Tuesday, March 31, 2026 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM, LAX
Developments in the standardization of Building Information Modeling exchanges, including examples and applications for buildings, bridges, and post-tensioned elements.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Share the progress in the work of the committee related to how the current and ongoing IFC exchanges provide efficient paths for concrete information delivery, improving the overall workflows and reducing the room for errors;
(2) Illustrate applications of the most current BIM and VDC technologies in the construction process of concrete structures by a general concrete contractor;
(3) Explain how BIM can be used in practice in the design and coordination of Concrete Bridges, including previous experiences and lessons learned;
(4) Share the progress and examples in the development and coordination of BIM standards and applications for post-tensioned concrete.
Concrete BIM Standards: Workflows and Applications
Presented By: Leonardo Garcia
Affiliation: Georgia Institute of Technology
Description: The ACI 131 Committee has continued its work on the development of BIM project deliverables, based on neutral IFC standards for the cast-in-place concrete industry. This presentation provides an update on the progress on documents for BIM standardization currently in development. The presentation will provide practical scenarios of how the standard exchanges, could provide alternative paths for concrete information delivery, thereby disrupting the conventional information communication process, noting the benefits associated with this new approach.
Challenges with 3D Modeling Reinforcing Steel Bars in Concrete Structures
Presented By: Dennis Fontenot
Affiliation: CMC
Description: Modeling rebar in a 3D environment presents several key challenges, primarily concerning geometric complexity, software limitations, and the need for high levels of detail and accuracy. These key challenges need robust software capabilities, standardized protocols, and skilled personnel to fully leverage the benefits of 3D rebar modeling. Key challenges in 3D rebar modeling include large model sizes and performance issues due to high detail levels, significant initial cost and training needs, and interoperability problems between different software platforms. Accurate geometric detailing is complex and time-consuming, especially for irregular shapes and congested reinforcement zones. Resistance to adopting new workflows, lack of standardization, and data management difficulties further complicate collaboration. Additionally, generating reliable fabrication data and drawings from detailed 3D models remains a demanding task.
Practical Use of BIM for Complex Bridge Elements
Presented By: Nestor Rubiano
Affiliation: Decon LLC
Description: Innovative use of BIM tools for the analysis and design of complex bridge structural elements is presented through a series of case studies. Featured projects range from entire bridge superstructures to specific bridge structural elements whose design or construction complexity greatly benefited from the use of BIM models.
Innovations in BIM for Post-tensioning Applications
Presented By: Jonathan Hirsch
Affiliation: Bentley Systems, Inc
Description: With the rapid evolution of digital design technologies, the integration of the multiple components of a concrete structure into Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become a key focus for the industry. This presentation will discuss industry opportunities for detailing post-tensioned buildings in BIM. It will also provide an update on existing and forthcoming data exchange models being developed as a joint effort between the ACI and PTI BIM Committees
VDC use Cases: Concrete Laser Scan Heat Map Deliverable and 4D Planning using ACI 131- BIM EM.20
Presented By: Leo Zhang
Affiliation: The Conco Companies
Description: This presentation will demonstrate two use cases of how to apply VDC in the concrete construction operations: 1. Presenting several concrete scan heat map deliverables 2. A proof of concept for simplifying 4D scheduling/sequencing model workflow using 131BIM EM20 exchange