Sustainable construction using BIM - EN

Building Sustainably with BIM and Digital Technologies

Over 4.5 months, students will evolve in a multicultural and innovative environment, combining academic courses, practical projects, technical visits, and laboratory work.

This semester takes place in the spring.

Programme Objectives

This semester aims to train engineers capable of:

Mastering BIM and its applications for the management of buildings and infrastructures
Optimising building design by integrating sustainable and circular approaches
Analysing and improving building performance in terms of energy, environment, and comfort
Understanding and applying the principles of Lean Construction to optimise construction processes
Developing a technical and functional approach to buildings and their infrastructures
Collaborating on real-world projects through technical visits and laboratory experiments

This programme emphasises innovation and practical application to prepare students for the current and future challenges of the construction industry.

TEACHING Program - Semester 8 (S8) - Sustainable Building using BIM

UE1-1 - Recycling, Sustainable Materials & Wood-Concrete Composites

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

Basics in construction materials (FRP/wood/concrete).

Expected Learning Outcomes

Explain circular-economy stakes applied to structural materials.
Describe principles of timber-concrete composites and selection criteria.

Indicative content

Reuse, recycling, LCA of materials.
Timber-concrete connectors, stiffness, typical assemblies.

EU1-2 - Recycling... - Site Visit

Duration: 3 h

Prerequisites

UE1-1 advised.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Observe reuse/recycling value chains on site.
Assess logistics, quality control and traceability constraints.

Indicative content

Sorting platform / materials hub.
Quality, traceability, lessons learned.

UE1-3 - Numerical Modelling & Design of RC/Masonry for Seismic - Lab

Duration: 8 h

Prerequisites

Seismic basics (ELF/modal); EC8 intro.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Model and check RC/masonry elements under seismic actions (EC8).
Interpret results and adapt detailing.

Indicative content

Simplified models, spectra, capacity/ductility.
Details for walls/slabs/beams/columns.

UE1-4 - Intuitive Analysis of Complex Building Typologies

Duration: 8 h

Prerequisites

Global stability & load paths.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Identify structural mechanisms of complex buildings.
Propose robust static schemes.

Indicative content

Towers, long-span halls, cantilevers, exoskeletons.
Robustness, redundancy, progressive collapse.

SDG 9

UE1-5 - Composite Structure for BIM Design - Lab

Duration: 8 h

Prerequisites

EC4 basics; BIM authoring tools.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Design composite floor systems and integrate data in a BIM model.
Coordinate structure-architecture-MEP interfaces.

Indicative content

Composite slabs, connectors, deflection/serviceability.
IFC exchanges, material attributes, coordination views.

UE1-6 - Timber Structure for BIM Design - Lab

Duration: 8 h

Prerequisites

EC5 notions; CLT/glulam systems.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Check timber elements and specific details.
Account for prefabrication and tolerances in the model.

Indicative content

Connections, vibration, fire.
BIM: families, templates, clash checks.

UE1-7 - Reliability of Prestressed Structures

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

Prestressing principles; losses.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Explain the benefits/risks of prestressed concrete in buildings.
Identify inspection/maintenance requirements.

Indicative content

Losses, anchorages, deviators.
Pathologies, durability, monitoring.

UE1-8 - Earth & Bio-sourced Construction

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

Bio-based materials basics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Identify properties/constraints of earthen and bio-sourced materials.
Select relevant applications in structure/envelope.

Indicative content

Rammed earth, hemp, bio-insulation.
Moisture, ageing, certifications.

EU1-9 - Earth & Bio-sourced - Lab

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

UE1-8 advised.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Characterize samples and interpret test results.
Proposes implementation provisions.

Indicative content

Lab tests (compression, hygroscopic behaviour).
Protocol, variability, acceptance criteria.

UE1-10 - Numerical Modelling & Design of RC/Masonry for Seismic - Lecture

Duration: 8 h

Prerequisites

EC8 basics; structural dynamics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Select appropriate modelling and justify assumptions/limits.
Check elements and justify seismic detailing.

Indicative content

Modal/ELF analyses, simple non-linearity.
Regulatory framework and case studies.

UE2-1 - Research Methods in Civil Engineering

Duration: 9.5 h

Prerequisites
- Basic scientific method.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Formulate a research question; set up DOE and data-collection strategy.
- Structure a mini-project (ethics, literature review, reproducibility).
Indicative content
- Hypotheses, metrics, DOE, bias.
- Critical reading, citation, data management.

