Association of BIM-Related Contract Language and BIM Use on Construction Projects

Abstract

AbstractBuilding information modeling (BIM) can be implemented to improve project delivery and performance in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Although BIM can benefit projects, there is a gap in understanding how contract requirements affect project stakeholders’ BIM use. To this end, the objective of this research was to evaluate the association between BIM contract requirements and BIM use on AEC projects. Researchers specifically evaluated the use of BIM by key stakeholders (architect/engineer, contractor, and subcontractor) and the use of a BIM execution plan (BEP). Researchers conducted an industry survey to capture BIM practices from construction projects completed within the last five years. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test to evaluate the association between stakeholder BIM use and their respective contractual requirement, and BEP use and its respective contractual requirement. The results of Fisher’s exact test indicate that there was an association between contractor BIM use and contractual BIM requirement for contractor, and the use of BIM with subcontractors and their respective contractual BIM requirement. These findings suggest that owners and contractors can include BIM contractual requirements to increase subtier BIM use on projects.