Understanding Building Information Modelling in the South Africa construction industry

Abstract: Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a concept that has been defined as a technology that digitally constructs an accurate virtual model of a building. BIM can be defined as an IT enabled approach that involves the application and maintenance of a fundamental digital representation of a building and all its information throughout the different stages of the project. The model of the building, which will be in 3D, will depict the exact dimensions of the building. The study assesses the barriers to the adoption and implementation of BIM within the South African construction industry, and suggests ways of overcoming the identified barriers to the full adoption and implementation of BIM in the South African construction industry. The data used in this paper was derived from primary and secondary sources. The primary data being questionnaires, was designed based on the related literature that was reviewed. The questionnaire was distributed to construction professionals such as Construction Project Managers, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Construction Managers, Facility Managers, or academics who have previously done research on BIM in the South African construction industry. The questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistical procedures. The findings revealed that a lack of skills, education, and knowledge on BIM are the biggest barriers to the full implementation of BIM in South Africa. Furthermore, the results also show that educational and skill development initiatives are widely considered to being the answer to the existing barriers to BIM adoption. As well as, establishing feasible ways of moving away from the common practice into using BIM on all construction projects