Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Contents
About the journal...................................................................................................... II
Aims & Scope ........................................................................................................... II
IJBES Editorial Board .........................................................................................III-IV
Editorial Word .......................................................................................................... V
Methodology for BIM implementation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ......... 1-22
BIM Implementation Maturity Level and Proposed Approach for the Upgrade in
Lithuania ............................................................................................................ 23-39
Call for Paper ........................................................................................................... 40
I
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
About the journal
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science (IJBES) is an international, peer
reviewed journal, publishing high-quality, original research.
Aims & Scope
IJBES aims to provide researchers and experts with up-to-date research in BIM and
its relation with Engineering Science, and to facilitate the global exchange and review
of research, ideas and expertise among individuals in the scientific community.
IJBES publishes original peer-reviewed research papers, case studies, technical
notes, book reviews, features, discussions and other contemporary articles that
advance research and practice in Building Information Modeling in architectural,
engineering, and construction management, advance integrated design and
construction practices, project lifecycle management, and sustainable construction.
The journal’s scope covers all aspects of architectural design, design management,
construction/project management, engineering management of major
infrastructure projects, and the operation and management of constructed
facilities. IJBES also addresses the technological, process, economic/business,
environmental/sustainability, political, and social/human developments that
influence the construction project delivery process.
IJBES strives to establish strong theoretical and empirical debates in the above areas
of engineering, architecture, and construction research. Papers should be heavily
integrated with the existing and current body of knowledge within the field and develop
explicit and novel contributions. Acknowledging the global character of the field, we
welcome papers on regional studies but encourage authors to position the work within
the broader international context by reviewing and comparing findings from their
regional study with studies conducted in other regions or countries whenever possible
II
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
IJBES Editorial Board
Editor-in-chief: Prof. Emad Elbeltagi, Structural Engineering Dept., Mansoura University,
Egypt
Associate-Editor: Associate prof. Marek Salamak, Civil Engineering Dept., Silesian
University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
Dr. Eng. Sonia Ahmed, Management in Construction Dept., CTU, Czech Republic
Editorial Board:
Prof. Nor'Aini Yusof, Construction Management Dept., Universiti
Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Prof. Hamdy Elgohary, Civil Engineering Dept., Umm Al-Qura
University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Prof. Maher A. Adam, Civil Engineering Dept., Benha University,
Egypt
Prof. Mosbeh R. Kaloop, Civil & environmental Engineering, Incheon
National University, S. Korea
Associate prof. Noha Saleeb, Design Engineering & Maths, Middlesex
University, UK
Prof. Aivars Aboltins, Faculty of Engineering Deprt., Latvia
University of Agriculture, Latvia
Prof. Angelo Luigi Camillo Ciribini, Civil Engineering, Architecture,
Territory, Environment and Mathematics Dept., Università degli Studi
di Brescia, Italy
Prof. Sherif El-Badawy, Transportation and Highway Engineering,
Mansoura University, Egypt
Prof. Waleed Nassar, Architecture and Urban design, ALfaisal
University, Saudi Arabia
Prof. Nasser Khaled, Civil Engineering Dept., Cairo University, Egypt
Associate prof. Natalija Lepkova, Construction Management and Real
Estate Dept., Civil Engineering Faculty, Vilnius Gediminas technical
University, Lithuania
Associate prof. Mohammad Ibraheem, Civil Engineering Dept.,
Banha University, Egypt
Prof. Lamine Mahdjoubi, Architecture and the Built Environment, the
West of England University, UK
III
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Prof. Karim Mohammed Al-dash, Civil Engineering Deprt., Faculty
of Engineering, Banha University., Egypt
Associate prof. Somayeh Asadi, Architectural Engineering Dept.,
Pennsylvania State University, USA
Dr. Hany Omar, Automation in construction., University of the West
of England, UK
Dr. Waleed Mahfouz, Engineering and Management of Construction
Projects Dept., Cairo University, Egypt
Dr. Abdul-Aziz a. Banawi, Head, Department of Architectural
Engineering College of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University
Rabigh, KSA
Associate prof. Rana Maya, Construction
management Dept., Tishreen university, Syria
engineering
and
Dr Abdussalam Shibani, Construction and Environment Management,
Coventry University, UK
Prof. Ali Mohamed Eltamaly, Sustainable Energy Technology
Center, College of Engineering, King SaudUniversity, KSA
Dr. Petr Matějka, Department of Construction Management and
Economics, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University
in Prague, Czech Republic.
Dr. Mohamed Elsharawy, Structural Engineering Dept., Mansoura
University, Egypt
Eng. Omar Selim, Construction Management Dept., Qatar University,
Qatar
Eng. Ashraf Elhendawi, Engineering and the Built Environment,
Edinburgh Napier University, UK
Dr. Hamza Moshrif, Design Innovation and BIM Dept., RMIT
University, Australia
Dr. Waleed El-Demerdash, Structural Engineering Dept., Mansoura
University, Egypt
IV
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Editorial Word
It's a pleasure to present the first issue in the second volume for International Journal
of BIM and Engineering Science (IJBES) in Jun 2019. IJBES is one of the scientific
journals that BIMarabia s.r.o publish. BIMarabia is a publisher of peer-reviewed, open
access academic journals and books. BIMarabia aims to provide researchers,
professors and students with up-to-date research in BIM and its relation with
Engineering Science, and to facilitate the global exchange and review of research,
ideas and expertise among individuals in the scientific community. Established in
2015, BIMarabia has attracted over 20000 scientists worldwide. All content published
by BIMarabia offers unrestricted access, and distribution, in any medium; provided the
original work is correctly cited. We ensure the highest standards of peer-review for all
manuscripts submitted for publication, thanks to the highly qualified scientists who are
members of our journal’s Editorial Board. BIMarabia delivers support throughout the
complete publishing process in an efficient and effective manner.
Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry has a giant influence in
different nations’ economic growth, however, it suffers from myriad problems. AEC
industry projects faced issues such as being behind schedule, over budget, inferior
quality, low productivity, without sustainability and more. The key players wandered
about technology, methodology, or tools that can mitigate or solve these problems.
Several researchers and professionals prove that Building Information Modelling (BIM)
could help in solving the AEC industry problems. Despite there is no consensus about
the definition of BIM; researchers and professionals recognize and appreciate the
benefits of using BIM.
Therefore, IJBES concerns about BIM and the related and relevant engineering
Science. The second volume, first issue, contains two articles. The first one deals with
Methodology for BIM implementation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Whereas the
second one discusses BIM Implementation Maturity Level and Proposed Approach for
the Upgrade in Lithuania.
Editorial Assistant
Associate-Editor
Editor-in-chief:
Ashraf Elhendawi, MSc., PMP
Associate Prof.
