The introduction of BIM is an essentially collaborative process
1 BIM is a revolution… Is it difficult to understand?
I prefer to talk about evolution, although it does have some truly revolutionary aspects.
2 What internal changes does it involve?
It is essentially a transformation based on a significant cultural change in which management of what has already been built plays a prominent role. Improvement in collaboration is fundamental. BIM is an essentially collaborative process.
3 What advantages would you highlight?
I would essentially highlight improvement in quality, transparency, traceability and reduction of risks and uncertainties throughout the life cycle.
4 Will having or not having BIM be a critical factor?
In the short term, it could be critical but, in the medium term, not having it will mean being excluded.
5 How is it being received by the Spanish construction sector?
It has met with a good deal of scepticism because cultural change is not easy for such a mature sector; that said though, the transformation starting to gain a certain amount of momentum.
6 What time scales are being applied for public tenders in Spain?
The time frame is short-term. Within a year, it will already be present in building processes; however, incorporation will be gradual to allow the whole sector to adapt.
A new system of work in Europe’s engineering and construction sector
A civil engineer by profession, Jorge Torrico is Ineco’s deputy director for BIM, as well as secretary of the es.BIM Commission of the Ministry of Public Works, a position that he has held for over two years.
He has more than 20 years of professional experience developing infrastructure and building projects. He represents Spain in the EU BIM Task Group, which is co-funded by the European Commission. He actively participates in methodology standardisation processes, both in Spain, for the Spanish Association for Standardisation (UNE), and at the European level, for the CEN/TC 442 workgroup, as well as the BuildingSmart Spanish Chapter. Working to spread knowledge of BIM, he collaborates with universities, professional associations and bodies in relation to this activity.
BIM (Building Information Modelling) is a work methodology that allows building projects or civil works to be jointly managed through the same digital environment. This means that all of the elements that form part of an infrastructure, including the facilities, are reflected in a single digital model and form a large integrated database that allows projects to be managed throughout their life cycle, from design to construction and subsequent maintenance.
BIM makes it possible to build in a more efficient way, reducing costs while allowing developers, planners, builders and other agents involved to work more collaboratively.
