An Actor–Network Approach to Developing a Life Cycle BIM Maturity Model (LCBMM)

Ruwini Edirisinghe,Zelinna Pablo,Chimay Anumba,Saratu Tereno

doi:10.3390/su132313273

Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) has considerable potential for addressing sustainability issues in construction, but its benefits can be constrained by the failure to adopt BIM across the full project life cycle. Systematic whole-of-life BIM adoption can be supported by maturity models, but most models are limited by a lack of theoretical grounding, socio-technical dichotomies and the failure to adequately consider the full asset life cycle, often by overlooking the operations phase. This study aims to (1) develop a BIM maturity model that addresses these limitations by (2) using an in-depth analysis of an early adopter case study, thus addressing the lack of empirical research in BIM adoption experiences. A single interpretive research study was conducted to qualitatively analyse a US-based university. The data were gathered through interviews, field visits and document analysis. Actor–network theory (ANT) concepts scaffolded the analytical approach. The findings show that a complex BIM socio-technical network emerged, developed and converged during the project management stage but struggled to achieve durability as an ongoing solution to facilities management. By analysing the elements of success and failure across each stage, the researchers distilled five key lessons to achieve whole-of-life BIM maturity and proposed a life cycle BIM maturity model (LCBMM) supported by a practice guide.

Highlights

Studies show that the building and construction sector accounts for 18.1% of the carbon emissions in Australia [1] and 39% of the carbon emissions globally [2]
The results are structured as follows: a high-level summary of the three stages of network development drawn from empirical data (Table 2); a more detailed analysis of each of these three stages using seven elements of actor–network theory (Table 3); and narratives providing a thick description of how each of these ANT elements contributed to network failure during the operations and maintenance stage (Section 5.1)
To uphold the ideals of interpretive research, it is emphasised that (1) the life cycle BIM maturity model (LCBMM) and the practice guide are presented as one set of plausible interpretations of the data; (2) that interpretive research supports that other plausible interpretations can exist; and (3) that interpretive research seeks a balance of “telling” readers about one interpretation while simultaneously inviting them to develop their own; detailed quotes are provided in part to give them opportunities to develop their own interpretations [59]

Summary

Introduction

Studies show that the building and construction sector accounts for 18.1% of the carbon emissions in Australia [1] and 39% of the carbon emissions globally [2]. One solution that has been proposed to support better environmental performance is building information modelling (BIM) [1,2]. BIM is a process by which digital geometric and non-geometric information about the physical and functional properties of a structure is captured and managed to support decision-making across all the stages of an asset’s life cycle [3]. A 3D model of an asset, for example, can provide users with the potential for visualization, facilitating important processes, such as clash detection. Such 3D models can be enriched to incorporate dimensions of time (4D) and costs (5D).

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion