MEP Calculations for High-Rise Building

in UAE

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Building Parameters
3. Mechanical Calculations
4. Electrical Calculations
5. Plumbing Calculations
6. Conclusion
7. References

Introduction
This document presents a comprehensive example of Mechanical, Electrical, and
Plumbing (MEP) calculations for a high-rise building located in the United Arab Emirates
(UAE). The calculations are based on local codes and standards, including the Dubai
Building Code, UAE Fire and Life Safety Code, Dubai Green Building Regulations, and
international standards such as ASHRAE and NFPA.

The example covers a 50-story mixed-use high-rise building with residential, commercial
office, and retail spaces. The calculations demonstrate the methodology and
considerations required for MEP system design in the UAE's unique climate and
regulatory environment.

Building Parameters

General Building Information

The building is a 50-story mixed-use high-rise tower located in Dubai, UAE. The structure
consists of 40 floors of residential apartments, 8 floors of commercial office space, 2
floors of retail space at the podium level, and 4 basement levels for parking. The total
building height is approximately 200 meters from ground level, with a typical floor-to-
floor height of 4 meters for residential floors and 4.5 meters for commercial floors.
The building has a total gross floor area of approximately 75,000 square meters, with a
typical floor plate of 1,500 square meters. The building footprint occupies approximately
2,000 square meters of the site.

Occupancy

Based on the Dubai Building Code occupancy requirements, the building will
accommodate: - Residential floors: 800 residential units with an average occupancy of 3
persons per unit, totaling approximately 2,400 residents - Commercial office floors:
Designed for an occupancy of 1 person per 10 square meters, accommodating
approximately 1,200 office workers - Retail floors: Designed for an occupancy of 1 person
per 3 square meters, accommodating approximately 1,000 retail visitors

Total building occupancy at peak times is estimated at 4,600 persons.

Climate Conditions

The UAE has an arid desert climate characterized by extremely hot summers and mild
winters. According to ASHRAE design conditions for Dubai:

• Summer design conditions (0.4% occurrence):

• Dry-bulb temperature: 45.0°C
• Mean coincident wet-bulb temperature: 24.0°C

• Relative humidity: 30-60%

• Winter design conditions (99.6% occurrence):

• Dry-bulb temperature: 12.8°C

Annual temperature range is approximately 15.9°C, with extremely high summer

temperatures requiring significant cooling capacity. Annual rainfall is minimal at
approximately 68mm, primarily occurring during winter months.

Building Envelope

The building envelope consists of: - Curtain wall system with high-performance glazing
(U-value: 1.9 W/m²K, SHGC: 0.25) - Spandrel panels with thermal insulation (U-value: 0.3
W/m²K) - Roof with thermal insulation (U-value: 0.2 W/m²K) - External shading devices on
south and west facades
Applicable Codes and Standards

The building design must comply with: 1. Dubai Building Code (2021 Edition) 2. UAE Fire
and Life Safety Code 3. ASHRAE Standards (90.1, 62.1, 55) 4. Dubai Green Building
Regulations 5. Dubai Municipality Health and Safety Guidelines

Mechanical Calculations

HVAC Load Calculations

Cooling Load Estimation

For our 50-story mixed-use high-rise building in Dubai, UAE, we need to calculate the
cooling load based on the following components:

External Heat Gains

Solar Heat Gain Through Glazing:

The building has a curtain wall system with high-performance glazing (SHGC: 0.25). For a
typical floor: - East/West Façade Area: 120 m² per floor × 2 sides = 240 m² - North/South
Façade Area: 150 m² per floor × 2 sides = 300 m² - Total Glazing Area per Floor: 540 m² ×
70% glazing ratio = 378 m² - Peak Solar Radiation (West façade at 16:00): 680 W/m² -
Solar Heat Gain: 378 m² × 680 W/m² × 0.25 (SHGC) = 64,260 W per floor

Conduction Through Building Envelope:

• Glazing: 378 m² × 1.9 W/m²K × (45°C - 24°C) = 15,044 W

• Spandrel Panels: 162 m² × 0.3 W/m²K × (45°C - 24°C) = 1,021 W
• Total Conduction Heat Gain per Floor: 16,065 W

Internal Heat Gains

Occupancy: - Residential Floors (40 floors): 60 persons/floor × 75 W/person = 4,500 W/

floor - Office Floors (8 floors): 150 persons/floor × 75 W/person = 11,250 W/floor - Retail
Floors (2 floors): 500 persons/floor × 75 W/person = 37,500 W/floor

Lighting: - Residential Floors: 1,500 m² × 10 W/m² = 15,000 W/floor - Office Floors: 1,500
m² × 12 W/m² = 18,000 W/floor - Retail Floors: 1,500 m² × 20 W/m² = 30,000 W/floor

Equipment: - Residential Floors: 1,500 m² × 15 W/m² = 22,500 W/floor - Office Floors:

1,500 m² × 25 W/m² = 37,500 W/floor - Retail Floors: 1,500 m² × 30 W/m² = 45,000 W/
floor
Fresh Air Load

Residential Floors: - Fresh Air Requirement: 60 persons × 10 L/s/person = 600 L/s -

