Enhancing Student Learning in Structures Courses with Building Information Modeling

As the AEC industry strives to establish integrated knowledge exchange protocols utilizing building information models (BIMs), structural engineering practices of all sizes will profit from the ability to effectively communicate with the design team supported by a strongly integrated structural design process. At Thornton Tomasetti, custom tools are developed to automate the exchange of structural design data between 2D and 3D analysis models and BIMs. These tools are unique because they allow the engineer to manage partial models and data sets as independent sub-systems of complete virtual models. These sub-systems are often described in plan or elevation, while their counter parts reside in the 3D setting of the overall BIM. Custom automation of processes at Thornton Tomasetti helps to meet deadlines, exceed expectations of clients, and increases the quality of the work product. We cite three examples illustrating custom usage of application programming interfaces (APIs) and address typical challenges met when pursuing in-house development projects. The case studies include the utilization of conventional CAD documents as basic structural information models (SIMs), the automatic assembly of structural elements of complete towers in a BIM, and efficient bent management assisting the design process of stadiumlike structures. 1. BIM METHODOLOGY IN THE AEC ENVIRONMENT Following building information modeling (BIM) methodology, members of the AEC design team communicate by exchanging knowledge through a virtual model of the project, usually referred to as “BIM.” Currently, BIM compliments the traditional information flow - drawings. The industry trend moves toward using BIM as the primary tool, and if needed, drawings can be compiled as views or reports on demand. Building information modeling methodology focuses primarily on the following two objectives: a) Visualization and Coordination: Allowing the members of the AEC design team to virtually construct a digital model of the project, very similar to the WYSIWYG concept (“what you see is what you get”) in word processing. A model has to look right, be measurable, allow an assessment of constructability, and “know” when parts

The design of the civil engineering works in High Speed Two (HS2) is a good example of what can be achieved when the Building Information Modelling (BIM) process is embraced. Central to the BIM process is a three-dimensional (3D) model that communicates the civil design to enable construction, asset management, operation and maintenance in a fully collaborative and coordinated multi-disciplinary environment. Software developers of leading BIM packages have responded to the requirements of HS2 and similar projects by delivering feature-rich applications to enable design and BIM to go hand-in-hand. HS2, however, is under a tight programme to deliver a 3D model with a Level of Detail (LOD) beyond what has been required on most projects to date, and this has resulted in exhaustive testing of the software. Such requirements have identified gaps in the BIM software tools for drainage designers. Drainage designers utilise hydraulic modelling software to design and test their designs. This software must be efficient, reliable and, most importantly, have all the design tools necessary to design and test a drainage network to meet the client’s requirements. HS2 Ltd’s requirements under the Asset Data Dictionary Definition Document (AD4) are to provide spatially accurate 3D models along with detailed and relevant asset data. The integrated project team delivering the HS2 Area North works opted to achieve this by delivering fully attributed BIM models. However, software developers of leading drainage design packages do not have the BIM capabilities required to provide a BIM model with the LOD required in HS2 on their own. They must be integrated with a BIM software. This leaves drainage designers using two separate systems with a requirement to integrate two software packages to work seamlessly together in a BIM environment. To overcome this, a suite of tools was developed using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to convert from MicroDrainage (a drainage design tool) to Bentley OpenRoads Designer (a BIM package) and fully attribute the BIM models. The tools have been developed specifically for HS2 feature definitions and requirements, however, with further development, they could be customisable for use on other projects thus improving the level of detail, accuracy and efficiency future deliverables on future projects.

With the development of building informatization and industrialization technology, the prefabricated concrete structures based on information technology has become a hot spot in the construction industry. "BIM Structural Design" combines BIM Technology and Prefabricated building technology with the course content, and uses GSRevit software to carry out classroom teaching in order to cultivate students' structural design ability. The project teaching method is adopted in the course teaching method, and the project library composed of three different practical projects is reformed and created. In combination with students' learning ability and professional knowledge level, different engineering projects are selected for teaching for students at different levels, which can stimulate students' learning interest and initiative, effectively improve the teaching quality of the course, and enhance students' structural design ability and engineering practice ability.

