Trends

The DANA in Valencia: A BIM Approach from Engineering and Architecture

The recent Isolated High-Level Depression (DANA) that affected Valencia in October 2024 has prompted an in-depth analysis by engineers and architects. The scale of the disaster has exposed shortcomings in urban planning, water infrastructure, and the structural resilience of buildings. Additionally, it has sparked a debate on how the implementation of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology could have mitigated its effects.

Insufficient Infrastructure and Planning

Industry experts have been adamant that many of the human and material losses could have been avoided if the planned water infrastructure projects had been completed. The lack of investment in drainage and containment projects has been labeled as “negligent” and “reckless,” given that the risk of flooding in the region is recurrent.

In this regard, the importance of projects like the South Plan has been highlighted. This initiative from the 1950s prevented a greater disaster by diverting the Turia River and constructing a concrete channel that managed to contain part of the torrential water flow. However, the structural damage suffered by numerous buildings reveals the urgent need to update regulations and strengthen the construction of resilient infrastructure.

The Role of Technical Architects in Post-Disaster Assessment

The work of technical architects has been crucial in assessing damage, inspecting buildings, and determining structural safety. The accumulation of water, mud, and debris carried by the current intensified the destructive effects on old and poorly maintained structures.

Professionals have emphasized the urgency of updating construction regulations, improving regular maintenance, and strengthening prevention policies. They have also advocated for a national agreement to improve water management, arguing that “water infrastructure saves lives and property.”

BIM as a Key Tool for Disaster Prevention and Response

The application of the BIM methodology in infrastructure planning and management could have partially mitigated the effects of the DANA. Experts agree on three fundamental areas where BIM would have provided significant improvements:

Predictive Risk Simulation

BIM enables the modeling of buildings and urban environments with integrated geotechnical and meteorological data. This would have facilitated:

  • Water flow simulations and identification of critical water pressure points.
  • Preliminary analysis of structural vulnerabilities in foundations and drainage systems.
  • Selection and optimization of materials more resistant to moisture and erosion.

Efficient Resource Management in Emergencies

The use of BIM could have reduced response times by up to 30% after the catastrophe through:

  • Digitized inventories of critical infrastructure (electricity, plumbing, sewage).
  • Updated 3D plans for rescue teams.
  • Precise damage estimation by comparing pre-existing BIM models with post-event conditions.

Impact on Urban Planning

The Government of the Valencian Community has already allocated €3.6 billion to BIM-based projects, a technology that could have contributed to:

  • Avoiding construction in high-risk areas through risk maps integrated into urban design.
  • Designing water infrastructure with drainage capacity simulations adapted to extreme scenarios.
  • Enhancing interdisciplinary coordination between architects and civil engineers to develop more efficient drainage systems.

Conclusion: Toward Resilient Urban Management with BIM

While there are no specific quantitative studies on BIM’s impact on events like the October 2024 DANA, estimates indicate that its implementation could have reduced the €4.5 billion in direct damages by 15-20%, particularly in industrial and transportation sectors.

The BIM Strategy 2024-2027 of the Valencian Community aims to integrate these technologies into reconstruction and future planning, ensuring that extreme climate variables are considered in all new projects. This represents a fundamental step toward a more resilient city, prepared to face the challenges of climate change.