Abstract:

Technological advances in fields of simulation and technical coordination have created new methodologies in construction (Building Integrated Modelling -BIM-), thus improving processes of quality, efficiency and safety. In recent years, these methodologies are quickly being implemented in those developed countries possessing both a high level of technological development and an architectural culture based on standardized processes.

On the contrary, in developing countries, difficulties are experienced in the application of BIM technologies in Construction. These difficulties include the high cost of implementation, the lack of trust in technological advances on the part of promoters and contractors of construction projects, the lack of financial resources in the planning stages and the lack of standardized processes and control by those involved.

Public Priority Housing projects (VIP acronym in Spanish) in Colombia represent poor performance in the process of design and construction, due to limited in budgets, the short time to execute on schedule and the complicated structure of subcontracting.
The lack of communication between professionals and other disciplines results in a lack of information in VIP projects. Coordination is based on conventional methods of representation 2-D and it is not sufficient to help make decisions about conflicts that occur between building systems involved in the process. If the lack of information is not detected and resolved before beginning the construction, it can cause insufficient technical coordination; and increase the costs and affect the quality of housing. Implementing BIM's software in VIP projects is not feasible due to limited budget. For many small companies the additional costs in acquisition of software and training of personnel would constitute a significant cultural change.
Based on the issues raised, it exists a necessity to search for a new methodology, which allows the implementation of new digital technologies using those resources available to those involved (promoters, contractors, the market and local planning authorities.) The object is to optimize the processes of design, technical coordination, production, finance, sustainability and safety, in order to apply these methods of construction in the VIP study and determine the advantages in respect to improving quality.

The methodology proposed enable these results: a) Identify conflicts derived from different interdisciplinary areas involved in the design process (architectural, structural, hydraulic, electrical and sanitary), giving importance to the relations in the workplace, through the coordination of technical components. b) Planning adjustments and working out conflicts in the project across the use and analysis with 3D tools. c) acting as a filter before the building process, and d) improving the knowledge of the staff at work by training them and supplying them with accurate information for the job.

To summarise, the professional relationship at work acquired prominence, while the use of digital media and resources in the company was optimised. Besides, the execution times decreased by providing accurate specifications, amounts of work, calculations on materials and current state regarding the schedule, thence becoming communication support for decision-making processes at work, increasing the quality in the results of VIP homes.

Keywords:

Innovation, technology, 3D modelling, technical coordination, simulation.