The Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the foundation of digital transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The information of design, planning, construction and operations (Facility Management), is collected and organized in a collaborative digital model, usually saved in the cloud, which can support and help the decisions, during the design phase until the utilization phase, with the digital representation of an asset throughout its lifecycle.

Thus, BIMis a methodology for sharing digital information and communication between all stakeholders during all the phases of the life cycle of a construction that is supported by a digital model that allows the visualization in three dimensions (3D). At the same time the model is an information repository, consisting of information related with geometry and the properties of each element. It is an object-oriented modulation, with the building represented through elements, instead of the traditional methodology of geometrical modulation.

Several simulations in the design phase can be made, enabling the analysis of different options of space distribution and quality, producing different constructions solutions, which can also be evaluated from economic and environmental points of view. With that full information, not only can the decisions for the construction phase be better supported and more efficient options could be taken, but there can also be a contribution to a sustainable rehabilitation of the constructions and a change of use during its lifecycle.

The model is organized with interoperability layers, sharing building elements, building services elements and facilities elements. A more expert management of all the process will reduce failures in communication. The various options and the final solution of the construction will be tested in the design phase, with a reduction in construction costs (5D BIM), as well as the reduction of time construction with a well-organized planning (4D BIM).

Any changes made to the model in the design phase will be immediately updated and well understood by all the designers involved in the process. In the utilization phase, the built asset information will support the decisions to be made regarding the necessary maintenance of the construction.

The potential is huge and the most important challenge will be the introduction of these principles in the construction design, according to the lifecycle asset.

With BIM tools, the construction works will be carried out with an important cost control and exact resources definition for each phase of the works. The planning will be done with accuracy and any modification will be easy to prepare in the next steps. The final model, as built, will be the base for the decisions during the lifecycle asset. The Figure 2 illustrates the main potentialities of the BIM application for a project.