An Empirical Analysis of BIM Implementation in the Nigerian Construction Industry: Preliminary Results

Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) is one of the most promising recent developments in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The benefits that BIM offers to construction are limitless, but then, the adoption is not happening at the pace desired in some countries. In Nigeria, the BIM adoption has been much slower than anticipated in the AEC industry. The benefits and capabilities of BIM has not been fully explored due to some factors. This paper presents findings from an industry-wide questionnaire survey that was carried out in the in the spring of 2018. The study provides an insight into BIM adoption in the Nigerian AEC industry by exploring the factors that affect (barriers) its adoption, as seen by various participants in the AEC industry. The result revealed that all criteria were considered important, with “lack of awareness”, “Lack of trained professionals to manage BIM innovation”, and “Cost of BIM software” the three top criteria that affect BIM adoption. Factor analysis aggregated the criteria into six factors namely: “management”, “financial”, “psychological”, “performance”, “process”, and “governmental”.  The findings of the study is expected to provide useful information for the AEC community by advancing their understanding of the factors that affect the adoption of BIM technology and proffer solutions to its usage.

Keywords: Adoption, AEC, Barriers, BIM, Factors, Nigeria

DOI: 10.7176/CER/15-2-03

Publication date:June 30^th 2023