With the reduced availability of global credit and cheap money worldwide, both countries and companies are becoming increasingly cautious with their construction and engineering projects. In this context, one of the key tools for achieving efficiency is the BIM methodology, which, as we have seen, offers numerous advantages in reducing errors and maximizing efficiency.

However, this methodology has intertwined with various new techniques, technologies, and ways of thinking that present challenges but, above all, opportunities. Let’s explore the main technologies that are driving significant changes in the BIM methodology.

Trends in BIM Consulting

• Implementation of BIM across different construction specialties, including infrastructure construction, industrial construction, and the maintenance of built assets. This highlights the importance of the BIM methodology and, most importantly, its versatility in being efficiently applied across a wide range of fields.
• Integration of BIM with promising technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). These technological complements are making projects more efficient, from planning to management.
  • AR: Before the construction phase, AR applications allow us to stand in front of an empty site and visualize/project a building that does not yet exist.
  • VR: With virtual reality, we can enter the site before construction begins, walk through the environment, and experience its infrastructure—all in digital format but with the realistic 3D experience provided by platforms like Oculus.
  • IoT: A digital twin without real-time data would be incomplete. Thanks to sensor networks, the Internet of Things enables increasingly realistic digital twins that provide valuable information for infrastructure usage and strategic planning.
  • AI: Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in detecting errors, calculation failures, or other issues that may escape human oversight and could impact the building’s integrity.

Smart Cities with Efficient Urban Planning

This is the ultimate goal of BIM—integrating buildings into interconnected systems, creating efficient cities where each project harmoniously integrates with its surroundings while meeting the specific requirements of the development.

We can affirm that what we consider cutting-edge technology is still evolving. Contact Acero Estudio, a company specializing in BIM Consulting, and we will gladly guide you toward more agile and efficient projects, ensuring that every element (foundation, column, beam, etc.) is placed with minimal risk and the highest certainty in terms of resistance, durability, and construction quality.

We are at your service.

With BIM (Building Information Modeling), data centralization ensures that information is accessible to all stakeholders in real-time, from architects to engineers and contractors.

The main advantage of this centralization is the elimination of errors caused by duplication or inconsistencies in data. Each element of the BIM model represents both the three-dimensional geometry and information related to materials, costs, and technical specifications. This facilitates informed decision-making and ensures consistency across all project phases.

Types of Databases Used in BIM

To manage the vast amount of information generated by a BIM project, various types of databases are employed, each designed to fulfill specific functions:

1. Relational Databases (RDBMS):
   These organize information into tables linked by keys, enabling complex and organized queries. They are ideal for storing schedules, budgets, and structured data. Popular examples include:
   • MySQL
   • PostgreSQL
   • Microsoft SQL Server
2. NoSQL Databases:
   These are used to organize and manage large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data. They are helpful for managing metadata generated by BIM models. Examples:
   • MongoDB (JSON documents)
   • Cassandra (distributed data and high availability)
3. File-Based Data Storage:
   Formats like Revit (.rvt) and IFC (.ifc) act as data containers. While not traditional databases, they allow structured storage and compatibility across platforms.
4. Graph Databases:
   These databases model complex relationships between project elements, such as utility networks or phase dependencies. Example:
   • Neo4j
5. Cloud-Based Systems:
   Platforms like Autodesk BIM 360 and Trimble Connect combine relational and NoSQL databases in a remotely accessible environment, fostering collaboration among geographically dispersed teams.

Benefits of These Databases and Interoperability in BIM

Using advanced databases in BIM offers multiple benefits, such as:

• Centralized Access: All information is unified, making it easy to access and update in real-time.
• Effective Collaboration: Cloud systems enable teams to work simultaneously on the same model, improving communication and reducing errors.
• Advanced Analysis: Integration with analytical tools allows for project progress evaluation, cost optimization, and predictive problem-solving.
• Interoperability: Through the use of standard formats like IFC, data can be shared across different BIM software, ensuring integration between disciplines and platforms.

At Acero Estudio, we specialize in BIM consultancy and professional BIM model development. Our professional approach and use of advanced technology ensure that your project benefits from centralized and efficient information management.

Contact us to learn how our expertise can help you develop more efficient projects in less time. We are at your service.