BIM for Structural Engineers: Top Benefits, Significance, and Work Opportunities | 2024 (Updated)

With the advancements in technology, the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is going through a transformational phase. The processes of design and execution are getting an upgrade with more effective ways of visualisation and management. An important contributor to this change is Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology.

BIM for civil and structural engineers has been gaining more popularity because it provides a more efficient and collaborative approach to construction projects. Throughout the construction industry, there’s an increasing demand for automated models for building systems, the need for energy-efficient and eco-friendly buildings, and the rising adoption of BIM software for civil engineers in developing countries.

What is BIM?

BIM is a process of creating and managing digital models of buildings, which can be used to design, construct, and maintain buildings throughout their lifecycle. BIM software creates a digital representation of a building or structure that includes its physical and functional characteristics such as building geometry, spatial relationships, quantities, and properties of building components, materials, and equipment.

In BIM, various disciplines involved in a building project, such as architecture, engineering, and construction, collaborate and share data in a common digital environment. This helps structural engineers to have more efficient communication and coordination and helps to identify potential issues and conflicts before construction begins. 

Benefits of BIM for Structural Engineers

BIM is a powerful tool for improving the design, construction, and management of buildings, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.

1. Improved Collaboration and Coordination

One of the most significant benefits of BIM for structural engineers is improved collaboration and coordination. It enables all project stakeholders to work in the same digital environment, sharing data in real time. This helps to identify potential issues and conflicts early in the design phase, reducing the likelihood of expensive and time-consuming rework later in the project.

2. Better Visualisation

BIM allows structural engineers to visualise the building or structure in 3D. This provides a more comprehensive understanding of the design and enables engineers to see the structure from various angles. With BIM, engineers can easily make changes to the design and see how those changes impact the overall structure in real time.

3. More Accurate Quantity Takeoffs

BIM software can generate accurate quantity takeoffs for structural components. This allows engineers to estimate the cost of materials accurately, reducing the likelihood of cost overruns during construction.

4. Map Structural Issues

BIM software can do structural analysis and detect potential clashes between structural elements and other building systems, such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. BIM for structural engineers allows them to adjust the design before construction, avoiding costly delays and rework.

5. Sustainability

BIM can be used to analyse the environmental impact of the building or structure. BIM engineers can use BIM to analyse the energy efficiency of the structure and identify ways to reduce energy consumption.

6. Maintenance Planning 

BIM can be used to plan maintenance for the building or structure. BIM engineers can use the data stored in the BIM model to determine when maintenance is needed for various components, reducing the likelihood of unexpected maintenance issues.

7. Increased Productivity and Efficiency

BIM software can increase the productivity and efficiency of structural engineers by automating many tasks that were previously done manually. BIM also enables engineers to reuse design components and data from previous projects, reducing the amount of repetitive work required. 

BIM is also extremely useful in the civil engineering field. Find out how civil engineers are using BIM!

Popular BIM Civil Engineering Software for Structural Engineers 

There are several BIM software packages available in the market and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Mentioned below are the most widely used BIM software for structural engineers around the world. 

1. Autodesk Revit

Autodesk Revit is one of the most widely used BIM software in the industry. It is a powerful tool for creating and managing 3D models of buildings and structures. Revit allows engineers to design, analyse, and document structural components, such as beams, columns, and slabs. It also has advanced features for analysing and optimising the design for structural performance and sustainability. 

2. ETABS

ETABS is used for the analysis, design, and modelling of building structures. It can analyse the behaviour of structures under various load conditions, such as seismic, wind, and gravity loads. The software offers a range of tools for designing various building systems, including concrete, steel, and composite structures. Engineers can also use ETABS to model complex geometries and perform detailed design checks on structural elements. ETABS supports various building codes and standards, making it suitable for designing buildings in different regions of the world.

3. Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures is another popular BIM software package used by BIM engineers. It is a powerful tool for modelling, detailing, and fabricating steel and concrete structures. Tekla Structures allows engineers to create detailed 3D models of structures, generate accurate quantity takeoffs, and create fabrication and erection drawings. It also has advanced features for analysing and optimising the design for structural performance and sustainability. 

