Nowadays Structural Engineering with the Use of BIM Technology—From 3D Modeling, Structural Analysis, and Design to Structural System Evolution: Practitioner Report

Since the beginning of this century is a tendency in building and construction industry to perform structural engineering with computer programs based on 3D models with graphical, digital and supplementary data of the structure. This kind of structural engineering covers 3D modeling of physical construction and structural system evaluation, code-based loading assignments, numerical structural analysis, and design after specific codes of various materials with required drawing production and final detailing. With “Open BIM” (building information modeling) technology follows nowadays the integration of the architectural and structural engineering workflow by neutral file standard “IFC2x3”. After file loading are architectural model verification, the “BIM-tools” aligning and creation structural elements of beams, columns and slabs with connection. After the above described structural analysis with code-design follows often a model change for cost effective construction. After structural engineering solution comes the evaluation of results and following the model export to architect or other planner as revised neutral file update.