What Are Structural BIM Services?

VDEC

Oct 14

4 min read

Structural BIM services help transform structural designs, engineering drawings and project information into accurate, coordinated 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) models. These models support structural engineers, architects, contractors and developers throughout design development, coordination and construction documentation.

By combining structural engineering information with digital modelling, Structural BIM helps project teams identify potential conflicts, manage design revisions and improve construction planning.

What Do Structural BIM Services Include?

Structural BIM services involve creating and managing digital models of a building's structural systems, including foundations, columns, beams, slabs, walls and steel structures.

These services may include:

Structural BIM Modelling: Developing detailed structural models from approved engineering drawings.
2D CAD to BIM Conversion: Converting structural CAD drawings into BIM models.
Reinforced Concrete BIM: Modelling concrete foundations, columns, beams, slabs and reinforcement where required.
Steel Structure BIM: Creating models of steel frames and structural components.
Structural Detailing: Developing structural details and supporting documentation.
BIM Coordination and Clash Detection: Identifying conflicts between structural, architectural and MEPF systems.
Shop Drawing Support: Preparing drawings to support construction and fabrication workflows.
As-Built Structural BIM: Developing models that represent the completed structure based on verified project information.

The exact scope depends on the project requirements, structural drawings, BIM standards and required Level of Development (LOD).

👉 Read What are the benefits of using BIM for construction projects?

Why Are Structural BIM Services Important?

Structural projects often involve complex geometry, frequent design changes and coordination between multiple disciplines. Without a structured modelling process, these challenges can lead to inconsistent drawings, unresolved clashes and construction delays.

Structural BIM helps address these challenges in several ways.

1. Improved Multidisciplinary Coordination

Structural elements must work alongside architectural layouts and mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection (MEPF) systems. BIM allows teams to review these disciplines together and identify potential conflicts before construction.

2. Reduced Clashes and Rework

For example, an MEP service route may conflict with a structural beam, or an opening may be required in a structural element. Identifying these issues during coordination can help teams resolve them before installation, reducing avoidable site modifications.

3. Higher Model Accuracy

Structured BIM workflows help maintain consistent geometry, element classification, parameters and naming conventions. Quality checks also help ensure the model aligns with approved design information and project standards.

4. Faster Construction Documentation

Structural BIM supports the production of plans, sections, elevations, foundation drawings, framing plans, structural details and schedules from the model. This can make documentation updates more manageable when design changes occur.

5. Better Constructability

A coordinated 3D model helps project teams visualise structural systems and understand how different components fit together. This supports design reviews and the early identification of potential construction challenges.

6. More Efficient Design Changes

When structural designs change, a structured BIM workflow helps teams update model information and associated documentation more systematically, reducing inconsistencies between revisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Structural BIM and structural CAD?

Structural CAD typically focuses on producing 2D drawings and detailing. Structural BIM combines 3D modelling with structured information about building components, supporting coordination, documentation and other project workflows.

2. Which software is used for Structural BIM?

Common tools include Autodesk Revit for structural modelling, AutoCAD for drafting and Navisworks for model coordination and clash detection. Project teams may also use Autodesk Construction Cloud or BIM 360 for collaboration and information management.

3. What are the deliverables of Structural BIM services?

Typical deliverables include structural BIM models, foundation and framing plans, sections, structural details, reinforcement documentation, steel and connection details, schedules, coordination reports and as-built models, depending on the agreed scope.

What Are the Main Structural BIM Deliverables?

Structural BIM deliverables vary according to the project's requirements and LOD specifications.

Structural BIM Models

Concrete and steel structural models
Foundation and substructure models
Columns, beams, slabs and structural walls
Stairs and other structural components
LOD 200, 300, 350, 400 or 500 models, as required
As-built structural models

Construction Documentation

Structural plans, sections and elevations
Foundation and framing drawings
Steel and connection details
Reinforcement documentation
Schedules and quantities
Construction and shop drawing support

Coordination Deliverables

Federated BIM models
Clash detection reports
Coordination views
Design review models
Model-based coordination support

How VDEC Provides Structural BIM Services

VDEC (Virtual Design Engineering Consultants) provides Structural BIM services that transform structural designs, engineering drawings and project data into accurate, coordinated and construction-ready BIM models.

VDEC supports structural engineers, contractors, developers and AEC teams through a structured delivery process.

VDEC's Structural BIM Workflow

01. Project Understanding: Review structural drawings, specifications, BIM Execution Plans (BEP), LOD requirements and project standards.

02. Model Setup: Establish project templates, levels, grids, coordinates, naming conventions and modelling standards.

03. Structural BIM Modelling: Develop the model using approved structural design information.

04. Quality Control: Check model accuracy, geometry, parameters, classification and compliance with project standards.

05. Multidisciplinary Coordination: Coordinate the structural model with architectural and MEPF models to identify potential clashes.

06. Documentation and Delivery: Prepare required drawings, schedules, details and final BIM deliverables in the agreed formats.

VDEC works with industry-standard technologies, including Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Autodesk Construction Cloud and BIM 360, and can align its workflows with client-specific standards and project environments.

👉 Read What is MEP design and why is it important in engineering?

Example Project: Structural BIM for a Commercial Development

For a large-scale commercial or mixed-use development, VDEC's scope may include structural BIM modelling, multidisciplinary coordination and construction documentation at LOD 350.

The workflow involves developing the structural model from approved engineering information, coordinating it with architectural and MEPF systems, managing design revisions and preparing coordinated documentation.

The intended outcome is a structured BIM environment that supports design review, constructability, coordination and construction documentation.

Conclusion

Structural BIM services help project teams manage structural information more effectively throughout design and construction. Through accurate modelling, multidisciplinary coordination, quality control and structured documentation, BIM can help reduce coordination risks and improve project delivery.

VDEC provides scalable Structural BIM solutions, from structural modelling and clash coordination to construction documentation and as-built BIM, aligned with project requirements and client workflows.

Explore our BIM Structural Services