The Role of Engineers in BIM

[GalileoG]

I am an engineer that has recently begun working for a company that utilizes BIM (Tekla Structures.) A few of the engineers and myself in this office are responsible for creating 3D models and producing erection and shop drawings from this model. I was always under the impression that this is a detailer's job because it does not involve any design whatsoever. The higher ups insist that the new generation of engineers are using 3D modeling softwares such as Revit and Tekla, and that what I am doing is normal. I'm curious as to what everyone in this forum thinks of this. Thanks.

 

[msquared48]

I do not care for it, but I am running into it with a large client who wants the engineer to perform the services for rebar detailing for the foundation and PT slabs, glulams, and steel. I think this is a coming thing.

The bottom line is when the project goes out the door with the shop drawings, more of the bugs will have been worked out because we, as engineers, willknow the building better than previously. There will still be problems, but just fewer of them.

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

 

[shin25]

I can only imagine the amount of numbers as coordinates of the nodes that one has to input to create a 3-d drawing for a complex structure.

Since, this involves the understanding and feel for the numbers so, can be well done by an engineer only. Because it will be done by an engineer and not by a draftsman the end result will be more effective.

But, one has to be very careful that the computer output is as good as the input.

 

[twinnell]

It is my understanding that Revit and Tekla Structures are two different animals. Revit is a true BIM software and does not produce fabrication drawings. But Tekla Structures is a 3D detailing software that is being utilized as BIM to do structural design. I don't see an architect or a contractor paying $20k to purchase Tekla Structures.

Does Tekla Structures design connections? Actually do the calculations. I know you have to assign connection parameters, but will it do the checks and let you know what fails?

 

[archeng59]

As long as I get paid for the additional services of providing shop fabrication drawings, that's fine.

 

[GalileoG]

"Does Tekla Structures design connections? Actually do the calculations. I know you have to assign connection parameters, but will it do the checks and let you know what fails?"

I do not think so. Tekla can do finite element analysis but not structural verification checks. I could be wrong.

From my understanding, you would have to export your model from Tekla to an analysis and design software such as Staad to do your checks. Tekla is compatible with Staad, Sap, and S-Frame.

We spent 30K for each license. Geesh.