Structural BIM Services into Traditional Engineering Workflow

The entire working culture and approach have changed with constantly evolving technology and the emergence of new innovations, be it in process, software, workflow, or altering the whole business. These new ways have impacted many sectors to work efficiently and remain competitive in the vast market. Similarly, the architecture, engineering, and construction industry has seen advancements over the years. Many innovations and technologies have reshaped how architects, engineers, and designers work on a single project encompassing multiple stages. However, in the world of construction, there are two main ways to bring ideas to life; the first is through traditional methodologies entailed with hand-drawn sketches, old techniques, sketches, blueprints, and more.

The second is the modern approach, which is done digitally, more accurately, and efficiently, thanks to the inception of building information modeling. These are the two primary ways that help shape any infrastructure. In the digital realm, traditional working approaches often result in inaccuracies, errors, and challenges that alter the final outcomes. Which is why integrating the latest technology into traditional workflow shapes the building according to guidelines.

As the traditional methods in the AEC realm are gradually fading away, the use of more enhanced and accurate technology came into existence that altered the construction realm. When talking of the multiple stages of the construction process, the structural phase is the most important, as it is the skeleton of the entire infrastructure. Being an important phase in the architecture process, let's discuss how BIM services can become a key player in engineering traditional workflow and how the digital methods can bring innovative ways and accurate results.

[edit] Traditional Construction Methods for Structural Engineering

In the traditional working approach for architecture, engineering, and construction, every step, starting from design to the construction phase, is curated by skilled hands and precise attention to detail. However the traditional construction process, specifically for the structural phase of the infrastructure is more crucial, prone to error and results in rework due inefficient calculations, dimensions and more. In the traditional structural engineering, architects, engineers, contractors are the key players working independently but lack in communication, coordination and efficiency.

Moreover, slight errors result in costly rework and project delays while ignoring the site safety for laborers. Although traditional working approaches are typically done by skilled professionals. As a matter of fact, professionals indulging in traditional structural engineering often communicate and coordinate by relying on paper-based drawings, blueprints, and 2D plans. Following are some of the cons of continuing traditional structural methods.

• Inaccuracies & inefficiencies
• Limited coordination and communication
• Lack of visualizations
• Safety compliance risk
• Environmental impact
• Maintenance and quality control
• Prone to error and rework
• Costly project delays

Additionally, being a critical phase in the building process, traditional structural methods are often entailed with conventional methods that include physical drawings, skills of various AEC professionals, and constant effort to communicate with concerned experts. However, the traditional structural engineering process can be enhanced by integrating structural BIM services for accurate and precise outcomes. Let's explore how the involvement of BIM structural methods can be effective for the entire construction phase.

[edit] BIM-Based Structural Engineering

In the digital realm of architecture, engineering, and construction, accuracy and efficient processes are paramount to every project's success. As discussed about the traditional conventional methods, the AEC process involves multiple phases out which structural engineering is the most important. A lot has changed after the inception of BIM services in the architecture, engineering and construction sector as it has digitized the construction process that entails with detailed data of the physical and functional aspects of infrastructure.

Speaking of multiple stages of architecture, structural is the backbone of the entire process that depicts the intended load, facing environmental impact with its strong and solid framework. As the technology advanced and building information modeling came into existence, structural BIM modeling services came into inception which enhanced and improvised the traditional conventional work approach. With BIM digital representation, it allows AEC professionals to communicate and collaborate in real time, seamlessly sharing information, enhancing the visualization aspects, and ensuring the completion process of the building's structural phase.

