ABSTRACT
The construction sector had long embraces the conventional methods of project planning, execution and delivery. The conventional method of using 2D CAD design makes it inadequate to involve construction client in phases of project implementation. However building information modeling (BM) came with its object oriented capacity. 3D visualization and simulation tools that promote clients involvement and provide clear understanding for the design and construction for all parties. With its distinctive benefits, this research therefore aimed at evaluating the level of adoption of BIM by construction stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State with the objectives of examining the benefits derived by stakeholders, challenging factors for non-adoption of BIM in Akwa Ibom as well as ways to achieve full capacity in adopting BIM. The research adopted a survey design where a structured questionnaire of 73 respondents from the target population made up of Architect, QS, Engineers, builders in the construction industry. Out of the 73 questionnaire surveyed using simple random sampling technique, only 43 were completely filled and returned making a 59% response rate. The research result shows that government policy will be the main drivers of BIM adoption as ranked 1st with R11 of 0.800. the research project adopted descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, percentage and relative importance index ranked on the Likert Scale measure 1 – 5; being the least important and 5 the most important factor in the appraisal and analysis of data. Data were presented on tables and pre-charts. Compatibility between software platforms and lack of knowledge/level of awareness where ranked 1st (R11 – 0.776) and 2nd (R11 – 0.775) respectively as main barriers limiting the adoption of BIM in Akwa Ibom State. The research work concluded that although BIM has the potential of creating significant benefits of enhancing the quality of the environments, there is indeed a low level of adoption as well as average level of awareness of BIM on the part of the project stakeholders. As such, the research is quick to recommend government policy implementation of BIM in capital projects, training and retraining of members by respective professional bodies in construction, integration of BIM in institution curricula amongst others; as the way forward.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background of the Study
Recently, it has become very obvious that continuing to do things in the construction industry the way it has been done in the past may not lead to success due to technological advancements. The need for change and the rate of change across both large and small organization is constantly increasing. A lot of organizations are realizing the need to improve their operations in order to remain relevant. Therefore, constantly improve both their managerial skill and technological know-how. Benjamin, (2021) affirmed that change, if guided and well planned, can result in new opportunities, growth and increase profitability.
The construction industry is under great pressure to provide value for money, minimize wastage, improve productivity, reduce the incident of time and cost overrun and reduce dispute. Sustainable infrastructure has propelled the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) in construction procurement process (Mihoidu and Arayici, 2008). Thus, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is based on information and communication technology. The construction industry is not left out in the change taking place in the world, as a matter of fact, there has been a paradigm shift from the use of the conventional 2 D-based documentation and stage delivery process to a digital prototype and collaboration. BIM is defined as the use of ICT to streamline the building life-cycle process in order to provide a safer and more production environment for its occupants to affect the latest possible environmental impact from its existence and to be more operationally efficient for its owners throughout the building life-cycle (Arayici, Coates, Koskel, Koyaioglou Usher and Reily, 2012).