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Year 2025, Volume: 38 Issue: 3, 1062 - 1078, 01.09.2025

Damlanur İlipınar , Bekir Özer Ay , Mehmet Koray Pekeriçli

https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1380649

Abstract

References

  • [1] Chen, P. H., Cui, L., Wan, C., Yang, Q., Ting, S. K., Tiong, R. L., “Implementation of IFC-based web server for collaborative building design between architects and structural engineers”, Automation in Construction, 14(1), 115-128, (2005).
  • [2] Aldegeily, M., “From Architectural Design to Structural Analysis: A Data-Driv al Analysis: A Data-Driven Approach to Study Building Information Modeling (BIM) Interoperability”, Michagen, USA, (2018).
  • [3] Sampaio A. Z., Gomes A. M. and Farinha T., “BIM methodology applied in structural design: Analysis of interoperability in ArchiCAD/ETABS process”, Journal of Software Engineering and Applications, 14(6): 189-206, (2021).
  • [4] Smith D. K. and Tardiff, M., “Building Information Modeling: A Strategic Implementation Guide for Architects, Engineers, Constructors, and Real Estate Asset Managers, Building Information Modeling: A Strategic Implementation Guide for Architects, Engineers, Constructors, and Real Estate Asset Managers”, John Wiley and Sons, 1–186, (2009). https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470432846
  • [5] NIBS., “United States National Building Information Modeling Standard―Final Report, December 2007”, National Institute of Building Sciences, Washington, DC, (2007).
  • [6] Campbell D. A., “Building Information Modeling: The Web 3D Application for AEC, In Proceedings of the twelfth international conference on 3D web technology“, ACM, Perguia, Italy: ACM, 173–176, (2007). https://doi.org/10.1145/1229390.1229422
  • [7] Wang Y., Gosling J., Kumar M. and Naim M., “Accelerating BIM Adoption in The Supply Chain”, Report for Highways England, UK, (2017).
  • [8] Yamazaki Y., Tabuchi T., Kataoka M. and Shimazaki D., “BIM Application to Large-scale Complex Building Projects in Japan, International Journal of High-Rise Buildings”, 3(4): 311-323, (2014). http://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/2263-bim-applications-tolarge-scale-complex-building-projects-in-japan.pd
  • [9] Zhang, C., Beetz, J. and Weise, M., “Interoperable validation for IFC building models using open standards”, Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 20(ECPPM-2014), 24-39, (2015).
  • [10] Rammant J.P. and Adriaenssens G., “Interoperability for BIM: a Structural Engineering Viewpoint”, Nemetschek Scia White Paper, Belgium, 1-12, (2008).
  • [11] Silva J. L. da, Mussi A. Q., Ribeiro L. A. and Silva T. L., “BIM Software Plug-ins: An Alternative to Optimize Design Processes from the Perspective of Performance and Sustainability”, Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 11(3), 249–264, (2017). https://doi.org/10.17265/1934- 7359/2017.03.005
  • [12] Ren, R., Zhang, J. and Nicholas, D., “BIM Interoperability for Structure Analysis”, Construction Research Congress, 470-479, (2018).
  • [13] Habte B. and Guyo E., “Application of BIM for structural engineering: a case study using Revit and customary structural analysis and design software”, J. Inf. Technol. Constr., 26, 1009-1022, (2021).
  • [14] Lai H. and Deng X., “Interoperability Analysis of Ifc-Based Data Exchange Between Heterogeneous BIM Software”, Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 24(7), 537–555, (2018). https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2018.6132
  • [15] Eastman C., Teicholz P., Sacks R. and Liston K., “BIM hand-book: A guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors”, 2nd ed. New York: Wiley, (2011).
  • [16] Santos E. T., “Building information modeling and interoperability”, XIII Congress of the Iberoamerican Society of Digital Graphics-From Modern to Digital: The Challenges of a Transition Sao Paulo, Brazil, (2009).
