Building Information Modelling—Development and Validation of Implementation Framework for Improving Performance of Subcontractors

Abstract

Recent problems related to design and poor performance of many indigenous subcontractors in Saudi Arabia are clear calls for action to improve the overall performance of the subcontractors to be highly competitive; deliver high quality service to clients and wider society, minimize the rate of disputes and push the local industry forward. With the exclusive ability of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to enhance organization amongst operators, contractors and design teams; its implementation reduces project time, cost, material consumption and carbon emissions while improving contractors and subcontractors’ productivity and quality performance. The technology to implement BIM is readily obtainable and quickly evolving. However, many subcontractors in the Kingdom are perceived to be slow in embracing the BIM revolution due to widespread lack of BIM knowledge, lack of will amongst the subcontractors to implement BIM. There is also apparent confusion due to lack of clear methodologies for BIM processes in the Kingdom. Thus, this paper made attempt to develop and validate a framework that could assist the relevant authorities to prepare regulatory guidelines that could encourage subcontractors’ full utilization of building information modelling in their construction projects and seek to raise their general capabilities. Expert validation was used to authenticate the framework. The high relative importance indices rated by the participants for most of the functions in the framework strongly indicate that the various functions (activities) are significant in influencing the adoption of BIM in projects and improving subcontractors’ performance. This paper provides original contribution to knowledge through a methodical investigation of the awareness and readiness levels of the subcontracting sector of the Saudi Arabian construction industry in applying the functions of BIM technology for construction projects. The paper also determined the critical success factors that are critical in the decision of adopting BIM. Above all, the paper presented a concise methodology for the development and validation of the BIM implementation framework for improving subcontractors’ performance. The outcomes of this study could be useful to regulators of the Saudi Arabian construction industry for preparing guidelines to improve the general level of BIM adoption and expertise within the industry.