The digital model also facilitates the cost budget, time for completion, materials used, accuracy and precise coordination among AEC professionals and various stakeholders. With structural BIM services into the picture, it is easier for architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure the structural phase accuracy efficiency while adhering strictly to the BIM model. In essence, the structural BIM role in engineering leverages the latest technology that helps to streamline the structural framework process and improves collaboration and communication. Leveraging the power of BIM for a structural phase in the construction process offers numerous advantages over the traditional approach; the following are

• Enhanced communication and collaboration
• Better visualization
• Efficient and accurate results
• Sustainability design options
• Reduce waste
• Optimize resources

These benefits impact the overall process of the construction as BIM services is a powerful technology that has significantly transformed the traditional approach and offers greater insights into the structural phase of the construction process. However, for a clear vision, let's deeply explore structural BIM.

[edit] Understanding Structural BIM Role in Engineering in Detail

In the extensive process of architectural and construction, exteriors and interiors of any infrastructure doesn't matter if the structural framework isn't strong. Any facility survives on a solid structural framework that can withstand the intended load and bear any environmental factors. Structural framework of any infrastructure holds a significant position that ensures the safety of the facility as well as the occupants. Being a pivotal phase in the construction process, it is evident that the process of structural design caters to the guidelines of projects, enhances safety, and builds a solid framework. Which is why having precise functional aspects of the infrastructure, structural BIM services comes into the picture.

Leveraging the power tool; BIM technology that serves as digital representation of physical and functional factors of infrastructure in 3D view. Integrating BIM services into the structural phase encompasses structural elements and components that offer a holistic view of how the structural elements fit together seamlessly and with precision. Typically, structural BIM involves the creation of a digital structural system that includes beams, columns, foundation, walls, and other elements that are responsible for stability, strength, and support required in infrastructure facilities. As a matter of fact, structural BIM role in engineering plays a significant position since it helps engineers to ensure the safety measures, mitigates risk, and enables communication and collaboration throughout the onsite process.

The curated BIM model for the structural framework of the building is more than geometry; it also holds critical data on materials, dimensions, and other structural properties that ensure a solid framework. Structural BIM modeling helps engineers to visualize and make changes accordingly (if any) before the groundwork begins. With such an intricate process it results in better communication, collaboration, fewer errors and rework, on budget, and timely completion of the project. Let's engage into some of the primary advantages of BIM services for the structural phase of the construction.

[edit] Primary Advantages of Structural BIM Modeling in Construction

The importance of the BIM structural phase in any infrastructure project holds a pivotal place. Moreover, the accuracy, efficiency and precision in the phase are the key pillars for the success of the structural engineering stage. Integrated with BIM services, the structural process of the infrastructure is curated with utmost accuracy and efficiency, ensuring each set of measurements, dimensions and other elements are correct and seamlessly fit together. With advanced use of technology and accurately curating BIM 3D models, it offers another set of advantages that helps in the completion of the structural engineering stage efficiently. Following are;

• Enhanced collaboration: The BIM structural process enhances collaboration and communication between architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals involved. The curated 3D model is centralized, where every expertise can access the information, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Collaborative processes and enhanced communication result in reduced errors, saving time, cost, and other crucial resources.
• Accuracy in design: Integrating BIM in the structural stage of the building process offers real-time analysis and simulations. It offers designers a scope of changes to experiment and showcase their creativity in different scenarios that entail structural integrity or potential errors in the design. With this, designers can opt for the most suitable and secured design, which is cost-efficient and ensures a solid framework.
• Better project management: Project managers and other experts in the process can utilize the BIM structural model for accurate project scheduling and resource management. With help of BIM level of development, project managers can define the structural construction schedules along with cost estimations in the model itself. As a matter of fact, BIM in the structural process also facilitates robust management that helps to be informed about the construction track of time and costing.
• Sustainability: The precise use of materials, elements, components, and equipment, project managers can take informed decisions, keeping in mind the sustainability prospects for the building.
• Clash detection and risk mitigation: One of the most standout benefits of structural BIM services is the identification of clashes, conflicts, or errors in the design stage. The detection of any clash in the design reduces the chance of expensive rework and costly delays during the onsite construction stage.

