Assessment of the Adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Nigerian Construction Industry

Abstract

Despite the use of BIM being an indicator of the maturity of a nation’s construction industry as well as conferring several benefits on project stakeholders, researchers have noted that awareness of BIM among Nigerian construction professionals is low. This study aimed to assess the adoption of BIM on projects carried out by construction firms in the Nigerian Construction Industry (NCI). The study adopted a quantitative research design that was based the use of questionnaires. A convenience sample of relevant professionals in construction firms who could be accessed through an online survey was built up through a snowballing approach, which eventually yielded a total of 52 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 use in the 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, and technical) is provided. It was recommended that the Federal and State governments should devise an Implementation Strategy Plan for BIM; in addition, Clients could subsidize BIM costs through Preliminaries items on high-value construction contracts.