This paper describes the use of BIM models derived from point clouds for structural simulation based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Although BIM interoperability has reached a significant level of maturity, the density of laser point clouds provides very detailed BIM models that cannot directly be used in FEA software. The rationalization of the BIM towards a new finite element model is not a simple reduction of the number of nodes. The interconnections between the different elements and their materials require a particular attention: BIM technology includes geometrical aspects and structural considerations that allow one to understand and replicate the constructive elements and their mutual interaction. The information must be accurately investigated to obtain a finite element model suitable for a complete and detailed structural analysis. The aim of this paper is to prove that a drastic reduction of the quality of the BIM model is not necessary. Geometric data encapsulated into dense point clouds can be taken into consideration also for finite element analysis.