Implementation of a BIM Solution in a Small Construction Company

Abstract

The challenges to produce with more quality, less cost and less leading time, drove the construction sector to find new process and tools to help them achieve these goals. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a solution for these demands supported by many researchers and companies. Many enterprises had already started the BIM adoption process and many studies have been conducted. Unfortunately, the majority of studies are focused in big companies and developed countries, leaving medium and small companies, especially the ones in developing countries, without data to analyze the feasibility and advantages to enter this process and to guide them through it. In light of this, this paper provides a description of a BIM deployment process in a small construction company in Brazil. The case study presents an implementation process which includes seven steps, some of them still ongoing. Even with an unfinished BIM deployment process that was carried on without any known methodology, benefits derived from using BIM were observed and barriers for its full implementation were identified. Comparing these findings with the literature review, it may be noted that even if the size and country differs, most of the benefits and barriers are similar.