Prof. Emad Elbeltagi
Marek Salamak
Dr. Eng. Sonia Ahmed
V
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Methodology for BIM implementation in the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia
Ashraf Elhendawi1*, Andrew Smith2, Emad Elbeltagi3
Abstract
Purpose – The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is considered the most
effective contributor to development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). However, the AEC
industry is facing myriad challenges due to the vast construction development required for the KSA
2030 vision. Developed countries are using Building Information Modeling (BIM) to mitigate these
challenges and reap the benefits of implementing BIM to improve the performance of the AEC industry
profoundly. However, BIM is currently rarely used in the KSA. This study aims to develop a
methodology to implement BIM in the KSA by exploring stakeholders’ perception of factors affecting
the implementation. Design/methodology/approach – BIM users and non-users were surveyed by
means of a questionnaire and structured interviews. The proposed methodology was validated through
a further survey and structured interviews with BIM experts. Findings – This study proposes a six-step
methodology to implement BIM namely; raising awareness; perceived benefits; AEC industry
readiness, and organizations’ capability; identifying the barriers; removing the barriers; and defining
the key factors influencing the implementation. Practical implications – The proposed methodology
is expected to assist project participants in KSA to implement BIM to solve current AEC industry issues,
improve projects’ performance and reap the benefits of implementing BIM. Originality/value – This
study makes a crucial and novel contribution by providing a new methodology to implement BIM in
KSA that motivates decision makers and project players to adopt and implement BIM in their projects.
It paves the way to develop BIM guidance and strategies.
Keywords: Building Information Modelling, Saudi Arabia, AEC, Barriers, Benefits, Key Factors,
implementation
1 Introduction
The AEC industry is considered the backbone of the economy for nations (Eastman, 1975), significantly
impacting nations’ growth (Giang & Pheng, 2011). The AEC industry in KSA is considered to be the
second economic boom after the oil sector (Banawi, 2017). For the sake of improving the AEC
industry’s performance and productivity, researchers have claimed that implementing BIM is the best
solution (Eastman, et al., 2011; McGraw-Hill, 2012; Matarneh & Hamed, 2017; Ahmed, et al., 2018).
The roots of BIM can be found in parametric modeling produced in the USA in the 1970s and that
conducted in Europe in the 1980s. However, the AEC industry started to use BIM in its projects in the
1 MSc., PMP. School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, UK
* Corresponding author. E-mail address: ashrafnasr86a1@yahoo.com
2 Ph.D. School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, UK
3 Ph.D., P.Eng. Professor of Construction Management, Structural Engineering Department, Mansoura University, Egypt
1
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
2000s. Since then, companies and governments around the world have attempted to adapt and reap BIM
benefits (Eastman, et al., 2011).
Developed countries have recognized the benefits of BIM and considered BIM as the AEC’s future
language. For example, in the UK, the government mandated BIM in the AEC industry since 2016.
Similarly, the USA and several European countries have mandated the use of BIM (Eadie, et al., 2013).
However, developing countries are still in the early stages of exploring BIM and trying to find
appropriate practical strategies for its implementation (Chan, 2014). There is no research providing a
methodology to implement BIM in KSA, so this study aims to find a way to facilitate BIM
implementation in KSA. The methodologies suggested for implementing BIM in the developed
countries may not be suitable for implantation in KSA as the AEC industry there has different
characteristics. Projects’ parties in KSA consider that BIM benefits are not clear and believe that BIM
implementation is very difficult due to the limited research on BIM in KSA (Almutiri, 2016).
2 Literature Review
Overview
BIM has been defined in various ways (Abbasnejad & Moud, 2013; Almutiri, 2016). For example, It
has been defined as a group of interacting policies, software, processes and technologies, (Jung & Joo,
2011; Barlish & Sullivan, 2012) or as having a focus on applying information technology (IT) (Arayici
& Aouad, 2010; Azhar, et al., 2015).
Whereas, Eastman, et al.(2011) defined BIM as a process that digitally manages the design,
construction, and Operation and Maintenance. Azhar (2011) defined BIM as a virtual process that
involves all aspects, disciplines, and systems of a facility within a single model that is shared with all
stakeholders across the project lifecycle. Sabol (2008) defined BIM as a sophisticated software tool that
helps to record information and to assist with its components.
Several researchers have cited the benefits of BIM as; leading to improved AEC industry performance
and enhancing coordination and collaboration between various project parties. BIM is considered a
revolutionary technology and management process, proposed as the potential solution to the current
issues in the AEC industry (Liu, et al., 2010; Arayici, et al., 2011; Azhar, et al., 2015).
However, the main barriers that hinder BIM implementation can be summarized as; interoperability,
functionality, unidentified BIM deliverables between parties, clients not requesting BIM, shortage in
staff skilled in BIM, and the need for the 3D building product manufacturer (McGraw-Hill, 2012). This
is in addition to, changing the organization of staff to suit particular skills (Eastman, et al., 2011), cost
of implementation (software and training), lack of senior management support, scale of culture change
required, lack of supply chain buy-in, ICT literacy and legal uncertainties (Eastman, et al., 2011; Eadie,
et al., 2014; Shaban & Elhendawi, 2018).
Key factors influencing BIM implementation
Several researchers have argued that the main factors leveraging BIM implementation are recognising
the benefits of BIM and driving forces (external forces) imposed from externals and/or the surrounding
environment. For example, competitors use BIM, and internal readiness including IT sophistication and
top management support (Liu, et al., 2010; Eadie, et al., 2013; Omar, 2015).
2
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
The most important factors for increasing BIM benefits are: improved interoperability between software
applications, improved BIM software functionality, more clearly-defined BIM deliverables between
parties, more owners asking for BIM, more 3D building product manufacturer content, reduced cost of
BIM software, more internal staff with BIM skills, more use of contracts to support BIM, more external
firms with BIM skills and more entry-level staff with BIM skills (McGraw-Hill Construction, 2012).
Mehran (2015) argued that the main factors influencing BIM implementation are government support,
BIM contract, standards, and protocols, development of a BIM performance matrix and industry
collaboration. Moreover, Alhumayn, et al. (2017) suggested strategies for implementing BIM in KSA
which include providing legislation and a supportive regulatory environment, government funding,
educating key players and gaining the experience of advanced countries using BIM. However, Arayici,
et al. (2011) suggested that approaches should be undertaken with a bottom-up approach rather than
top-down. Omar (2015) and Alhumayn et al. (2017) claimed that to accelerate BIM implementation,
government should take the upper hand (top-down approach) by facilitating smooth information flow.
Table 1 illustrates the main factors influencing BIM implementation uncovered by the literature review.
Table 1: Key factors influencing the Adoption of BIM
No.
Key factors influencing BIM Adoption
Authors
External Push for Implementing BIM
Government pressure (Intervention in mandating (Eadie, et al., 2013; Omar, 2015; Willis &
1
BIM)
Regmi, 2016)
Client pressure and demand for application of
2
(Saleh, 2015; Almutiri, 2016)
BIM in their projects
Government support
3
Coordinated government support and leadership
(Smith, 2014; McPartland, 2017)
Developing industry-accepted BIM standards, best
(Smith, 2014; Willis & Regmi, 2016;
practices, and legal protocols
McPartland, 2017)
The government collaborates with the industry,
professional bodies and education institutes to establish
standards, guidance, to provide training to practitioners
(Chan, 2014; Smith, 2014; McPartland, 2017)
and future students and define levels of BIM working
from reference in professional services agreement
Set realistic goals, not to make things too complicated,
plan for the worst, find a partner and provide high-end
(McPartland, 2017)
hardware resources and networking facilities to run BIM
applications and tools efficiently
A structured set of BIM competencies
(Succar, et al., 2013)
Having established industry-wide rules and protocols
(Willis & Regmi, 2016)
governing access and update.