  • [17] Sacks R., Eastman C., Lee C. and Teicholz P., “BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modelling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, Contractors and Facility Managers, Building, Collaboration and Interoperability”, Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley Online Library, 3rd ed., Vol. 3, 85-129, (2018).
  • [18] Arayici Y., Fernando T., Munoz V. and Bassanino M., “Interoperability specification development for integrated BIM use in performance based design”, Automation in Construction, 85, 167–181 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.10.018
  • [19] Laakso M. and Kiviniemi A., “The IFC standard - A review of history, development, and standardization”, Electronic Journal of Information Technology in Construction, (2012). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.05.012
  • [20] Maia L., Mêda P. and & Freitas J. G., “BIM Methodology, a New Approach - Case Study of Structural Elements Creation”, Procedia Engineering, Vol. 114, 816–823, Elsevier Ltd, (2015). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.08.032
  • [21] https://technical.buildingsmart.org/standards/ifc/ifc-schema-specifications/. Access date: 23.10.2023.
  • [22] Khemlani L., “The IFC Building Model: A Look Under the Hood”, The IFC Building Model: ARCBytes Feature, 1–12, (2004).
  • [23] Fleming W. S., “BIM modelling for structural analysis”, Master Thesis, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Poznan University, (2016).
  • [24] Yousefzadeh S., Spillane J. P., Lamont L., McFadden J. and Lim, J., “Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software Interoperability: A Review of the Construction Sector”, A. B. Raiden, & E. Aboagye-Nimo (Eds.), Proceedings of the 31st Annual ARCOM Conference, 711-720, (2015).
  • [25] Ignatova E., Zotki, S. and Zotkina I., “The Extraction and Processing of BIM Data”, IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 365, (2018). doi:10.1088/1757-899X/365/6/062033.
  • [26] Hu, Z. Z., Zhang, X. Y., Wang, H. W., & Kassem, M., “Improving interoperability between architectural and structural design models: An industry foundation classes-based approach with web-based tool”, Automation in Construction, 66, 29-42, (2016).
  • [27] Jordani, D. A., "BIM: A Healthy Disruption to a Fragmented and Broken Process." Journal of Building Information Modeling, Fall 2010, 24-25, (2010).
  • [28] Zhang, J., Teizer, J., Lee, J. K., Eastman, C. M., & Venugopal, M., “Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Safety: Automatic Safety Checking of Construction Models and Schedules”, Automation in Construction, 29, pp. 183-195, (2015).
  • [29] Sacks, R., Eastman, C. M., Lee, G., & Teicholz, P., “BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Contractors”, John Wiley & Sons, (2010).
  • [30] Venugopal, M., Eastman, C. M., Sacks, R., & Teizer, J., “Semantics of Model Views for Information Exchanges Using the Industry Foundation Class Schema”, Advanced Engineering Informatics, 29(4), 940-957, (2015).
  • [31] Autodesk, Autodesk Revit Structure 2011 User’s Guide. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. (2010). Retrieved from http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=14997509
  • [32] https://www.autodesk.com/products/robot-structural-analysis/overview. Access date: 23.10.2023.
  • [33] Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), “CSiXRevit, SAP2000®, ETABS®, SAFE® and Revit® 2019 Data Exchange Documentation”, (2018). https://www.csiamerica.com/sites/default/files/CSiXRevit_2019_Manual.pdf. Access date: 23.10.2023.
  • [34] https://tsacademy.courses/tekla-structures/ Access date: 01.05.2025
  • [35] İlipınar, D., “Investigation of BIM Potentials on Seismic Resiliency of Drywall Systems During Earthquake”, Msc Thesis, Middle East Technical University Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, (2019).
  • [36] Johnson, B. and Fudala, T. , “Linking Autodesk® Revit® Structure and Autodesk® Robot™ Structural Analysis: Beyond the Basics”, Autodesk University, (2012).
  • [37] https://www.buildingsmart.org/about/openbim/. Access date: 12.06.2024.

