Introduction

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, moving beyond traditional 2D drafting to create intelligent 3D models that facilitate collaborative design, enhance project coordination, and improve construction efficiency. For structural engineers, mastering BIM software is no longer an option but a necessity for optimizing structural analysis, detailing, fabrication, and clash detection, ultimately leading to safer, more economical, and sustainable structures. This training course is meticulously designed to equip civil and structural engineers, detailers, fabricators, construction managers, and project coordinators with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in understanding BIM principles and workflows, mastering the functionalities of industry-leading software like Autodesk Revit, Trimble Tekla Structures, and Autodesk Navisworks, developing intelligent structural models, performing clash detection and coordination, generating accurate documentation, and leveraging BIM for advanced analysis and fabrication. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively utilize BIM tools to streamline structural design processes, enhance collaboration across project teams, and drive greater efficiency and accuracy throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Target Audience

• Civil Engineers (Structural Design Focus)
• Structural Engineers
• Structural Detailers & Fabricators
• Construction Managers
• Project Coordinators
• BIM Managers & Coordinators
• Architectural Technologists (Structural Interest)
• Advanced Engineering Students

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles and benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in structural engineering.
• Master the core functionalities of Autodesk Revit for structural modeling and documentation.
• Develop proficiency in Trimble Tekla Structures for advanced steel and concrete detailing and fabrication.
• Learn to use Autodesk Navisworks for clash detection, coordination, and project review.
• Understand collaborative BIM workflows and data exchange formats (e.g., IFC).
• Develop skills in creating intelligent structural models with accurate information.
• Learn about generating structural drawings, schedules, and reports directly from BIM models.
• Explore the integration of BIM models with structural analysis software.
• Understand the role of BIM in construction sequencing, logistics, and quantity take-off.
• Develop strategies for implementing BIM in structural engineering projects.
• Formulate solutions for common BIM challenges in a structural context.

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to BIM for Structural Engineering

• What is BIM?: Concepts, dimensions (3D, 4D, 5D, etc.), and benefits
• BIM in the AEC industry: Evolution and impact
• BIM for Structural Engineers: Advantages for analysis, detailing, fabrication, and coordination
• Common BIM software in structural engineering
• BIM standards and protocols (e.g., ISO 19650)

Module 2. Revit Structure Fundamentals: Modeling Basics

• Revit Interface: User interface, project browser, properties palette
• Setting up a Structural Project: Templates, levels, grids
• Modeling Structural Elements: Columns, beams, walls, floors, foundations
• Creating and modifying structural families
• Introduction to analytical model generation

Module 3. Revit Structure: Advanced Modeling and Documentation

• Reinforcement Modeling: Rebar, rebar sets, area reinforcement, fabric reinforcement
• Creating structural connections (steel and concrete)
• Structural Framing Systems: Trusses, bracing
• Creating structural drawings: Plans, sections, elevations, details
• Annotations, dimensions, and tags for structural documentation

Module 4. Revit Structure: Schedules, Quantities, and Collaboration

• Creating Schedules: Bill of quantities for structural elements (e.g., concrete volume, rebar weight)
• Sheet Creation and Management: Plotting and publishing drawings
• Worksharing: Collaborative workflows in Revit
• Linking and importing CAD files and other models
• Exporting to various formats (e.g., IFC, DWG)

Module 5. Tekla Structures Fundamentals: Interface and Basic Modeling

• Tekla Interface: Work areas, views, properties, components
• Setting up a Model: Grids, phases, reference models
• Modeling Steel Structures: Columns, beams, bracing, plates, bolts, welds
• Modeling Concrete Structures: Columns, beams, slabs, walls, foundations
• Introduction to intelligent components

Module 6. Tekla Structures: Advanced Steel Detailing and Fabrication

• Custom Components: Creating and modifying custom connections and details
• Automated Connections: Using standard and custom components for efficient detailing
• Numbering and Assembly Management: For fabrication and erection
• Generating Fabrication Drawings: Single part, assembly, multi-drawings
• NC (Numerical Control) files and other fabrication data export

Module 7. Tekla Structures: Concrete Detailing and Reinforcement

• Reinforcement Modeling: Rebar groups, meshes, stirrups, cages
• Automated Reinforcement: Using tools for efficient rebar detailing
• Generating Rebar Drawings: Rebar lists, bending schedules
• Concrete Pour Management and pour breaks
• Exporting reinforcement data for fabrication

Module 8. Navisworks for Structural Coordination and Clash Detection

• Navisworks Interface: Model navigation, selection tree, properties
• Aggregating Models: Combining models from different software (Revit, Tekla, AutoCAD, etc.)
• Clash Detection: Setting up clash tests, running tests, interpreting results
• Clash reports and issue management
• Coordination Meetings: Facilitating discussions and resolving clashes

Module 9. BIM for Construction Sequencing (4D BIM)

• TimeLiner Tool in Navisworks: Linking model elements to project schedules
• Construction Simulation: Visualizing the construction sequence
• Identifying potential schedule conflicts and optimizing logistics
• Creating animation and walkthroughs for project visualization
• Communicating construction plans to stakeholders

Module 10. BIM for Quantity Take-off and Cost Estimation (5D BIM)

• Automated Quantity Take-off: Extracting quantities directly from BIM models
• Cost Estimation: Linking quantities to cost databases
• Value Engineering: Using BIM for cost optimization
• Generating accurate Bills of Quantities (BoQ)
• Benefits of 5D BIM for project budgeting and control

Module 11. Interoperability and Data Exchange

• IFC (Industry Foundation Classes): Understanding the open BIM standard
• Data Exchange Workflows: Importing and exporting IFC models
• Common Data Environment (CDE): Collaborative platforms for BIM projects
• Managing data integrity and consistency across software
• Best practices for seamless data exchange

Module 12. Integration with Structural Analysis Software

• Analytical Model Generation: From Revit to analysis software (e.g., ETABS, SAP2000, Robot Structural Analysis)
• Round-tripping: Importing analysis results back into BIM models
• Data Mapping: Ensuring accurate transfer of structural properties
• Benefits of integrated workflows for design optimization
• Challenges and solutions in BIM-analysis integration

Module 13. BIM for Fabrication and Construction Logistics

• Digital Fabrication: Direct link from BIM model to CNC machines
• Prefabrication and Modular Construction: Leveraging BIM for off-site manufacturing
• Logistics Planning: Site layout, material delivery, crane placement
• Safety planning using BIM
• BIM for field verification and quality control

Module 14. BIM Implementation and Management

• BIM Execution Plan (BEP): Developing a project-specific BIM strategy
• BIM Roles and Responsibilities: BIM manager, coordinator, modeler
• Return on Investment (ROI) of BIM: Quantifying benefits
• Training and upskilling teams for BIM adoption
• Overcoming organizational and cultural barriers to BIM

Module 15. Future Trends and Advanced BIM Applications

• Computational Design and Generative Design: Scripting and algorithms for structural optimization
• AI and Machine Learning: For automated structural design and clash detection
• Digital Twins: Real-time monitoring and management of built assets
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) for immersive project review
• Blockchain for secure data exchange and smart contracts in BIM.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.