Developing suitable contractual arrangements
(Arayici, et al., 2011; Migilinskas, et al., 2013)
4-Other external pushes
(Azhar, 2011; Almutiri, 2016; Gerges, M, et al.,
Raising awareness (promotion and awareness of BIM)
2017)
Providing education at university level
(Tzonis, 2014; Omar, 2015; Almutiri, 2016)
Developing BIM data exchange standards, rules and
(Chan, 2014; Mehran, 2016)
regulations
Providing guidance on use of BIM
(Gu & London, 2010; Mehran, 2016)
Contractual arrangements
(Deloitte, 2016; Mehran, 2016)
BIM required by other project parties
(Construction Work team, 2014; Saleh, 2015)
Competitive pressure
(Liu, et al., 2010; Eadie, et al., 2013)
Clients provide pilot project for BIM
(Saleh, 2015)
3
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Collaboration with universities (Research collaboration
(Saleh, 2015; Almutiri, 2016)
and curriculum design for students)
Perceived benefits from BIM to client
(Gu & London, 2010; Azhar, 2011)
Availability of appropriate software and hardware tools
(Gu & London, 2010; Azhar, 2011)
Internal Push for Implementing BIM
Top Management support
(Gerges, et al., 2016; McPartland, 2017)
Cultural change (resistance to change)
(Liu, et al., 2010; Gerges, et al., 2016)
(Migilinskas, et al., 2013; Willis & Regmi,
Collaboration between all project participants
2016)
Improving built output quality
(McCartney, 2010; Saleh, 2015)
Perceived benefits of BIM (concerted efforts to make
(Sebastian, 2011; Azhar, 2011; Omar, 2015)
clients demand BIM)
Technical competence of staff
(Arayici, et al., 2009; McPartland, 2017)
(Eastman, et al., 2011; Succar & Kassem,
Financial resources of organization
2015; Omar, 2015)
The desire for innovation with competitive advantages
(Liu, et al., 2010; Eadie, et al., 2013; Omar,
and differentiation in the market.
2015)
Improving the capacity to provide whole-life value to the
(Omar, 2015; Gerges, et al., 2016)
client
Safety in the construction process ( to reduce risk of
(Omar, 2015; Saleh, 2015)
accident)
(Smith, 2014; Gerges, et al., 2016; Gerges, M,
BIM training program for staff
et al., 2017)
Adapting existing workflows to lean oriented processes
(Arayici, et al., 2011; Eastman, et al., 2011)
Deciding which tool to use
(McPartland, 2017)
Applying successful change management strategies to
(Arayici, et al., 2011; Eastman, et al., 2011)
diminish any potential resistance to change
Collaboration between all stakeholders
(Gerges, et al., 2016; Willis & Regmi, 2016)
Continuous investment in BIM
(Ding, et al., 2015; Saleh, 2015)
Projects complexity and profit declination
(Azhar, et al., 2015; Almutiri, 2016; Ball, 2017)
Approaches for adoption should be undertaken with a
(Arayici, et al., 2011)
bottom-up approach to successful change management
and deal with the resistance to change.
Every research argued different key factors may be they agree with one or more factor, but do not agree
with all the same factors. Therefore, this study tries to examine all factors claimed by the previous
researches and find further factors that have not been mentioned before.
Suggested strategies and methodologies for BIM implementation
Arayici et al. (2011) claimed that setting clear guidance and a methodology guarantees the achievement
of the ultimate benefits of BIM. Several researchers have developed frameworks, models, and
methodologies to implement BIM as follows:
The strategy of Olugboyega (2017) to create a BIM environment can be summarized as: (1) Acquiring
BIM software technologies (according to the project goals) and BIM hardware, (2) Developing a BIM
contents library, (3) Developing BIM standards, and (4) Setting up a BIM platform (interoperability
tools, collaboration tools, integration tools, coordination/ clash detection tools and communication
tools) according to the types of BIM software and hardware. Wang, et al. (2013) developed a BIM user
acceptance model applying a technology acceptance model (TAM) (Figure 1).
4
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Perceived usefulness
Figure 1: BIM Users Acceptance Model (Wang, et al., 2013)
Whereas, the EU BIM Task group suggested another strategic framework for BIM adoption in the
public sector: growing capability, pilot projects, measuring and monitoring, case studies and embedding
change (UK Construction Media, 2016). Furthermore, Jung and Joo (2011) proposed a BIM
implementation framework as shown in Table 2.
Table 2: The BIM implementation framework (Jung & Joo, 2011)
Technical (T)
1.Data Property
2. Relation
3. Standards
4. Utilization
Perspective (P)
1. Industry
2. Organization
3. Project
Construction Business Function (C)
1. R&D
6. Quality Mgt.
2. General Admin. 7. Cost control
3. Finance
8. Contracting
4. HR. mgt.
9. Materials Mgt.
5. Safety Mgt.
10. Scheduling
11. Estimating
12. Design
13. Sales
14. Planning
In spite of many approaches such as frameworks (Kekana, et al., 2014; Succar & Kassem, 2015) and
technology adoption (Masood, et al., 2014; Arayici, et al., 2011) being proposed to support the
implementation of BIM, the practical mechanism to adopt and implement BIM is still lacking. Perhaps,
this can be justified by considering the status of BIM in both the developed countries (where BIM is
mandated or nearly mandated) and developing countries (where BIM is still in its early stages), which
show the need for a more practical and applied view of BIM rather than its potential benefits. Therefore,
this research explores a practical methodology to implement BIM in KSA.
3 Research Methodology and Data Collection
3.1 Method of data collection
A mixed methodological approach is selected for this research consisting of three phases (Figure 2):
The first phase utilised an extensive literature review to build a deep understanding and to cover the
research scope.
5
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Literature Review
Phase 1
Data Collection
Questionnaire
Interviews
Phase 2
Model
Model Validation
Phase 3
Questionnaire
Interviews
Final Model
Figure 2: Research Methodology Flow Chart
The second phase consisted of two steps, a questionnaire and interviews to investigate BIM user and
non-user perceptions about each step that produces the suggested methodology to implement BIM in
KSA. Prior to finalizing the questionnaire, a pilot study was undertaken whereby 12 professionals with
average experience of 8 years in the KSA AEC industry were interviewed. Six of the 12 professionals
represented BIM users and the other 6 represented non-users. Those professionals were selected from
local and multinational AEC organizations in the KSA market. The initial questionnaire was refined
based on the feedback received from those professionals. Afterwards, the final questionnaire was
accessible via the online survey platform “Google forms”. This platform enabled easy and swift
completion of the survey.
The structured questionnaire was distributed via mail and online. Also, the online questionnaire link
was distributed to the organizations that are registered as members of the Saudi Commercial Chambers,
which includes the entire KSA AEC industry organisations. Additionally, the Saudi Council of
Engineers published the questionnaire in its monthly magazine.
