Enhancing sustainability through BIM-FEM integration in structural optimization

Abstract

The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Finite Element Method (FEM) has emerged as a promising approach to streamline structural design workflows, yet practical implementation remains constrained by persistent technical challenges. This study aims to enhance sustainability in structural optimization through the integration of BIM and FEM, with a focus on identifying and addressing the critical barriers that undermine the efficiency of current integrated models. The analysis is based on a series of structural design case studies conducted using interoperable BIM-FEM workflows from 2010. The type of file tested was IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) exported from ArchiCAD 29 to FEM-Design 25. The integrated workflow was tested using a multistory hotel building model comprising of only beams, columns, and slab elements to isolate and evaluate the core structural interoperability challenges and outcomes According to this study, three principal failure points were identified that render the integrated model impractical for shortening design time which include geometrical and eccentricity errors particularly in connections between beams and columns, unexpected local refinement and very small angle errors and meshing failure were observed to occur inconsistently through the integrated model, compromising the accuracy of structural analysis and necessitating repeated corrections. The study concludes that current BIM-FEM integration, while technically feasible, remains impractical for reducing design time due to unresolved interoperability failures in meshing, geometry translation, and eccentricity handling. The study recommends the development of standardized data exchange protocols, enhanced geometric tolerance handling in FEM solvers, and automated detection of eccentricity mismatches to realize the sustainability and efficiency gains that integrated structural optimization promise