Research Article

Methodology for Building Information Modeling (BIM) Implementation in Structural Engineering Companies (SECs)

Table 2

Typical problems in structural engineering companies (SEC) [2].

InteractionNo.Problems in SEC

I-E1Various returns of the projects to architecture
2Delay in return of plans from architecture, protested by the SEC
3No notification or specification of changes in plans from architecture
4Inefficient communication channels with architecture
5Few direct coordination meetings with architecture
6Lack of initial coordination (defining channels, means for working, and feedback) in early architecture-engineering interactions
7Differences in modeling criteria between architecture and SEC
8Delays in deliveries due to questioning of calculations based on differences in design criteria between project review offices
9Projects returned to the SEC due to doubts/errors identified during the construction phase
10Postdelivery changes to total costs of bulk work (reduced costs)

1-E/I-I11Loss of information from central source (architect, client) when passing across the desks of senior engineers, coordinators, up to the executing project engineer
12There is no logbook/record of project modifications
13Presence of downtime in projects

I-I14The exchange of information between the engineer-designing draftsman is “manual” (handwritten plans, verbal indications, etc.)
15Large number of reworks by the designing draftsman due to recurring changes
16Errors in final structural plans
17Excessive work for designing draftsmen because of large amount of detail in the projects
18Redrawing of architectural plans to structural plans
19Changes in analysis models (partial or global) due to project modifications
20Identification of errors and/or omissions in near-completed projects
21Low internal control of ongoing activities and projects
22Decreased efficiency due to multiple jobs performed in parallel by one professional
23Excessive rework by the project engineer
24Large number of spreadsheets (excel, etc.) that make the design process slow and cumbersome
25Many projects with similar deadlines as all clients want their projects to be completed quickly (everyone needs theirs “yesterday”)