Barriers to the Adoption of Building Information Modelling in Nigerian Construction Industry

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) involves the development and use of computer generated n-D models to simulate, plan, design, construct, adapt, operate, maintain, renovate, and ultimately beneficially deconstruct a building at the end of its life cycle. BIM represents a new paradigm in construction, it encourages the integration of roles of construction stakeholders enabling them to visualize the project to be built and further identifying potential issues that may occur during the operational phase of buildings. This study assessed the barriers to the adoption of BIM in the Nigerian construction industry and further highlighted ways to improve its adoption. A total of 50 questionnaires were administered to construction professionals in Abuja, Nigeria. Forty (40) retrieved questionnaires were analysed using Statistical Package for social Sciences (SPSS 21) and used for this study, it was revealed that there was generally a low awareness on the use of BIM among construction professionals. The major barrier to using BIM was lack of skilled personnel while the major means of ensuring its adoption was Provision of basic BIM infrastructure. These problems can be effectively tackled by increased support from government and construction industry stakeholders for its use; stressing the benefits derivable, training and retraining of key construction professionals taking into consideration peculiarities to the Nigerian construction industry.