Fundamentals and Applications of Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Knowledge and Understanding

The course introduces and explores the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the field of Construction Management, considering BIM both as an information product and as a process. The adoption of BIM in the design of new buildings and infrastructure, as well as in the management and intervention of existing building and infrastructure assets, will be examined from both technological and methodological perspectives, with particular attention to the processes and practices of the construction sector.

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will have acquired an in-depth understanding of the concepts of BIM, OpenBIM, interoperability, and standards, as well as of the main applications and methodologies currently used throughout the entire life cycle of buildings and civil infrastructure in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. They will also be able to apply this knowledge to model objects and systems using mathematical modeling techniques, perform reverse modeling operations, define information requirements, and develop information models according to the BIM approach.

Communication Skills

By the end of the course, students will have acquired the ability to interact effectively with experts from different disciplinary fields and with technical professionals at different levels of expertise, as well as to communicate and collaborate within interdisciplinary work teams. They will also be able, where required, to take on coordination and management roles in the organization of activities and work processes

The program shares the following Agenda 2030 objectives:

• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: promotes digitalization and modernization of infrastructure.

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: development of digital skills and new professional profiles.

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: technological innovation as a driver for new qualified employment.

• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: protection and enhancement of historical, artistic, and cultural heritage.

The course includes 93 hours of overall teaching activities, of which 41 hours are conducted with the instructor. Of these, 28 hours are devoted to lectures, aimed at developing a critical understanding of the available tools and their areas of application, while 13 hours are devoted to practical exercises and project-based activities, aimed at developing skills in the application of BIM methodology and the use of the main BIM authoring software.

Throughout the course, workshops and meetings with industry experts will also be organized to explore key topics in greater depth and to encourage students to engage with professional experiences and practices.

 - BIM definitions and terminology (Evolution and international implementation of the BIM methodology and technology, AEC digital transition advantages, Operational workflows, Interoperability and common  data environment)

-   International and national standards and regulations (LOIN, LOD, ISO, UNI)

-   BIM authoring platforms and VPLs (object-oriented modeling, components library, shared parameters)

-   BIM for the documentation and manteinance of built heritage (H-BIM, digital survey, Scan to HBIM procedures)

-   BIM for Facility Management

-   BIM and GIS for the urban and territory management

-   Rendering, animation, and extended reality (virtual, augmented, mixed reality) for the communication of the project

No textbook is required for this class. The projected slides will be made available to the students.

Difference between Level of Information Need and Level of Development

BIM uses

H-BIM for the built environment

 Common Data Environment

3D acquisition techniques