Strategy for the implementation of BIM workflows in SMEs regarding team collaboration. Case study éBRICKhouse

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Recent advances in Information Technology have led to the apparition of a new working methodology called BIM (Building Information Modelling). It brings important advances to an industry, the AEC, which is characterized by its complexity and fragmented nature. Nevertheless, for the effective implementation of this technology, it is required not only to learn and use the software, but also to reinvent and adopt the workflows, methodologies and the roles and responsibilities that the employees have. Additional attention is required to the concept of collaboration, since it is considered an essential skill in BIM and little importance is having in current academia. Although some frameworks for the implementation in companies have been proposed, most of them present general guidelines without going into the subject in depth. Furthermore, the implementation in large companies started earlier than in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), despite they represent an important sector of the construction industry. In this context, this dissertation aims to present a deeper analysis of the framework, proposing workshops and activities for the fostering of BIM and team collaboration in SMEs. An analysis of a case study is carried out for a better understanding of the framework since the implementation of the BIM depends on many factors and differs from one company to another. The complexity of creating a common framework becomes more difficult and the framework should be personalised.