Improving the efficiency of structural engineering design in the Eastern Cape through the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Abstract

This dissertations focuses on the implementation of BIM in the structural engineering field, particularly in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Currently, structural engineering practitioners in the Easter Cape face the threat of being "left behind" in terms of BIM technology, and therefore are losing out on reaping the benefits associated with BIM implementation. Furthermore, BIM is no longer a 'nice beneficial technology to have' but is fast becoming a global requirement within the AEC industry. The main aim of this study is to investigate the necessity for BIM implementation into structural engineering organisations within the Eastern Cape. The hypothesis behind the research is that the implementation of BIM technology will improve the efficiency of the structural engineering design process currently being used within the province. A secondary hypothesis is that BIM will soon become standard practice for the AEC industry.