BIM is dramatically changing how the A/E/C community designs, delivers and maintains buildings, and as an early adopter, Sykes has deep expertise using BIM technology. Since 2007, we’ve produced hundreds of projects in Revit Structure alone, creating intelligent 3D models that help us illustrate, analyze and confirm every aspect of building structure with our clients and creative partners.

Our use of BIM informs and streamlines nearly everything we do, allowing us to generate and track design and detailing iterations, material specs, quantities, costs, and even schedules – from schematic design through installation – with greater accuracy and efficiency.

Our structural engineers are highly skilled in using BIM tools to – 

Visualize design possibilities faster

We produce detailed prototypes and analysis models very early in design. With our 3D parametric models, it’s easy to see building structure and volume from every angle, and we can quickly change and test details, right down to the individual connections. With BIM, even intricate structures can be put together rather simply, with the flexibility to work in future additions or changes as the design progresses.

Collaborate more easily

Coordinating design with architects and other team members is much easier with BIM. If we change one section detail in our structural model, it’s reflected universally in the design. And with cloud-based collaboration, we can upload individual changes or integrate our entire model with the architect’s. Our super-fast modelers can turn design back to the architect – even for the most advanced geometries – very quickly.

Estimate costs quickly and accurately

Using Revit Structure we can calculate steel weights, concrete volumes or other material quantities and costs in minutes. We can test design feasibility and rapidly change course as needed, either altering or returning certain features to the architect or owner as the budget allows.

Avoid conflicts and change orders

With integrated modeling, we can detect conflicts between structural, architectural and M/E/P components early on and avoid change orders or extensive RFIs in the field. Detailed coordination helps prevent costly delays.

Ensure quality and streamline schedule

Our fluency with standard and proprietary BIM tools enables us to deliver quality structures and well-coordinated construction documents even under highly compressed timeframes. Our structural model serves as the legend for fabrication and installation, and can become part of the owner’s final model, imparting extractable intelligence about structural design and connections that can help guide future building performance and maintenance schedules. 

 

caption: Our 3D models allow owners to see exactly what their building will look like from every angle. This virtual walk-through and sign-off is especially important when building structure is intentionally exposed as part of the design aesthetic.

 

 

image: real photo and/or Revit model

credit: Revit Structure

Sykes Consulting, Inc.