An investigation into Building Information Modeling (BIM) application in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry in Gaza strip

Abstract

Purpose: Building Information Modeling (BIM) has recently attained widespread attention in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. BIM has been suggested by several professionals and researchers as the universal remedy to addressing the inefficiencies in the AEC industry. In numerous cases in different countries, potential benefits and competitive advantages have been reported. However, in spite of the benefits and potentials of BIM technologies, it is not applied in the AEC industry in Gaza strip just like many other regions of the world. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to develop a clear understanding about BIM for identifying the different factors that provide useful information to consider adopting BIM technology by practitioners in the AEC industry in Gaza strip. This purpose has been done by achieving five primary objectives by assessing the awareness level of BIM by professionals in the AEC industry in Gaza strip, identifying BIM functions and BIM benefits that would convince professionals for adopting BIM in the AEC industry in Gaza strip, determining barriers to BIM adoption, and by studying some hypotheses to help to reach to successful BIM-based workflow implementation. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative survey was used in the research. Three main steps were used to reach to the final amendment of the questionnaire: (1) Face validity by presenting the questionnaire to 12 experts in the AEC field as well as experts in statistics (from Gaza city as well as outside Palestine), (2) pre-testing the questionnaire in two phases with 12 people who represented the target group, which involved professionals (Architects, Civil Engineers, Mechanical engineers, Electrical engineers, and any other professional with related specialization) in the AEC industry in Gaza strip, Palestine, and (3) Pilot study was conducted by distributing 40 copies of the questionnaire to respondents from the target group and analyzing them for testing statistical validity and reliability. After piloting, the questionnaire was adopted and was distributed to the whole sample (convenience sample) from the target group. 275 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, and 270 copies of the questionnaire were received from the respondents with a response rate = 97.8 %. To draw meaningful results, the collected data have been analyzed by using the quantitative data analysis techniques (which include the Relative important index, Factor analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and others) through the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) IBM version 22.Findings: The study results indicated that the awareness level of BIM by professionals in the AEC industry in Gaza strip is very low. Findings indicated that BIM functions are significantly needed and important for professionals in the AEC industry in Gaza strip as well as BIM benefits are significantly valuable for them. BIM function that got top ranking according to overall respondents is interoperability and translation of information. In addition to that, factor analysis has clustered BIM functions into three components. The major factor is data management and utilization in planning; operation and maintenance. Regarding BIM benefits, the BIM benefit that got top ranking according to overall respondents is: enhance design team collaboration (architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers). Results obtained from factor analysis have clustered BIM benefits in four components, and the major factor is controlled whole-life costs and environmental data. On the other hand, the study findings demonstrated that BIM barriers are greatly affecting the adoption of BIM in the AEC industry in Gaza strip. The top barrier to adopting BIM in the AEC industry in Gaza strip from the point view of the respondents is the lack of awareness of BIM by stakeholders. Lack of BIM interest was the major factor of BIM barriers among four factors according to the factor analysis. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis asserted that there is a negative relationship between BIM barriers and between each of BIM awareness level and importance of BIM functions, as well as the value of BIM benefits. Also, Pearson correlation analysis asserted that there is a positive relationship between BIM awareness level and between both of importance of BIM functions, and value of BIM benefits.Theoretical and practical implications of the research: More specific and practical studies are needed to understand thoroughly all topics that related to BIM. Also, BIM awareness and interest need to be increased through education and training by academic institutions and universities, as well as any bodies that train architects and engineers. AEC organizations must be patient with the BIM learning process and must act positively toward the necessary change for successful BIM adoption. Also, government agencies must take progressive steps to apply BIM in the AEC industry in Gaza strip by generating a simplified implementation roadmap for organizations to be followed gradually with clear legal benchmarksOriginality/ value: This study will add to the current body of knowledge about BIM all over the world. It is the first study that contributes significantly to consider BIM in Gaza strip and investigates into BIM application in AEC firms to remedy all of their severe problems. This study can provide a documentation of reference for BIM situation in Gaza strip. It could be used as a comparative guide for future development and broadening understanding to increase knowledge of BIM and create a creative working environment.