4. AutoCAD Civil 3D

AutoCAD Civil 3D is a popular BIM for structural engineers' software to design and analyse infrastructure projects. It has advanced features for creating 3D models of roads, highways, and other transportation infrastructure. AutoCAD Civil 3D allows engineers to design and analyze the behaviour of structural components, such as bridges and retaining walls. It also has advanced capabilities for analysing and optimising the design for sustainability and constructability. AutoCAD Civil 3D is known for its ease of use and interoperability with other software packages.

5. Navisworks

Structural engineers use Navisworks software to coordinate and detect clashes in 3D models during the design and construction phases. Navisworks integrates different design models from various disciplines, enabling engineers to identify interferences and ensure that building systems are integrated correctly. It also provides tools for visualisation, simulation, and analysis, allowing engineers to evaluate construction schedules and site logistics, improving coordination and communication among stakeholders and enhancing project efficiency and quality.

6. InfraWorks

InfraWorks software is used for preliminary design and planning of infrastructure projects such as roads, highways, bridges, and airports. The software offers a range of tools to create 3D models of existing and proposed infrastructure, evaluate the impact of design changes on the surrounding environment, and analyse various design options. Structural engineers can use InfraWorks to visualise different scenarios, run simulations, and analyse data to make informed decisions about the design and construction of infrastructure projects, helping to reduce costs, improve safety, and optimise project outcomes.

Career Opportunities for BIM-skilled Structural Engineers 

The use of BIM for structural engineers is rapidly increasing. BIM-skilled engineers bring a unique set of skills that enable them to design, analyse, and manage a project with greater efficiency and accuracy. Due to the specialised knowledge and skills required, BIM professionals can command higher salaries because they possess a unique set of skills that are highly valued in the industry. In fact, BIM-skilled professionals today earn 40% higher than regular engineers in the industry. 

1. Structural BIM Modeler

Avg Salary Range: USD 47K–70K

Structural BIM modellers are responsible for creating detailed 3D models of structural components, such as beams, columns, and slabs, using BIM software. They need to have a strong understanding of structural engineering principles and BIM software, as well as experience in creating accurate and detailed models.

2. BIM Coordinator 

Avg Salary: USD 80K–100K

BIM coordinators are responsible for managing the BIM process for a project. They ensure that the project team is following BIM standards and procedures, and they coordinate the exchange of BIM data between team members. BIM coordinators need to have a strong understanding of BIM software, project management, and communication skills.

3. BIM Manager

Avg Salary: USD 90K–130K

BIM managers are responsible for overseeing the BIM process for a company or organisation. They develop BIM standards and procedures, train staff on BIM software, and manage the exchange of BIM data between team members. BIM managers need to have a strong understanding of BIM software, project management, and communication skills.

4. Sustainability Engineer

Avg Salary: USD 110K–150K

Sustainability engineers use BIM software to analyse and optimise the design of a building or structure for energy efficiency and sustainability. They need to have a strong understanding of energy modelling, sustainable design principles, and BIM software.

5. Project Manager 

Avg Salary: USD 90K–170K 

Project managers oversee the planning, design, and construction of a building or structure. BIM-skilled project managers can use BIM software to manage the project more efficiently and accurately. They need to have a strong understanding of project management principles, communication skills, and BIM software.

6. Computational BIM Specialist

Avg Salary: USD 100K–250K 

A Computational BIM Specialist is responsible for using computational tools and techniques to support BIM workflows. They develop and implement custom scripts, programs, and workflows to automate BIM processes, improve data management, and facilitate collaboration between project stakeholders. These professionals also often develop custom tools and plugins to support BIM processes.

In Conclusion

BIM for structural engineers is a valuable tool that offers a range of benefits and career opportunities. The increasing adoption of BIM is helping to drive innovation, efficiency, and collaboration in the AEC industry. As such, structural engineers must stay up-to-date with BIM technology and continue to develop their skills in this area.

To help you achieve that, Novatr brings you an industry-relevant BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers. By enrolling for the course, you can master 10+ BIM software and industry workflows, learn from industry stalwarts, and work on a capstone project to hone your skills. If you want to learn more about the various functionalities of BIM and how it is helping civil engineers with their projects, check out our Resources page for more updates.

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