BIM Structural Services

01 — The Challenge

Structural projects often involve complex geometry, multiple disciplines, frequent design changes, and demanding documentation requirements. 

Common challenges include:

• Coordination gaps between Structural, Architectural, and MEPF disciplines

• Design changes creating model and documentation inconsistencies

• Structural elements conflicting with building services

• Time-consuming production of detailed construction documentation

• Inaccurate or incomplete structural models

• Site rework caused by unresolved coordination issues

• Difficulty maintaining model accuracy through project revisions

VDEC helps address these challenges by combining structural engineering understanding with disciplined BIM workflows.

02 — VDEC Solution

We develop intelligent and information-rich Structural BIM models that accurately represent the structural system and support coordination, documentation, fabrication, and construction.

Our Structural BIM solutions include:

• Structural BIM Modeling

• 2D CAD to BIM Conversion

• Structural Design Development Modeling

• Reinforced Concrete BIM Modeling

• Steel Structure BIM Modeling

• Structural Detailing

• BIM Coordination & Clash Detection

• Constructability Reviews

• Shop Drawing Support

• As-Built Structural BIM Modeling

• Model Updating & Revision Management

• LOD-Based Structural Modeling

Our models are developed in accordance with project requirements, BIM standards, LOD specifications, structural drawings, and client workflows.

03 — Deliverables

Structural BIM Models

• Concrete Structural BIM Models

• Steel Structural BIM Models

• Foundation & Substructure Models

• Columns, Beams & Slabs

• Walls, Cores & Structural Elements

• Stairs & Structural Components

• LOD 200 / 300 / 350 / 400 / 500 Models

• As-Built Structural Models

Construction Documentation

• Structural Plans

• Sections & Elevations

• Structural Details

• Foundation Drawings

• Framing Plans

• Steel & Connection Details

• Reinforcement Documentation

• Schedules & Quantities

• Construction / Shop Drawing Support

Coordination Deliverables

• Federated BIM Models

• Clash Detection Reports

• Coordination Views

• Design Review Models

• Model-Based Coordination Support

04 — Our Process

01. Project Understanding

We review structural drawings, specifications, BIM Execution Plan, LOD requirements, project standards, coordinates, and available reference information.

02. Model Setup

We establish project templates, levels, grids, coordinates, naming conventions, families, worksets, and modeling standards.

03. Structural BIM Modeling

Our BIM engineers develop the structural model based on approved design information and project requirements.

04. Model Quality Control

Our structured QC process checks model accuracy, geometry, element classification, parameters, naming conventions, and compliance with project standards.

05. Multidisciplinary Coordination

The structural model is coordinated with Architectural and MEPF models to identify potential clashes and constructability issues.

06. Documentation

Required plans, sections, details, schedules, and construction documentation are developed from the coordinated model.

07. Final Delivery

The completed BIM model and documentation are reviewed, updated, and delivered in the required format and project environment.

05 — Software & Technology

Our Structural BIM teams use industry-standard AEC and BIM technologies, including:

Autodesk Revit | AutoCAD | Navisworks | Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) | BIM 360

We can also work within client-specific BIM standards, templates, Common Data Environments, and project workflows.

06 — Benefits

Improved Structural Coordination

Coordinate structural systems with Architecture and MEPF before construction.

Reduced Clashes & Rework

Identify potential conflicts early and reduce costly site modifications.

Higher Model Accuracy

Create structured, consistent, and information-rich structural models.

Faster Documentation

Generate coordinated drawings, schedules, and details from the BIM model.

Better Constructability

Visualize structural systems and identify practical construction challenges earlier.

Efficient Design Changes

Update coordinated model information and associated documentation more efficiently.

Better Quantity & Information Management

Use structured BIM data to support quantities, planning, coordination, and project decision-making.

Construction-Ready Deliverables

Provide reliable BIM models and documentation aligned with project requirements.

07 — Example Project

Structural BIM & Coordination for a Large-Scale Commercial Development

Project Type: Commercial / Mixed-Use Development
Scope: Structural BIM Modeling + Multidisciplinary Coordination + Construction Documentation
Disciplines: Structural + Architectural + MEPF
LOD: 350

VDEC Approach

VDEC developed the structural BIM model from approved engineering information and coordinated the structure with architectural and MEPF systems. The team focused on identifying structural-service conflicts, maintaining model accuracy through design revisions, and producing coordinated construction documentation.

Outcome

A coordinated structural BIM environment that supported design review, multidisciplinary coordination, constructability, and efficient construction documentation.

08 — Build a Better-Connected Structure

From structural BIM modeling and coordination to construction documentation and as-built BIM, VDEC provides scalable structural BIM solutions that help project teams reduce coordination risks and improve construction outcomes.