Enthalpy Difference: 85 kJ/kg (outdoor) - 55 kJ/kg (indoor) = 30 kJ/kg - Fresh Air Load:
600 L/s × 1.2 kg/m³ × 30 kJ/kg × 0.001 m³/L = 21.6 kW

Office Floors: - Fresh Air Requirement: 150 persons × 10 L/s/person = 1,500 L/s - Fresh
Air Load: 1,500 L/s × 1.2 kg/m³ × 30 kJ/kg × 0.001 m³/L = 54 kW

Retail Floors: - Fresh Air Requirement: 500 persons × 10 L/s/person = 5,000 L/s - Fresh
Air Load: 5,000 L/s × 1.2 kg/m³ × 30 kJ/kg × 0.001 m³/L = 180 kW

Total Cooling Load

Residential Floors (40 floors): - External Heat Gain: 80,325 W - Internal Heat Gain:
42,000 W - Fresh Air Load: 21,600 W - Subtotal per Floor: 143,925 W - Total for 40 Floors:
5,757,000 W (5,757 kW)

Office Floors (8 floors): - External Heat Gain: 80,325 W - Internal Heat Gain: 66,750 W -
Fresh Air Load: 54,000 W - Subtotal per Floor: 201,075 W - Total for 8 Floors: 1,608,600 W
(1,609 kW)

Retail Floors (2 floors): - External Heat Gain: 80,325 W - Internal Heat Gain: 112,500 W -
Fresh Air Load: 180,000 W - Subtotal per Floor: 372,825 W - Total for 2 Floors: 745,650 W
(746 kW)

Total Building Cooling Load: - 5,757 kW + 1,609 kW + 746 kW = 8,112 kW (2,307 Tons of
Refrigeration) - With 10% safety factor: 8,923 kW (2,538 Tons of Refrigeration)

Cooling System Sizing

Chiller Selection

Based on the calculated cooling load of 2,538 TR, we will select a centralized chilled
water system with multiple chillers for redundancy and efficiency:

• Number of Chillers: 4
• Capacity per Chiller: 700 TR (2,460 kW)
• Total Installed Capacity: 2,800 TR (9,840 kW)
• Chiller Type: Water-cooled centrifugal chillers
• Chiller Efficiency: 0.576 kW/TR (COP: 6.1)
• Chiller Electrical Load: 700 TR × 0.576 kW/TR = 403.2 kW per chiller
Chilled Water System Design

Chilled Water Flow Rate: - Flow Rate per Chiller: 700 TR × 2.4 GPM/TR = 1,680 GPM (106
L/s) - Total Flow Rate: 6,720 GPM (424 L/s) - Temperature Differential: 6°C (Supply: 6°C,
Return: 12°C)

Chilled Water Pump Sizing: - Primary Pumps: 4 × 106 L/s at 200 kPa (2 duty + 2
standby) - Secondary Pumps: 4 × 106 L/s at 350 kPa (3 duty + 1 standby) - Pump Power:
Primary = 4 × 30 kW = 120 kW, Secondary = 4 × 50 kW = 200 kW

Condenser Water System: - Flow Rate per Chiller: 700 TR × 3.0 GPM/TR = 2,100 GPM
(132.5 L/s) - Total Flow Rate: 8,400 GPM (530 L/s) - Temperature Differential: 5.5°C
(Supply: 32°C, Return: 37.5°C)

Cooling Tower Sizing: - Number of Cooling Towers: 4 - Capacity per Tower: 700 TR
(2,460 kW) - Design Wet Bulb Temperature: 28°C - Approach Temperature: 4°C

Condenser Water Pump Sizing: - Pumps: 4 × 132.5 L/s at 250 kPa (3 duty + 1 standby) -
Pump Power: 4 × 45 kW = 180 kW

Chilled Water Piping System

Main Headers: - Supply/Return Pipe Size: DN350 (14") - Velocity: 2.5 m/s - Pressure Drop:
250 Pa/m

Risers: - Supply/Return Pipe Size: DN250 (10") - Velocity: 2.2 m/s - Pressure Drop: 300 Pa/
m

Branch Piping: - Supply/Return Pipe Size: DN100-DN150 (4"-6") - Velocity: 1.8 m/s -
Pressure Drop: 350 Pa/m

Pipe Material: - Main Headers and Risers: Carbon steel with anti-corrosion coating -
Branch Piping: Carbon steel with anti-corrosion coating

Ventilation Requirements

Fresh Air Requirements

Residential Areas: - Occupancy: 60 persons per floor - Fresh Air Rate: 10 L/s per person
(ASHRAE 62.1) - Total Fresh Air: 60 × 10 = 600 L/s per floor - Total for 40 Floors: 24,000 L/s

Office Areas: - Occupancy: 150 persons per floor - Fresh Air Rate: 10 L/s per person
(ASHRAE 62.1) - Total Fresh Air: 150 × 10 = 1,500 L/s per floor - Total for 8 Floors: 12,000
L/s
Retail Areas: - Occupancy: 500 persons per floor - Fresh Air Rate: 10 L/s per person
(ASHRAE 62.1) - Total Fresh Air: 500 × 10 = 5,000 L/s per floor - Total for 2 Floors: 10,000
L/s

