Interoperability between BIM and FEM for structural analysis using Revit and PRO_SAP: the case study of the Engineering Faculty in Bologna

This thesis uses Autodesk Revit and PRO_SAP as its main tools to examine the interoperability of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Finite Element Method (FEM) for structural analysis. The case study provides a useful framework for combining the procedures of structural analysis with architectural design. The study highlights the advantages and drawbacks of the present interoperability standards while addressing the difficulties with data sharing and model integrity across BIM and FEM systems. The goal of the project is to develop structural analysis through interoperability between BIM and FEM tools. The results show that although it is possible to successfully connect Revit and PRO_SAP, there are still limitations in data translation requiring more advancements in the interoperability capacity of the program PRO_SAP. The construction industry is continuously working to enhance the integration of interdisciplinary models and expedite project workflows, and this study adds to that effort.