Brief History of the development of the BIM methodology

metodologia bim

The history of Building Information Modeling (BIM) goes back to the antecedents of construction methodologies and the evolution of architectural plans. Over time, since the beginning of construction, efforts have been made to improve efficiency and precision in design and construction.

The development of CAD (Computer Aided Design) in the 1960s was an important milestone, allowing the creation of 2D and 3D technical drawings. However, it was in the 1990s that the concept of BIM began to take shape, with the introduction of specific software that integrated geometric and information data into a three-dimensional model.

The first significant advances in the adoption of BIM occurred in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Landmark projects such as Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport in London were pioneers in the implementation of this methodology. .

Levels of Development (LODs) in BIM

  • LOD 100: Conceptual representation, such as a simple schematic model.
  • LOD 200: Basic geometric representation, with greater detail than LOD 100.
  • LOD 300: Accurate geometric representation, including exact dimensions and locations of elements.
  • LOD 400: Model with construction details, such as connections and components.
  • LOD 500: Model with operation and maintenance information.

BIM Adoption Factors

The rapid adoption of BIM is due to market demand for more efficient, sustainable and collaborative projects, as well as technological advances that have made this methodology more accessible and easier to implement.

It is important to indicate that companies or projects that want to implement BIM must have BIM consulting and BIM modeling advisors to take full advantage of the benefits of this methodology. These professionals help optimize design, construction and project management processes, reducing costs and execution times, and improving the quality and accuracy of information.

Do not hesitate to request a quote for the services of Acero Estudio, a consulting company specialized in BIM services, to take your project to the next level of efficiency and quality!

How a topographic survey can enhance the development of hydraulic works

topographic survey in the development of hydraulic works

Within infrastructure projects, a topographic survey is a fundamental study in the development and planning of hydraulic works, as it provides detailed and precise information about the terrain, allowing for efficient planning and execution of any water-related project.

Whether it’s the construction of dams or the installation of drainage systems, a topographic survey is essential at every stage of the process. In this article, we will explore the advantages of conducting a topographic survey in hydraulic works.

Enables Precise Planning

One of the significant benefits of topography in hydraulic works is the ability to carry out precise planning. The data collected during the survey provides detailed information about the area’s topography, terrain elevation, and the location of important features such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. This information helps us design and locate structures such as dams, channels, and drainage systems accurately.

Facilitates Optimization

With accurate data on the terrain’s topography, engineers can optimize the design of hydraulic works to ensure their effectiveness and durability. Thanks to Acero Estudio’s topography services, we can identify possible challenges or limitations of the terrain, such as steep slopes, erosion-prone areas, among other important details that can make a difference in risk mitigation.

Water Management

With global warming, water is becoming an increasingly important resource, so managing this liquid element is vital, and the discipline of topography assists us in this task by allowing proper management through information that enables us to use it with minimal environmental impact.

Reduction of Flood Risk

Understanding the geography and, above all, the topography of a terrain will help us develop constructive strategies that avoid flood-prone areas or, if the terrain is inherently flood-prone, help us identify potential watercourses to avoid them or create resilient structures for them.

Contact Acero Estudio and invest in our topography services; your project will thank you.

What level of development is suitable for construction projects?

bim modeling service

The optimal Level of Development (LOD) for construction projects varies depending on the specific needs of each project and the stage it is in. In the Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology, LOD refers to the level of detail and development of a digital model.

LOD provides a standardized structure that guides the creation and management of BIM models, allowing for a clear understanding of the information contained in the model at each stage of the project. By implementing LOD, we ensure the consistency and accuracy of the data, facilitating collaboration among different project stakeholders and improving decision-making efficiency.

Different Levels and Their Uses:

Generally, the different levels of LOD are used as follows:

  • LOD 100: Used in the early stages of the project, providing a conceptual representation of the design without specific details. It is useful for initial planning and project visualization.
  • LOD 200: Focuses on the general geometry of the project, including basic dimensions and spatial relationships. It is suitable for the schematic design phase, where the main project ideas are explored and refined.
  • LOD 300: Provides an accurate representation of individual project elements, with specific details such as exact sizes and shapes. It is useful during the detailed design phase and coordination among disciplines.
  • LOD 400: Includes detailed information about the manufacturing and assembly of project components, allowing for the generation of construction drawings and virtual construction simulation.
  • LOD 500: Represents the as-built information of the project, including precise installation and manufacturing details. It is useful for building management and maintenance once completed.

