BIM Q&A | What Are the Main Challenges for Design Institutes Using Revit to Create Structural Plan Construction Drawings?
Today, many design institutes have adopted Revit, and the modeling structure is becoming clearer—covering aspects like model segmentation and linking, coordinate and elevation systems, and collaboration frameworks. The architectural discipline can now produce drawings without significantly increasing workload, and the equipment discipline can manage projects comprehensively with integrated audio and visual elements. Structural engineering has also been integrated into collaborative and template-based drawings without major issues.
However, our Chief Structural Engineer remains hesitant to produce structural drawings using Revit. This reluctance stems from a lack of available drawing examples and immature data exchange processes, resulting in pressure to avoid creating drawings in this area. While most structural professionals prioritize calculations over drawing production, complex projects still cannot generate drawings automatically. Additionally, CAD drawings are often created manually, so data exchange has not been a critical focus for now.
At some academic exchange meetings, I have only seen the Chinese Academy claim that their structural team can produce 90% of their drawings with Revit, and Shenzhen Huasen has experience with template-based drawings. Beyond these, there are few documented cases. If we disregard the guided model approach and treat Revit simply as a CAD tool for manual reinforcement and drawing, have any peers tried this method? What challenges and difficulties did they face, and how did they address them? Could you please share your experiences?
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