As a processing technology of data and information, building information modeling (BIM) is often used for producing digital engineering model and promoting interoperability among participants involved in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. The real values of BIM largely depend on effective information integrating and sharing among different stages or disciplines through the whole building lifecycle. To this day, although BIM has made a substantial contribution to the Chinese AEC industry, there are still some debates on its roles. Moreover, due to the complexity of structural design process, the weak link between structural model and BIM model makes its deep application even harder. To address these issues, this paper discusses the roles of BIM from the perspective of structural engineers through comparing with the traditional CAD. Then, the BIM structural model is studied by analyzing the model conformation, design mode, and Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)-format structural model. By comparing the differences between BIM physical model and structural mechanical model, an indirect method for the data transformation from BIM model to structural analysis model isproposed. An interface is developed based on the analysis of data formats and mapping rules. Three typical cases are adopted to demonstrate the data transfer efficiency by using the interface. The case study shows that the proposed method achieves higher efficiency for the data transformation from BIM model to structural analysis model.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the evolving role of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in managing multidimensional risks associated with sustainable bridge infrastructure projects. Drawing upon the PRISMA methodology, the study rigorously screened and analyzed a total of 87 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers published between 2010 and 2024. The selected literature was sourced from five leading academic databases—Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and the ASCE Library—ensuring comprehensive coverage of global research on BIM-based risk management practices. The review focuses on how BIM contributes to the identification, analysis, mitigation, and continuous monitoring of technical, financial, environmental, and operational risks throughout the lifecycle of bridge projects. Findings reveal that BIM’s capabilities extend well beyond 3D visualization, offering robust tools for 4D scheduling, 5D cost estimation, and real-time data integration that collectively enhance proactive decision-making. BIM facilitates early risk detection through clash detection, geospatial analysis, and scenario simulations during the planning and design stages, reducing design inconsistencies and constructability issues. Moreover, the study synthesizes evidence demonstrating how BIM supports cost and schedule risk control by enabling dynamic simulation of construction sequences and integration with live pricing data, resulting in reduced cost overruns and schedule delays. The review also highlights the increasing convergence of BIM with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, digital twins, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), enabling real-time monitoring of structural health, predictive maintenance, and environmental risk modeling in operational phases. Lifecycle-oriented risk governance through BIM emerged as a key theme, particularly in studies focused on sustainability assessments, material optimization, and long-term asset performance. Institutional adoption patterns, regulatory influences, and policy frameworks were also examined, revealing that countries with mandated BIM protocols exhibit more advanced integration of BIM into public infrastructure risk management. Despite persistent challenges such as fragmented data standards, skill gaps, and limited interoperability, the majority of the reviewed literature—accumulating over 3,400 citations—converges on the conclusion that BIM is an essential enabler of risk-informed, sustainable bridge engineering.

Malaysia is progressing into Industry Revolution (IR) 4.0 which emphasizes more onto digital, data and artificial intelligence where everything is expected to be automated. However, cost tends to be a major issue at the pioneer stage of embracing technology where Building Information Modelling (BIM) for example tends to be a cost tussle for the current construction industry. Yet, research has shown that BIM is arguably one of the technology platforms in combating the costing issue considering that BIM enables 3D model elements to link to cost and auto-generate quantities which potentially achieve cost-effective project. Due to the conflicting perspectives of how BIM affects project cost issues, it is imperative to investigate the cost-related issues in implementing BIM in the project and to determine how BIM in general positively influences the overall project cost. Qualitative research is adopted in this study. A semi-structured interview was conducted among four professionals who employs BIM in their project. They consist of the assistant manager, senior manager and chief executive officer. The data collected is analysed by utilising Matrix Table for better organisation. The scope of the study is in the Selangor state in which the local construction industry had applied BIM in their construction industry up to the 3D stage. The results showed that the BIM implementation cost is not too burdensome as it is only a one-time cost and does not vary throughout the project period. In addition, the BIM influence on the overall cost of the project is beneficial to the industry. It improves workflow and cost management. In conclusion, BIM is beneficial to the construction industry in the long term. It is important to resolve the cost-related issues for implement BIM and hence, encourage the usage of BIM, especially in the IR 4.0 ecosystem.