For residential construction projects, the most suitable BIM LOD is typically LOD 300 or higher, as a high level of detail is required for home design and construction.

In industrial construction projects, such as factories or production plants, LOD 400 is commonly used due to the need for detailed information about industrial systems and equipment.

For infrastructure construction projects, such as roads or bridges, LOD 300 may be sufficient in the design stages, but LOD 400 may be necessary for precise planning and construction of structural elements.

In commercial construction projects, which may include office buildings, shopping centers, or hotels, LOD 400 is widely used to ensure accuracy in planning and execution.

We invite you to visit Acero Estudio and inquire about our BIM consulting services, where we offer your company access to our BIM consultants specialized in BIM with extensive experience. Additionally, if you have further questions, you can inquire about our BIM Modeling service, which allows you to completely outsource the generation of your BIM models.

Why We Recommend Our Drone Topography Service

benefits of drone topography

The discipline of topography is constantly evolving; however, it is in recent years with the emergence of drones that this important branch of engineering is undergoing significant changes in the way topographic data is collected and recorded.

In this article, we will explore the advantages of drone topography and compare it with traditional methods.

Speed

Drones equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors and high-resolution cameras can collect topographic data at a much faster and more efficient rate than traditional surveying services. Additionally, the results of a topographic survey conducted using these means are highly accurate.

In road construction projects, where a traditional surveying team might take weeks, drones equipped with LiDAR can complete the work in just a few days, allowing engineers to start the design and architecture phase much more quickly.

Precision

Drone topography is precise and detailed thanks to high-definition sensors and cameras. These data are processed using software such as photogrammetry software, which creates accurate three-dimensional models of the terrain.

An example of the precision and reliability of drones is that, thanks to their multispectral cameras, they can even detect areas with higher or lower humidity to provide maximum information to the project engineers.

Safety

Drone topography allows us to access remote areas, rocky slopes, or areas with dangerous cliffs while maintaining the safety of the human team and allowing us to collect data in difficult or inaccessible terrain.

An example of this is found in the mining industry, where drones fly over dangerous areas, such as steep slopes or recent excavation areas, to conduct detailed inspections without endangering the safety of personnel.

Contact Acero Estudio, inquire about our drone topography service, and let’s kickstart your project with the utmost efficiency and safety.

The Impact of BIM on the Supply Chain of a Project

impacto positivo de BIM en la cadena de suministro

As we already know, the BIM methodology has a number of benefits in improving project efficiency, visualization, and centralizing information. One of the less mentioned aspects is that this working model also has a positive impact on inventory management and procurement logistics.

By having a complete BIM model, a team of professionals can project the necessary inputs for more precise material procurement, avoiding losses that reduce project efficiency. Likewise, this will allow us to easily track the flow of materials from acquisition to installation at the workplace and determine if there are leaks to take necessary measures at the site.

A useful example of a good practice in a BIM model is to include detailed information about material suppliers, delivery times, and storage locations on site. This allows the project team to plan ahead and efficiently coordinate material delivery to avoid construction delays.

Furthermore, BIM models help us optimize inventory management by accurately forecasting material needs. By analyzing the quantities and expected delivery dates in the model, project managers avoid over-purchasing materials, reduce costs associated with storage, and manage inventories more accurately.

Finally, the BIM methodology not only improves the accuracy of design and planning in the construction industry, but also optimizes inventory management and logistics, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective supply chain for construction projects. Avoid errors in your models with Acero Estudio’s BIM consulting service, we are at your service.

Risks of Building without a Topographic Survey

riesgos de construir sin un levantamiento topografico

We have already seen in previous articles the benefits of conducting a topographic survey before construction. In this article, we will explore the opposite perspective; that is, what are the risks of building or carrying out projects without first conducting an adequate topographic survey.