Total Building Fresh Air Requirement: - 24,000 + 12,000 + 10,000 = 46,000 L/s

Fresh Air Handling Units (FAHUs)

Residential Zones: - Number of FAHUs: 4 - Capacity per FAHU: 6,000 L/s - Total Capacity:
24,000 L/s - External Static Pressure: 750 Pa - Fan Power: 4 × 15 kW = 60 kW

Office Zones: - Number of FAHUs: 2 - Capacity per FAHU: 6,000 L/s - Total Capacity:
12,000 L/s - External Static Pressure: 750 Pa - Fan Power: 2 × 15 kW = 30 kW

Retail Zones: - Number of FAHUs: 2 - Capacity per FAHU: 5,000 L/s - Total Capacity:
10,000 L/s - External Static Pressure: 750 Pa - Fan Power: 2 × 12.5 kW = 25 kW

Heat Recovery System: - Type: Rotary wheel heat exchanger - Efficiency: 70% - Energy
Savings: 46,000 L/s × 1.2 kg/m³ × 30 kJ/kg × 0.001 m³/L × 0.7 = 1,159 kW

Toilet Exhaust System

Residential Floors: - Exhaust Rate: 300 L/s per floor - Total for 40 Floors: 12,000 L/s -
Number of Exhaust Fans: 4 - Capacity per Fan: 3,000 L/s - External Static Pressure: 500 Pa
- Fan Power: 4 × 5 kW = 20 kW

Office and Retail Floors: - Exhaust Rate: 500 L/s per floor - Total for 10 Floors: 5,000 L/s -
Number of Exhaust Fans: 2 - Capacity per Fan: 2,500 L/s - External Static Pressure: 500 Pa
- Fan Power: 2 × 4 kW = 8 kW

Smoke Management System

Pressurization Fans: - Stairwell Pressurization: 8 fans × 5,000 L/s = 40,000 L/s - Elevator
Pressurization: 6 fans × 4,000 L/s = 24,000 L/s - Total Fan Power: 8 × 7.5 kW + 6 × 6 kW =
96 kW

Smoke Extract Fans: - Office and Retail Areas: 4 fans × 20,000 L/s = 80,000 L/s - Fan
Power: 4 × 30 kW = 120 kW

Parking Ventilation System

Basement Parking (4 levels): - Area per Level: 2,000 m² - Ventilation Rate: 6 air changes
per hour - Airflow per Level: 2,000 m² × 3 m × 6 ACH / 3600 s = 10 m³/s (10,000 L/s) -
Total Airflow: 4 × 10,000 = 40,000 L/s - Number of Jet Fans: 40 - Supply Fans: 4 × 10,000
L/s = 40,000 L/s - Exhaust Fans: 4 × 10,000 L/s = 40,000 L/s - Total Fan Power: 8 × 15 kW =
120 kW

Energy Efficiency Considerations

Energy Efficiency Measures

Chiller Plant Optimization: - Variable Primary Flow System - Chiller Sequencing Control
- Condenser Water Reset - Estimated Energy Savings: 15-20%

Air-Side Economizer: - Free Cooling during Winter Months - Estimated Annual Hours of
Operation: 500 hours - Estimated Energy Savings: 5-8%

Variable Speed Drives: - All pumps and fans equipped with VFDs - Estimated Energy
Savings: 20-30%

Building Management System: - Demand-based Ventilation Control - Temperature

Reset Strategies - Occupancy-based Control - Estimated Energy Savings: 10-15%

Annual Energy Consumption Estimate

Cooling Energy: - Annual Cooling Load: 15,000,000 kWh - Chiller Plant Efficiency: 0.85
kW/TR (including all auxiliaries) - Annual Electricity Consumption: 3,600,000 kWh

Ventilation Energy: - Fan Power: 235 kW (excluding smoke management) - Annual

Operating Hours: 8,760 hours - Diversity Factor: 0.7 - Annual Electricity Consumption:
1,440,000 kWh

Total HVAC Energy Consumption: - 5,040,000 kWh per year - Energy Use Intensity: 67.2
kWh/m²/year

Electrical Calculations

Power Demand Estimation

Connected Load Calculation

For our 50-story mixed-use high-rise building in Dubai, UAE, we need to calculate the
total connected electrical load based on the following components:

HVAC System Loads

Chiller Plant: - Chillers: 4 × 403.2 kW = 1,612.8 kW - Primary Chilled Water Pumps: 4 ×

30 kW = 120 kW - Secondary Chilled Water Pumps: 4 × 50 kW = 200 kW - Condenser
Water Pumps: 4 × 45 kW = 180 kW - Cooling Tower Fans: 4 × 22 kW = 88 kW - Total Chiller
Plant Load: 2,200.8 kW

Air Handling Units and Fans: - Fresh Air Handling Units: 115 kW - Toilet Exhaust Fans: 28
kW - Pressurization Fans: 96 kW - Smoke Extract Fans: 120 kW - Parking Ventilation: 120
kW - FCU Fan Motors: 120 kW - Total Air System Load: 599 kW

