Applying the BIM process in Europe: focus on Spain

Applying the BIM process in Europe

Building information modelling (BIM) is a method for designing, constructing and managing buildings and infrastructure based on the creation of a shared digital model of an asset. This model contains geometric, structural, MEP, energy, environmental and other information, which can be used by all the parties involved in the construction process.

The use of BIM in Europe is growing steadily. As of 2023, most European countries have already adopted a national strategy to promote BIM, and many of them have introduced rules that make its use mandatory in public procurement.

Applying BIM in Spain

Spain is one of the European countries that has made the most progress in applying BIM. In 2017, the Spanish government approved a national strategy to promote BIM, under which BIM is mandatory for public works contracts for new construction, refurbishment and maintenance with a value of €20 million or more.

BIM has been introduced in Spain gradually. In 2018, the use of BIM was recommended in public works tenders, and in 2019 it became mandatory for construction works and for infrastructure.

As of 2023, BIM is already used in Spain in several sectors, including public building, private building, civil engineering and architecture. Several large BIM projects have been delivered, including the new Madrid airport and the new headquarters of the Ministry of Defence.

Applying BIM in Spain has brought several benefits, including:

• Better communication and collaboration among the parties involved in the construction process: the BIM model is a repository of information shared by all the parties, who can access the data they need in real time. This makes communication and collaboration between the different teams easier, and can improve the quality of the project and reduce costs.
• Greater efficiency and productivity: BIM makes it possible to automate many activities that are currently carried out manually, such as producing drawings, quantity take-off and data management. This can increase the efficiency and productivity of the construction process.
• Better quality and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure: BIM makes it possible to simulate the behaviour of a building or an infrastructure asset before it is built. This can help to identify and resolve potential problems, and to improve the quality and sustainability of the asset.

The challenges Spain faces in spreading BIM further are mainly cultural and related to training. The parties involved in the construction process need to be aware of the advantages of BIM and able to use this method effectively.

The Spanish government is investing in training and innovation to spread BIM on a large scale. Several training programmes have been created for construction professionals, and new BIM tools and technologies have been developed.

Spain is a leading country in the application of BIM in Europe. The spread of this method is bringing a significant improvement in the efficiency, quality and sustainability of the construction sector.

Conclusion

The application of BIM in Europe is a continuously evolving process. The advantages this method offers are numerous, and its spread can bring a significant improvement in the efficiency, quality and sustainability of the construction sector.