[ID] Perkembangan dunia konstruksi yang semakin maju menuntut semua pihak yang terlibat dalam proyek konstruksi untuk mencari solusi yang tepat dalam menyelesaikan proyek konstruksi secara efektif dan efisien. Salah satu aspek penting dalam sebuah proyek konstruksi adalah perhitungan volume, karena kesalahan dalam perhitungan ini dapat menyebabkan kerugian yang besar. Sebelum adanya metode building information modeling (BIM), metode konvensional yang umum digunakan adalah dengan menggunakan gambar CAD dan perangkat lunak Microsoft Excel untuk melakukan perhitungan volume. Namun, metode konvensional ini memakan waktu yang cukup lama karena dilakukan secara manual. Metode BIM memiliki kelebihan dalam menghemat biaya, waktu, dan tenaga karena memungkinkan perencana untuk mengelola data secara presisi dan detail dalam permodelan 3D bangunan serta menghitung quantity take off. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat model struktur 3D dan menghitung quantity take off pada volume pekerjaan dan material bangunan Gedung Poltekkes Kota Palangka Raya dengan menggunakan metode BIM. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada gedung tersebut dengan menggunakan data sekunder yang didapat dari konsultan perencana. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perancangan dan pemodelan bangunan menggunakan BIM dengan menggunakan perangkat lunak Autodesk Revit dapat mempermudah perancangan karena model tersebut memuat informasi dan detail tentang bangunan tersebut. Metode BIM juga mampu menghitung quantity take off hingga detail volume material. Perhitungan quantity take off dengan menggunakan metode BIM menunjukkan selisih rata-rata sebesar 11,38% dibandingkan dengan metode konvensional, membuktikan bahwa perhitungan dengan metode BIM mampu meminimalisir kesalahan perhitungan. [EN] The advancing world of construction demands all parties involved in construction projects to seek effective and efficient solutions. Volume calculation is crucial in construction projects, as errors in volume calculation can lead to significant losses. Before the advent of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the conventional method used CAD drawings and Microsoft Excel software for volume calculations, which were time-consuming due to manual processes. BIM offers advantages in cost, time, and labor savings by enabling precise data management and detailed 3D building modeling, including quantity take-off. This research aims to create a 3D structural model and calculate quantity take-off for the work volume and building materials of the Poltekkes Kota Palangka Raya Building using the BIM method. The study was conducted at the Poltekkes Kota Palangka Raya building using secondary data obtained from planning consultants. The findings indicate that designing and modeling buildings using BIM with Autodesk Revit software facilitates design processes due to the detailed information included in the model. BIM methods can accurately calculate quantity take-off, including detailed volume material calculations. Quantity take-off calculations using the BIM method showed an average difference of 11.38% compared to conventional methods, demonstrating that BIM can minimize calculation errors.

The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies has become increasingly central in the design, construction and maintenance of both civil structures and infrastructures. As more and more software houses develop new BIM software solutions and a wide range of private and public stakeholders employ them, several educational institutes across the globe strive to expand their teaching portfolio to encompass learning and teaching of BIM. This dataset deals with the perceptions expressed by all the civil engineering undergraduate students who attended an academic course specifically about BIM at University of Stavanger (UiS), Norway, during the second semester 2022. The survey was divided into five parts and collected information regarding as many overarching aspects: socio-demographic data, perceptions about BIM before and after course attendance, satisfaction about the academic course and the way it was conducted. Considering the very moderate sample size (28 students) and potential biases due to the specific context of the University of Stavanger, the dataset can provide a useful insight into teaching approaches and future curriculum development, rather than indicating major and generalized trends in BIM education. As the questionnaire responses shed light on the feedbacks and perceptions expressed by university students dealing with BIM for their first time, the formed dataset can offer a straightforward appreciation of students’ cognitive behaviour in BIM education.

