The Portuguese civil engineering sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by BIM, digitalisation and new technical and regulatory requirements. By 2026, a number of national initiatives will redefine the way we design, build and manage infrastructure.
The Technical Committee for BIM Standardisation, coordinated by the Portuguese Institute for Quality and led by LNEC, is developing the first Portuguese BIM standards based on the European EN ISO 19650 series.
It is expected that the first national versions of BIM technical guides, containing guidance for designers, public bodies and specialists, will be published in 2026, marking a decisive step towards the harmonisation of digital processes in the country.
A national BIM library linked to a Digital Product Passport is currently being developed, which will connect manufacturers of building materials with designers and project owners.
Each BIM object — such as windows, flooring or blocks — now includes data on its origin, energy efficiency, recyclability and carbon footprint. This innovation strengthens the circular economy in the sector and will be integrated into projects funded by Portugal 2030.
Portuguese universities and companies are adopting tools based on AI and machine learning to:
- automatically detect incompatibilities (intelligent clash detection);
- forecast costs and timelines based on historical data;
- generate parametric models using Generative Design.
These technologies are speeding up coordination processes, improving the quality of models and supporting technical decisions with greater accuracy.
Digital Twins and Modular Construction
The combination of BIM, IoT and sensor systems is generating ‘living’ digital models capable of monitoring the behaviour of infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, roads and buildings in real time.
Portugal already has pilot projects in road and hospital infrastructure that use digital twins for structural monitoring and advanced maintenance. This will be one of the country’s major priorities between 2026 and 2028, particularly in large-scale public projects.
With new regulations, greater digital integration, enhanced sustainability and the growing adoption of AI, the sector is preparing for a decisive technological leap forward.
Portuguese engineering is ready for a new chapter — bring on 2026!