The target population for this study included all professionals related to the KSA market whether they
have a good knowledge and experience about BIM technology or not. It is almost impossible to calculate
the exact number of the total targeted population as the number of engineers in Saudi Arabia according
to the Saudi Council of Engineers is 230943 (Aleqt, 2017). Statistical equations were used to calculate
the required sample size as follow (Eq. 1):
𝑛=
𝑁
(1)
1+𝑁 (𝑐 2 )
C = margin of error, taken as 9% = 0.09.
N= Total population, taken as 231,000.
6
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
n = Sample size.
231000
Applying the equation: 𝑛 = 1+231000 (0.09 2 ) =123.39 ≈124
The returned responses were 272 responses with 27 (9.92%) uncompleted responses. Each respondent
was asked to rate to what extent he/she agreed/disagreed with each of the main factors influencing BIM
implementation in KSA, on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5, where 5 represents ‘Strongly
agree’, and 1 represents “Strongly disagree”.
Complying with the sample strategy, 124 Structured interviews were completed (62 are BIM
professionals and the rest are not users) from different organizations disciplines and sizes (small,
medium to large-sized).
The third phase consisted of two steps, an online questionnaire followed by interviews to validate the
suggested BIM implementation methodology from only BIM users’ perspectives. For rapid validation,
an online questionnaire was sent to professional BIM experts who are working in KSA from different
nationalities. The questionnaire was sent to 150 individuals, with 48 responses received (32%). The
quantitative approach was considered a reliable methodology to test the hypotheses composed of
variables derived from the first and the second phases (Naoum, 2012). As a second step of the third
phase, fifty structured interviews as focus groups, who are BIM experts and BIM researchers, were
organized.
3.2 Respondents General information
The received responses were 272. Of these responses, 63.1% indicated that they do not have enough
knowledge to continue. However, 36.9% continued answering the questions. This suggests a lack of
knowledge about BIM in KSA, in spite of literature (Farah, 2014) reporting a high level of awareness
of BIM technology in KSA’s AEC industry.
Table 3 shows the reasons that the non-BIM user respondents provided for not being interested in BIM.
The largest percentage reported, “Don’t Know what BIM is and it is out of my scope.” Hence, this
percentage implies raising BIM awareness could perhaps increase BIM adoption.
Table 3: Respondents’ reasons for not having an interest in BIM
Reason
Don’t know what BIM is
It is out of my scope
Have no time
Not needed in my work
Depend on customer
CAD is enough
Total
Frequency
10
10
4
3
3
3
33
Percentage
30.30%
30.30%
12.12%
9.09%
9.09%
9.09%
100 %
Also, 25.4% of the respondents represent public sector organizations and 74.6 % private sector
organizations. This result may suggest that the public sector is less interested in BIM than the
private sector. The highest percentage of respondents’ specializations, 38.6%, are working in
residential buildings projects Table 4.
7
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Table 4: Respondents’ Organization specialization
Residential
Commercial
Responses
N Percent
105 38.60
94 34.56
Industrial
72
26.47
Health‐care
53
19.48
Environmental
48
17.65
Infrastructure
104 38.24
Academic
62
22.79
Other Specializes
9
3.31
Organization specialization
As shown in Table 5, the majority of respondents’ organization size (64.0%) are over 200 employees.
Also, a large percentage of respondents’ organizations (35.52%) are working on large projects (501M
SR -1Billion SR), as shown in Figure 3.
Table 5: Respondents’ Organization size
Organization size
Frequency Percent
(number of employees)
1-30
31-60
61-100
101-200
Over 200 Employees
Total
33
33
12
20
174
272
12.1
12.1
4.4
7.4
64.0
100.0
Figure 3: project budget
The largest percentage of the respondents (36.76%) are project/section manager (Figure 4). As shown
in Figure 5, most respondents (29.36%) reported that they represent a Designer / Architect / Engineer.
8
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Figure 4: Respondents Position
Figure 5: Respondents Role
Most of the respondents’ educational level is B.Sc. (69.85%), while 23.16% and 6.99% of the
respondents having Masters and PhD degrees, respectively. Most of the respondents (37%) have 5-10
years of experience as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6: Respondents years of experience
The randomly tested sample covered all the KSA regions, however, the highest percentage (41.2%) is
from Riyadh, followed by Makka al-Mukarama (13.2%), Eastern Province (6.3%), Madinah (4.8%),
9
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Najran (2.9%), Tabuk (1.8%), Qassim (1.8%), Asir and Jazan (1.8%), Northern Borders (0.7%), Jawf
(0.70%), Ha’il (0.4%), Bahah (0.4%).
4: Results analysis
4.1 Questionnaire
4.1.1
Key factors influencing BIM Implementation
The weighted mean as a descriptive statistical analysis which is based on the item's relative importance
is used to rank the main factors influencing BIM adoption (BusinessDictionary, 2017). Table 6
illustrates respondents’ ranking of the push factors for implementing BIM. Government, universities,
and clients play a vital role to support and provide the requirements to expedite successful BIM
implementation. This result conforms to the literature findings (Smith, 2014; McPartland, 2017).
Table 6: External Push Factors for Implementing BIM in KSA
Weighted
mean
Std.
Deviation
Ranking
The general
trend
Providing guidance on use of BIM
4.01
1.088
1
Agree
Government support and pressure for the
implementation of BIM
3.98
1.243
2
Agree
Providing education at university level
3.98
1.079
2
Agree
Developing BIM data exchange standards, rules
and regulations
3.97
1.103
3
Agree
Perceived benefits from BIM provided to client
3.97
1.054
3
Agree
Collaboration with universities (Research
collaboration and curriculum design for students)
3.96
1.088
4
Agree
BIM required by other project parties
3.96
1.075
4
Agree
Client pressure and demand for the application of
BIM in their projects
3.95
1.160
5
Agree
Clients provide pilot project for BIM
3.93
1.037
6
Agree
Contractual arrangements
3.92
1.067
7
Agree
Promotion and awareness of BIM
3.90
1.062
8
Agree
Competitive pressure
3.84
1.101
9
Agree
Key Factors
Weighted mean
3.9475
Agree
Figure 7 shows respondents’ factors representing the internal push for BIM implementation. Top
management and organization capabilities are considered the main internal factors for BIM
implementation. This result is compatible with the literature (Gerges, et al., 2016; Alhumayn, et al.,
2017).
10
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
4.2
4.1
Weighted Mean
4.1
4.07
ISSN 2571-1075
4.07
4.07
4.04
3.99
4
3.97
3.97
3.96
3.94
3.92
3.9
3.8
3.73
3.7
3.6
3.5
Safety into the construction
process (reduce risk of
accident)
Improving the capacity to
provide whole-life value to
client
Requirement for staff to be
BIM competent
Financial resources of organization
Desire for innovation with
competitive advantages and
differentiation in the market.
Technical competence of staff
Continuous investment in BIM
Improving built output quality
BIM training program to staff
Perceived benefits from BIM
Cultural change
Top management support
Figure 7: Internal Push Factors for Implementing BIM in KSA
Additionally, other internal push factors include: encouragement from all stakeholders and
understanding how BIM will add value to the procurement process.
