Key academic challenges to the digitization of civil engineering

Digitized civil engineering must be matched with academic training that complies with BIM methodology

Academic challenges for digitized civil engineering 

  There are many challenges facing the Spanish construction sector, currently led by the largest construction companies in the world. These companies have had to reinvent themselves and adapt to a globalized world. 80% of its production is already beyond the Spanish borders. The process of internationalization that companies specializing in civil engineering projects are experiencing has forced them to adapt to international demands and standards. In this context, one of the great challenges facing civil engineering is to adapt in record time to the new digital and cultural paradigm brought on by Building Information Modeling (BIM), a work system based on collaboration among all agents that intervene in the same project. Another key point of BIM is the possibility of managing all the information and documentation of an infrastructure project throughout its life cycle in a digital environment.

New models and collaborative cultures

The technological revolution of the economy has completely transformed the global productive structure, which is now rapidly moving towards more sophisticated models. We can no longer think of the technological system as we have during the last two decades. Telecommunications and digital technology have changed the management model of a project. The digital divide makes the education sector a key element in this transition. However, the know-how required by the industry for the application of cutting-edge technologies is not found anywhere. We are not talking about mature methods in Spain, nor about technology already implemented, but about new models and collaborative cultures. There aren’t many specialized centers prepared to respond to these new needs with quality training that complies with the fundamental requirements demanded by BIM methodology: integrated models, Common Data Environments (CDE), collaborative processes, coordination and management skills, work in multidisciplinary and offshored teams, international standards, etc. Universities warn that it is not their function to teach the latest technologies to students, but to provide more oriented knowledge to the engineering profession, instead of "wasting time" in implementing new technologies that evolve with a dizzying speed.

A training from and for the industry

Private institutions such as Zigurat Global Institute of Technology respond to this digital transformation with a training catalog that addresses the digitalization of the industry from all perspectives. This is done in an international environment with professors of outstanding professional recognition and students from more than 70 different countries. Zigurat offers specialized training in construction projects with programs for engineers such as the Master’s in Global BIM Management for Infrastructure Projects. It is not easy to find masters so advanced in the management and implementation of new technologies focused on markets as different as the North American, European and Latin American markets. A training that not only endows the professional with the most advanced skills in the market, but also offers the world's largest network of professionals, made up of engineers and architects from more than 90 countries that will allow professionals from all over the world to open up a multitude of opportunities for your new professional career.