One of the promises of Interoperability and Building Information Modeling (BIM) is that
information about a building should reside in a central model, and that this model should be
used by all members of a design team without duplication of information. While such models
have been used for generating 3D models for coordinated designs, the additional use of such
models for analysis has been more limited.
Recently software has become available that allows 3D intelligent building models to be
used for structural analysis. This paper presents a case study – a reinforced concrete
laboratory in California – from a structural engineering viewpoint where Autodesk Revit
Structure is used to create both a building model for documentation and a building model for
export to analysis software. In addition, the structural model was exported in 3D .dwg format
for integration with a 3D model of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services.
Advantages and disadvantages are discussed with a focus on practical issues of
interoperability and implications for the construction industry.