (light source), ventilation, and space conditioning

Example: High-rise buildings

 Rely on high-speed vertical
transportation and high pressure water
for drinking and cleaning purposes and
for protection against fire

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1.3 Building M&E system classification

• HVAC; Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
MECHANICAL • Site utilities; Water supply, storm water drainage, sanitary disposal, gas supply
• • HVAC
Plumbing; Water distribution, water treatment, sanitary facilities
SYSTEMS
• Fire protection; Water supply, stand pipe, fire and smoke detection, automatic sprinklers
• Special systems
• Electrical power; Normal, standby, emergency power supply and
ELECTRICAL distribution
• Lighting; Interior, exterior, emergency lighting
SYSTEMS
• Auxiliary or support system; Telephone, signal, data, audio video, fire alarm,
security systems

BUILDING • Transportation; Elevators, escalators, walkways

• Processing; Production, food service
OPERATION • Automation; Environmental controls, managements
SYSTEMS • Special systems

1.4 Impact of building M&E systems

SPACE 
PLANNING ARCHITECTURAL 
DESIGN

IMPACT OF 
M&E 
SYSTEMS

COST OF  GLOBAL 
CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENT

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1.4.1 Space Planning

 The M&E affects; the gross floor area, footprint (size & shape of ground
floor), floor to floor height, geometry, architectural expression
 Allocations are made during the space programming phase to allow
appropriate size and strategic location

1.4.1 Space Planning (Con’t)

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Example:

1) Large office buildings: 2) Commercial Building:

Central cooling/heating Complex ductwork, HVAC
equipment needs extra floor and plumbing needs ceiling
to floor height (22ft~) cavity (2~3 ft)

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1.4.2 Architectural design

 Early building design; one room, one window for ventilation and lighting

Common building geometry prior to development of modern M&E systems (Source: Janis & Tao, 2014)

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1.4.2 Architectural design (Con’t)

 Modern buildings develops according to the modernization of building M&E

systems; allows the architects the flexibility to design larger floors
 Building Height vs Space utilization; 7 storey (75ft ~) buildings are considered
high-rise (determined by the reach of firefighters ladder), limit the ability for
human to walk up and down stairs > transportation is needed
 Height increases = Less usable space on the floor – more floor for stairs, elevators,
structural elements, M/E shafts, etc

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1.4.2 Architectural design (Con’t)

World’s tallest ten buildings according to Height to Architectural Top (Source: ctbuh.org)

Building Height Classification:

• Low Rise Building: less than 7 storey or lower than 75 feet from street level
• High Rise Building: 7 storey – 29 storey
• Super High Rise Building: 30 storey – 50 storey
• Skyscrapers: 51 storey and above.

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1.4.3 Construction cost

Building Height
 Taller buildings needs more time, hoisting equipment and complicated scheduling to raise M&E
materials to upper floors
 Buildings more than 10 stories increases 5-15% of cost for the next 5 stories per floor area, 15~
stories increases 10~15%

Selection of M&E Systems

 Depends on; the type of building, standard of living, architectural design, the systems selected

Operating Cost
 Includes; energy consumption, routine maintenance, repairs, replacements and utilities
 Building Structural components (except roof ) are usually long lasting

Initial capital investment

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1.4.3 Construction cost (Con’t)

* Buildings other than those used for

classrooms follow the space required
for specialty buildings such as
laboratories, computer centers and
residences.

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1.4.4 Global environment

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1.4.4 Global environment (Con’t)

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1.4.4 Global environment (Con’t)

• Example: Thermal Heat

Island effect at urban area

Image of Atlanta, Georgia, showing temperature distribution, with blue

showing cool temperatures, red warm, and hot areas appear white

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1.5 System Integration and Management

• Integrated Building Management System (IBMS) a complete information delivery system that
monitors and controls a variety of systems and functions at an optimal level of efficiency.
• IBMS is an intelligent/smart building system and the system design consists of the following
components :
i. Building automation System
ii. Fire Detection and Alarm System
iii. Public Address System
iv. Security System
• The organized consideration of HVAC, structural, lighting, exterior envelope and other assemblies of a
facility for the purpose of reducing energy, material and time consumption, as well as other things, in
the satisfaction of a detailed performance specification (Norford & Xing, 2001).
Example of Intelligent Building Management System

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1.5 System Integration and Management (Con’t)

• An Integrated Building Management System (IBMS)
is a computer-based integrated control system.
• It is installed in areas like large residential compounds,
office buildings, institution campuses, and commercial
buildings
• IBMS mainly consists of the most crucial systems for
the safe and smooth running of a business area or
building.
• Those are, power systems, lighting system, electric power control
system, ventilation and air-conditioning system, security system,
magnetic card and access system, fire alarm system, lifts/elevators,
plumbing system, burglar alarms, CCTV, home automation system, etc.

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1.5 System Integration and Management (Con’t)

Better management Better control

• improved building/facility • good control of internal comfort

reliability and life conditions
• effective response to ventilation • possibility of individual room
and air-conditioning related control
complaints • effective monitoring and targeting
• save time and money during the of energy consumption
maintenance
• increased staff productivity

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Thank You

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