The average weighted mean for the importance of both the external push (3.9475) and the internal push
factors (3.9858) to implement BIM are similar. As such, both types of factors are important to the
adoption of BIM in KSA.
As presented in Table 7, non-BIM users’ respondents intend to use BIM due to its perceived benefits,
keep up with the latest technology; it is the future, improves their competences, and responses to the
top management and the client demands.
Table 7: Coding the responses why BIM non-users intend to use
Reasons
Perceived benefits
It is the future
Improve my self
Client demand for it
Top management mandates BIM
Total
Frequencies
57
32
31
6
4
130
Percent
43.85%
24.62%
23.85%
4.62%
3.08%
100 %
Ranking
1
2
3
4
5
4.2 Interviews
Interviews with 124 professionals (62 of them are BIM professionals and the other do not use BIM)
were arranged to validate the results of the questionnaire. The interviewees suggested mixed approaches
to expedite BIM implementation (Top-down and Bottom-up).
4.2.1 Key factors influencing BIM implementation
Interviewees suggested many factors representing a push for implementing BIM as follows:
11
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
-
-
ISSN 2571-1075
Focusing on the information (data) rather than the 3D model as globally, it is accepted that BIM
is all about information. BIM is about converting design into reality
The most important factors to implement BIM are client and consultant, BIM must be applied at
the design stage, and the contractor cannot start working on BIM from scratch because of the
long time required for modeling.
Increasing awareness among projects’ participants is highly demanded.
The decision should come from top management to spread the knowledge and train users.
Focusing on BIM success stories to guide the market.
Governments need to support the BIM process if they want to help the market.
The government should mandate BIM in KSA.
There is a need for BIM training for the engineers (another discipline) to excel in their fields.
All internal stakeholders should collaborate through BIM especially in the area of coordination.
BIM needs more research for further development.
External Push
As per the interview with the experts, the factors for the external push to implement BIM are ranked in
Table 8. These factors are the same as those obtained from the questionnaire survey, however,
interviewees added availability of appropriate software and hardware.
Table 8: Coding of External Push Factors
External Push
Providing guidance on use of BIM
Government support and pressure on the implementation of BIM
Providing education at university level
Developing BIM data exchange standards, rules and regulations
Perceived benefits from BIM to client
Collaboration with universities (Research collaboration and curriculum design for students)
BIM required by other project parties
Client pressure and demand for the application of BIM in their projects
Clients provide pilot project for BIM
Contractual arrangements
Promotion and awareness of BIM
Competitive pressure
Availability of appropriate software and hardware
Ranking
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Internal Push
As shown in Table 9, interviewees respectively ranked the factors for the internal push to implement
BIM. Although, 12 of them are the same as the questionnaire result; they are in different order.
Interviewees added collaboration among all project parties and projects complexity and profit
declination as internal push factors.
12
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Table 9: Coding of Internal Push Factors
Internal push
Ranking
Top management support
1
Cultural change
2
Perceived benefits of BIM
3
BIM training program for staff
4
Improving built output quality
5
Continuous investment in BIM
6
The desire for innovation with competitive advantages and differentiation in the market.
7
Technical competence of staff
8
Financial resources of organization
9
Requirement for staff to be BIM competent
10
Improving the capacity to provide whole-life value to the client
11
Safety in the construction process (reduce risk of accident)
12
Collaboration among all project parties
13
Projects complexity and profit declination
14
5: Proposed Model for BIM Implementation:
The proposed model (Figure 8) is developed based on the extensive literature survey, and the recognized
six factors influencing the implementation of BIM in the KSA AEC industry as a result of the
questionnaire survey and the interview analysis.
BIM implementation in KSA
AEC industry
Raising awareness
Perceived benefits of BIM
Identifying the barriers
Removing barriers
Key factors influence the adoption
Organizations capability
Figure 8: Conceptual Model for implementing BIM in KSA
The level of maturity readiness is investigated to implement and mandate BIM effectively considering
the six factors. The proposed conceptual model is expected to assist the KSA AEC industry players to
recognize the gaps that diminish the chances of successful implementation of BIM. The following
subsections discuss the research hypothesis.
13
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Developing the hypotheses
1. Raising awareness (independent variable):
This factor aims to increase the KSA AEC industry players’ knowledge about BIM, including BIM
definition, BIM deliverables, BIM dimensions, maturity level, the comparison between BIM and CAD,
BIM applications, integration with BIM, BIM status globally, lessons learned from countries using
BIM, and how BIM works. The study checks the validity of a first hypothesis, H1: The higher the
appropriate awareness, the greatest are the opportunities for successful implementation of BIM.
2. The perceived benefits of BIM (independent variable):
This factor refers to the anticipated benefits and advantages that the use of BIM can offer to the
organization and the entire AEC industry. The perceived benefits of BIM are highly influencing the
decision for the implementation of BIM. The study checks the validity of a second hypothesis, H2: The
higher the appropriate recognition of the benefits of BIM, the greatest are the opportunities for the
successful implementation of BIM.
3. Barriers to implement BIM (independent variable):
This factor refers to the obstacles that diminish the chances of the implementation of BIM. The study
checks the correctness of the third hypothesis H3: The higher the level of barriers, the lesser are the
opportunities for the implementation of BIM.
4. Removing the barriers to implement BIM (independent variable):
This refers to removing the obstacles that diminish the chances of the implementation of BIM. The
study checks the correctness of the fourth hypothesis H4: The more the barriers to be removed, the
higher the opportunities for successful BIM implementation.
5. Key factors influence BIM adoption (independent variable):
This includes two main categories:
-
The main driving forces: or the external factors which are recognized as the external pressure
from authorities either the government or the client, to impose the utilization and mandate of
BIM as a compulsory requirement.
-
Assistant factors: or the internal factors, including individuals, organizations and software
suppliers.
The study checks the correctness of the fifth hypothesis H5: The more the adoption of factors
influencing BIM, the greater are the opportunities for the implementation of BIM.
6. The KSA AEC industry readiness and organisations capability (independent variable):
This refers to the readiness of the organisations and the industry for BIM implementation. The study
checks the correctness of the sixth hypothesis H6: The higher the internal readiness to adopt the change
to BIM, the greater are the opportunities for successful implementation of BIM.
14
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
7. Implementation of BIM in the KSA AEC industry (dependent variable):
This dependent variable is directly influenced by the six independent variables as suggested in the
conceptual model and the proposed hypotheses.
6. Model Validation
6.1 Questionnaire:
The respondents ordered the six independent variables which impact the dependent variable
(implementing BIM in KSA AEC industry), as shown in Figure 9. The weighted mean for 5 variables
are greater than four, while the sixth is almost equal to 4 (3.94), so all research hypotheses are accepted
(Boone & Boone, 2012).
