Link structural model, or keep structural elements in arch model and monitor ?

[M_Faramawy]

I need experienced advice regarding choosing between:

1- Keep the structural model separated and link it to the architectural model.

2- Keep the structural elements in the main model and use the copy monitor tool to ensure that the model is synchronized with the structural model.

My confusion arises because structural elements in the linked model will never join the architectural elements. This means that, for example, I need to cut the walls manually at each column and adjust all wall heights to be accurately below the structural slabs, which is a nightmare in a huge project.

However, implementing the structural elements in the architectural model puts more duties in our scope to ensure that both models are synchronized. Additionally, the copy monitor tool is not very intuitive to be trusted and efficiently used.

With other disciplines such as MEP, I don't have this confusion as there are no elements that shall be joined or connected between both, unlike the architectural and structural elements which are combined and attached to each other.

So, if anyone has good advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Many thanks in advance.

[barthbradley]

Are you doing both. If so, what's the purpose of linking? 

[M_Faramawy]

We link all the external disciplines to collect al l the project parts in one Central File, also to solve the relations between all the related elements, what do you think we must do ? 

[imankassab2015]

I understand your frustration due to attach walls to structural floors and all the work you manage it manually when copy / monitor elements but no other way around it the best practice is to split columns and walls and hold that in link the file rather than have a heavy weight file no one can know what other person do from a worksharing point of view 

I will choose link the first choice 

But be aware copy / monitor doesn't work with multisegment grids another bug to work flow 

If you like my answer accepted as answer 

[barthbradley]

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@M_Faramawy wrote:

We link all the external disciplines to collect al l the project parts in one Central File, also to solve the relations between all the related elements, what do you think we must do ? 

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I'm just a bit confused by the questions. Question 1 and 2 are not mutually exclusive. You would do both.  

1- Keep the structural model separated and link it to the architectural model.

2- Keep the structural elements in the main model and use the copy monitor tool to ensure that the model is synchronized with the structural model.

When you say "keep the structural elements in the main model", aren't you meaning keeping those elements (such as Levels for example) being copy/monitored from the Structural Model LINK in the Architectural Model?  If so, why wouldn't you?    

[M_Faramawy]

no, i mean by structural elements (str columns, slabs and str framing) 

[M_Faramawy]

but, imagine in a very huge project scale, the slab thicknesses may get various changes through the project lifetime span, then should we go to revise all the walls top level with each structural submission? 

that is an endless work 

also columns sizes are having a lot of changes, shall we adjust all the related walls with every column size changing ? 

[M_Faramawy]

the purpose of linking is that the structural consultant will work with his file, and then provide me wth the last updated file. we replace the old str. file bu the updated one and reload the link with the last str. updates.

the copy monitor tool shall determine what are the changes between new an old version. 

did i clarified the question ? 

[barthbradley]

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@M_Faramawy wrote:

the purpose of linking is that the structural consultant will work with his file, and then provide me wth the last updated file. we replace the old str. file bu the updated one and reload the link with the last str. updates.

the copy monitor tool shall determine what are the changes between new an old version. 

did i clarified the question ? 

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Yes. It's the same workflow here.  The wording in your original post made me think you were doing both the Structural AND Architectural planning, which wouldn't require linking - unless you were breaking up a large file.