Total HVAC Load: 2,799.8 kW

Lighting Loads

Interior Lighting: - Residential Floors (40 floors): 40 × 1,500 m² × 10 W/m² = 600 kW -

Office Floors (8 floors): 8 × 1,500 m² × 12 W/m² = 144 kW - Retail Floors (2 floors): 2 ×
1,500 m² × 20 W/m² = 60 kW - Basement Parking (4 levels): 4 × 2,000 m² × 5 W/m² = 40
kW - Common Areas: 5,000 m² × 8 W/m² = 40 kW - Total Interior Lighting Load: 884 kW

Exterior Lighting: - Façade Lighting: 30 kW - Landscape Lighting: 15 kW - Entrance and

Driveway: 10 kW - Total Exterior Lighting Load: 55 kW

Total Lighting Load: 939 kW

Power Loads

Residential Units: - 800 units × 7 kW/unit = 5,600 kW

Office Equipment: - 8 floors × 1,500 m² × 25 W/m² = 300 kW

Retail Equipment: - 2 floors × 1,500 m² × 30 W/m² = 90 kW

Elevators: - Passenger Elevators (8 units): 8 × 30 kW = 240 kW - Service Elevators (2

units): 2 × 40 kW = 80 kW - Total Elevator Load: 320 kW

Water Supply System: - Domestic Water Pumps: 4 × 15 kW = 60 kW - Fire Pumps: 2 × 75

kW = 150 kW - Booster Pumps: 4 × 7.5 kW = 30 kW - Total Water Supply Load: 240 kW

Miscellaneous Equipment: - BMS and Security Systems: 30 kW - Telecommunications:

50 kW - Other Equipment: 70 kW - Total Miscellaneous Load: 150 kW

Total Power Load: 6,700 kW

Total Connected Load

• HVAC Load: 2,799.8 kW

• Lighting Load: 939 kW
• Power Load: 6,700 kW
• Total Connected Load: 10,438.8 kW
Maximum Demand Calculation

To calculate the maximum demand, we apply diversity factors to the connected loads:

HVAC System

• Connected Load: 2,799.8 kW

• Diversity Factor: 0.8
• Maximum Demand: 2,799.8 kW × 0.8 = 2,239.8 kW

Lighting System

• Connected Load: 939 kW

• Diversity Factor: 0.7
• Maximum Demand: 939 kW × 0.7 = 657.3 kW

Power System

• Residential Units: 5,600 kW × 0.5 = 2,800 kW

• Office Equipment: 300 kW × 0.7 = 210 kW
• Retail Equipment: 90 kW × 0.7 = 63 kW
• Elevators: 320 kW × 0.6 = 192 kW
• Water Supply System: 240 kW × 0.7 = 168 kW
• Miscellaneous: 150 kW × 0.8 = 120 kW
• Total Power Maximum Demand: 3,553 kW

Total Maximum Demand

• HVAC Maximum Demand: 2,239.8 kW

• Lighting Maximum Demand: 657.3 kW
• Power Maximum Demand: 3,553 kW
• Total Maximum Demand: 6,450.1 kW

Transformer Sizing

Based on the maximum demand of 6,450.1 kW, we need to determine the required
transformer capacity:

• Maximum Demand: 6,450.1 kW

• Power Factor: 0.9
• Apparent Power: 6,450.1 kW ÷ 0.9 = 7,166.8 kVA
• With 20% future expansion: 7,166.8 kVA × 1.2 = 8,600.2 kVA

Transformer Selection: - Number of Transformers: 2 (for redundancy) - Capacity per

Transformer: 5,000 kVA - Total Installed Capacity: 10,000 kVA - Transformer Type: Oil-
filled, 11kV/415V - Transformer Impedance: 6%
Main Distribution System

Main Switchgear: - Rated Voltage: 415V, 3-phase, 50Hz - Rated Current: 16,000A - Short
Circuit Rating: 65kA - Bus Bar Material: Copper - Form of Separation: Form 4b

Main Distribution Boards: - Residential Distribution Board: 3,500A - Office Distribution

Board: 1,000A - Retail Distribution Board: 800A - HVAC Distribution Board: 4,000A -
Common Services Distribution Board: 1,500A

Lighting Design Calculations

Illumination Level Requirements

Based on the UAE standards and international best practices, the following illumination
levels are required:

Residential Areas: - Living Rooms: 150-200 lux - Bedrooms: 100-150 lux - Kitchens:
300-500 lux - Bathrooms: 150-200 lux - Corridors: 100 lux

Office Areas: - General Office Space: 500 lux - Meeting Rooms: 300-500 lux - Reception
Areas: 300 lux - Corridors: 150 lux

Retail Areas: - General Retail Space: 500-750 lux - Display Areas: 1,000-1,500 lux - Cashier
Areas: 500 lux

Common Areas: - Main Lobby: 300 lux - Corridors: 150 lux - Stairwells: 150 lux - Parking
Areas: 75-100 lux

