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Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers the Construction professionals the tools to optimize and increase the automation of various design and construction tasks, namely, the Quantity Take-Off (QTO). In a construction project, this task is essential for accurate preliminary cost estimations, investment analysis, cost and resource planning, and control and supporting decision-making processes. The BIM methodology is progressively being implemented in Construction, bringing recognized benefits in the quality of the final product and in the efficiency of the design and construction processes. As BIM is based in the generation and updating of a centralized model, containing all the information of the construction project, it presents a valid alternative to the traditional process, allowing consistent results concerning the QTO activity and facilitating the information management in construction. However, the implementation of BIM in QTO processes, by a majority, is still hindered by the lack of BIM-based measurement rules and is thus often looked upon with reservations in the industry. This paper aims to contribute to the knowledge and dissemination of the benefits of using BIM as a tool for automated QTO. The study demonstrates the main advantages of a BIM/QTO activity and discusses solutions to overcome the limitations identified in a practical case study.

During the initial project phase the decisions have a greater importance on a building, so it is necessary that different designers can use a centralized information model, allowed by Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology. The study evaluates the capabilities of BIM on the use of precise and updated information related to the construction solutions of exterior walls and floors, throughout the management of the building life-cycle, namely, in the perspective of an energetic simulation. The work carried out involves the creation of a BIM model and the establishment of a library of parametric objects representative of current walls and floors. The information introduced in the model, together with the parameters, concerning physical proprieties, added to the walls and floor objects, are used in the development of sustainability tasks supported in the BIM model. The main advantages are identified when comparing alternative constructive solutions, and shown BIM ability to support decisions by stakeholders during the development of a project.

The attention of Civil Engineering is currently oriented to the methodology Building Information Modelling (BIM), a new concept that is based on recent scientific advances concerning the ability of computer systems to store, manage and manipulate large amounts of information, and established as the big breakthrough in the construction industry. Being the school the main actor in the formation of new engineers, it has the mission to offer disciplines or training workshops to prepare students for the professional activity, giving the knowledge concerning the current most advanced computer technology. In the context of implementing BIM, the future engineer should acquire the ability to apply basic BIM tools in different domains and recognize the advantages in developing collaborative projects provided by BIM platforms. In Portugal, the involvement in terms of design offices and construction companies, have been growing and as so this interest the Construction industry is an incentive that justifies the inclusion of BIM within the curriculum of the Master Course of Civil Engineering.

Teaching Architecture and Civil Engineering requires a permanent updating of knowledge concerning procedures and technologies used in Construction industry. In this sense, the school should seek to adapt its curriculum to include innovative issues to support a better construction. The Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology involves the concept of information centralized in a unique geometric model and promotes collaboration between all participants. An important role of teaching is to organize actions to stimulate the insertion of new issues in school. The present report presents several uses of the 3D/BIM model, the main limitations found in the development a nD/BIM models and the most remarkable benefits of the BIM methodology when supporting multitasks, within an education context. Several examples of BIM applications developed by students as MSc researchers are described in detail: 2D/BIM technical drawing representations; conflict analysis based in a 3D/BIM model; coordination of construction project supported on a 3D/BIM model; structural analyses using 3D/BIM models; 4D/BIM model for construction planning; materials take-off supporting 5D/BIM models; energetic analyses based on 6D/BIM model; development of 7D/BIM model in maintenance activity. The concept of multiuse of the 3D/BIM model becomes very clear for students, from the development of different nD/BIM models. The objective is to add competitive skills in the training of future civil engineers.