Comparison of Data Integration Methods in BIM Tools for Structural Engineering: An Evaluation through Structural Analysis Tools

Year 2025, Volume: 38 Issue: 3, 1062 - 1078, 01.09.2025

Damlanur İlipınar , Bekir Özer Ay , Mehmet Koray Pekeriçli

https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1380649

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a technology that allows data generated by different disciplines using different software to be shared and used in a digital environment. By promising bi-directional data integration between all stakeholders, BIM encourages interoperability in the industry. This study aims to assess the operability and reliability of bidirectional data exchange methods within BIM technology, specifically Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and Application Programming Interface (API). The study tests these methods between the architecture and structural engineering disciplines using Autodesk Revit along with the structural software packages: ETABS, Robot Structural Analysis, SAP2000, and Tekla Structures. The results show that the IFC file extension causes data losses in information sharing between software, while the API method can provide reliable data integration between different tools. However, the API only works smoothly between the tools developed by the same company. Nevertheless, API may be a promising way to achieve the interoperability goal of BIM technology.

Keywords

Building Information Modelling (BIM) Interoperability Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) Application Programming Interface (API)

References

  • [1] Chen, P. H., Cui, L., Wan, C., Yang, Q., Ting, S. K., Tiong, R. L., “Implementation of IFC-based web server for collaborative building design between architects and structural engineers”, Automation in Construction, 14(1), 115-128, (2005).
  • [2] Aldegeily, M., “From Architectural Design to Structural Analysis: A Data-Driv al Analysis: A Data-Driven Approach to Study Building Information Modeling (BIM) Interoperability”, Michagen, USA, (2018).
  • [3] Sampaio A. Z., Gomes A. M. and Farinha T., “BIM methodology applied in structural design: Analysis of interoperability in ArchiCAD/ETABS process”, Journal of Software Engineering and Applications, 14(6): 189-206, (2021).
  • [4] Smith D. K. and Tardiff, M., “Building Information Modeling: A Strategic Implementation Guide for Architects, Engineers, Constructors, and Real Estate Asset Managers, Building Information Modeling: A Strategic Implementation Guide for Architects, Engineers, Constructors, and Real Estate Asset Managers”, John Wiley and Sons, 1–186, (2009). https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470432846
  • [5] NIBS., “United States National Building Information Modeling Standard―Final Report, December 2007”, National Institute of Building Sciences, Washington, DC, (2007).
  • [6] Campbell D. A., “Building Information Modeling: The Web 3D Application for AEC, In Proceedings of the twelfth international conference on 3D web technology“, ACM, Perguia, Italy: ACM, 173–176, (2007). https://doi.org/10.1145/1229390.1229422
  • [7] Wang Y., Gosling J., Kumar M. and Naim M., “Accelerating BIM Adoption in The Supply Chain”, Report for Highways England, UK, (2017).
  • [8] Yamazaki Y., Tabuchi T., Kataoka M. and Shimazaki D., “BIM Application to Large-scale Complex Building Projects in Japan, International Journal of High-Rise Buildings”, 3(4): 311-323, (2014). http://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/2263-bim-applications-tolarge-scale-complex-building-projects-in-japan.pd
  • [9] Zhang, C., Beetz, J. and Weise, M., “Interoperable validation for IFC building models using open standards”, Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 20(ECPPM-2014), 24-39, (2015).
  • [10] Rammant J.P. and Adriaenssens G., “Interoperability for BIM: a Structural Engineering Viewpoint”, Nemetschek Scia White Paper, Belgium, 1-12, (2008).
  • [11] Silva J. L. da, Mussi A. Q., Ribeiro L. A. and Silva T. L., “BIM Software Plug-ins: An Alternative to Optimize Design Processes from the Perspective of Performance and Sustainability”, Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 11(3), 249–264, (2017). https://doi.org/10.17265/1934- 7359/2017.03.005
  • [12] Ren, R., Zhang, J. and Nicholas, D., “BIM Interoperability for Structure Analysis”, Construction Research Congress, 470-479, (2018).
  • [13] Habte B. and Guyo E., “Application of BIM for structural engineering: a case study using Revit and customary structural analysis and design software”, J. Inf. Technol. Constr., 26, 1009-1022, (2021).
  • [14] Lai H. and Deng X., “Interoperability Analysis of Ifc-Based Data Exchange Between Heterogeneous BIM Software”, Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 24(7), 537–555, (2018). https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2018.6132