4.25
Weighted Mean
4.20
4.15
4.10
4.05
4.00
4.19
3.95
4.06
3.90
4.02
4.02
4.00
3.94
3.85
3.80
Perceived
benefits of BIM
Organizations
capability
Raising
awareness
Identifying
barriers
Removing the
barriers
Key Factors
Figure 9: independent variables impact the BIM implementation in KSA
6.2 Interviews:
The interviewees ordered the independent variables which impact the BIM implementation in KSA, as
shown in Table 10.
Table 10: Ranking of variables impact BIM implementation
Independent variable
Ranking
Raising awareness
1
Perceived benefits of BIM
2
Organisation capability
3
Identifying barriers
4
Removing the barriers
5
Key factors influence the adoption
6
Most of the interviewees agreed with the steps of the suggested methodology, and they confirmed those
are enough, but slight conflicts have been uncovered regarding the order of the steps. Moreover, an
interviewee reported that “factors influencing the implementation are possibly the road that you travel
on - not just a point. The factors will be there from the very beginning attitudes/beliefs/money/resources/leadership etc. will change as the journey continues. Perhaps not a
path, but a cyclical process.”
15
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Whereas, another said “Define desired BIM outcomes, and think what you want to achieve once it's all
implemented.” While, other interviewees said that “The perceived benefits of BIM should be the actual
benefits of BIM”. The perception happens in the mind of the person who has never used BIM in the
construction process before. This is a transition from 2D thinking in the construction process to 3D+,
visualization and simulation of a true digital construction asset to be used in conjunction with the
projects life cycle plan. It's like telling someone who has been doing something their whole life that
their industry has become a tech industry and its benefits are the base that the next generations of
construction will have a foundation on. Custom manufacturing using 3D printing and milling,
component and modular construction, you can't use these if you do not use BIM.”
Additionally, another reported that “to implement BIM in KSA, the first step should be raising
awareness, secondly, convince the key decision makers about perceived benefits of BIM, then make a
feasibility study to prove the profit and BIM benefits acquired from its implementation. The last step is
to develop a strategic plan with consideration of experiences and examples of successful application of
BIM.”
However, interviewees agreed with the methodology, they suggested that it can be applied for
organisations and requires further modification if it is applied to the overall KSA AEC industry projects.
Whereas, another said that “To implement BIM in any organization, the first step is to create a
community of practices.”
Also, to test the hypotheses, the interviewees reported that BIM implementation impacted by the six
factors (raising awareness, perceived benefits of BIM, organizations capability, identifying barriers,
removing the barriers, key factors influence the adoption), so that, the six hypotheses could be accepted.
From all research steps, the suggested methodology for BIM implementation in KSA is set as shown in
Figure 10.
Figure 10: Final methodology for BIM implementation
16
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
7: Conclusions
Currently, the attention of the construction industry is to eliminate waste and inefficiency to improve
quality and profitability. However, BIM proved its competence in this way which motivated developed
countries to use and mandate BIM. There are only limited examples of BIM implementation within the
AEC Industry and AEC education in KSA.
This research proposed a model for BIM implementation in KSA to pave the way to facilitate using
BIM, which in turn, increases the chances for creative and innovative solutions to the AEC industry
issues, increases the quality, profitability and improves projects' performance and efficiency.
The key findings of this research are: exploring the main driving forces and the main external pressures
pushing the implementation of BIM in the KSA AEC industry, identifying the main internal pushes,
and proposed a methodology for BIM implementation in KSA AEC industry.
The questionnaire respondents and interviewees ordered the main external factors influencing the BIM
implementations as; (1) Providing guidance on using BIM; (2) Government support and pressure for
the implementation of BIM; (3) Providing education at university level; (4) Developing BIM and data
exchange standards, rules and regulations; (5) Perceived benefits from BIM to client; (6) Collaboration
with universities (research collaboration and curriculum designed for students); (7) Increased demand
for BIM by other project parties; (8) Client pressure and demanding for the application of BIM in their
projects; (9) Clients provide pilot project for BIM; (10) Contractual arrangements; (11) Promotion and
awareness of BIM; (12) Competitive pressure; (13) Availability of appropriate software and hardware.
This result is the same as the literature, but factors are ordered differently.
Unlike the literature, interviewees and questionnaire respondents in this study respectively ordered the
internal push factors as; (1) Top management support; (2) Cultural change; (3) Perceived benefits from
BIM; (4) BIM training program to staff; (5) Improving built output quality; (6) Continuous investment
in BIM; (7) Desire for innovation with competitive advantages and differentiation in the market; (8)
Technical competence of staff; (9) Financial resources of organization; (10) Improving the capacity to
provide whole-life value to client; (11) Safety into the construction process (reduction of risk for
accidents); (12) Collaboration among all project parties; (13) Projects complexity and profit declination.
This result is in line with the literature, but the factors are ordered differently.
This study observed that failure to adopt the change to BIM would result in loss of competitive
advantage and accordingly fewer chances to win new projects. Developing countries’ governments
must keep up with the development of the other developed countries which represent a pressure factor
to mandate the latest technology like BIM. This pushes organisations to preserve themselves surviving
and implementing BIM.
The suggested methodology consisted of six steps. The first is raising BIM awareness, the second step
is to identify the perceived benefits for each party, studying the AEC industry readiness and the
organizations capabilities, identify the barriers, propose strategic plans to remove those barriers, while
the key factor for successful implementation is that each factor acts as a motivating factor and pushing
the next one (not as just a separated step). The interviewees claimed that the methodology must be
practical as a cyclical process, not a linear one.
17
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
The interviewees validated the proposed conceptual methodology and suggested the suitable order for
its steps which in turn results in the final methodology for implementing BIM. The interviewees
confirmed that, however, the main factor for rapid BIM implementation in KSA is the collaboration
among different parties; the government, the organizations (client, designer, contractor, subcontractor,
suppliers) and every project stakeholders, the main role is derived from the government as if the
government mandates BIM, all parties will be committed to the change. The same way worked in
advanced countries in mandating BIM.
This study recommends applying a mixed approach (top-down and bottom-up) to expedite and
effectively implement the suggested methodology. Therefore, all AEC industry parties must collaborate
and combine the efforts. The government of KSA can play a massive role to present convenient practical
strategic plans for BIM implementation by providing a timeframe to mandate BIM as an obligatory
requirement in the AEC industry projects. Also, the government could support the entities to overcome
the barriers that hinder the BIM implementation. For instance, the government can aid entities to
overcome the initial BIM implementation cost. Involvement of BIM in the AEC undergraduate and
postgraduate syllabuses seems to be a premise in raising new generations fully oriented with BIM (longterm). Organizational decision makers have to support the staff, for example train the staff (short term),
and put strategic plans in place to implement BIM. Every individual has to improve their BIM
competencies.
Applying the suggested methodology could help to ensure the success of the BIM implementation,
which in turn could improve the AEC industry performance and effectiveness, solve the project's issues,
adapt creativity and innovation and create unexpected positive future for the AEC industry.
Suggestions for future research develop detailed, separate and special models for implementing BIM in
KSA for each project party; client, architectural & designer, contractor, and subcontractor. Deriving
models from the offered model in this research is to develop a short-term model and long-term model.
