Embedding Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Construction Area: A case within an Undergraduate Civil Engineering Program

Undergraduate programs face the challenge of staying up to date by responding to globalization, internationalization, and regionalization processes. Civil engi-neering programs should answer the requirements of the Architecture, Engi-neering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a methodology that involves shared digital representations of built as-sets to facilitate design, construction, and operation processes within the con-struction knowledge field. The present research describes a methodology, with six (6) mechanisms to develop and consolidate BIM-related competencies with-in the Construction Area from an undergraduate civil engineering program. It also explores students’ perceptions about the subjects within this area and their relationship with the training and reinforcement of the competencies. The study follows a descriptive scope with an action research design. The principal result is the methodology with six (6) mechanisms designed: (1) BIM implementation in subjects and syllabus, (2) use of collaborative platforms, (3) professor train-ing courses, (4) foundation of student organizations, (5) development of a BIM application project, and (6) area and subject meetings. The validation pro-cess, which included professors, enrolment, employability and research rates, and the curricular proposal and students’ perceptions, revealed that the mecha-nisms can effectively support the development and reinforcement of BIM-related competencies.