Lighting Power Density Calculation

Residential Areas: - Total Area: 60,000 m² - Lighting Power Density: 10 W/m² - Total
Lighting Load: 600 kW

Office Areas: - Total Area: 12,000 m² - Lighting Power Density: 12 W/m² - Total Lighting
Load: 144 kW

Retail Areas: - Total Area: 3,000 m² - Lighting Power Density: 20 W/m² - Total Lighting
Load: 60 kW

Common Areas: - Total Area: 5,000 m² - Lighting Power Density: 8 W/m² - Total Lighting
Load: 40 kW

Parking Areas: - Total Area: 8,000 m² - Lighting Power Density: 5 W/m² - Total Lighting
Load: 40 kW
Lighting Fixture Selection

Residential Areas: - Living Rooms: LED downlights (12W) and pendant lights (25W) -
Bedrooms: LED downlights (12W) and table lamps (15W) - Kitchens: LED linear lights
(18W/m) and LED downlights (15W) - Bathrooms: LED downlights (10W) and mirror lights
(18W)

Office Areas: - General Office Space: LED panel lights (36W, 600×600mm) - Meeting
Rooms: LED downlights (18W) and pendant lights (30W) - Reception Areas: LED
downlights (18W) and decorative fixtures

Retail Areas: - General Retail Space: LED panel lights (36W, 600×600mm) - Display
Areas: LED spotlights (25W) and track lights (15W)

Common Areas: - Main Lobby: Decorative pendant lights and LED downlights -
Corridors: LED downlights (12W) and wall sconces (10W) - Stairwells: LED bulkhead
fixtures (15W) - Parking Areas: LED linear fixtures (36W) and LED bulkhead fixtures (20W)

Emergency Lighting Design

Emergency Lighting Requirements: - Illumination Level: Minimum 1 lux on escape

routes - Duration: 3 hours backup time - Coverage: All escape routes, stairwells, and
assembly points

Emergency Lighting System: - Type: Self-contained battery-backed LED fixtures -

Quantity: Approximately 1,500 units throughout the building - Power Consumption: 5W
per unit during normal operation - Total Load: 7.5 kW

Emergency Power Systems

Emergency Power Requirements

The following systems require emergency power supply:

Life Safety Systems: - Fire alarm system - Emergency lighting - Fire pumps - Smoke
management systems - Stairwell and elevator pressurization - Security systems -
Building management system

Essential Services: - Elevators (selected units) - Domestic water pumps - Sump pumps -
Telecommunications - Selected HVAC equipment

Generator Sizing

Based on the emergency power requirements:

Life Safety Loads: - Fire Pumps: 150 kW - Smoke Management: 216 kW - Emergency
Lighting: 100 kW - Fire Alarm and Security: 30 kW - Total Life Safety Load: 496 kW

Essential Services: - Selected Elevators: 120 kW - Domestic Water Pumps: 60 kW -

Telecommunications: 50 kW - Selected HVAC: 200 kW - Total Essential Services Load: 430
kW

Total Emergency Power Load: 926 kW

Generator Selection: - Number of Generators: 2 (for redundancy) - Capacity per

Generator: 750 kVA (600 kW) - Total Installed Capacity: 1,500 kVA (1,200 kW) - Generator
Type: Diesel, 415V, 3-phase, 50Hz - Fuel Storage: 24 hours at full load

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Design

Main ATS: - Rating: 2,000A - Type: 4-pole, electrically operated - Transfer Time: <10
seconds

Sub-ATSs: - Life Safety ATS: 800A - Essential Services ATS: 800A

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems

Critical Systems UPS: - Capacity: 100 kVA - Backup Time: 30 minutes - Loads Served:
Fire alarm, security, BMS, telecommunications

Data Center UPS: - Capacity: 50 kVA - Backup Time: 60 minutes - Loads Served: Servers,
network equipment

Electrical Distribution System

Main Distribution System

Main Switchboard: - Incoming Supply: 2 × 5,000 kVA transformers - Main Circuit

Breakers: 2 × 8,000A ACBs - Bus Coupler: 8,000A ACB - Outgoing Feeders: MCCBs of
various ratings

Risers: - Residential Risers: 4 sets, 1,000A each - Office Risers: 2 sets, 630A each - Retail
Risers: 1 set, 800A - HVAC Risers: 2 sets, 2,000A each - Common Services Riser: 1 set,
1,500A

Sub-Distribution System

Floor Distribution Boards: - Residential Floors: 40 DBs, 100A each - Office Floors: 8 DBs,
160A each - Retail Floors: 2 DBs, 400A each - HVAC Plant Rooms: 6 DBs, various ratings -
Common Areas: 10 DBs, various ratings
Final Circuit Design

Residential Units: - Lighting Circuits: 10A, 1.5mm² cables - Socket Outlet Circuits: 16A,
2.5mm² cables - AC Circuits: 20A, 4.0mm² cables - Cooker Circuits: 32A, 6.0mm² cables

Office Areas: - Lighting Circuits: 10A, 1.5mm² cables - Socket Outlet Circuits: 16A,
2.5mm² cables - Dedicated Equipment Circuits: Various ratings