UE2-2 - Building Pathology, Maintenance & Retrofitting

Duration: 12 h

Prerequisites

Structures/materials basics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Diagnose common pathologies and propose remediation.
Plan maintenance and monitoring.

Indicative content

Concrete/steel/wood defects; envelope issues.
Inspection, testing, repair plans.

UE2-3 - Circular Innovation in Different Economic Sectors

Duration: 8 h

Prerequisites

Intro to circular economy.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Explain industrial symbiosis and circular levers applied to construction.
Build a mini circularity business case.

Indicative content

Reuse, secondary materials, reverse logistics.
Business models and regulatory frameworks.

UE2-4 - Project Management in a BIM Environment

Duration: 9 h

Prerequisites

Project management (WBS/Gantt); basic BIM.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Define a management strategy (BEP) and steer cost/schedule/quality.
Set up coordination and model reviews.

Indicative content

BEP, roles, workflows, design reviews.
EVM, risk, communication & change.

UE2-5 - Building Information Modelling & Management

Duration: 12 h

Prerequisites

3D modelling; basic interoperability.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Produce a compliant model (LOD/LOI) and manage data/drawings.
Ensure IFC exchanges and clash detection for synthesis.

Indicative content

Modelling, schedules, attributes, templates.
IFC, BCF, clash detection & issue tracking.

UE3-1 - Advanced Technologies for Plus-Energy Buildings & Communities

Duration: 15 h

Prerequisites

Building physics/energy basics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Compare PEB solutions and self-consumption/storage scenarios.
Argue a techno-economic-environmental choice.

Indicative content

PV/solar, storage, BMS, micro-grids.
PEB indicators, comfort & operation.

UE3-2 - Reliability & Failure Prognostics in Civil Engineering

Duration: 12 h

Prerequisites

Probability/statistics; material durability.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Describe reliability/PHM concepts and indicators.
Set up a prognosis/maintenance approach.

Indicative content

Reliability, uncertainties, digital twins.
Prognostics & Health Management.

UE3-3 - Envelope (Esthetics, Energy, Air, Water, Vapor, Sound)

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

Building physics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Identify envelope functions/performances and critical interfaces.
Prevent defects and non-quality.

Indicative content

Airtightness/watertightness, thermal bridges, moisture, acoustics.
Critical details and QA checks.

UE3-4 - Spaces (Function, Comfort, Accessibility, Light, Sound)

Duration: 8 h

Prerequisites

Ergonomics & accessibility regulations.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Build a functional diagram and comfort criteria.
Integrate accessibility & uses into design.

Indicative content

Visual/thermal/acoustic comfort.
Circulations, ADA/PMR, space-structure interactions.

UE3-5 - Superstructures - Why Things Don't Fall Down

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

Strength of materials.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Relate structural system choices to stability/serviceability.
Identify failure modes and safety margins.

Indicative content

Static schemes, stability and ductility.
Illustrated cases and lessons from failures

UE3-6 - Building Physics

Duration: 8 h

Prerequisites

Heat/air/vapour for transfer.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Describe balances and envelope-uses-climate interactions.
Passive comfort solutions.

Indicative content

Heat transfer, inertia, ventilation.
Simple simulation and standards

UE3-7 - Dealing with Hazards

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

Basics in fire/seismic/hydraulic safety.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Identify hazards (fire, earthquake, flood) and risk-reduction solutions.
Integrate operation/evacuation constraints.

Indicative content

Passive/active protection, compartmentation.
Evacuation, redundancy and resilience.

UE3-8 - Infrastructure & Foundations

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

Applied geotechnics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Relate infrastructure/foundation choices to loads/soils.
Identify interfaces and key detailing.

Indicative content

Foundation types, slabs-on-grade, soil-structure interaction.
Utilities, deformations, site QA/QC.

UE4-1 - Integrated Design Project

Duration: 30 h

Prerequisites
- BEP & coordination tools; basic modelling.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Develop a preliminary proposal with an integrated, model-based approach.
- Justify choices with thermal/structural/LCA analyses and early-stage costing.
Indicative content
- BIM execution planning, workflows, multi-criteria iterations.
- Deliverables: client package, design reviews, professional pitch.

UE5-1 - Techniques for Building Rehabilitation, Restoration & Conservation

Duration: 9 h

Prerequisites

Structures & materials basics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Compare rehabilitation/restoration techniques and justify a choice.
Plan diagnostics and testing.

Indicative content

Existing structures, defects and treatment.
Heritage constraints vs adaptation needs

UE5-2 - Housing Overcrowding: Dynamics & Challenges in the Modern Age

Duration: 6 h

Prerequisites

Urban planning / urban sociology basics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Analyse overcrowding drivers and impacts.
Discuss policy and design levers.

