Impact of Building Information Modelling and Advanced Technologies in the AEC Industry: A Contemporary Review and Future Directions

Abstract

It has been established that the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is evolving and emerging rapidly with contemporary technologies. It is noticed that numerous scientific research and conceptual theoretical models are designed and implemented to measure the significance of these technologies to optimize the quality and performance of BIM-based construction projects. At the same time, the systemic approach for BIM and ICT is to be well recognized and documented in terms of enlightening the current and upcoming achievements with BIM implementation in the AEC industry. In this paper, (i) a comprehensive review from 132 references is conducted, considering the database of journal and conference articles, to explore the contribution of BIM and ICT technology in the AEC industry, (ii) the impact of machine learning in the AEC industry is highlighted. However, it is found that the relationship between BIM and Machine Learning (ML) is still not matured as it is mostly implemented in the construction phase, (iii) an exploratory and content analysis method employed to develop BIM adoption barriers matrix with respect to the 33 BIM application domains with perspectives from Europe, U.S., the Middle East, China and Asia, (iv) an analysis revealed barriers that significantly impact BIM adoption are Policy (13.00 %), Technology (11.50 %), People (11.50 %), Cost (10.60 %), Process (10.10 %). Barriers that are at above-average level are Knowledge (9.60 %), Organization (9.10 %), and Training (9.10 %). Barriers with the least significant impact are Awareness (4.30 %), Resistance to Change (4.30 %), Research (3.40 %), and Uncertainty (2.40 %), (v) seven recommendations were made for effective BIM adoption and implementation - development of BIM adoption framework for legacy buildings, integration of advanced technologies with BIM, validation of BIM-based models and processes, development of an integrated platform for effective collaboration, implementation of national guidelines and policy, and development of BIM community. Further research needs to be conducted and will continue to minimize the identified gaps associated with BIM adoption in general and in particular BIM legacy for existing construction building facilities.