Retail Areas: - Lighting Circuits: 16A, 2.5mm² cables - Socket Outlet Circuits: 20A,
4.0mm² cables - Dedicated Equipment Circuits: Various ratings

Cable Sizing Calculation Example

For a typical floor distribution board in the residential area:

Input Data: - Maximum Demand: 70 kW - Power Factor: 0.9 - Voltage: 415V, 3-phase -
Cable Route Length: 40m - Installation Method: Multicore cable in conduit

Calculation: - Full Load Current: 70,000 ÷ (√3 × 415 × 0.9) = 108.7A - Design Current
(with 1.25 factor): 108.7 × 1.25 = 135.9A - Selected Cable Size: 35mm² copper - Current
Carrying Capacity: 150A - Voltage Drop: 40m × 108.7A × 0.0047V/A/m = 20.4V (4.9%) -
Voltage Drop Percentage: 20.4 ÷ 415 × 100 = 4.9%

Since the voltage drop exceeds 4%, we need to increase the cable size: - New Cable Size:
50mm² copper - New Voltage Drop: 40m × 108.7A × 0.0033V/A/m = 14.3V (3.5%)

Final Selection: 50mm² 4-core copper cable with 25mm² earth conductor

Earthing and Lightning Protection System

Earthing System Design

Earthing System Type: - TN-S system with separate neutral and protective conductors

Main Earthing Components: - Earth Electrodes: 20 copper rods, 3m length, 16mm

diameter - Earth Grid: 70mm² bare copper conductor - Main Earthing Terminal: Copper
bar, 100mm × 10mm - Equipotential Bonding: 50mm² copper conductors

Calculated Earth Resistance: - Target Earth Resistance: <1 ohm - Calculated Resistance:
0.8 ohm

Lightning Protection System

Risk Assessment: - Building Height: 200m - Location: High lightning activity area -
Protection Level Required: Level II
Air Termination Network: - Type: Mesh system on roof - Mesh Size: 10m × 10m -
Material: 70mm² aluminum conductor

Down Conductors: - Number: 8 - Material: 70mm² aluminum conductor - Spacing:

Maximum 20m

Testing Points: - Number: 8 - Location: 2m above ground level

Plumbing Calculations

Water Supply Requirements

Water Demand Calculation

For our 50-story mixed-use high-rise building in Dubai, UAE, we need to calculate the
total water demand based on the following components:

Domestic Water Consumption

Residential Units: - Number of Units: 800 - Occupancy: 3 persons per unit - Total
Residential Occupancy: 2,400 persons - Water Consumption Rate: 250 liters per person
per day (as per Dubai Municipality standards) - Daily Residential Water Demand: 2,400
persons × 250 L/person/day = 600,000 L/day

Office Areas: - Occupancy: 1,200 persons - Water Consumption Rate: 45 liters per person
per day - Daily Office Water Demand: 1,200 persons × 45 L/person/day = 54,000 L/day

Retail Areas: - Occupancy: 1,000 persons - Water Consumption Rate: 20 liters per person
per day - Daily Retail Water Demand: 1,000 persons × 20 L/person/day = 20,000 L/day

Common Areas: - Cleaning and Maintenance: 10,000 L/day - Landscape Irrigation:

15,000 L/day (with water-efficient landscaping) - Total Common Area Water Demand:
25,000 L/day

Total Daily Water Demand: - Residential: 600,000 L/day - Office: 54,000 L/day - Retail:
20,000 L/day - Common Areas: 25,000 L/day - Total Daily Water Demand: 699,000 L/day
(699 m³/day)

Peak Water Demand Calculation

Peak Factor Determination: - Residential Areas: Peak Factor = 2.0 - Office Areas: Peak
Factor = 3.0 - Retail Areas: Peak Factor = 3.0

Peak Water Demand: - Residential: 600,000 L/day ÷ 24 hours × 2.0 = 50,000 L/hour -
Office: 54,000 L/day ÷ 10 hours × 3.0 = 16,200 L/hour - Retail: 20,000 L/day ÷ 12 hours
× 3.0 = 5,000 L/hour - Common Areas: 25,000 L/day ÷ 24 hours × 2.0 = 2,083 L/hour -
Total Peak Water Demand: 73,283 L/hour (73.3 m³/hour or 20.4 L/s)

Water Storage Requirements

Domestic Water Storage: - Storage Requirement: 2 days of total daily demand (as per
Dubai Municipality requirements) - Required Storage Volume: 699 m³/day × 2 days =
1,398 m³ - Provision for Fire Fighting Reserve: 250 m³ - Total Water Storage Requirement:
1,648 m³

Water Tank Configuration: - Ground Level Water Tank: 1,000 m³ (divided into two
compartments) - Roof Level Water Tanks: - Residential Zone: 500 m³ (divided into two
compartments) - Office/Retail Zone: 150 m³ (divided into two compartments) - Total
Provided Storage: 1,650 m³

Water Supply System Design

Water Transfer Pump System

Transfer Pumps (Ground to Roof Tanks): - Required Flow Rate: 20.4 L/s (73.3 m³/hour) -
Number of Pumps: 4 (3 duty + 1 standby) - Capacity per Pump: 25 L/s - Head: 220m
(building height + friction losses) - Pump Power: 4 × 15 kW = 60 kW

