An overview of benefits and challenges of building information modelling (BIM) adoption in UK residential projects

Abstract

This paper sets out to present a state-of-the-art review of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the UK construction practice. In particular, the aim is to examine the scope, value and practical implications of BIM implementation in residential projects by evaluating practitioners' perspectives working in the Greater London Area (GLA). The paper outlines the general status quo of BIM adoption and maturity in the UK. It then discusses the feasibility of BIM use in residential projects drawing on an online survey and complementary semistructured interviews with building professionals. The cross-comparison between the evidence base and literature review uncovers the specific benefits, challenges and risks to BIM implementation in the house building sector. BIM is an evaluation methodology that helps the management of digital information throughout the project lifecycle. At a conceptual level, a BIM-enabled project offers: quality assurance and on-time delivery; collaboration and communication improvement; visual representation and clash detection; and, whole lifecycle value. The findings, however, suggest that the most frequently reported benefits are related to collaboration and the blend of product (software) and process innovation; whilst, lifecycle thinking and waste reduction are often overlooked. At present, there is widespread awareness on BIM but with a financial barrier to invest in developing digital capabilities, particularly for Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The paper concludes with a critical commentary on the lack of strategic leadership in both the supply and demand side. The role of policy to streamline commercial drivers for whole lifecycle costing in procurement is endorsed in order to drive the change management required to address the short-term mindset of senior management and wider fragmentation of the construction industry, also serving as a research question for further research and development in the field.

Building Information Modelling Diffusion Research in Developing Countries: A User Meta-Model Approach

“…This tradition has been established to affect the construction industry in general ( [32] since inception when compared to other industries like the manufacturing industry. Defending this tradition, [33] claimed that the uptake of new tools, techniques, and methods requires significant time, skills and capital investment. These factors outlined by [33] were discussed in a cursory manner in the context of BIM adoption in developing countries.…”

“…Defending this tradition, [33] claimed that the uptake of new tools, techniques, and methods requires significant time, skills and capital investment. These factors outlined by [33] were discussed in a cursory manner in the context of BIM adoption in developing countries. This study viewed the three factors under two perspectives: capital investment (an economic-related factor) and time and skills (actor-dependent factors).…”

Collaborative multidisciplinary learning: Quantity surveying students’ perspectives

“…Future built environment professionals will challenge the conventions of the past and will use their creative and innovative capacities. From a learning front engaged with digital technology, it is now possible to embrace new collaboration models that change the paradigms in fundamental ways (Bryde et al, 2013; Georgiadou, 2019; Özorhon and Karaciğan, 2020; Stanley and Thurnell, 2014). But this pedagogical change is not about technology per se; nor is it about distance learning, or the ability of students to access lectures by some of the world’s leading professors from free online sites; rather, this represents a change in the relationship between student and teacher in the learning process.…”

The Perspective of Students on Drivers and Benefits of Building Information Modelling Incorporation Into Quantity Surveying Profession in Klang Valley Malaysia

“…Besides, BIM biggest input was the capacity for modernizing models in actual time, remove conflicts, examine alterations during initiate design phase and interchange precious project data in the project lifespan. This allow effective dispute settlement within project team and enhance collaboration among the project participants (Georgiadou, 2019). Arayici, Egbu and Coates (2012) identified that a thorough BIM model and an overall and updated cost database is needed to reach the greatest efficiencies.…”