Fire Sprinkler Coordination - Antelope Island Visitors Center
A BIM model of the coordinated fire protection system’s Metraflex expansion joint
Introduction
The expansion of the Antelope Island Visitors’ Center will allow more visitors to experience and learn about the Great Salt Lake and its ecosystem. To support that goal, our team at UtahBIM provided detailed BIM coordination with a large portion of it dedicated to the modeling and coordination of the fire protection (FP) system.
Although a fire protection model from the engineer existed, it had yet to be coordinated with other architectural, structural and MEP systems. Our VDC team stepped in to remodel the entire FP system in Revit to enhance collaboration between all of the systems involved in the project.
Challenge & Method
The FP model provided a solid starting point, but needed further coordination to fit seamlessly with other systems. Sprinkler heads were shown poking through storefronts, beams, and roofs. The main lines of the FP system were clashing with glulam beams, storm drains, ducts, steel beams, and accordion doors. There was even a sprinkler line that went directly through the projector window in the theater.
We submitted RFIs as part of our coordination process to confirm design intent and ensure the fire protection system integrated seamlessly with other trades. The responses provided the clarity we needed to move forward confidently. Since the engineer’s scope didn’t include model updates, our team took responsibility for updating the model throughout the coordination process.
The design from the engineer was done using CAD, and in order for the FP lines to show up the way we wanted them to in our concrete lift drawings, we modeled all the lines again using Revit. We incorporated the answers given in the RFIs. This allowed coordination to continue with the other trades and ensure that the suggestions would work.
We used Navisworks for clash detection, identifying additional conflicts early and resolving them collaboratively with the architect and engineer. We regularly published the updated model to Procore Documents so the entire team could visualize the coordination model as it progressed.
Shop Drawing for Coordinated Fire Protection System with Tags and Dimensions
Results
The result was a fully coordinated, installation-ready fire protection system. We also created shop drawings for the fire-protection contractor, providing a clear, coordinated layout with accurate pipe sizes.
Clash Detection: Eliminated future clashes by coordinating the FP system with other systems.
Cost Savings: Avoided costly rework by solving problems in the model, not the field.
Installation Confidence: Provided subcontractors with clear, accurate shop drawings, even for tight areas.
Alignment & Efficiency: Met the architect’s aesthetic goals and the GC’s timeline, saving time and labor.
Conclusion
Fire protection is often an afterthought, but in this case, it became a coordinated priority. By rebuilding and refining the FP model from the ground up, we gave the trades a clear path forward and followed the coordination needed for the FP system like a red thread to guide us along. Because if all the other systems fit AND the FP system fits, you’re good to go.
