Validation of infrastructures through BIM

Building Information Modelling is the latest phase of a revolutionary process that over the last thirty years has profoundly transformed the world of design in the construction sector in all its different disciplines: architecture and engineering design, mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering, operation and maintenance, cost and safety, etc. From 2D and 3D assisted design to parametric design, the innovation has led to a profound change of perspective as far as the way of conceiving the work in all its phases is concerned, from concept to execution and consequently to management. BIM methodological approach, based on sharing and interoperability, opens up a potential range of future applications, although nowadays it is mainly used in the MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering) sector. One of the most interesting applications can be developed in urban and infrastructural design (Infra-BIM), where the processes and the controls implemented by BIM can be managed effectively and at a higher efficiency level. The term Infra-BIM is used in reference to the adoption of the BIM methodology in the infrastructure sector. An area that by itself calls for a strong disciplinary interconnection with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and involves many aspects, from the analysis of the area analysed to the relations and interferences with other infrastructures. A multidisciplinary approach that, consequently, requires the correct implementation of the BIM methodology reached by checking the coherence and quality of the information input in the models. The paper focuses on the phase of BIM Validation viewed as a support for a proper work-flow: it not only allows to analyse the whole set of information associated with a parametric object but also how the entire model matches the specific design requirements. BIM Validation process in design is not defined yet, but it is important to aim at a correct procedure so as to guarantee quality of design and future management of the project.