  • [15] Eastman C., Teicholz P., Sacks R. and Liston K., “BIM hand-book: A guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors”, 2nd ed. New York: Wiley, (2011).
  • [16] Santos E. T., “Building information modeling and interoperability”, XIII Congress of the Iberoamerican Society of Digital Graphics-From Modern to Digital: The Challenges of a Transition Sao Paulo, Brazil, (2009).
  • [17] Sacks R., Eastman C., Lee C. and Teicholz P., “BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modelling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, Contractors and Facility Managers, Building, Collaboration and Interoperability”, Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley Online Library, 3rd ed., Vol. 3, 85-129, (2018).
  • [18] Arayici Y., Fernando T., Munoz V. and Bassanino M., “Interoperability specification development for integrated BIM use in performance based design”, Automation in Construction, 85, 167–181 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.10.018
  • [19] Laakso M. and Kiviniemi A., “The IFC standard - A review of history, development, and standardization”, Electronic Journal of Information Technology in Construction, (2012). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.05.012
  • [20] Maia L., Mêda P. and & Freitas J. G., “BIM Methodology, a New Approach - Case Study of Structural Elements Creation”, Procedia Engineering, Vol. 114, 816–823, Elsevier Ltd, (2015). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.08.032
  • [21] https://technical.buildingsmart.org/standards/ifc/ifc-schema-specifications/. Access date: 23.10.2023.
  • [22] Khemlani L., “The IFC Building Model: A Look Under the Hood”, The IFC Building Model: ARCBytes Feature, 1–12, (2004).
  • [23] Fleming W. S., “BIM modelling for structural analysis”, Master Thesis, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Poznan University, (2016).
  • [24] Yousefzadeh S., Spillane J. P., Lamont L., McFadden J. and Lim, J., “Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software Interoperability: A Review of the Construction Sector”, A. B. Raiden, & E. Aboagye-Nimo (Eds.), Proceedings of the 31st Annual ARCOM Conference, 711-720, (2015).
  • [25] Ignatova E., Zotki, S. and Zotkina I., “The Extraction and Processing of BIM Data”, IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 365, (2018). doi:10.1088/1757-899X/365/6/062033.
  • [26] Hu, Z. Z., Zhang, X. Y., Wang, H. W., & Kassem, M., “Improving interoperability between architectural and structural design models: An industry foundation classes-based approach with web-based tool”, Automation in Construction, 66, 29-42, (2016).
  • [27] Jordani, D. A., "BIM: A Healthy Disruption to a Fragmented and Broken Process." Journal of Building Information Modeling, Fall 2010, 24-25, (2010).
  • [28] Zhang, J., Teizer, J., Lee, J. K., Eastman, C. M., & Venugopal, M., “Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Safety: Automatic Safety Checking of Construction Models and Schedules”, Automation in Construction, 29, pp. 183-195, (2015).
  • [29] Sacks, R., Eastman, C. M., Lee, G., & Teicholz, P., “BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Contractors”, John Wiley & Sons, (2010).
  • [30] Venugopal, M., Eastman, C. M., Sacks, R., & Teizer, J., “Semantics of Model Views for Information Exchanges Using the Industry Foundation Class Schema”, Advanced Engineering Informatics, 29(4), 940-957, (2015).
  • [31] Autodesk, Autodesk Revit Structure 2011 User’s Guide. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. (2010). Retrieved from http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=14997509
  • [32] https://www.autodesk.com/products/robot-structural-analysis/overview. Access date: 23.10.2023.
  • [33] Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), “CSiXRevit, SAP2000®, ETABS®, SAFE® and Revit® 2019 Data Exchange Documentation”, (2018). https://www.csiamerica.com/sites/default/files/CSiXRevit_2019_Manual.pdf. Access date: 23.10.2023.
  • [34] https://tsacademy.courses/tekla-structures/ Access date: 01.05.2025
  • [35] İlipınar, D., “Investigation of BIM Potentials on Seismic Resiliency of Drywall Systems During Earthquake”, Msc Thesis, Middle East Technical University Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, (2019).
  • [36] Johnson, B. and Fudala, T. , “Linking Autodesk® Revit® Structure and Autodesk® Robot™ Structural Analysis: Beyond the Basics”, Autodesk University, (2012).
  • [37] https://www.buildingsmart.org/about/openbim/. Access date: 12.06.2024.
There are 37 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Architectural Science and Technology
Journal Section Architecture & City and Urban Planning
Authors