Cen, F.; Yang, D.F., and Li, M., 2019. Application of the building information model in the design of marine architectural structures. In: Li, L.; Wan, X., and Huang, X. (eds.), Recent Developments in Practices and Research on Coastal Regions: Transportation, Environment and Economy. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 98, pp. 255–258. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Aiming at the problem of low visual accuracy in the design of offshore building structures, this paper puts forward the application of the building information model (BIM) in the design of offshore building structures. In the process of using BIM technology, the design of unmarked marine building structures can be effectively marked by BIM technology. To evaluate the effectiveness of the algorithm, a hybrid feature is used to represent the structural design of offshore buildings so that the stereo disparity generation process can be completed quickly. The experimental results show that the proposed BIM can effectively generate stereo parallax in virtual scenes.

The purpose of Graphic Design is to transfer information about design into reality and concerns the analysis, design and representation of mechanical components and assemblies. For the correct rendering of mechanical components, this discipline requires a command of, and the ability to, manage techniques and systems for graphical representation and standardisation; 3D models in a virtual environment enable engineering students to develop graphical skills and spatial awareness. The objective of the present study is the development of an application for smart devices (mobile phones and tablets), based on the constructionist theory of learning, which will enable first year engineering degree students to acquire the technical drawing knowledge and skills necessary to render mechanical assemblies. The mobile application tested and designed in this work is called ARPAID. It is a learning tool aimed at teaching students about the representation of mechanical assemblies as part of an engineering Graphic Design course. Teaching material and a process for evaluation have been designed. A detailed description is given of a classroom activity accompanied by a tabulation and analysis of the results obtained. This mobile application, when used in a Graphic Design course, promotes a more rapid understanding of spatial relationships and problems, fosters students’ learning and motivation, and develops higher order skills. Results from before and after the use of the application will be presented and do indeed show significant improvements in student performance.

Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) for design, detailing, fabrication and erection of concrete reinforcement and automating information exchange throughout AEC projects potentially improves productivity of the reinforcement supply chain. This study first develops an information flow process map documenting the reinforcement supply chain activities, and identifying the contents of the reinforcement models, created and exchanged by different disciplines during various phases of a concrete project. Then the identified information items are used as a basis to assess the functionality of BIM tools for reinforcement. BIM tools are evaluated in four areas: design and modeling, editing, project and construction management, and interoperability. The IFC schema is chosen as the preferred medium to examine the interoperability capabilities of the evaluated BIM tools. Our study identified significant enhancements in 3D parametric modeling and information interoperability of concrete reinforcement. Despite these improvements, notable modeling and interoperability deficiencies in the reviewed BIM tools remain unsolved. These shortcomings impact the modeling outcome and hinder effective use of BIM reinforcing models generated in design during fabrication and construction management. Recommendations to improve the identified shortcomings in all the four reviewed areas are provided.

