Using free tools to support the BIM coordination process into SMEs

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has proved to be a useful methodology for the AEC industry, bringing into it a large number of benefits. Despite all these advantages, BIM faces barriers that hinder its broad implementation within AEC companies. The largest barrier pointed out by the literature is the high initial investment (hardware, software and training). As a result, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have not been involved in the process and the integration that BIM should incorporate into a project is undermined because of the impossibility of each party to work with this technology. This research proposes to use free tools during the coordination process to support those SMEs unable to invest in software or training. To achieve this goal, it will be necessary to review the software available in the market, then the most suitable tools will be chosen for the coordination process, and finally a workflow to provide support will be proposed. The proposed workflow had proved to be good enough to be used by SMEs, however it is necessary to follow the sequence indicated in order to avoid interoperability issues