The Importance of Structural Modelling Services in Developing Reliable Building Structures

21 February 2020

A building’s structure is just as important to its integrity as a skeletal system is to your body. It is the framework by which the rest of the building is constructed around, and when it is inadequately designed, the building will not be as sturdy and durable as it should be day after day. In recent years, technologies have advanced for the structural and civil engineering industries to help with the construction of today’s popular building styles. A prime example of these technologies is the one that involves structural modelling. This has changed the way these industries plan their projects.

What is Structural Modelling?

Structural modelling is part of the structural services that civil and structural engineers offer their clients currently. It is a wireframe or mathematically configured representation of a 3D model for the purpose of assisting clients and engineers to fully visualise every corner of a building virtually during the planning stage. In building information modelling or BIM, the buildings are represented with a 3D model. The following, though, are additional service options:

• 4D includes a 3D model and time scheduling information
• 5D combines 3D and 4D with cost estimation facts
• 6D combines the above five versions and adds sustainability details
• 7D includes everything listed here along with the addition of facility and asset management information

Any of these multi-dimensional versions are for the sole purpose of creating the strongest building structure possible in the most economical and profitable way. Structural modelling is effective for a wide assortment of building projects, such as residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational and other ones.

How Engineers Benefit from BIM Services

Services for BIM utilise specialised software to create precision 3D models. Prior to the digital age, engineers had to use just paper for designing and drafting their building plans, which was quite challenging since they could not fully envision the projects the way modellers can, thanks to innovative 3D modelling abilities provided by the latest software.

Engineers must plan for every detail of the framework, including things like thermal effect, stress and load to create a sturdy, durable framework. Along with this framework, the software helps create structural 3D models of other sections of the buildings. On top of all this, engineers can turn to the software to come up with an accurate estimation about the components and materials needed for the actual construction process. The result of this benefit is that is saves money. Engineers also benefit by being able to clearly see exterior and interior 3D structural views.

Since structural modelling services help lower the risk of making errors, helps increase profit because of being cost-effective, aids in obtaining ideal results, provides different perspectives of the project and helps to apply state-of-the-art ideas, any engineer planning a building project should turn to them for assistance. The reward will be a higher quality project each and every time.