Booster Pump System (Residential Zone): - Required Flow Rate: 13.9 L/s (50 m³/hour) -
Number of Pumps: 4 (3 duty + 1 standby) - Capacity per Pump: 5 L/s - Head: 60m (for
upper floors) - Pump Power: 4 × 7.5 kW = 30 kW

Booster Pump System (Office/Retail Zone): - Required Flow Rate: 6.5 L/s (23.3 m³/
hour) - Number of Pumps: 3 (2 duty + 1 standby) - Capacity per Pump: 3.5 L/s - Head: 40m
- Pump Power: 3 × 5 kW = 15 kW

Water Distribution Piping System

Main Water Supply Line: - Flow Rate: 20.4 L/s - Pipe Size: DN150 (6") - Material:
Galvanized Steel - Velocity: 1.2 m/s - Pressure Loss: 1.5 m/100m

Residential Risers: - Number of Risers: 4 - Flow Rate per Riser: 3.5 L/s - Pipe Size: DN80
(3") - Material: Galvanized Steel - Velocity: 1.0 m/s - Pressure Loss: 2.0 m/100m

Office/Retail Risers: - Number of Risers: 2 - Flow Rate per Riser: 3.25 L/s - Pipe Size:
DN80 (3") - Material: Galvanized Steel - Velocity: 0.9 m/s - Pressure Loss: 1.8 m/100m

Branch Piping: - Residential Units: DN20-DN25 (¾"-1") - Office Areas: DN25-DN32

(1"-1¼") - Retail Areas: DN32-DN40 (1¼"-1½") - Material: Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX)
Hot Water System Design

Hot Water Demand: - Residential: 40% of total residential water demand = 240,000 L/
day - Office/Retail: 15% of total office/retail water demand = 11,100 L/day - Total Hot
Water Demand: 251,100 L/day

Hot Water Generation System: - Residential Zones: Centralized solar water heating
system with electric backup - Office/Retail Zones: Electric water heaters

Solar Water Heating System: - Solar Collector Area: 500 m² - Storage Tank Capacity:
30,000 L - Solar Fraction: 70% (annual average) - Backup Electric Heaters: 4 × 50 kW =
200 kW

Hot Water Storage: - Residential Storage Tanks: 4 × 5,000 L = 20,000 L - Office/Retail

Storage Tanks: 2 × 2,500 L = 5,000 L - Total Hot Water Storage: 25,000 L

Hot Water Distribution: - Circulation Pumps: 6 × 1.5 kW = 9 kW - Pipe Insulation: 25mm

thick mineral wool with aluminum cladding

Drainage System Sizing

Wastewater Flow Calculation

Wastewater Generation: - Residential: 90% of water consumption = 540,000 L/day -

Office: 90% of water consumption = 48,600 L/day - Retail: 90% of water consumption =
18,000 L/day - Total Wastewater Generation: 606,600 L/day (7.0 L/s average flow)

Peak Wastewater Flow: - Peak Factor: 2.5 - Peak Wastewater Flow: 7.0 L/s × 2.5 = 17.5
L/s

Soil and Waste Stack Sizing

Residential Zone: - Number of Stacks: 8 - Fixture Units per Stack: 800 FU - Stack Size:
DN150 (6") - Material: uPVC

Office/Retail Zone: - Number of Stacks: 4 - Fixture Units per Stack: 600 FU - Stack Size:
DN150 (6") - Material: uPVC

Vent Stacks: - Residential Zone: 8 × DN100 (4") - Office/Retail Zone: 4 × DN100 (4") -
Material: uPVC

Building Drain Sizing

Main Building Drain: - Flow Rate: 17.5 L/s - Pipe Size: DN250 (10") - Material: uPVC -
Slope: 1:100 - Velocity: 1.0 m/s - Capacity: 25 L/s
Branch Drains: - Residential Zone: DN200 (8") - Office/Retail Zone: DN200 (8") - Material:
uPVC - Slope: 1:50

Rainwater Drainage System

Roof Area: - Building Roof: 2,000 m² - Podium Roof: 3,000 m² - Total Roof Area: 5,000 m²

Design Rainfall Intensity: - 100mm/hour (based on Dubai Municipality requirements)

Rainwater Flow Rate: - Flow Rate: 5,000 m² × 100 mm/hour × 0.0002778 = 139 L/s

Roof Drain Sizing: - Number of Roof Drains: 20 - Flow per Drain: 7 L/s - Drain Size: DN100
(4")

Rainwater Downpipes: - Number of Downpipes: 10 - Flow per Downpipe: 14 L/s -

Downpipe Size: DN150 (6") - Material: uPVC

Rainwater Collection System: - Collection Tank Capacity: 100 m³ - Reuse for Landscape
Irrigation

Fire Protection Systems

Fire Water Supply Requirements

Fire Water Storage: - Storage Requirement: 250 m³ (as per UAE Fire and Life Safety
Code) - Storage Location: Dedicated compartment in ground water tank

