Implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in a Networked Design Project - A Case Study

Abstract

A building information model (BIM) can be defined as a digital representation of a building, or as a collection of parametric technologies and process that integrates project networks in architecture, engineering, construction (AECO) industry. The implementation of BIM is expected to bring large productivity enhancements to the construction industry. The implementation has, however been slower than expected.

In order to support the implementation of BIM in the construction industry, a large number of scientific studies have been undertaken especially during the last few years. The studies have mainly focused on problems occurring in a specific design discipline or a specific phase of the implementation process. This study extends earlier research by identifying the challenges occurring in the different stages of the implementation project, as experienced by the different design project participants.

In this study, a phased process model for BIM implementation was constructed based on literature from the fields of construction design, implementation of IT, and BIM implementation. The theoretical model includes five stages: (1) initiation, (2) decentralized adoption, (3) establishing connectivity, (4) individual acceptance, and (5) establishing collaborative practices. Iii the model, the challenges of each phase are presented.

The empirical data was collected through performing a case study of BIM implementation in the Finnish construction industry. The investigated case was a construction project where project planning, design and construction were performed by different unit's iii the same large construction and property development company. For data collection, interviews and the SimLab process simulation method were used.

The main result of the study is a refined theoretical model, in which the challenges iii the theoretical model are illustrated by observations from the case study. The main challenge in the case study included technological incompability, insufficient technical support, timing of installation and training, individual acceptance, establishment of collaborative practices, and cost of adoption. The results demonstrate that in order to avoid and tackle the challenges of implementing BIM, the inter-organizational context, the technological context and the choices made throughout the implementation process all need to be well understood.