Comparison of BIM Adoption Models between Public and Private Sectors through Empirical Investigation

Abstract

In recent years, the integration of new technology-aided processes and methods, such as BIM in complex infrastructure projects, is becoming popular in the construction sector. Despite the growing popularity of BIM in the built environment, there is still a dearth of studies that focus on the intersectorial comparison of BIM adoption drivers in construction projects. Thus, the study aims to examine the project-specific BIM adoption drivers across the public and private construction sectors. Initially, a hypothetical BIM adoption model was developed based on a systematic literature review and desk study. Then, a structured questionnaire survey was employed to collect data from experts working across the Ethiopian construction industry. The empirical data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling and validated through confirmatory factor analysis. The result reveals that Relative Advantage, Financial Competency, Top Management Support, and Customer Pressure are common BIM adoption drivers amongst the public and private construction sectors. Similarly, a few distinct drivers were identified within both sectors. These include Government Pressure and Social/Cultural Factors in public, whereas Competitor Pressure and Communication Behavior in the private construction sector. The paper provides key intersectorial BIM adoption drivers within different adoption stages to reinforce the effort across the public and private construction projects. In addition, practical implications and key recommendations were forwarded to enhance the current BIM uptake in the Ethiopian construction sector.