Fire Pump System: - Main Fire Pump: 40 L/s at 12 bar (75 kW) - Jockey Pump: 2 L/s at 12
bar (5.5 kW) - Diesel Backup Pump: 40 L/s at 12 bar (75 kW)

Sprinkler System Design

Design Standards: - NFPA 13 and UAE Fire and Life Safety Code

Hazard Classifications: - Residential Areas: Light Hazard - Office Areas: Light Hazard -
Retail Areas: Ordinary Hazard Group 1 - Parking Areas: Ordinary Hazard Group 1

Sprinkler System Design Criteria: - Residential/Office Areas: - Density: 4.1 mm/min -

Area of Operation: 139 m² - Maximum Area per Sprinkler: 20.9 m² - K-Factor: 5.6

• Retail/Parking Areas:
• Density: 6.1 mm/min
• Area of Operation: 186 m²
• Maximum Area per Sprinkler: 12.1 m²
• K-Factor: 8.0
Sprinkler System Water Demand: - Residential/Office: 4.1 mm/min × 139 m² = 570 L/
min (9.5 L/s) - Retail/Parking: 6.1 mm/min × 186 m² = 1,135 L/min (18.9 L/s) - Maximum
Demand: 18.9 L/s - With Hose Stream Allowance (500 GPM): 18.9 L/s + 31.5 L/s = 50.4 L/s

Sprinkler System Components: - Total Number of Sprinklers: Approximately 7,500 -

Main Risers: 4 × DN150 (6") - Zone Control Valves: 50 - Flow Switches: 50 - Test and Drain
Assemblies: 50

Fire Hose System

Fire Hose Reel System: - Coverage Radius: 30m - Number of Hose Reels: 150 - Flow Rate
per Hose Reel: 0.75 L/s - Pipe Size: DN25-DN50 (1"-2")

Fire Hydrant System: - Number of Landing Valves: 100 - Flow Rate per Hydrant: 5 L/s -
Pipe Size: DN100-DN150 (4"-6")

Special Fire Protection Systems

Kitchen Fire Suppression: - Type: Wet Chemical System - Coverage: All commercial
kitchens

Electrical Room Protection: - Type: Clean Agent System (HFC-227ea) - Coverage: Main
electrical rooms and data centers

Water Conservation Measures

Water-Efficient Fixtures

Water Efficiency Requirements: - All fixtures to comply with Dubai Green Building
Regulations

Fixture Specifications: - Water Closets: Dual flush (3/6 liters) - Faucets: Flow restrictors
(6 L/min) - Showerheads: Low-flow (9 L/min) - Urinals: Waterless or ultra-low flush (0.5 L)

Estimated Water Savings: - 30% reduction in domestic water consumption compared

to conventional fixtures

Greywater Recycling System

Greywater Sources: - Showers, Bathtubs, and Lavatory Basins - Estimated Greywater

Generation: 240,000 L/day

Greywater Treatment System: - Treatment Capacity: 250 m³/day - Treatment Method:

Biological treatment with UV disinfection - Storage Tank: 100 m³
Greywater Reuse Applications: - Toilet Flushing - Landscape Irrigation - Estimated
Water Savings: 200 m³/day

Condensate Recovery System

Condensate Generation: - Estimated from HVAC System: 50 m³/day (during peak

cooling season)

Condensate Collection System: - Collection Piping: uPVC - Storage Tank: 50 m³

Condensate Reuse Applications: - Cooling Tower Makeup - Landscape Irrigation -

Estimated Water Savings: 40 m³/day (during peak cooling season)

Conclusion
The MEP calculations presented in this document demonstrate a comprehensive
approach to designing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for a high-rise
building in the UAE. The calculations take into account the unique climate conditions of
the region, local building codes and standards, and best practices for energy and water
efficiency.

Key highlights of the design include:

1. A centralized chilled water system with high-efficiency water-cooled chillers,

designed to handle the extreme cooling loads typical of the UAE climate.

2. A robust electrical system with redundancy built into the transformer and
emergency power systems, ensuring reliable operation even during power outages.

3. A water supply and distribution system designed to meet the high demands of a
mixed-use high-rise building, with adequate storage as per local regulations.

4. Comprehensive fire protection systems complying with the stringent requirements

of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code.

5. Energy and water conservation measures that align with Dubai's sustainability
goals, including solar water heating, greywater recycling, and condensate recovery
systems.

These calculations serve as a valuable reference for MEP engineers working on similar
projects in the UAE or other regions with comparable climate conditions and regulatory
frameworks.
References
1. Dubai Building Code (2021 Edition), Dubai Municipality
2. UAE Fire and Life Safety Code
3. Dubai Green Building Regulations
4. ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings
5. ASHRAE Standard 62.1: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
6. ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals (2021)
7. International Plumbing Code (IPC)
8. NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
9. NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
10. IEC 60364: Electrical Installations for Buildings
11. IEEE 142: Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems
12. IEC 62305: Protection Against Lightning
13. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Regulations
14. Dubai Municipality Plumbing Code
15. CIBSE Lighting Guide LG7: Office Lighting
16. ASHRAE Standard 189.1: Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green
Buildings