BIM – Synching the Promise with Reality

tlm_developer • September 22, 2015

Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology offers the promise of faster, easier and more accurate coordination between all of the stakeholders involved in the design and build process.  Is the reality living up to the hype?

Key to the growing popularity of BIM is its ability to retain embedded information within the digital design and allowing that information to be shared and updated by each of the stakeholders as the structure evolves.  This embedded information can include everything from the nailing pattern of the drywall to the stress analysis for the roof load.  It is also the reason why so many architects have begun to replace their CAD CAM software with BIM.

So, where is the disconnect between promise and reality? 

While BIM promises the automated coordination of structural and architectural designs, the reality is that the Architect and Engineer still need to coordinate “the old fashioned way”.   Some processes cannot be fully automated.  The reason for this is that different models are used, with the Architect and Structural Engineer each creating their own versions.   This raises a number of questions, including – Who models what?  And, how do we organize models between disciplines?

Four Keys to Staying in Synch with BIM

  1. Because the Architect and Structural Engineer utilize separate models, it is important to determine right from the start which elements will be modeled by whom. Set up in-person meetings early on to discuss the architectural and mechanical elements and determine how they can be simultaneously integrated within the building’s design.
  2. You’ll want the Structural Engineer to provide all the structural elements. By moving the structural design into the Architect’s model, you make it easier to coordinate. (Conversely, the Architect’s model would also be moved into that of the Structural Engineer.)
  3. While BIM has tools to flag changes, it is still best to communicate those changes verbally with all parties to ensure they are acknowledged and not overlooked. This is because each stakeholder is working on their own model and, while changes may be noted, some modifications are difficult to identify and understand without discussion.  (A change in wall depth, for example, will have a major impact on ALL areas of the design, but may not be easily noticed when reviewing the BIM model.)
  4. Communication remains the key to success. Initial and continued coordination between Architect and Engineer is essential in creating an accurate model.  Linking models weekly will help you avoid costly errors down the road.

With the right check-ins and processes in place, BIM can live up to its promise.  However, many Structural Engineers have yet to adopt this new technology.  Look to a Structural Engineering firm such as K2N Crest.

K2N Crest has kept pace with industry trends and can collaborate effectively with architects using BIM. The architects, engineers and roof consultants at K2N Crest  offer professional architectural and structural design and evaluation services to building owners and managers throughout Illinois and Hawaii. www.k2n.com

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Fall Safety: Ensuring Compliance with Updated OSHA Rules

By tlm_developer • July 16, 2018
Falls from heights and on a working surface are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. In recent years, OSHA has updated its rule on Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (OSHA 1910.27(b)(1)(i) to better protect workers from these hazards—clarifying standards and adding training and inspection requirements. This rule is closely tied to another OSHA regulation requiring that a leading edge 6 feet or more above a lower level be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems. To ensure worker safety and protect people and objects attached to the building from […]

Working in Maui’s Historic ‘Iao Valley

By tlm_developer • June 26, 2018
Some structural engineering projects are just a little more interesting to work on than others. This was the case when K2N Crest was called in to evaluate flood damage impacting the foundational supports for a large water pipe crossing the ‘Iao River in Maui, Hawaii. The ‘Iao River flows through one of the state’s most beautiful parks. It is also the site where one of Hawaii’s bloodiest battles took place when Kamehameha I from the island of Hawai’i fought to unite the islands under his rule in 1790. There were so many slain from both armies during the battle at […]

New Resources Provide New Expertise

By tlm_developer • May 24, 2017
“As our business continues to grow, we’ve increased staff to provide additional expertise in structural engineering and architectural design,” said Don Kimball, co-founder and President of K2N Crest. “Our most recent new hires allow K2N to continue to maintain high levels of service as we engage with a growing client base and participate in more expansive projects.” Kyle A. Cunningham attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned his Master of Architecture-Structures Option. He is an experienced project manager who previously provided asset and construction management support to a large, regional real estate development company. An engineer-in-training at K2N […]