BIM Structural Analysis: The Potential of BIM Applied to Structural Engineering

Very often we tend to associate the BIM methodology with the simple architectural design processes of buildings. In reality, BIM is based on a collaborative approach that involves different disciplines and inevitably influences structural engineering as well.

In this article, I want to focus on BIM structural analysis, to show you how Building Information Modeling supports industry professionals in formulating projects that are as coordinated and optimized as possible.

What is BIM structural analysis?

BIM structural analysis refers to a process aimed at defining the structural behavior of a building, through the implementation of the corresponding analytical model in a BIM environment.

Let’s consider the following two project models:

• the physical model that describes the geometric characteristics and properties of individual components (architectural and structural);
• the analytical model that provides a simplified representation of the structure, schematizing all components into a series of one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional elements, and defining the related load and constraint conditions.

The application of the BIM methodology to structural analysis ensures a bidirectional link between these two models, allowing the designer to evaluate different structural solutions starting from the preliminary phase of the project, making the entire process faster and more efficient.

BIM and structural analysis: interconnection physical model analytical model

The simulation of the analytical model within a BIM software for structural calculation allows for the analysis of the response of the entire system (or part of it) to the applied loads, in terms of distribution of internal forces, moments, stresses, deformations, and displacements.

How does BIM utilize structural analysis?

BIM structural analysis is aimed at designing a system that can withstand the applied forces throughout its useful life. This requires that structural components and materials used are defined to meet the required safety standards. The creation of BIM models, consisting of highly interconnected parametric objects, greatly simplifies the designer’s task, helping them to have a more comprehensive and informed view of the project.

The workflow typically adopted in BIM structural analysis includes:

• the generation of the architectural model within the BIM Authoring software, and its subsequent export in an interoperable format;
• the import of this model into the structural calculation software where, based on the architectural system, the corresponding structural part will be designed.

The information transfer is based on the use of standardized open formats, such as IFC (Industry Foundation Classes), which ensures the integrity of the transmitted data. Interoperability between different software also allows the structural engineer to report the results of the analysis performed in the federated model.

Thanks to the introduction of increasingly advanced and standardized tools such as IfcStructuralAnalysisDomain, interoperability among the various actors and software involved reaches even higher levels.

The 5 main advantages of BIM in structural analysis

By using the BIM methodology, structural designers are able to make more informed decisions and continuously modify the model without compromising its integrity. But BIM structural analysis also offers additional advantages:

1. Increased productivity: the creation of BIM informational models allows for the automation of the structural analysis process, resulting in significant savings in time and costs;
2. Better coordination and collaboration: the collaborative approach typical of the BIM methodology, based on the use of interoperable platforms, supports the designer responsible for structural analysis in constant comparison and sharing of results with other stakeholders (architects, engineers, technicians, etc.). Coordination among different disciplines also allows for the preliminary verification and resolution of any interferences, improving the overall quality of the project.
3. Greater efficiency: unlike traditional design methods (where information is scattered across a series of uncoordinated documents), BIM centralizes all information within a federated model. The structural engineer can therefore more easily retrieve the data of interest and, thanks to the use of BIM software dedicated to structural calculation, is able to generate and share documentation related to the results more efficiently.
4. Optimized visualization and representation: BIM modeling allows for the rapid generation of renderings and animations, which simplify the evaluation of complex scenarios and make communication more direct and effective. These simulations help the designer to anticipate the behavior and performance of a structure and to evaluate any alternative solutions.
5. Reduction of errors and better project quality: BIM offers designers the ability to constantly and automatically update the model, in a perspective of integrated design. The BIM model, therefore, ensures that all information is consistent and coordinated, and allows for the identification of errors and structural incompatibilities already in the design phase, before  actual construction.

BIM structural analysis: the advantages

IfcStructuralAnalysisDomain: the new frontier of structural analysis in BIM

In addition to the advantages listed, the IfcStructuralAnalysisDomain schema represents a further step forward in effectively integrating structural analysis into the BIM process.

The IfcStructuralAnalysisDomain schema brings significant innovation in the integration between BIM modeling and structural analysis. Designed to consolidate engineering information within the building context, it allows for a close connection between structural elements and their design assumptions. The main goal is to make structural information transparent and accessible to other related domains.

IfcStructuralAnalysisDomain focuses on:

• definition of structural analysis models: planarity and three-dimensionality can be represented to support structural analysis applications;
• complex structural elements: straight or curved structural curves, flat or curved structural surfaces, with connection points, supports, and joints;
• loads and combinations: management of point, linear, surface, and thermal loads, with assignments to groups, cases, and load combinations;
• multiple analytical models: the possibility to represent multiple analytical models to describe different parts or aspects of the structure, including dependency relationships between models;
• analysis results: representation of forces and displacements derived from the analysis.

The schema does not yet include support for:

• Dynamic analyses;
• Precompression loads;
• Finite element topologies;
• Details of meshes to finite elements or stress and deformations.

Thanks to the standardization offered by IFC, IfcStructuralAnalysisDomain facilitates the transfer of information between BIM Authoring software and structural calculation tools, improving interoperability and the overall quality of the project.

If you are a structural engineer, my advice is to rely on a BIM structural analysis software, which simplifies the modeling process and provides you with reliable and highly professional results. Don’t wait any longer; you can immediately download a free trial version for 30 days and experience all the benefits I mentioned.