Capability factors influencing the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) by South African AEC organizations

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been identified as a possible moderating solution to the construction industry's challenges, such as delayed projects, high costs of construction, and compromised quality of products. However, the adoption of BIM processes has been slow within South African AEC organizations. This research identifies the capability factors influencing BIM adoption from organizations that have successfully adopted BIM. A qualitative analysis was conducted using a case study research design that incorporated semi-structured, personal interviews of AECs in South Africa and site observations. The interview questions were designed to figure out the level of BIM adoption, the capability factors that enable the adoption of BIM, and the main capability factor influencing BIM adoption within South African AEC firms. The three case studies revealed that the level of BIM adoption is still developing. The capability factors identified from the three case studies were grouped into three main categories - human resources, process and technology. The main capability factor discovered was the cost which falls under the process category. The findings presented in this paper aim to provide an insight into the needs and concerns of AEC firms regarding BIM adoption.