**3.3 BIM in structural design**

Along the development of a project and later construction and use, several processes demanding the transfer of data between software are normally performed, and for that, a high level of interoperability is required. In a structural design, the transposition of models between BIM modeling and structural analysis tools is essential. Concerning the structural design, the interoperability capacity, the transfer and verification of consistencies and the centralization of information and graphic documentation were presented in the training [22].

The process of transposition of structural models between modeling and calculation systems (two-way flow) was analyzed in several situations involving ArchiCAD, Revit and AECOsim modeling tools and SAP [18, 23], Robot [24] and ETABS [25] structural dimensioning tools. The transposition of models between systems is supported in native format of data, when the software belong to the same manufacturer or by the recourse to the universal data transfer standard, the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format.

The interoperability capability analysis, verified in each model transposition process, is evaluated over several case studies of distinct volume and use. The architectural component was also modeled in order to illustrate the vantages of engineers and architects collaborate over a single and centralized model (**Figure 13**).

First, the BIM models were transferred from the modeler system to the analyses software and the geometric consistency was evaluated. Several inconsistencies were detected (**Figure 14**).

• The *stair* elements were not recognized (remodeled as sloped slabs in the analyses system);

*BIM Academic Training Course to Enhance Construction Professional's Skills DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105221*

**Figure 13.**

*Architectural and structural BIM models of distinct buildings (a) [23], (b) [18], (c) [24], (d) [18], and (e) [25].*

**Figure 14.** *Structural BIM models transferred to the analyses software (a) [25], and (b) [24].*


However, the structural elements (columns, beams and slabs), grids and material, concrete C30/37 and A500 NR SD steel were correctly transposed (**Figure 15**).

After the structural analysis was performed for each case:

**Figure 15.**

*Structural elements transferred with accuracy (a) [18], and (b) [25].*


Next, as required by the BIM centralization concept, the calculation result should be transferred to the initial BIM model. Also, the reinforcements were defined in the dimensioning software and after transferred to the initial structural model (**Figure 16**) [24]:


The limitation detected in the interoperability performance of the software is frequently the main reason to justify the resistance of the implementation of BIM in the design of structures. The main remarks concerning the level of interoperability between BIM-based modeling and calculation systems were assessed and transmitted to the assistance of the course:

• There are advantages of using *Revit/Robot* integrated platforms.

**Figure 16.** *Inaccuracies detect with the reinforcements elements after transposition of models [24].*

*BIM Academic Training Course to Enhance Construction Professional's Skills DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105221*


#### **3.4 HBIM concept**

A recent implementation perspective, the Historic or Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) is directed towards properties of historical value or heritage relevance. Recent research related to HBIM addresses [26]:


It is required to understand geometric rules, in parametric terms, from the books of architectural patterns to the HBIM modeling process. Sets of specific parametric objects must be generated to allow the generation of old buildings with accuracy (**Figure 17**).

The registered documentary information provides data concerning the characterization of the construction (historical epoch and traditional construction systems), the registration of refurbishing interventions and local inspection reports. In addition, the documentary collection, along with municipal archives, composed of drawings of plants, elevations and cut, referring to different dates and with yellows and reds, brings a complete description of the old building.

The stratigraphic analysis covers the study of the constructive steps, which are represented through different colors, leading to a clear visual perception. In an HBIM process, it is also frequently necessary to establish a station of laser devices, properly positioned, so that, later, the points obtained can be unified, in a single cloud of space points (**Figure 18**).

A practical case of reconversion of a building of heritage value was presented [32, 33]. A proposal for the adaptation of an old building, located in Lisbon, requiring the reorganization of internal compartmentalization, but preserving their architectural characteristics, illustrated an application of HBIM (**Figure 19**).

Although the BIM base tools, of current use, are more dedicated to the new construction, adapted to the geometry of the current architecture, the growing interest in the rehabilitation sector has led to the incursion of the application of BIM in the support of the conservation of historic buildings. Old constructive solutions require adequacy libraries of parametric object, to enable the implementation of BIM, also in the recovery of heritage-value buildings.