7.1 Limitations and assumptions of research
There is a difficulty to collect information for the construction industry in KSA due to the large area of
2,149,690 square kilometers involving different areas, each area having its own specific cultural nature.
It was therefore not possible within the confines of the study to collect a large number of questionnaires
or interviews from all the various areas around the whole country to provide an integrated image for
construction industry in KSA.
8. References
Abbasnejad, B. & Moud, H., 2013. BIM and basic challenges associated with its definitions,
interpretations and expectations. International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications
(IJERA), 3(2), pp. 287-29.
Ahmed, S., Dlask, P., Selim, O. & Elhendawi, A., 2018. BIM Performance Improvement Framework
for Syrian AEC Companies. International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science (IJBES), 1(1), pp.
21-41.
Aleqt, 2017. 230 thousand engineers in Saudi Arabia .. 92% foreigners. [Online]
Availableat:http://www.aleqt.com/2016/03/29/article_1042551.html [Accessed 25 October 2017].
18
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Alhumayn, s., Chinyio, E. & Ndekugri, I., 2017. The Barriers And Strategies Of Implementing Bim In
Saudi Arabia. WIT Transactions on The Built Environment, Volume 169, pp. 55-67.
Almutiri, Y., 2016. Empirical investigation into development of a curricular framework to embed
building information modelling with undergraduate architectural programmes within Saudi Arabia ,
Manchester, England,UK: Doctoral dissertation, University of Salford.
Arayici, Y. & Aouad, G., 2010. Building information modelling (BIM) for construction lifecycle
management. Construction and Building: Design, Materials, and Techniques, pp. 99-118.
Arayici, Y. et al., 2011. BIM adoption and implementation for architectural practices. Structural survey,
1(29), pp. 7-25..
Arayici, Y. et al., 2009. BIM implementation for an architectural practice.. Managing It in
Construction/Managing Construction for Tomorrow, pp. 689-696.
Azhar, . S., 2011. Building Information Modeling (BIM): Trends, Benefits,Risks, And Challenges For
The AEC Industry. Leadership and management in engineering, 3(11), pp. 241-252.
Azhar, S., Khalfan, M. & Maqsood, . T., 2015. Building information modelling (BIM): now and beyond.
Construction Economics and Building, 4(12), pp. 15-28.
Ball, M., 2017. Top 10 Benefits of BIM (Building Information Modeling) | Redshift. [Online]
Available at: https://redshift.autodesk.com/building-information-modeling-top-10-benefits-of-bim/
[Accessed 7 Jul 2017].
Banawi, A., 2017. Barriers to Implement Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Public Projects in
Saudi Arabia. s.l., In International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (pp. 119125). Springer, Cham.
Barlish, K. & Sullivan, K., 2012. How to measure the benefits of BIM—A case study approach.
Automation in construction, Volume 24, pp. 149-159.
Boone, H. & Boone, D., 2012. Analyzing likert data. Journal of extension, 50(2), pp. 1-5.
BusinessDictionary,2017.Weighted
Average.
[Online]Available
at:
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/weighted-average.html [Accessed 30 December 2017].
Chan, C., 2014. Barriers of implementing BIM in construction industry from the designers’ perspective:
a Hong Kong experience. Journal of System and Management Sciences, 2(4), pp. 24-40.
Construction Work team, 2014. Dubai to make BIM software mandatory for major projects. [Online]
Available at: http://www.arabianindustry.com/construction/features/2014/may/25/a-model-approach4708613/#.VQLayuHkpTs [Accessed 27 October 2017].
Deloitte, 2016. The funding equation, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia: Deloitte GCC Powers of
Construction 2016.
Ding, Z., Zuo, J., Wu, J. & Wang, J., 2015. Key factors for the BIM adoption by architects: A China
study. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 22(6), pp. 732-748.
Eadie, R. et al., 2013. BIM implementation throughout the UK construction project lifecycle: An
analysis. Automation in Construction, Issue 36, pp. 145-151.
Eadie, R. et al., 2014. Building information modelling adoption: an analysis of the barriers to
implementation. Journal of Engineering and Architecture, 2(1), pp. 77-101.
19
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Eastman, . C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, . R. & Liston, K., 2011. BIM Handbook,a Guide to Building
Information Modelling. 2nd ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
Eastman, C., 1975. The use of computers instead of drawings in building design. AIA Journal, 3(63 ),
pp. 46-50.
Farah, R., 2014. Building Information Modeling (BIM) Implementation in Saudi Arabia: Potentials and
Barriers, KSA: The University of Salford School of the Built Environment;MSc dissertation.
Gerges, M, et al., 2017. An investigation into the implementation of Building Information Modeling in
the Middle East. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), 1(22), pp. 1-15.
Gerges, M., Ahiakwo, O., Jaeger, M. & Asaad, A., 2016. Building Information Modeling and Its
Application in the State of Kuwait. . World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology,
International Journal of Civil, Environmental, Structural, Construction and Architectural Engineering,
1(10), pp. 81-86.
Giang, D. & Pheng, L., 2011. Role of construction in economic development: Review of key concepts
in the past 40 years. Habitat International. Habitat International, 1(35), pp. 118-125.
Gu, N. & London, K., 2010. Understanding and facilitating BIM adoption in the AEC industry.
Automation in construction, 8(19), pp. 988-999.
Jung, Y. & Joo, M., 2011. Building information modelling (BIM) framework for practical
implementation. Automation in Construction, 2(20), pp. 126-133.
Kekana, T., Aigbavboa, C. & Thwala, W., 2014. Building Information Modelling (BIM): Barriers in
Adoption and Implementation Strategies in the South Africa Construction Industry. s.l., In International
Conference on Emerging Trends in Computer and Image Processing (ICETCIP'2014) Dec (pp. 15-16).
Liu, R., Issa, R. & Olbina, S., 2010. Factors influencing the adoption of building information modeling
in the AEC Industry,In Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building
Engineering. Nottingham, Nottingham University Press, pp. (139-145.
Masood, R., Kharal, M. & Nasir, A., 2014. Is BIM Adoption Advantageous for Construction Industry
of Pakistan?. Procedia Engineering, 77(77), pp. 229-238.
Matarneh, R. & Hamed, S., 2017. Barriers to the Adoption of Building Information Modeling in the
Jordanian Building Industry. Open Journal of Civil Engineering, 3(7), p. 325.
McCartney, C., 2010. Factors affecting the uptake of building information modelling (BIM) in the
Auckland architecture, engineering & construction (AEC) industry, New Zealand.: s.n.
McGraw-Hill Construction, 2012. The business value of BIM in North America: multi-year trend
analysis and user ratings (2007-2012), North America: McGraw-Hill Construction.
McGraw-Hill, 2012. The business value of BIM in North America: multi-year trend analysis and user
ratings (2007-2012), New York: McGraw-Hill.: Smart Market Report.
McPartland, R., 2017. 10 rules for a successful BIM implementation. [Online]
Available at: https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/10-rules-for-a-successful-bim-implementation
[Accessed 10 September 2017].
Mehran, D., 2015. BIM Challenges in UAE, UAE: Arabtec.
20
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Mehran, D., 2016. Exploring the Adoption of BIM in the UAE Construction Industry for AEC Firms.
