Integrated Structural Process Model: An inclusive non-material specific approach to determining the required tasks and information exchanges for structural building information modeling

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry is finding that “silo” barriers promote limitations within the community. As a result, this inhibits effective and efficient collaboration even with the advent of new ways of thinking. Furthermore, the structural engineering discipline is one of the most advanced participants in terms of Building Information Modeling (BIM) due in part to the necessary use of computer modeling as a primary part of their professional practice for the past 25 years. Currently the industry, including the structural discipline, is now starting to realize how everything should fit together as one cohesive entity primarily for interoperability reasons and less so for integrated design.;Due to limited integrated design processes throughout the AEC industry, the creation of Integrated Structural Process Model (ISPM) was chosen as the research focus of this dissertation. The creation and implementation of an ISPM for the structural engineering field has the potential to facilitate and enrich a collaborative and integrated approach through information models. Here it can function as a tool to educate the community on the critical tasks and information exchanges needed by the structural discipline to provide the best product. Furthermore, the ISPM can be a guide to those who are developing models for interoperability initiatives who have limited exposure to building systems interactions.;The ISPM was developed through a three tier process consisting of using available literature to generate a baseline model followed by interviews with thirty BIM and structural industry experts restructuring and expanding the baseline and finally case study validation. Previous Information Delivery Manual (IDMs) initiatives for interoperability formulated the core literature used for the baseline development. Industry experts in BIM and structures provided substantial support in the expansion based on their variability of expertise in structures, BIM, and their corresponding firm's focus/expertise. The ISPM was validated against four case study projects with varying structural systems and BIM modeling complexities to see if the ISPM was purely ideal or if parts are already in use.;The resulting ISPM is overarching in nature in that it is not specific for a structural material or system yet its scope is comprehensive because it encompasses a project from planning through to construction. The broad AEC impact and basis of the ISPM's structure allows for future expansion as new technologies and ways of thinking evolve while not overlooking the provisions developed in this study. The integrated arrangement allows for an enhanced overall project design based on the project goals. BIM in the ISPM is the vessel used to develop and guide the integrated project. This impact helps to promote full collaboration amongst multidisciplinary teams.