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.

At Acero Estudio, we are passionate advocates and evangelists of BIM for construction projects. However, some clients ask whether the functionality of the BIM methodology is equally useful for simpler but larger-scale paper-based projects, such as road infrastructure.

The notion that BIM might not be necessary for infrastructure projects often considers only the physical components of road infrastructure, such as a highway. However, it may overlook the full power BIM offers for project management, including:

• Calculation and projection of required materials
• Equipment and schedule management
• Purchase and procurement planning
• Information related to infrastructure management throughout its lifecycle

Initial Phase of a Road Infrastructure Construction Project

At this stage, BIM demonstrates immense potential with tools and utilities like Scan-to-BIM. For instance, using a 3D laser scanner, we can rapidly and accurately convert area data into BIM modeling, offering precision, speed, and efficiency.

During the Execution of the Project

BIM enhances operational efficiency through better coordination of teams, keeping all units informed and helping anticipate potential risks and clashes. Additionally, its material management components prevent over-purchasing, reducing waste and increasing the profitability of the construction company.

Post-Construction Phases

BIM is invaluable for maintenance and precise monitoring of areas prone to degradation or requiring close supervision. Moreover, BIM models provide accurate and comprehensive information for potential future expansions, ensuring better outcomes in every phase.

Why Wait to Request Support from Our BIM Consultants?

If you’ve decided to leverage Acero Estudio’s expertise as a BIM consulting firm, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our specialists can transfer knowledge to your team, helping you minimize risks through proper monitoring and guidance.

Call us today—we’re here to help!

As we have illustrated on several occasions, the BIM methodology is essential in preventing conflicts in construction projects. These conflicts are often referred to as clashes, as they involve collisions or inconsistencies that, thanks to BIM, can be avoided due to the logic embedded in its software.

Physical Clashes

These occur when two or more elements of a project occupy the same physical space. In traditional construction, design tools are not updated in real time or are often not incorporated into the main plans, leading to issues during execution.

These are serious problems that can affect structures, such as:

• A pipe running through a structural beam
• Water or ventilation ducts colliding with electrical installations
• Mechanical equipment lacking sufficient space for maintenance or installation

BIM identifies these interferences through “clash detection” analysis, allowing for appropriate corrections in the model before the issue results in a poorly executed construction.

Functional Clashes

These involve incompatibilities in the performance or operation of systems, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Examples of functional clashes include:

• Inadequate ventilation in a space due to poor placement of HVAC systems
• Electrical systems designed for loads higher or lower than required
• Hydraulic connections incompatible with equipment specifications

Design Issues

These relate to aesthetics, accessibility, or regulatory compliance. In every construction project, installations must adhere to regulations and good design practices that ensure proper ventilation, lighting, and pedestrian circulation.

By using pre-developed BIM models, we ensure compliance with all parameters of the original design and can identify the proper placement of installations in time to achieve an optimal building design.

Planning and Scheduling Errors

Thanks to 4D simulation tools, BIM incorporates the dimension of time, helping to avoid scheduling problems such as:

• Equipment installation being scheduled before the space is built
• Overlapping activities that cause delays or additional costs

As you can see, the benefits of BIM in construction enable effective project management, planning, and execution with accurate and up-to-date information.

If you want to implement this important methodology in your projects, it’s crucial to have proper training. Our BIM consultancy ensures the safe implementation of BIM at any stage of development. Reduce risks, rework, and costs with Acero Estudio, a company specialized in BIM in Spain and Peru.

Contact us today and let’s enhance your BIM models together!

If you’re on this page, you might be wondering whether implementing the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology in your projects is truly relevant or if it’s just a trend that will soon be replaced by another workflow system.

Let us assure you that BIM is here to stay. In the construction and architecture industries, it has become an essential tool for large-scale and complex projects because it facilitates work throughout the entire lifecycle of a project—from design and construction to delivery and building maintenance.

If you think BIM is unnecessary, consider that many countries, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Australia, and Singapore, already mandate BIM for state construction projects. In this brief article, we will show you how BIM methodology is applied in each phase of a project.

PROJECT PLANNING AND DESIGN

This is the initial stage of a construction project, where BIM modeling begins. It allows the creation of preliminary sketches of 3D models that link geometry with site characteristics. At this stage, critical information about structural materials and costs is also defined. The benefits of BIM during this phase include:

• Enabling visualization of the project.
• Enhancing coordination among professionals.
• Improving the accuracy of cost calculations for procurement.

For example, in an architectural project, BIM can simulate the behavior of natural lighting in a building or estimate energy consumption, optimizing the design from its conception.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

In this phase, the BIM model evolves, becoming more detailed and incorporating schedules, costs, and resource allocation for the project. As the project progresses, the level of detail in the 3D model increases with higher Levels of Development (LOD).

Key benefits include:

• Task definition using 4D models (time and space).
• Improved planning for subcontractor work.
• Reduced risks of cost overruns and delays.

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

During the construction process, BIM software serves as a centralized and up-to-date information hub, keeping all teams informed about changes, delays, or incidents that may arise. Early warnings minimize issues, significantly reduce errors, and prevent rework. BIM’s benefits during this phase include:

• Centralized monitoring of progress and schedules.
• Resource and materials management.
• Quality control.

Cloud repositories also enable technical teams to access information about specific parts of the project anytime, anywhere.

MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF THE BUILDING

The utility of a BIM model doesn’t end with construction. With the help of various software packages and extensions, BIM allows for projections of maintenance for critical areas, making it a vital tool for managing the constructed asset.

• Tracks critical components requiring maintenance.
• Updates the model as needed.
• Enables operational efficiency analysis.

DEMOLITION OR RENOVATIONS

Even at the end of an asset’s lifecycle, BIM remains valuable. It improves processes for renovations or demolition, if applicable. In both scenarios, BIM allows for efficient planning with minimal financial impact.

Is Your Team Ready to Implement the BIM Methodology in Your Projects?

If not, don’t worry. At Acero Estudio, we specialize in BIM and offer exceptional BIM Consulting Services to help manage your projects while training your teams. Our BIM consultants have extensive experience. Avoid risks and contact us today—we are here to help.