Critical Issues in Building Information Modeling (BIM) Workflows: A Multi-Case Study Review

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is increasingly used in structural and infrastructure engineering as a digital environment supporting design, construction, and asset management processes. However, the application of BIM to complex infrastructures still presents several critical issues, particularly when dealing with non-standard geometries, existing structures, and heterogeneous information flows. This paper presents a technical synthesis based on six case studies developed by the authors through BIM-based approaches applied to different structural and infrastructural fields, including bridges, road infrastructures, underground utility networks, and complex structural systems. The study analyzes the main issues encountered during the modeling, coordination, and data exchange phases, highlighting the strategies adopted to address them. The identified challenges mainly concern the geometric modeling of irregular or existing structures, interoperability issues between BIM software and structural analysis software, the management of point clouds and survey-derived data, as well as the definition of appropriate Levels of Development and Information. The paper provides a technical overview of recurring issues and offers useful indications for improving BIM workflows applied to structural and infrastructure engineering.