Course content

This course explores how students with a background in construction engineering can contribute to the digital transformation of engineering processes within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. It combines technological innovation with interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare future engineers to understand, develop, and implement forward-looking digital solutions that meet the demands of sustainability, efficiency, safety, and innovation.

Key topics include:

• Status, opportunities, and challenges in developing efficient and automated processes in the construction sector, including the use of robotics, machine learning, and data-driven systems.
• The role and interaction of different engineering disciplines in achieving successful digitalization.
• The concept of digitalization focuses on transforming traditional analogue processes and applying concepts such as Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, smart systems, and digital twin technology as digital representations of physical systems.
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a key enabler of digitalization in construction engineering. The use of BIM for improving project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and facility management.
• The ISO 19650 framework for information management in BIM processes.
• Business models for the development of digital processes and solutions supported by modelling tools.
• Integration of sensors and IoT technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity in engineering processes.
• Application of digital technologies to optimize engineering workflows, reduce costs, improve quality, and shorten design and execution times.
• Cybersecurity in digital systems, particularly within critical engineering processes. Ensuring data integrity and protection against hacking or misuse, including an introduction to cryptography, authentication, and data protection measures for digital twins.
• Digital platforms and collaboration tools that support interdisciplinary teamwork among engineers, architects, and other professionals. The impact of digitalization on communication, model sharing, and the use of Common Data Environments (CDE).
• Integration of digital tools in project management and the development of strategies for implementing BIM-based digitalization in engineering companies.

Learning outcome

This course explores how students with a background in construction engineering can contribute to the digital transformation of engineering processes within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. It combines technological innovation with interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare future engineers to understand, develop, and implement forward-looking digital solutions that meet the demands of sustainability, efficiency, safety, and innovation.

Key topics include:

• Status, opportunities, and challenges in developing efficient and automated processes in the construction sector, including the use of robotics, machine learning, and data-driven systems.
• The role and interaction of different engineering disciplines in achieving successful digitalization.
• The concept of digitalisation, with a focus on transforming traditional analogue processes and applying concepts such as Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, smart systems, and digital twin technology to create digital representations of physical systems.
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a key enabler of digitalization in construction engineering. The use of BIM for improving project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and facility management.
• The ISO 19650 framework for information management in BIM processes.
• Business models for the development of digital processes and solutions supported by modelling tools.
• Integration of sensors and IoT technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity in engineering processes.
• Application of digital technologies to optimize engineering workflows, reduce costs, improve quality, and shorten design and execution times.
• Cybersecurity in digital systems, particularly within critical engineering processes. Ensuring data integrity and protection against hacking or misuse, including an introduction to cryptography, authentication, and data protection measures for digital twins.
• Digital platforms and collaboration tools that support interdisciplinary teamwork among engineers, architects, and other professionals. The impact of digitalization on communication, model sharing, and the use of Common Data Environments (CDE).
• Integration of digital tools in project management and the development of strategies for implementing BIM-based digitalization in engineering companies.

Learning methods and activities

The course is conducted as a project and problem-based learning. This includes lectures, exercises, self-study (literature and professional videos), real/industry-related project assignments (cases) both individually and in groups, discussions, report writing, supervision, and presentation in plenary. Great emphasis is placed on discussions and collaboration between the participants and initiatives towards the industry.

Software and computer equipment: The hardware and software for project management are available at all times in the digital BIM lab at the study site. Software for carrying out the project assignment is chosen in relation to the current problem by the students in consultation with the course coordinator.

Compulsory assignments

• Presentation of group work

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of digitization and familiarity with the construction industry.

Course materials

Course materials (books, articles and other information) are finally provided in connection with commencement. The following are included:

• ISO 19650 Standard Documentation. For deeper insight into BIM and information management, it may be useful to look at the actual standards that describe how digitization can be implemented in construction processes: ISO 19650 sub-standards 1-5.
• buildingSMART International: An organization that offers standards, tools and resources to understand and implement BIM in construction processes.