March 19, 2024

MEP Engineering Failure Investigation and Analysis

Building owners and facility managers depend upon Arium AE to investigate and determine the root causes of poorly performing buildings.

Failure analysis for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineers involves investigating and evaluating failures, accidents, or performance issues related to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in buildings or structures. Arium AE’s experts use their knowledge of MEP systems, codes and standards, industry best practices, and fact-finding techniques to conduct a thorough investigation. With this information, we will identify the root causes of failures or issues, determine the responsibility for the problem, and provide recommendations for remediation or improvement.

Types of analysis include:

• Mechanical Systems: Arium investigates failures or malfunctions in heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, refrigeration systems, boilers, piping, and other mechanical components. Our reviews commonly uncover design flaws, material defects, installation errors, or maintenance issues that may have contributed to the failure.
• Electrical Systems: Arium analyzes electrical failures, accidents, or building malfunctions. This includes investigating issues related to electrical distribution systems, wiring, circuit breakers, transformers, electrical panels, and lighting systems. We examine the electrical design, installation practices, code compliance, and equipment performance to determine the cause of the problem.
• Plumbing Systems: Arium investigates failures or issues related to plumbing fixtures, piping, drainage systems, water supply systems, and sewage systems. We analyze plumbing system design, installation practices, material failures, blockages, leaks, or other factors that may have caused the plumbing system to fail or malfunction.
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Arium evaluates energy efficiency measures or sustainability issues in buildings. We assess the performance of energy-efficient systems, such as HVAC controls, lighting, and renewable energy systems, to determine if they function as intended and meet energy performance goals.

Case Closed – Recent Arium AE Investigations

Arium has conducted hundreds of failure investigations and analyses that have equipped clients with the tools they need to improve their facilities. Five recent examples are provided below:

1 – Secure facility with high humidity.
Arium assisted a secure facility in Lexington Park, MD, with determining the cause of persistent high-humidity levels in the occupied SCIF. Arium conducted an in-depth site and equipment survey and then analyzed the HVAC load profile of the space compared to the HVAC distribution and existing equipment capacity. We determined that the equipment was oversized and did not have needed turn-down ratios to serve the space during part load conditions. Arium provided short- and long-term recommendations to improve the space conditions. After implementing these items, the space was operational within spec requirements and conditions. 

2 – Class-A office developer with HVAC acoustic issues.
Arium assisted a class-A office developer with an HVAC acoustic issue in their building. The base building air-handling unit produced noise that affected their leasable tenant spaces. Arium conducted a site review, including a duct survey, reviewed balancing and trending data, and made recommendations (good, better, best) for improvement. The cause was a combination of high airflow over a critical space and sub-optimal duct layouts/design. Arium consulted on field improvements, including updates to the ductwork, system balancing, and installation of acoustic insulation in the plenum and walls. 

3 – Restaurant with an HVAC issue.
A restaurant owner contacted Arium to investigate an HVAC issue in their kitchen. The space was experiencing high humidity and condensation on the kitchen hood. The evaluation found airflow balancing and construction issues, which included missing balancing dampers, closed fresh air intakes, and an undersized make-up air unit. Arium provided recommendations to correct the problems and improve the restaurant’s food products.

4 – Code Compliance issue with a chain restaurant.
The county inspector cited the original design of a restaurant chain in Ellicott City, MD, as not code-compliant. The code issue prevented permanent power to the building and required the restaurant to function with a temporary generator. In desperate need of a solution, the restaurant was referred to Arium as a local expert known for their quick response time. We were able to provide a code-compliant solution on short notice and respond to the county’s concerns within a week, just before a national holiday.

5 – Plumbing issues in a medical facility.
An outpatient surgery center had recurring issues with plumbing backups. Multiple plumbers were called, and fixtures were replaced, but the condition did not improve. Arium was brought in to conduct an in-depth survey and site assessment to evaluate the systems and develop a solution. An undersized vent and insufficient pipe slopes were the underlying causes. Arium provided design recommendations, implemented the solution, and solved the problem.

Should you have an MEP systems issue, please contact Scott Walthour, Principal and Lead MEP Engineer, at scottw@ariumae.com or 410-730-2300. Our team is available and ready to help you.