'...Structural engineers interface with a BIM in three primary ways. First, the structural engineer must coordinate his work with the other disciplines. Coordination in traditionally-delivered projects is currently a time consuming and less than perfect process involving review of 2D plans, sections, and elevations of a structure. While this process may work fairly well for simple structures, the increasing complexity and shorter schedules of today’s projects lead to numerous coordination errors. Developing a single 3D model of a structure that includes all discipline components allows for easy visualization and identification of coordination issues.

Second, for the vast majority of building structures, the CADD model and documentation is not linked in any way to the structural analytical model. Transfer of information from the analytical model to the CADD documentation introduces the potential for errors. With a BIM the CADD model and the structural analysis model would be one and the same, reducing the potential for errors.

Lastly, the structural model is normally not linked to the detailing model developed by the contractor. Errors in transmission of information, as well as savings to the project schedule, could be realized with a linkage of these models...'