The list of advantages can continue; however, these mentioned are the major. The impact of structural BIM modeling in the construction process generates overall successful results and better building performance with safety of occupants. As a matter of fact, being a key player in the AEC industry, there are different services related to the BIM structural phase that offer accurate and desired results. Let's explore them in detail.

[edit] Key Services Related to Structural BIM

Being a pivotal role player in the AEC industry, structural BIM modeling is a significant process. As discussed, the structural framework of the infrastructure should be solid and bear the intended load. Not only this, but BIM structural also offers a variety of related services which helps in creating the structural framework of the infrastructure. Typically, these services are utilized according to the requirement that can ease the process with accurate results. The following are the key services;

• Detailed 3D Modeling: Leveraging powerful BIM technology facilitates the curation of accurate and detailed 3D models that showcase the structural elements of the entire infrastructure, which consist of beams, foundations, columns, and slabs. Moreover, the curated 3D BIM model also offers a clear visualization of the project that helps AEC professionals and stakeholders optimize the design and make decisions in the early planning stage.
• Structural Analysis & Simulation: With the help of BIM structural services, engineers and other professionals enable comprehensive structural analysis and simulation that further helps in the evaluation of the building design performance under various states, such as environmental factors and more. Analysis is important as it aids the safety precautions while carefully using materials.
• Quantity Takeoff and Cost Estimation: BIM is one of the most powerful tools, and it also helps generate accurate quantity takeoffs according to the 3D model. Curating quantity takeoff from the BIM model helps identify the estimation of material quantity, which minimizes waste and reduces cost.
• Structural Construction Documentation: In the BIM software technology, the collected and generated data are utilized to make accurate and precise structural documentation that includes notes, symbols, foundation plans, framing details and other sets of essential information.
• Structural Shop Drawing: For the structural shop drawings, the structural BIM model offers details, dimensions, and other data that are used for the fabrication and construction process. As a matter of fact, structural shop drawings also help to streamline the manufacturing process while reducing the scope of errors during on site construction.

[edit] Future Prospects of Structural BIM Services in AEC

As the technology is evolving continuously and reshapes the architecture and construction realm, the future of structural BIM modeling services looks promising. Emerging innovations in the sector will help in creating client centric outcomes, enhanced accuracy, automated operations and more. The future prospects of structural BIM will also serve as a more solid and stronger framework, keeping in mind the continuous environmental impact and standardizing the project with smoother collaboration and seamless data exchange.

Moreover these future innovations in the AEC field will enhance the predictive analytics which will help the system to detect issues, automate daily tasks, better data driven insights and enhanced decision making.

[edit] Following are the future technologies that will alter the today's reality of BIM structural.

• Integration of AI and ML
• Advanced Parametric Modeling
• AR and VR
• Digital Twin
• Increased Cloud Based BIM Platforms

As structural BIM is revolutionizing the construction sector, these mentioned technologies will reshape how architects and engineers work together on the structural phase of any construction project. Since the BIM structure is a key player and demands for acute attention, precision and efficiency while also keeping in mind the current environmental situation.

This intricate process requires expert knowledge and software skills to ensure the fruitful outcomes. Therefore, structural BIM outsourcing is one of the comprehensive solutions that can bring effective and desired results. Outsourcing structural BIM expertise from a reliable and trustworthy company will efficiently complete the structural BIM modeling services with desired project guidelines, adhering strictly to rules, regulations, and code of conduct by using the latest technology and software and a team of experts. Hence, structural BIM outsourcing in today's era has become an acute requirement as the architecture firm can focus on other core competencies, maintain productivity, and enhance end goals.

[edit] In a Nutshell

Structural BIM services have revolutionized the AEC industry, offering a data-rich approach, enhanced collaboration, and accurate design. This has transformed the traditional conventional structural framework process, which consumed a lot of time, cost, material wastage, and impacted the environment. With BIM structural, AEC professionals can easily enhance the construction process and achieve the desired goals.