Applications of Building Information Modelling in the Operation and Maintenance Phase of Construction Projects: A Framework for the Malaysian Construction Industry

Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) is an inventive solution for enhancing the operation and maintenance (O&M) phase of construction projects. However, there is still a small and low level of BIM adoption in the O&M phase of construction projects in Malaysia. Hence, a framework is required for the Malaysian construction industry regarding the adoption of BIM in the O&M phase. The goal of this study is to examine the factors that influence the implementation of BIM technology during the O&M phase. A literature review was performed with more than 50 research papers from the past 10 years. This research was closely evaluated to create a list of barriers and drivers that might affect the application of BIM in the O&M phase. To ensure that these barriers and drivers match Malaysian conditions, a semi-structured interview was performed. Based on this interview, a refined questionnaire was created to gather feedback. Next, an online survey was conducted on 302 Malaysian construction professionals who work in the industry. The collected data were analysed for tests of reliability, validity, correlation, and a relative importance index. As per the findings, most of the respondents were familiar with the use of BIM technology, with 98.7% of the companies they worked at having more than 15 BIM engineers employed at the time of the survey. The lack of learning materials and equipment prepared by the academic institutions were identified as two main aspects requiring attention to improve the utilisation of BIM in the O&M stage. On the other hand, the utilisation of BIM, which increases the efficiency of data accessibility for the O&M personnel, has been rated as the most significant driver. Based on the findings, a conceptual framework was developed to provide insight into the matter and a future direction to overcome the matter. Therefore, this study managed to provide an in-depth perspective for future researchers into the factors that can enhance the implementation of BIM software during the O&M phase of a construction project.