Influence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on Engineering Contract Management in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a technology and a process that has brought changes in the construction's traditional procurement system. Kenya lacks contractual guidelines on implementation of BIM; this makes the adoption of BIM slow and difficult. Previous research has identified a gap in contractual relationships, roles and resulting risks. The objectives of this study were to investigate BIM adoption in Nairobi and to investigate the influence of BIM on Engineering Contract Management (ECM) in Nairobi Kenya. The survey research was a descriptive study with 175 responsive questionnaires. Respondents comprised of Civil Engineers, Construction Project Managers, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Contractors and Facility Managers. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaire and in-depth interview. Descriptive analytics, correlation and Exploratory factor analysis methods were used to analyse quantitative data. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. It emerged that adoption level was at 56.6% and shallow understanding of BIM capabilities remains to be a barrier to its adoption and implementation. It also emerged that BIM improves ECM; when time, cost, quality, collaboration and return on investment improve, ECM becomes easier. Latent factors found in BIM and ECM relationship were Legal Implications, awareness and knowledge, efficiency, versatility, mandate and leadership, and competitiveness. Further, the study found out that BIM influence on ECM demands for establishment of standards, guidelines, policy, legal framework, and regulations, which can be achieved by amending the public procurement act which dictates the operation of all the other standard forms of contract. Further research should be conducted to measure whether the understanding of BIM had positively improved.

Investigation of the current usage of BIM capabilities by large-sized building contractors in Kenya based on theory of innovation diffusion

“…Simplicity was generated using the average of the variables associated with simplicity while interoperability was generated using the average of variables associated with interoperability. As shown in Figure 4, the results were consistent with studies done by Manza (2016) and Mosse et al (2020). The variables also showed a low performance.…”

“…Research on issues relating to BIM in Kenya has not been gained sufficient attention from researchers. Mosse et al (2020) found out that usage of BIM in Kenya was low, which is consistent to what Manza (2016) found out in 2016. This study focuses specifically on building contractors, being one of the actors in the construction industry which also include architects, quantity surveyors, civil and structural engineers, service engineers, among others.…”

“…3.1 Establishing level of usage using inferential statistics. Based on Manza (2016) and Mosse et al (2020) results, the null hypothesis (H o ) stated that BIM usage is low while the alternate hypothesis (H a ) stated that BIM usage is either too low, moderate, high or too high. BIM usage level was a score generated using the average of the highest level of preference for the various BIM tools associated capabilities.…”

The Impact of Building Information Modeling Technology on Cost Management of Civil Engineering Projects: A Case Study of the Mombasa Port Area Development Project

“…About 1% of respondents repudiated facing problems during BIM implementation. While this represents a minority opinion, it suggests that some organizations may have experienced relatively smooth transitions to BIM-enabled workflows [21]. These organizations may have implemented robust strategies, invested in comprehensive training and support programs, and fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration conducive to successful BIM adoption.…”

“…[20] asserts that the ramifications of BIM transcend software and incorporate workflow, project delivery, and management practices. Notwithstanding its inherent capabilities, obstacles continue to persevere, as delineated by [21], who pinpoint knowledge deficiencies and compliance concerns as hindrances to the implementation of BIM. The findings of this study underscore the significance of formulating comprehensive strategies to surmount the barriers hindering the effective implementation of BIM in civil engineering projects, particularly in regions like Nairobi.…”