In recent years, the demand for Building Information Modeling (BIM) has increased in the construction industry. BIM is becoming a vital tool for streamlining processes throughout a building's life cycle. While implementing BIM into the design process may present several challenges, it can be highly beneficial to the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry when effectively adopted. Additionally, BIM is a process that involves designing, constructing, and operating a building or infrastructure asset using an electronic, object-oriented information model [1]. One of BIM's main roles is to introduce new dimensions, enabling integration between the 3D model and the necessary data. Moreover, this study aims to explore the definitions, benefits, implementations, and ways BIM is transforming project construction. Additionally, the paper presents the results of BIM adoption across various case domains. The findings highlight the use of BIM in architectural and structural applications, 3D model design, and architectural visualization to improve work and project life cycles.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a very useful tool that facilitates architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals and stakeholders in planning, designing and constructing the buildings through 3D models. BIM can be widened to building operations and data storage which can be accessible by owners and others. Such data help owners and stakeholders to generate results according to the information gained through BIM models. The objectives of this study were to identify the perspective of students on drivers of BIM incorporation into the quantity surveying profession and to identify the perspective of students on benefits of BIM incorporation into the quantity surveying profession. A questionnaire survey was carried out to gain the students’ perspective on drivers and benefits of BIM incorporation into the quantity surveying profession in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Specifically, this study investigated twelve drivers and fourteen benefits of BIM incorporation into the quantity surveying profession. The top three drivers were improving the capacity to provide whole-life value to the client, desire for innovation to remain competitive and strong support from university management and industry. The top three benefits were BIM provides fast, effective and efficient quantity take-off and cost estimation, time savings in the preparation of estimating cost and improved visualization for better understanding of designs for measurement and minimise omissions. For future research, it is recommended that the study be replicated at other regions so that a clearer view of this topic can be obtained. Besides, qualitative research methods could be used in identifying other drivers and benefits not covered in this study. By answering the questions in the survey form, the students were able to gain some knowledge on BIM and its importance to the quantity surveying profession. Also, it would be interesting to include industrial practitioners in this kind of study, allowing comparisons of the results between academia and industry at a later stage. Nonetheless, this study benefited the undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of Science (Hons) Quantity Surveying programme, universities, colleges and other institutions that offered the quantity surveying programmes at various levels and quantity surveyors working in the construction industry by exposing them to a comprehensive list of drivers and benefits of BIM incorporation into quantity surveying profession. In a way, this study helped promoted BIM and its implementation in the field of quantity surveying in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Building Information Modeling: Framework for Structural Design introduces a structure and architecture synergy (SAS) framework that helps develop and enhance the understanding of the fundamental principles of architectural analysis using building information modeling (BIM) tools. Based upon three main components: namely, the structural melody, structural poetry, and structural analysis, along with the BIM tools as the frame enabler, this new framework allows users to explore structural design as an art while also factoring in the principles of engineering. The framework stresses the influence structure can play in form generation and in defining spatial order and composition. By highlighting the interplay between architecture and structure, the book emphasizes the conceptual behaviors of structural systems and their aesthetic implications and enables readers to thoroughly understand the art and science of whole structural system concepts. Key Features: Is updated throughout Adds new exercises; cutting‑edge information on the use of AI, Machine Learning (ML), and modelling; and issues of sustainability. Presents the use of BIM technology as part of a design process or framework that can lead to a more comprehensive, intelligent, and integrated building design. Places special emphasis on the application of BIM technology for exploring the intimate relationship between structural engineering and architectural design. Includes a discussion of current and emerging trends in structural engineering practice and the role of the structural engineer in building design using new BIM technologies.

The process design confronts chemical engineers with many challenges. These days they are predominantly related to customer requirements regarding project delivery time and cost. It forces us to apply the appropriate design philosophy. Currently, many countries are implementing a design process system called Building Information Modeling (BIM). According to the BIM methodology, object design should take into account 2D documentation, 3D models and the appropriate way to manage and share the design data. The BIM methodology also constitutes a challenge for high education universities that educate process and chemical engineers, since equipment or process design has so far been limited to creating 2D documentation without being able to manage and share it with other branches. Taking BIM into account, it is therefore advisable to introduce the ability to create 3D models for the equipment and the entire installations as well as to emphasize the management of design data. The chapter presents the management of design data introduced at the Faculty of Chemical Technology of the Poznan University of Technology as part of the student design classes in chemical and process engineering. Within this framework, the current design method was complemented by the creation of intelligent P&ID (2D) schematics, 3D models and process data management (1D). Data management is connected with the proper configuration of process data, the introduction of design progress control (statuses), and the creation of data sheets for each designed equipment. The chapter also presents the basis for the design as well as information about BIM and its current implementation in Poland.