A BIM-based virtual trial assembly approach for long-span steel structures

Long-span steel structures (LSSSs) are significant in the building sector because of their advantages. However, the high construction challenge of LSSSs is still a concern for engineers, designers, and researchers, especially for the installation of complex joints and connections. Currently, the physical trial assembly (PTA) is the main method for the trial installation of LSSSs to proactively address potential issues of construction, but the performance of PTA is not satisfactory. This study proposed an innovative BIM-based virtual trial assembly (VTA) approach to systematically address potential issues for the design, construction, and project management of LSSSs, and this proposed BIM-based VTA approach is shortened as VBS. To evaluate the performance of VBS, the proposed approach is applied to a selected famous case to solve multiple engineering challenges. The development of VBS is described, the application of VBS in real cases is investigated, and the induced cost benefits are presented. The results show that VBS can save costs of the investigated case by approximately 1.7 million CNY and reduce the project duration by 45 days by improving the design, construction, and project management levels. Also, the VBS can improve working comfort and safety for the involved participants. This study gives a clear view of how to apply VTA in conjunction with BIM in LSSSs to solve multiple engineering challenges. ● A BIM-based virtual trial assembly (VTA) approach (shortened as VBS) is proposed to address potential issues for long-span steel structure (LSSS) projects. ● The Tianhan Grand Theatre (TGT) project is selected to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. ● VBS can significantly improve design quality, efficiency of on-site construction, safety, and project management levels. ● VBS can save costs of the TGT project by approximately 1.7 million CNY and reduce the project duration by 45 days. ● VBS can solve multiple engineering challenges for LSSSs, and the case study provides a valuable sample for similar engineering projects.