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Structural BIM

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The BIM Engineers
08 June 2023

Structural BIM is a type of BIM (Building Information Modeling) that includes detailed information about the building's structural elements and systems, such as its foundations, walls, columns, beams, and roof. This type of BIM is typically included in a Level 3 BIM model, which is a highly detailed and accurate digital representation of the building or infrastructure project.

To create a structural BIM model, designers and engineers typically use specialized software and tools to input data about the building's design and construction, including the dimensions and properties of its structural elements, the materials and finishes that will be used, and the loads and forces that the structure will need to support. This information is then used to generate a digital model of the building's structure, which can be used by all project stakeholders to support decision making, coordination, and communication throughout the project.

For example, a structural BIM model can be used to evaluate the structural performance of the building, and to identify potential issues or problems with the design. This can help to support the development of more effective, efficient, and sustainable structural designs, and to avoid costly errors or problems during the construction process.

Overall, Structural BIM involves the creation of a digital model of the building or infrastructure project that includes detailed information about its structural elements and systems, and the use of that model to support the design and construction of the building.

Software and Structural BIM

To use structural BIM, you will need specialized software and tools that are specifically designed for building design and modeling, as well as for structural analysis and engineering. Some of the most common types of software used for structural BIM include:

  • AutoCAD
  • Revit
  • SketchUp
  • ArchiCAD
  • Vectorworks
  • SAP2000
  • ETABS
  • STAAD.Pro

To use these software tools for structural BIM, designers and engineers typically input data about the building's design and construction, including the dimensions and properties of its structural elements, the materials and finishes that will be used, and the loads and forces that the structure will need to support. The software then uses this data to generate a digital model of the building's structure, which can be used to visualize and evaluate the design, and to support coordination and communication among project stakeholders.


Overall, to use structural BIM, you will need specialized software and tools that are specifically designed for building design and modeling, as well as for structural analysis and engineering. These software tools will allow you to input data about the building's design and construction, and to generate a digital model of the building's structure that can be used to support the design and construction of the building.

Structural Building Information Models ensure effective designs

Structural BIM can be used to create effective models by ensuring that the model includes detailed and accurate information about the building's design and construction, and by regularly verifying and updating the information in the model.

To create an effective structural BIM model, designers and engineers can take the following steps:

  • Input detailed and accurate information about the building's design and construction, including the dimensions and properties of its structural elements, the materials and finishes that will be used, and the loads and forces that the structure will need to support. This information should be based on the latest design drawings and specifications, and should be regularly updated and verified to ensure its accuracy.
  • Use specialized software and tools for structural analysis and engineering, to ensure that the model accurately reflects the building's structural performance and behavior. This may involve using finite element analysis, structural analysis, and other advanced modeling techniques to evaluate the structural performance of the building, and to identify potential issues or problems with the design.
  • Use validation and verification tools and processes, such as clash detection and error checking, to identify and correct any errors or inconsistencies in the model. This can help to ensure that the model is accurate and complete, and that it reflects the latest design decisions.
  • Regularly review and update the model, to ensure that it remains accurate and up to date throughout the project. This may involve coordinating with other members of the project team, and using collaboration and communication tools to share and update the information in the model.

Overall, to create an effective structural BIM model, it is important to input detailed and accurate information about the building's design and construction, to use specialized software and tools for structural analysis and engineering, to use validation and verification tools to identify and correct errors, and to regularly review and update the model. This can help to ensure that the model accurately reflects the building's structural performance and behavior, and that it supports effective decision making, coordination, and communication throughout the project.


Efficiency with Structural BIM

In the case of structural BIM, the focus is on creating and managing digital representations of a building's structural components and systems.

One way that structural BIM can help ensure efficient models is by allowing designers and engineers to collaborate and coordinate their work more effectively. Because BIM models are digital, they can be accessed and edited by multiple users at the same time, which allows different team members to work on different aspects of the design concurrently. This can help prevent errors and omissions that can result from working in isolation.

Another way that structural BIM can help ensure efficient models is by providing a more comprehensive and accurate representation of a building's structural systems. Because BIM models capture a wide range of information about a building's components and systems, they can be used to simulate and analyze the performance of a building under different conditions. This can help identify potential problems and inefficiencies, and allow designers and engineers to make informed decisions about how to optimize the design of a building's structural systems.

Overall, structural BIM can help ensure efficient models by enabling better collaboration and coordination among design and engineering team members, and by providing a more comprehensive and accurate representation of a building's structural systems.

Sustainability trough BIM

Structural BIM can help ensure sustainable designs in several ways. First, BIM models are digital, which means they can be easily accessed, edited, and shared by multiple users. This makes it easier for designers and engineers to collaborate and coordinate their work, which can help prevent errors and omissions that can lead to unsustainable designs.


Second, BIM models capture a wide range of information about a building's components and systems, including materials, dimensions, and load-bearing capacities. This allows designers and engineers to simulate and analyze the performance of a building under different conditions, which can help identify potential problems and inefficiencies. For example, a BIM model can be used to calculate the amount of energy a building will consume over its lifetime, or to determine the optimal orientation and placement of windows and other openings to maximize natural light and ventilation.

Third, BIM models can be used to evaluate the environmental impact of different design options. For example, a BIM model can be used to calculate the embodied energy of different building materials, or to assess the potential for a building to generate renewable energy through solar panels or wind turbines. This information can help designers and engineers make informed decisions about which materials and systems to use in a building, with the goal of reducing its environmental impact.