Structural 3D modeling helps BIM and engineering consultants improve coordination, enhance visualization, reduce errors, and streamline workflows. It facilitates the creation of precise and information-rich 3D models to achieve cost control and expedite project handovers at every stage of the project.
Introduction
Revit structural modeling makes it possible to create smart and data-rich digital representations of structural members, including columns, beams, connections, and slabs. These 3D models help with accurate load calculations, material takeoffs, and precise detailing, while improving collaboration between architects, engineering consultants, contractors, and other BIM/CAD professionals. A 3D model of building structures and elements makes planning seamless, reduces manual drafting requirements and enables expedited manufacturing and assembly.
Structural design done using old methods leads to inaccurate geometries, inconsistent integration with architectural layouts, and complexities within load paths. The use of legacy tools also causes detailing issues, inaccurate material takeoffs, and unconventional structural member shapes. Other hurdles with obsolete structural design include site deviations, spatial limitations, and absence of coordination, leading to rework and stretched timelines.
In the following article, we discuss the significance of structural 3D modeling in present-day construction. We will also focus on the benefits of structural 3D modeling, successful projects, and provide a proven checklist to work with a structural BIM services partner.
Comprehending Structural 3D Modeling for Modern Construction
Concrete structure modeling for existing construction provides a 3D digital representation of load-bearing members, including data on geometry, analysis, and materials. Structural modeling using Revit improves precision, constructability, and collaboration across complex projects. Simulating structural behavior in real time leads to faster and more efficient design workflows.
Define and Explain Structural 3D Modeling Services
Structural 3D modeling services help BIM professionals and engineering consultants by helping to create information-rich 3D models. These enable them in accurate coordination, analysis, and fabrication. Partnering with the right structural 3D modeling services improves design precision, reduces clashes, and ensures workflows are seamless for effective installation.
Technologies and Tools Within Concrete Structure Modeling – Revit, Navisworks, BIM360, etc.
Tools like Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, and BIM360 play an important role in structural 3D modeling. Revit helps teams create a model with 3D structural visualization for specific LODs, geometry, material specifications, schedules, and other capabilities. Navisworks combines separate models from every trade, identifies clashes and resolves them with comprehensive clash reports.
Collaboration is a central advantage offered by BIM, and project teams use BIM 360 to store, access and share files with various stakeholders. Utilizing the most updated files leads to faster problem resolution, approvals and handovers.
Understanding the Importance of Shifting from 2D Drafting to Structural Modeling using Revit
Switching from manual 2D drafting to 3D structural modeling using Revit provides a series of advantages for BIM/CAD professionals. Revit helps with parametric modeling, document automation, and real-time collaboration to mitigate design errors and rework. In-built features help structural engineers with load simulation, interference detection, and fabrication-ready models, which enhance constructability and efficiency.
Overview of Advantages of Revit structural Modeling
3D structural visualization provides transparency and realism in representing building elements, which makes it simpler to comprehend structural design. However, it also improves communication and collaboration between architects, engineers, and other stakeholders, as it provides a visual blueprint for accelerated decision-making.
Structural BIM Coordination Leads to Higher Precision and Minimizes Errors.
Coordinated structural 3D BIM models line up various disciplines, including architecture, structure and MEP, in a centralized framework. This improves geometry accuracy, lowers design ambiguities, reduces the need for higher RFIs, and eliminates costly rework.
Facilitate Team Collaboration Between Architects, Contractors and Engineers.
The use of BIM enables project-wide collaboration between architects, contractors, and engineers through federated models stored, accessed, and modified on a Common Data Environment (CDE). This facilitates real-time collaboration across multiple trades and ensures orientation with the project scope and schedules.
Leverage Real-time Data Updates and Eliminate Clashes to Prevent Mistakes.
Using dynamic data sync, BIM software can support engineering consultants with real-time updates and in-depth clash detection. This reduces coordination problems and mitigates constructability interferences before they manifest on the site.
Structural Modeling Workflow Can be Made Seamless Through the Integration of 3D Models.
Employing structural modeling workflows using 3D models makes the design-to-documentation channel seamless, enables parametric detailing and streamlines platform interoperability with the integration of analysis capabilities for effective data validation and structural enhancement.
Extraction of BOQs and BOMs from the 3D model ensures accurate material estimates.
Structural 3D models coordinated with architectural and MEP models that have been made interference-free help BIM professionals extract precise BOQs and BOMs. Models built on BIM LOD 400 can provide accurate QTOs and forecast materials that can be aligned with precise phasing and procurement.
Improvements in Planning and Execution Lead to Faster Project Handovers and Schedules.
Structural modeling workflows in BIM combined with 4D scheduling in Navisworks ensure lean project planning, improves execution processes, and expedites handover schedules by integrating logical understanding with the 3D model environment. It also reduces risks for personnel working on-site.
Increase Construction Build Quality Through Compliance with Global Standards.
BIM-driven validation for structural models complies with international codes like ACI, AS, etc. It facilitates high-performance detailing and documentation, while meeting global compliance and quality assurance.
Structural Analysis with 3D Models Identifies Potential Risks and Hazards.
Connecting 3D BIM models to tools like FEA leads to quick structural simulations, load testing, identifying deformation risks, flagging connection issues and highlighting material stress before actual construction starts.
A Proven Checklist to Select a Partner for Structural BIM Services
Utilizing structural BIM services for construction can create outstanding outcomes for engineering consultants. However, before partnering with a solution provider, one needs to evaluate these points:
Scrutinize Their Expertise in Processes and Tools
Evaluate their proficiency over standards and tools like Revit, Navisworks, Dynamo, etc. Check for capabilities that include workflow automation and the use of CDEs in the project.
Assess Past Project Portfolio
Analyze their history for various project types, complexities, and LOD. Base your analysis on accuracy and coordination. Moreover, check for case studies or assess their IFC files to validate their expertise and scalability.
Ensure the Existence of Thorough Collaboration Processes
Verify if the structural BIM services provider has a structured collaborative system in place that includes the use of tools like BIM360. Also check their work or services for model reviews, clash detection, and other solutions provided.
Confirm Their Adherence to International BIM Standards
Make sure they comply with international BIM regulations like ISO 19650, BS 1192, etc. Furthermore, it is crucial to review the BEPs and QA/QC policies in place for alignment with global standards.
Review the Proficiency to Scale Their Projects
Modern-day construction is complex, yet it requires scalability for ramp-up or ramp-down resources when needed. Project readiness through expertise, experience and infrastructure is crucial at enterprise-grade project levels.
Conclusion
Structural 3D modeling will continue to be in the primary arsenal for BIM professionals and engineering consultants. As construction in the future grows more reliant on digital tools, the need for higher accuracy and constructability would become crucial. The use of structural BIM services will not only lead to greater compliance, but also foster workflows for autonomous construction and adaptive project management. As the construction sector adopts Industry 4.0 wholeheartedly, concrete structure modeling in 3D space would lead to higher sustainability and adaptability.