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The BIM Revolution

Arq. Benjamín Ochoa Gálvez


The BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology is a revolutionary approach in the architecture and construction industry that uses digital technology to create, visualize, manage and

share detailed and accurate information about a construction project. Simply put, BIM is a collaborative process that involves all stakeholders in a project's lifecycle, from architects and engineers to contractors and owners. Instead of using traditional two-dimensional drawings and documents, BIM uses three-dimensional virtual models that contain intelligent and detailed information about each element of the building. This system offers a wide variety of benefits for companies that use it in their construction projects. Some of the most outstanding benefits are the following:


Improve collaboration and communication between teams: BIM enables design, engineering, construction, and operations teams to work together on a shared digital model. This facilitates collaboration and communication, as all team members can work with the same up-to-date information.


Reduction of errors and conflicts in the design: BIM makes it possible to identify and solve conflicts and errors in the design of a project before construction begins. This can prevent costly errors during construction and reduces the need for design changes later.


Increased efficiency and productivity: BIM enables teams to work more efficiently, which can speed up the design-build process and reduce lead times.


Improves project quality: BIM enables detailed simulations and analysis, allowing teams to assess energy efficiency, lighting, ventilation, acoustics, and other important aspects of the project. This can improve project quality and reduce operating costs in the long run.


Cost reduction: BIM can help reduce project costs by identifying and fixing design issues before construction begins. Additionally, BIM can help improve project planning and scheduling, which can reduce construction time and costs. BIM facilitates the management and maintenance of the building once it is built. Owners and managers can access the BIM model to obtain accurate information about building components, such as electrical systems, piping, or HVAC equipment, simplifying maintenance tasks, renovation planning, and asset management.








BIM IN MEXICO AND THE WORLD

BIM is having a significant impact on the construction industry in Mexico, which is why it has been increasingly adopted due to the benefits it offers. The adoption of the BIM methodology has been promoted by the government through the Ministry of Communications and Transport and the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development. These agencies have promoted the use of BIM on infrastructure projects and have set targets to make the use of BIM mandatory on all government construction projects. However, the use of BIM as a mandatory requirement for construction projects varies around the world. Some countries have already established regulations and standards that require the use of BIM in government or private projects, while in other countries its use is still voluntary.


Below are some countries where the use of BIM is mandatory in some sectors:


- United Kingdom: The United Kingdom has been one of the world leaders in the mandatory adoption of BIM. In 2011, the British government established a strategy for the mandatory use of BIM on government projects from 2016. The BIM Level 2 initiative establishes a set of standards and processes that must be followed by contractors and designers on all government projects. .

- Norway: Since 2010, the use of BIM is mandatory in all public construction projects in Norway. The BIM Norge regulation requires that all government and municipal construction projects must be designed and built using BIM.

- Finland: In Finland, the use of BIM has been mandatory for public construction projects since 2017. The BIM Requirements for Public Procurements initiative establishes a framework for the use of BIM in government projects.

- Denmark: Denmark has established regulations for the use of BIM in public construction projects since 2007. The Danish BIM Strategy establishes a framework for the use of BIM in all government projects.

- United States: In the United States, the use of BIM is mandatory in some federal projects, such as infrastructure and military projects. Additionally, some states and cities have established regulations requiring the use of BIM in construction projects.



Other countries, such as Australia, Singapore, Germany, and Switzerland, have also established regulations or guidelines for the use of BIM in construction projects, but their mandatory adoption varies by industry and geographic location.



The BIM methodology has transformed the way buildings are designed, built and managed. Its collaborative approach, improved communication, early detection of issues, energy efficiency and building life cycle management are just some of the benefits that architects and construction professionals experience by adopting BIM in their daily practice.



Sources consulted

ArchDaily. (2021). ¿En qué países BIM es obligatorio para obras públicas? Montalvo, J. Recuperado de https://www.archdaily.mx/mx/956326/en-que-paises-bim-es-obligatorio-para-obras-publicas

AUTODESK. (2023). Design and build with BIM Building Information Modeling. Recuperado de https://www.autodesk.com/industry/aec/bim#:~:text=Building%20Information%20Modeling%20(BIM)%20is,business%20and%20the%20built%20world

BIMTECH. (2023). What is BIM and how it came to be. Recuperado de https://bimtech.eu/bim/


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