The Edifica 2024 International Construction Exhibition, an essential event for the sector in Latin America, will take place from October 15 to 17 at Espacio Riesco in Santiago, Chile. In this edition, the fair will not only showcase the latest advances in construction but will also serve as a platform to highlight how innovation and sustainability are transforming the industry landscape through concrete case studies and outstanding solutions.
The Power of Digital Twins
One of the central themes of Edifica 2024 is the adoption of digital twins, a tool that allows for the creation of real-time virtual representations of buildings and infrastructure. This rapidly growing technology is projected to reach a market value of $5.4 billion by 2025, facilitating issue detection and the optimization of construction processes. According to Daniela Vásquez, General Manager of Construye Zero, "implementing a digital twin ensures more efficient and cost-effective results, monitoring construction progress and preventing delays."
Additionally, digital twins can be integrated with machine learning algorithms, allowing for the prediction and optimization of task scheduling. This real-time analytical capability not only improves coordination among teams but also supports sustainability by reducing costs and optimizing resources. At Edifica 2024, attendees will be able to see a digital twin in action, illustrating its impact on modern construction.
Efficient Housing Solutions: The Prozero Building at Edifica 2024
The event will also showcase modular construction with the Prozero Industrialized Building, a pioneering project in DS49-type social housing. Designed by ETERNA Modular Building in collaboration with Volcán, Melón, Glasstech, and MultiAceros, this building represents a breakthrough in sustainable and efficient construction. Prozero is designed to be assembled and disassembled multiple times, which not only optimizes construction times but also minimizes environmental impact.
Estefanía Mallea, Head of Experience and Marketing at ETERNA, points out that this project "seeks to offer the market a high-rise housing solution, addressing the housing deficit and optimizing the use of space." The building will be assembled in the Industrialization Plaza during the exhibition, giving attendees the opportunity to see the process live and appreciate how modular construction can offer high-quality housing solutions.
3D Printing Applied to Social Housing
3D printing will also feature prominently at Edifica 2024. This innovative technology promises to reduce costs and waste, optimizing resources in the construction sector. The University of Bío-Bío (UBB), a pioneer in this field, has developed pilot projects that demonstrate how 3D printing can contribute to the construction of social housing. "We seek to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable technologies and resource use, incorporating industrial waste into our constructions," says Cristóbal Becerra, a professor at UBB.
The ability to customize designs and adapt them to client needs is another advantage of 3D printing, which helps increase construction speed and tackle issues like the housing deficit. During the exhibition, models and prototypes will be on display to illustrate the potential of this technology to revolutionize the sector.
Toward 70% BIM Adoption: Agreement Signed by 16 Chilean Institutions
On October 17, an agreement between 16 institutions will be signed to promote the "BIM Roadmap," aiming to achieve 70% adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology in Chile by 2028. This project, launched on September 26 by the Chilean Chamber of Construction (CChC) and backed by Factor Digital, seeks to consolidate collaboration among key industry players.
Claudio Cerda, Vice President of the CChC, emphasized progress in BIM adoption and the importance of active participation from all stakeholders. Carolina Soto of Factor Digital highlighted the multisectoral dialogue involved in creating the roadmap. Rodrigo Sánchez, BIM Leader at the CChC, indicated that the target is based on a gap analysis. Following the signing, the institutions will work across four key areas—governance, promotion, integration, and BIM adoption support—structuring the roadmap into three lines of action with 14 measures and 54 activities, requiring active collaboration for execution.
Integrating Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) for a Sustainable Future
Additionally, the International Fair aims to promote sustainability through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). These methods are key to improving resource efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing costs and timelines in building projects. The "Introduction to MMC Guide," prepared by CTEC, categorizes these solutions into seven types, ranging from 3D structural modules to alternative technologies. Industry experts emphasize that integrating MMC from the early stages of a project is essential to maximizing its benefits.
Furthermore, it is emphasized that industrialization in construction is not a new concept and has been perfected in leading countries, contributing to more sustainable and efficient building practices. Companies like Canada House and CINTAC are at the forefront of adopting these methods, offering innovative solutions that improve quality and reduce the carbon footprint.
Edifica 2024 is presented as a space where innovation, sustainability, and collaboration converge. From digital twins to modular construction, 3D printing, and new building methods, the event highlights the potential of these technologies to transform the construction industry into a more efficient and environmentally friendly sector. The exhibition not only showcases the present of construction but also charts a path toward a future where efficiency and innovation are the norm, not the exception.