Keep in mind that this article is for reference only, as each terrain or area may have different risks, so the best approach to a particular terrain is always an on-site assessment by our specialists in topographic services.

Let’s look at the risks of developing projects without a topographic survey:

Design errors

Without a topographic survey, engineers and architects may make serious errors affecting the construction because they will create plans based on unrealistic slopes, leading to inadequate foundations or miscalculated slopes for sanitation services.

Additional costs

Rework costs are common and high in poorly planned projects. A topographic survey is an important part of the planning process; therefore, if the terrain is more irregular than expected, the topography allows us to anticipate the requirements of the project, while a project without topography cannot, leading to subsequent errors.

Risk of flooding or erosion

Avoiding floods is important, especially in high-risk areas or areas with a history of these phenomena. During topographic work, it is possible to determine watercourse areas and avoid them to make the construction more resilient and less prone to future flooding.

Drainage failures

Terrain topography influences the drainage of rainwater and groundwater. A topographic study allows us to understand the surface configuration of the area so that engineers and architects can develop plans correctly without problems of accumulation or other issues affecting construction stability.

As you can see, building without an adequate topographic survey entails a series of risks that can affect the safety and viability of any construction project. Contact Acero Estudio, a company specialized in topographic services in Spain and Peru; we are at your service.

Factors Influencing the Price of a Topographic Survey

factors-influencing-the-price-of-a-topographic-survey

If you’re looking for a company that provides professional topography services, you’ve come to the right place. At Acero Estudio, we offer professional topography services, and one of the questions we commonly receive is related to pricing. How much does a topographic survey cost, and what factors determine the price?

The answer to this question is that the price can vary considerably depending on several key factors that need to be considered. These factors may include the area to be surveyed, the complexity of the terrain, and the level of detail required by the client.

Area Size

The size of the area to be surveyed is one of the main determinants of the cost of a topographic survey. The larger the area, the more time and resources will be needed to complete the work, which can significantly influence the final price.

It’s also important to consider the complexity, which plays a crucial role in determining the price. There are areas with complicated topographic features, such as steep slopes, dense vegetation, or the presence of bodies of water, which may require special surveying techniques and greater effort from the surveying team, inevitably affecting the project’s cost.

Finally, a high level of detail can also influence the price. Some projects may require a high degree of detail in their topographic map, which requires a greater number of control points, implying more meticulous work from our team and therefore incurring higher costs.

Characteristics to consider when hiring a topographic services company

characteristics-to-consider-when-hiring-a-topographic-services-company

Do you have land ready for construction and need a company specialized in topographic services? Here we provide you with a list of requirements to consider when hiring the specialized provider. Remember that Acero Estudio meets all these requirements, so you can contact us if you need the advice of a company with extensive experience and presence in Europe and America.

Here are the five most important characteristics your topography provider should have:

  1. Proven experience:
    Experience is fundamental in the field of topography. A company with experienced professionals will have the knowledge, resources, and tools to address diverse challenges and offer effective solutions. Experience also entails understanding the most advanced technologies and industry best practices.
  2. Qualified professionals:
    The team of professionals is vital in any project; professionals are the indispensable human capital for developing ideas and turning data into information, so they must be highly qualified and well-trained in the use of topographic equipment and specialized software. The quality of professionals ensures the accuracy and reliability of the collected data, as well as the ability to interpret it correctly to inform decision-making.
  3. Cutting-edge technology:
    Science and technology advance rapidly, so a serious topography company is one that keeps up to date with the latest technologies in instrumentation and topographic software. This includes precise measuring equipment, drones, laser scanners, high-precision global positioning systems (GPS), and 3D modeling software. The use of cutting-edge technology allows for precise and detailed topographic surveys in less time, thus improving efficiency and costs for clients.
  4. Focus on quality and accuracy:
    Accuracy is the reflection of the quality of a topographic study; professionals and technology are important, but only to the extent that they contribute to the precision of the data, which will then be the cornerstone for the construction of a project and decision-making in its favor.
  5. Client communication:
    Each topographic project presents its own unique challenges, and each may have particular characteristics that the surveyor must understand before proceeding with their discipline. For these reasons, the team of the supplying company must have excellent communication strengthened by procedures and protocols that reduce margins of error.