Damlanur İlipınar 0000-0001-6523-3487

Bekir Özer Ay 0000-0001-7566-6710

Mehmet Koray Pekeriçli 0000-0001-5888-4265

Early Pub Date July 29, 2025
Publication Date September 1, 2025
Submission Date October 27, 2023
Acceptance Date May 5, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 38 Issue: 3

Cite

APA İlipınar, D., Ay, B. Ö., & Pekeriçli, M. K. (2025). Comparison of Data Integration Methods in BIM Tools for Structural Engineering: An Evaluation through Structural Analysis Tools. Gazi University Journal of Science, 38(3), 1062-1078. https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1380649
AMA İlipınar D, Ay BÖ, Pekeriçli MK. Comparison of Data Integration Methods in BIM Tools for Structural Engineering: An Evaluation through Structural Analysis Tools. Gazi University Journal of Science. September 2025;38(3):1062-1078. doi:10.35378/gujs.1380649
Chicago İlipınar, Damlanur, Bekir Özer Ay, and Mehmet Koray Pekeriçli. “Comparison of Data Integration Methods in BIM Tools for Structural Engineering: An Evaluation through Structural Analysis Tools”. Gazi University Journal of Science 38, no. 3 (September 2025): 1062-78. https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1380649.
EndNote İlipınar D, Ay BÖ, Pekeriçli MK (September 1, 2025) Comparison of Data Integration Methods in BIM Tools for Structural Engineering: An Evaluation through Structural Analysis Tools. Gazi University Journal of Science 38 3 1062–1078.
IEEE D. İlipınar, B. Ö. Ay, and M. K. Pekeriçli, “Comparison of Data Integration Methods in BIM Tools for Structural Engineering: An Evaluation through Structural Analysis Tools”, Gazi University Journal of Science, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 1062–1078, 2025, doi: 10.35378/gujs.1380649.
ISNAD İlipınar, Damlanur et al. “Comparison of Data Integration Methods in BIM Tools for Structural Engineering: An Evaluation through Structural Analysis Tools”. Gazi University Journal of Science 38/3 (September2025), 1062-1078. https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1380649.
JAMA İlipınar D, Ay BÖ, Pekeriçli MK. Comparison of Data Integration Methods in BIM Tools for Structural Engineering: An Evaluation through Structural Analysis Tools. Gazi University Journal of Science. 2025;38:1062–1078.
MLA İlipınar, Damlanur et al. “Comparison of Data Integration Methods in BIM Tools for Structural Engineering: An Evaluation through Structural Analysis Tools”. Gazi University Journal of Science, vol. 38, no. 3, 2025, pp. 1062-78, doi:10.35378/gujs.1380649.
Vancouver İlipınar D, Ay BÖ, Pekeriçli MK. Comparison of Data Integration Methods in BIM Tools for Structural Engineering: An Evaluation through Structural Analysis Tools. Gazi University Journal of Science. 2025;38(3):1062-78.