Indicative content

Socio-economic dynamics, density, health.
Planning and housing scenarios.

UE5-3 - Infrastructure Maintenance & Rehabilitation

Duration: 8 h

Prerequisites

Bridges & urban networks basics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Identify maintenance priorities and operational risks.
Build a multi-year strategy.

Indicative content

Inspections, levels of service, budgets.
Roads, bridges, urban networks - cases

UE5-4 - Cities: Organisms in Transition

Duration: 1.5 h

Prerequisites

None.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Describe transition trends and implications.
Report conclusions from recent experiments.

Indicative content

Circular cities, resilience, inclusion.
Case studies and lessons learned.

UE5-5 - Introduction to Architecture, City Planning & Urban Sociology - History & Trends

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

None.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Identify components of the built environment and their interactions.
Describe major historical and current trends.

Indicative content

Facility typologies, urban fabrics.
Uses, mobility, policy evolution.

EU5-6 - Transformation & Adaptive Re-Use of Existing Buildings & Districts

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

Building design & codes basics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Assess feasibility of change-of-use and transformations.
Identify technical/legal/economic issues.

Indicative content

Typologies, vertical extensions, conversions.
Risks, permits, business models.

UE5-7 - Urban Facility Management

Duration: 4 h

Prerequisites

FM basics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Define urban services (energy/water/waste/IT) and KPIs.
Propose efficiency/quality improvements.

Indicative content

Service organisation, contracts, SLAs.
Dashboards, business continuity

UE5-8 - Area Networks (Energy, Water, Waste & Communications)

Duration: 8 h

Prerequisites

Urban networks basics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Describe area networks and impact-reduction solutions.
Articulate networks/buildings and uses.

Indicative content

Energy, water, waste, digital.
Resilience, sobriety, governance.

UE6-1 - BIM Execution & Collaboration Strategy

Duration: 25 h

Prerequisites

BIM management basics; coordination.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Set up/update a BEP: organisation, information exchanges, roles.
Ensure decision traceability and data quality.

Indicative content

Project organisation, CDE, workflows, reviews.
Issue tracking (BCF), responsibilities and milestones.

UE6-2 - Design Studios & Reviews

Duration: 50 h

Prerequisites

Modelling, energy/structures/LCA basics.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Compare variants through thermo-structural-LCA/cost analyses.
Converge to a defendable solution for AEC professionals.

Indicative content

Multi-criteria iterations, digital prototypes.
Mid-term and final reviews, expert feedback.

EU6-3 - Communication, Ethics & Social Responsibility

Duration: 25 h

Prerequisites

Technical English recommended.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Integrate social/societal/environmental impacts and defend them.
Deliver a professional oral presentation to a jury.

Indicative content

Responsibility & ethics, stakeholders.
Project pitch, Q&A, portfolio dossier.

Why Choose This Semester at BUILDERS School of Engineering?

An outstanding academic and professional network:
A programme taught by more than 50 international experts from our consortium of academic and industrial partners.

An innovative programme:
A unique combination of BIM, sustainable construction, and Lean Construction methods.

Active and immersive learning:
Interactive courses, team projects, construction site visits, and access to laboratories.

An international experience:
Students from partner universities around the world, fostering cultural exchange and international collaboration.

A springboard towards the engineering careers of the future:
Development of highly sought-after skills in smart and sustainable building.

Campus: Caen
Applications: Open to French and international students.

Semester : Spring semester from February to June

International Semester Sustainable construction using BIM

Contents

Building Sustainably with BIM and Digital Technologies

Programme Objectives

TEACHING Program - Semester 8 (S8) - Sustainable Building using BIM

Why Choose This Semester at BUILDERS School of Engineering?

International Semester Sustainable construction using BIM

Building Sustainably with BIM and Digital Technologies

Programme Objectives

TEACHING Program - Semester 8 (S8) - Sustainable Building using BIM

UE1 - Advanced Structure Design - 5 ECTS

UE2 - Building Design Processes & Methods - 5 ECTS

UE3 - Buildings: A Functional Approach - 5 ECTS

UE4 - Integrated Design Project - 5 ECTS

UE5 - The Built Environment of Tomorrow - 5 ECTS

UE6 - Workshop: Sustainable Building Engineering - 5 ECTS

Why Choose This Semester at BUILDERS School of Engineering?

Welcome to Builders

I AM

Welcome to Builders

Learning mode

Welcome to Builders

Campus location

My affinities

Sectors

Business

Values