#### **Figure 17.**

*Architectural configurations (a) [27], (b) [28] and creation of parametric objects (c) [29], and (d) [27].*

#### **Figure 18.**

*Antique drawings of building (a) [30], stratigraphic representation (b) [31], and a drone (c) [author].*

Within HBIM, the creation of families of specific parametric objects is normally required for the rigorous representation of buildings of patrimonial value. In the context of study case, as a basis for modeling, it was required to collect the existing documentation in the Municipal Archive of Lisbon, to obtain photographs from outside and inside of the building and the registration of detailed sketches. In addition,

*BIM Academic Training Course to Enhance Construction Professional's Skills DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105221*

#### **Figure 19.**

*Building of heritage value, old drawing and BIM model of the proposal [32].*

#### **Figure 20.** *New parametric objects representing doors [32].*

**Figure 21.** *Image, sketch and sequence of the modeling process of a window [32].*

to allow a correct geometry represented in the form of parametric objects, it was necessary to add the material type and adjust the physical and mechanical properties, in order to respect the ancestral techniques of construction. The work contributes to empower the HBIM library of parametric objects of old building components. Namely, concerning a new library of doors (**Figure 20**) and windows (**Figure 21**).

## **3.5 Evaluation**

The demonstration of the benefits inherent in the use of methodology for BIM in the construction industry, in the development of various activities based on the

#### **Table 2.**

*Professional course BIM methodology: construction, structures and HBIM.*

project, at a global level, motivates the great interest, which has recently verified by designers and managers to meet the BIM concept and the scope of its application. The course aims to contribute to the dissemination of the potential implementation of BIM methodology in sectors such as infrastructure, construction planning, conflict analysis, structural dimensioning or HBIM.

The course was oriented to various levels and sectors of the construction industry. The degree of satisfaction of the attendees is evaluated in **Table 2**. Some comments and recommendation were also expressed. The comments of the participants to the course were oriented to a general and specific appreciation:


*BIM Academic Training Course to Enhance Construction Professional's Skills DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105221*


Other topics were suggested that could be included in future BIM short courses:


Currently, there is an immediate market need for professional to be more up to speed with BIM and universities are developing BIM guidance, training and BIM certification schemes, and so collaboration in learning and even support between individuals are needed to achieve a common goal. To enhance better and fruitful contributions to the construction industry, a collaborative approach between industry and academia should be instigated. It was found that in order to fulfil the industry requirements, the academia capacities should be oriented in that perspective, contributing to the society, as it is the most important role of a University. Schools should become leaders of the necessary partnerships with industry.

### **4. Conclusions**

A 1-day course, *BIM methodology: construction, structures and HBIM*, was offered, at the University of Lisbon, to professionals of the construction industry. The contents of the training action were established in order to cover a wide range of the applicability of BIM in the sector and with the most recent achievements. The participants demonstrated a global interest in all topics presented. The programmatic content of the BIM professional course was organized in order to attend the requests and interest of the construction industry.

The course was presented in a 1-day session. A practical component was included supporting an adequate base of understanding of the BIM multi-application, in order to meet the various interests of the participants. The participants were composed of professionals of different engineering sectors: civil, mechanical, electrical and informatics, as well as designers, architects and managers. The course initialized with an introduction to the innovative topic and covered a wide range of the applicability of BIM in the sector. Participants showed great interest in all the topics presented, often questioning the trainers, with a perspective of clarifying some doubts of their particular activity, depending on if the background is construction, structures or heritage.

The main purpose of the course was to transmit the main concepts, the strategies of working in each type of BIM application and the reference to the main benefits and limitations. All parts of the course, including practice, construction, structures and HBIM, were essentially illustrated with study cases selected in accordance with the audience. As so, the proposed programme covers diverse sectors of the construction industry, namely, conflict analysis in projects, construction planning, materials take-off, project of structures with the focus on the interoperability capacity of the available software and the activity related with HBIM domain.

The course main goal is to contribute to the dissemination of the potential of BIM in the areas of designing, construction and preservation or renovating of historical buildings. By analyzing the surveys collected, the course was recognized with a good overall classification, and all topics were well classified. Industry professionals feel the need to update themselves in the BIM context, and the course contributes in a positive way to this learning. The school and the industry collaborated in order to establish an interesting and useful programme.
