BIM and Artificial Intelligence Transforming Construction in Mozambique

The construction industry in Mozambique is undergoing a significant transformation with the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to experts at the 14th Urban Rehabilitation Week in Porto, these technologies are opening up new possibilities for architecture, engineering, and construction. The use of BIM and AI promises to increase productivity throughout the building lifecycle.

The integration of BIM and AI enables the automation of tasks, utilization of data, and integration of models. However, experts emphasize that technology does not replace technical knowledge or the ability to evaluate results. Cristina Cardoso, Vice-President of the Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos (OET), highlights the importance of continuous training to keep up with the evolution of tools and improve collaboration among professionals.

Ana Rita Beire, Vice-President of the OET's Professional Council, points out that AI has limitations, including presenting responses with the same degree of confidence, regardless of accuracy. When combined with BIM, AI can benefit from structured information and concrete data, reducing reliance on probabilistic responses. Beire notes that generating a complete project autonomously is still a distant possibility.

The use of BIM and AI requires significant changes in professional competencies. Beire estimates that 39% of workers' skills may change or become outdated by 2030, making continuous learning essential. The responsibility for verifying results, protecting information confidentiality, and acting transparently will continue to lie with individuals. Experts cite the example of the A400, which has already applied these technologies in engineering processes.

Luís Sanhudo, Technical Director of ID at A400, presents examples of using AI and BIM in engineering, including generative design, digital twins, and automatic documentation generation. The company's platform, A400 Flow, automates pipe layout in projects using predefined rules and language models. Sanhudo emphasizes that automation does not eliminate the need for technical intervention.

The use of BIM models is particularly relevant when accompanying buildings throughout their lifecycle. Rui Mendes, responsible for the Mechanical Engineering Department at Schmitt + Sohn Elevadores, highlights the importance of integrating equipment from the design phase and ensuring information consistency across different stages. The company aims to provide BIM elements to designers and develop solutions to improve equipment management over time.

Experts stress the need for validation of results produced by probabilistic methods and the development of critical thinking. The transformation will depend on the ability to bring together companies, academia, and professionals without losing sight of technical quality. The conference concludes that technology is already changing the way buildings are designed, constructed, and managed, and the pace of transformation will depend on collaboration and responsible adoption.

Key points

• Adoption of BIM and AI in construction promises to increase productivity throughout the building lifecycle.
• Experts emphasize the need for continuous training and validation of results produced by probabilistic methods.
• The transformation will depend on collaboration between companies, academia, and professionals.