Defining the data of structures with BIM (Building Information Modeling) represents an innovative approach to the planning, construction and management of buildings. It is characterized by the direct and continuous availability of high quality, consistent and reliable information on the scope of design, timing and cost development of a project.
The term describes a concept of digital planning in which all processes related to the life cycle of a building are connected with each other. This integrating overall process is used to control the planning, construction, and management of buildings and structural works.
Building Information Modeling is not a standalone technology, but a method that requires the use of appropriate basic technologies. Examples for this include (in ascending order of effectiveness):
- CAD
- Object-oriented CAD
- Parametric building modeling
Since RFEM and RSTAB are generally based on an object-oriented data model and CAD programs on a parametric building model, the “Intelligence” of the objects is not lost during the data exchange. This means that a column, wall, or beam becomes an equivalent object in the CAD program, not just a collection of lines or surfaces.
When exchanging data between RFEM/RSTAB and the CAD programs, specific structure and load objects are covered. They are described in the following chapters.
The interfaces with Autodesk Revit and Tekla Structures are automatically integrated in RFEM/RSTAB.
There is an Article in the Knowledge Base section on our website describing the planning process and the possibilities that BIM has in structural engineering.