It is worth noting that in addition to having all these characteristics, Acero Estudio also has the ability to adapt to tight deadlines, work in difficult environments, and offer customized solutions to meet the individual demands of each project. Contact us today, and we will start developing your topography projects at the time and place you decide; we are at your service.

The Benefits of Outsourcing BIM Modeling

Outsourcing BIM modeling services provides access to a pool of highly skilled professionals with specialized expertise in BIM software and methodologies, without incurring the costs associated with having such personnel in the company. These experts bring years of experience and advanced knowledge to the table, ensuring that projects are executed with precision and efficiency. By leveraging the expertise of outsourced teams, firms can tackle complex modeling challenges with confidence and deliver high-quality solutions to their clients.

Moreover, one of the primary benefits of outsourcing BIM modeling services is cost savings. Outsourced firms often operate in regions with lower labor costs, allowing clients to access top-tier talent at a fraction of the cost of maintaining an in-house team. Additionally, outsourcing eliminates the need for investment in infrastructure, software licenses, and training, further reducing operational expenses. By outsourcing BIM modeling services, firms can optimize their budget allocation and achieve greater profitability on their projects.

Furthermore, outsourcing offers firms the flexibility to scale their resources up or down based on project requirements. Whether it’s a large-scale development or a small-scale renovation, outsourced teams can quickly adjust their capacity to meet the demands of the project. This scalability ensures that firms have access to the right resources at the right time, enabling them to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

By outsourcing BIM modeling services, firms can streamline their project workflows and improve overall efficiency. Outsourced teams are well-versed in BIM best practices and standards, allowing for seamless collaboration and coordination across disciplines. With real-time access to accurate project data and 3D models, stakeholders can make informed decisions, identify potential clashes, and mitigate risks early in the modeling process. This proactive approach minimizes rework, reduces project delays, and enhances project outcomes.

Lastly, outsourcing BIM modeling services allows firms to focus on their core competencies and strategic initiatives. By delegating modeling-related tasks to external partners, firms can allocate their internal resources more effectively, concentrating on value-added activities such as design innovation, client engagement, and business development. This strategic alignment enables firms to stay ahead of the competition and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.

Our BIM consulting service and security in your construction projects

modelo bim de un hospital

Learn how Acero Estudio‘s BIM Consulting services improve the safety culture in all stages of the construction process.

With our BIM services, construction teams can create detailed digital models that include information on the location of equipment, materials, potential risks and safety procedures. This information allows project managers to identify and address potential risks before they occur, minimizing the likelihood of accidents in the workplace.

Effective communication is vital to ensure safety on construction projects. Our BIM services facilitate communication between all team members, from designers and engineers to workers on site. By using a centralized digital model, everyone involved can access the same updated information in real time, reducing the possibility of misunderstandings and miscommunications that could jeopardize security.

It is important to take into consideration that the BIM methodology allows you to simulate different scenarios and evaluate potential risks before they occur. By creating 3D digital models, we can identify potential safety issues and test different solutions before implementing them on the construction site. This not only helps prevent accidents, but also allows construction crews to prepare for emergencies and respond effectively should they occur.

In addition to improving workplace safety, our BIM services can also help construction companies comply with safety standards and regulations set by local and national authorities. By using accurate and up-to-date digital models, companies can demonstrate compliance with security requirements and avoid potential penalties and fines for non-compliance.

By investing in our BIM services, companies can improve the safety, efficiency and profitability of their construction projects, allowing them to stand out in an increasingly competitive market and ensure the long-term success of their operations.

Take into consideration that our BIM consulting services are not only a powerful tool to improve the efficiency and quality of construction projects, but also play a fundamental role in promoting a culture of safety in the sector. Contact us and request more information about our consulting services for companies.