Abstract:
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative technology in structural engineering, promising improved efficiency and collaboration across design disciplines. This thesis investigates the applicability of BIM within a public consulting office in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, focusing on its integration into the structural design process and comparing its outcomes with conventional methods.
The study addresses key research questions regarding the challenges of conventional design methods, the effectiveness of BIM technology in structural design offices, and the impact of BIM on project outcomes. Through a comparative analysis, it evaluates how BIM enhances process efficiency, collaboration, and error reduction, particularly in the context of a G+6 complex building project.
Findings indicate that while BIM facilitates streamlined workflow processes and improves collaboration between architects and structural engineers, the final design outputs using BIM were found to be comparable to those achieved through conventional methods. This suggests that while BIM offers significant advantages in project management and documentation, its influence on ultimate design outcomes may vary depending on specific project requirements and implementation strategies.
The thesis concludes with recommendations for optimizing BIM adoption in Ethiopian consulting offices, including enhanced training in BIM technologies, standardized protocols for BIM implementation, and advocacy for supportive governmental policies. Future research directions include refining BIM methodologies tailored to local contexts and expanding its integration across different phases of construction projects.
In summary, this research contributes to understanding the role of BIM in enhancing structural engineering practices in Bahir Dar, emphasizing its potential benefits in improving workflow efficiency and collaboration while acknowledging the nuanced impact on final design outputs compared to conventional methods.
Keywords: BIM; Integration; Revit; Robot; ETABS, Structural Analysis & Design