Evolution in the Intellectual Structure of Bim Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes have continued to gain relevance in the Architectural, En­gineering, and Construction (AEC) industry with more resources directed toward it. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 445 BIM articles to investigate and understand the pattern of BIM research which include defining BIM research categories, evaluating the project sectors that are influenced by BIM, and tracking the funding structure of BIM research. A network map that displays a visualization of the structure of BIM literature by research origin, funding structure and geographical scope was designed. None of the previous reviews of literature analyzed the BIM articles’ corpus to such level and depth. The findings revealed research categories such as construction and project management and BIM learning, adoption & practice as the core research areas in BIM and highlighted trending research themes in BIM research. Authors based in Asia and Europe received more research grants than their counterparts in other regions; likewise, two-third of the articles was authored by academics in the United States, Korea, and the United Kingdom. The study provides its readers with relevant research areas that require considerations, and the discussion of selected research areas provides an extensive understanding of salient BIM fields.

Critical success factors for implementing building information modeling and sustainability practices in construction projects: A Delphi survey

“…Meanwhile, for Factor c8—“information and knowledge sharing within the industry,” the median value of the academic group (9.29) is higher than those of the industry practitioners (5.71). The results show that the academic group perceived the CSFs to be more important than the practitioner group, and this is consistent with the findings of Olawumi et al () and Olawumi and Chan (), which reveal a broad and wider knowledge sharing and research network hub among the academics. Olawumi et al () further highlighted the robust networks among academic researchers across regions and countries, which had contributed to the substantial contribution to the construction industry through the development of tools and standards for BIM and sustainability.…”

“…The results show that the academic group perceived the CSFs to be more important than the practitioner group, and this is consistent with the findings of Olawumi et al () and Olawumi and Chan (), which reveal a broad and wider knowledge sharing and research network hub among the academics. Olawumi et al () further highlighted the robust networks among academic researchers across regions and countries, which had contributed to the substantial contribution to the construction industry through the development of tools and standards for BIM and sustainability. However, the somewhat fierce competition and rivalry among related construction organizations inhibit the sharing of vital information that could enhance their projects.…”

“…Olawumi, Chan, and Wong () regarded building information modeling (BIM) as one of the smart technologies available to the construction industry along with radio‐frequency identification and augmented reality, which can help to facilitate collaboration among project stakeholders. Also, it can serve as links to connect domain knowledge areas such as sustainability, facility management, safety, and project management to ensure a one‐source management of project's information and processes throughout the construction project's life‐cycle stages.…”

“…Morlhon, Pellerin, and Bourgault () argued nonetheless that the implementation of BIM is complicated due to the different standards and protocols involved, which has hindered organizations to use and handle it actively. However, despite this apparent disadvantage, it permits the additional analyses of concepts such as energy performance, clash detection, and other sustainability measures (Olawumi et al, ). Also, BIM‐enabled sustainability analysis tools can assist in the simulation of building energy performance and carbon footprints as well as reduce the cost and time involved (Ahn, Kim, Park, Kim, & Lee, ), although the interoperability issues between BIM design and analysis tools is still a prevalent problem in the construction industry (Abanda, Vidalakis, Oti, & Tah, ).…”

BIM‐Anwendungsfall (AwF) Abrechnung‐Vortrieb am Beispiel des Zentrums am Berg

“…The requirement of data interoperability and integration affects all application areas of information management of tunnels in their design, construction and operation phases. The IFC standard (Industry Foundation Classes) is the most important format in the AEC industry (Architectural, Engineering and Construction) and with continuous development through buildingSMART ensures sustainable compatibility [6]. IFC is supported by an impressive number of different software products [7].…”