Risk factors that influence adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for refurbishment of complex building projects: stakeholders perceptions

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an emerging technology which is expected to improve building refurbishments throughout the life cycle of an existing building facility. Refurbishment projects accounts for over 50 percent of cost of the project throughout the life cycle of an existing facility, thus requiring a sustainable platform to holistically address and manage such an enormity. BIM is increasingly being identified as an innovative technology, with the potential to streamline processes in refurbishment building projects, however, its application is marred with several risk factors impacting its adoption in New Zealand. This research study gleaned into the current literature to understand the perceptions and the risks in BIM adoption and then using a case study of a complex multipurpose building project facility, proposes risk-response strategies for BIM adoption. An exploratory interpretative methodology incorporating semi - structured interviews with informed project stakeholders and BIM experts and thematic analysis using NVivo is employed to analyse the results. The research revealed several BIM adoptions risks ranging from social-cultural which encompasses the attitude of stakeholders towards project time and skills to impact BIM adoption. The study proffers a pragmatic solution for addressing the cost issue and suggest a detailed Risk Mitigation Plan at government, organizational, and project level for BIM adoption.