Live collaboration reshapes communication and problem solving in structural engineering
Structural engineering calls upon the expertise of multiple disciplines, such as architecture, mechanical systems, and construction. For successful outcomes, it is essential that they can easily collaborate with each other. A recent Master’s thesis presents the developments, benefits, and quality of live collaboration tools, unearthing challenges and potential solutions.
In the LiveCol project, various researchers from Tampere University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland seek to develop and validate new methods and tools to make real-time live collaboration more effective in 3D virtual environments. Ambalanduwa Kankanamge Gayan finished his Master’s thesis Live collaboration technologies in structural engineering for the LiveCol project in 2025. He used a mixed-methods approach to comprehensively analyse the capabilities and effectiveness of live collaboration tools by combining the results of a literature review, experimental testing, and a case study analysis together.
Tekla Structures is the most widely used Building Information Modelling (BIM) software in Finland, which is why Tekla Live Collaboration tool gained a special place in the research. With it real-time editing, collaboration in an integrated BIM environment, and effective multidisciplinary teamwork becomes possible.
Live collaboration benefits and challenges
“As the integration of live collaboration technologies in BIM continues to grow, this was an opportune moment to examine the current status of developments in live collaboration within structural engineering. I identified key benefits, including reduced miscommunication and improved real-time decision-making, which can streamline design workflows, lower costs, and minimise delays. Ultimately, by highlighting the challenges and limitations encountered, my research sheds light on the broader implications for software developers, project managers, and engineering teams, thereby fostering more informed decisions when adopting new collaboration technologies in practice”, tells Gayan.
Live collaboration reshapes how engineers communicate and solve design challenges as real-time, model-based workflows are used. In addition to the improved communication, there is a chance to detect conflicts early.
Despite the many benefits, no tool is without its challenges. In this case, there are several technical limitations, such as the absence of automatic clash detection, which finds interferences like pipes running through walls in the BIM model. Other restrictions that Gayan noted were navigation difficulties and limited editing functionalities.
“Although challenges related to usability and technical integration persist, the overall benefits highlight a promising path toward more intelligent and coordinated design practices. However, technology alone cannot resolve all workflow challenges. Ongoing improvements, coupled with dedicated user training and supportive project management practices, are essential to fully realise its potential. Advancing these technologies will catalyse more resilient, efficient, and innovative structural engineering solutions, paving the way for a smarter built environment”, says Gayan.
Research in this topic is not over yet. The LiveCol research group will continue their work in this project until the end of 2025, and the final research outcomes will be revealed in January 2026.
Read a more detailed accounting of key findings, contributions, and recommendations for improvement in Gayan’s Master’s thesis.
More information:
Kalle Kähkönen
Professor, rakennustuotanto ja talous
Faculty of Built Environment
Tampere University
kalle.kahkonen@tuni.fi
Ambalanduwa Kankanamge Gayan
Master of Science, Civil Engineering
gmjayamal@gmail.com