i EFFECTS OF ADOPTING BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM), whichis a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility throughout its life cycle, is a modern building delivery technology embraced globally by the construction industry. This study aimed to assess the adoption of BIM in the Nigerian Construction Industry (NCI), in order to reveal the effect of BIM adoption on projects carried out by construction professionals. Three objectives that were formulated towards achieving this aim included: ascertaining the level of BIM in operation, determining the impact of BIM in the project life cycle, and ascertainingthe existence of government construction strategy for BIM. The study adopted a quantitative research design that was based the use of structured questionnaires. A convenience sample of relevant professionals in construction industry who could be accessed electronically was built up through a snowballing approach, whicheventually yielded a total of 252 professionals. The data gathered from this sample through a questionnaire survey was analysed using descriptive statistical method (Mean Item Score and Standard Deviation) and the results were presented using tables and charts. The study found that BIM awareness and acceptance are at a medium level; only ‘AutoCAD’ BIM software enjoyed a ‘High’ frequency of useinthe NCI. BIM adoption had a noticeable impact in four reviewed aspects of project performance; ‘Greater control’, ‘Improved collaboration’, ‘Conflict resolution’, and ‘Reduction in labour’. The study concluded that BIM use in the NCI is still at a rudimentary level, although great potential for improvement exists, if the right environment (political, legislative, contractual, technical) is provided; very little evidence exists however of any government strategy for BIM in the NCI. It was recommended that the Federal and State governments should promulgate an Implementation Strategy Plan for BIM;Employers could subsidise BIM costs throughPreliminaries items in construction contracts; construction professional bodies must prioritize the adoption of BIM by their members. It is suggested that future studies should focus onthe effect of type and size of projects on the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) within the Nigeria Construction Industry.