Dubai, UAE, Procedia Engineering, 145, pp.1110-1118..
Migilinskas, D., Popov, V., Juocevicius, V. & Ustinovichius, L., 2013. The Benefits, Obstacles and
Problems of Practical Bim Implementation. Procedia Engineering, Issue 57, pp. 767-774.
Naoum, S., 2012. Dissertation research and writing for construction students. 3rd ed. London:
Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Olugboyega, O., 2017. Framework for Creating a Building Information Modelling Environment in
Architectural, Engineering and Construction Firms and Projects. PM World Journal, 4(4).
Omar, H., 2015. Solutions for the UAE Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry to
mandate Building Information Modeling (BIM), Dubai : (Doctoral dissertation, The British University
in Dubai (BUiD))..
Sabol, L., 2008. Building information modeling & facility management. Dallas, Texas, USA.: IFMA
World Workplace.
Saleh, M., 2015. Barriers and Driving Factors for Implementing Building Information Modelling (BIM)
in Libya, Libya: (Master's thesis, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)-Doğu Akdeniz Üniversitesi
(DAÜ))..
Sebastian, R., 2011. Changing roles of the clients, architects and contractors through BIM. Engineering,
Construction and Architectural Management, 18(2), pp. 176-187.
Shaban, M. & Elhendawi, A., 2018. Building Information Modeling in Syria: Obstacles and
Requirements for Implementation. International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science (IJBES),
1(1), pp. 42-64.
Smith, P., 2014. BIM implementation–global strategies. Procedia Engineering, Issue 85, pp. 482-492.
Succar, B. & Kassem, M., 2015. Macro-BIM adoption: Conceptual structures. Automation in
Construction, Volume 57, pp. 64-79.
Succar, B., Sher, W & Williams, A, 2013. An integrated approach to BIM competency assessment,
acquisition and application.. Automation in Construction, Issue 35, pp. 174-189.
Tzonis, A., 2014. A framework for architectural education. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 3(4),
pp. 477-479.
UK Construction Media, 2016. Interview with EU BIM Task Group’s Adam Matthews. [Online]
Available at: https://www.ukconstructionmedia.co.uk/news/interview-with-eu-bim-task-groups-adammatthews/ [Accessed 12 December 2017].
Wang, Y., Xue, X. & Li, Y., 2013. A critical review on the impact factors of BIM application.
International journal of digital content technology and its applications, 7(8), p. 616.
Willis, Christopher J; Regmi, Tulsi, 2016. Exploring the Future Use of BIM in Construction Project.
Toronto, Ontario, Associated Schools of Construction.
21
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
BIM Implementation Maturity Level and Proposed Approach
for the Upgrade in Lithuania
Natalija Lepkova4, Rana Maya2, Sonia Ahmed3, Vaidotas Šarka1
1
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania; 2Tishreen University, Syria;
3
BIMarabia Czech Republic
Natalija.Lepkova@vgtu.lt, sonia@bimarabia.com, mayarana98@gmail.com,
Vaidotas.Sarka@vgtu.lt
Abstract:
Recently, Building information modelling (BIM) proves its capability to solve the raised AEC industry
issues. Therefore, several countries and entities pursue to transform into BIM especially the developed
countries. Lithuania as a European country has a great challenge to cap up with the surrounding
environment to implement BIM. This study aims to determine the BIM maturity levels in Lithuania and
supposed the missed steps to upgrade to the next level. Eighteen important Lithuanian construction
projects awarded the most successful implementing BIM are chosen as a case study. Face-to-face
interviews were conducted with several BIM experts whose work at the chosen projects. The analysis
conducted by the most effective theoretical model entitled BIM Maturity Matrix (BIMM). The key
findings of this research that Lithuania reached the BIM implementing maturity level 2 while some
projects still at level 1 that proves the ability of Lithuanian AEC industry to softly and completely
transfer the maturity to level 2 by the recommendation provided through the proposed approach at the
end of the paper. These results provide a stunning opportunity to improve the AEC project performance
and reap the benefits of implementing BIM. Future studies can develop a framework to improve the
BIM implementation in Lithuania softly.
Keywords: BIM; BIM maturity model; BIM stages; implementation maturity
1. Introduction:
The Architecture engineering construction (AEC) industry worldwide is facing a lot of challenges
coming from the fragmentation of AEC and other technical, organizational and managerial problems of
building projects (Ahmed, S., 2018). Since the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) was adopted by
engineers, architectures, and designers during the late 20th century; an innovation and digitalization
became a big title for the building industry (Ustinovichius, L., et al. 2017; Ahmed, S., et. al.., 2018).
The complex analysis of problems revealed that BIM is the magic system to solve more than 70% of
the AEC industry problems (Migilinskas, 2017). For example, the lack of interoperability that can
highly be achieved by BIM implementation identified as the main cause for design conflicts and delay
(Maya, R., et al. 2014). Translated into the innovative term, BIM is a shareable collection of building
data, including a three-dimensional (3D) computer model of the entire project. This model includes data
about each of the physical building elements that make up the project, including the location, number,
* Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natalija Lepkova, Department of Construction Management and Real Estate, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Vilnius
Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania, Natalija.Lepkova@vgtu.lt,
22
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
and size of those elements. This fact makes of the building information models a shared knowledge
resources to support decision-making about a facility from planning to demolition, it is the present and
the future of the construction sector (Di Giuda et al. 2015; Zhao, X., 2017). The BIM model allows to
analyze the current situation, solve the problems with information management using team-based
collaboration between project participants and integrated project delivery, establish Common Data
Environment, and initiate use BIM-based procurement (Ustinovichius, L., et al. 2017).
Nowadays many countries across the world are in different stages of implementing BIM and adopting
it into their legislation. A lot of efforts have been made by researchers and practitioners to set the BIM
implementation criteria. Therefore, authors have reviewed and relied on these works as a tool to analyze
the steps taken in Lithuania with a view to arriving at an appropriate model for the systematic
development of BIM for better and faster development. The United States has long been a global leader
in BIM development and implementation in the construction industry, while the US General Services
Administration has pioneered the implementation of BIM on public projects (Smith, P., 2014).
In the other side in the United Kingdom, the government in 2011 has introduced a BIM implementation
strategy for the UK construction industry. The objective was to transform the UK industry into a global
BIM leader (HM Government, 2012). The Scandinavian region is also a global leader in BIM adaptation
and implementation. Norway, Denmark, and Finland embraced the ArchiCAD software early and were
amongst the first countries to adopt model-based design (Smith, P., 2014). The Finnish public sector is
the main driver in BIM adaptation with Senate Properties Company, which is a major government entity
responsible for managing the country’s property assets. The Danish government is a strong supporter
of BIM and invests heavily in research and development. In Norway, BIM implementation is led by
Statsbygg - a firm responsible for the construction, management, and development of government
facilities (Smith, P., 2014). However, the application of BIM is still rare at the initial planning stage
(Rafiee, A., et al., 2014). In the Czech Republic, There are still some barriers for BIM implementation:
the readiness of BIM (BIM is not prepared well enough for widespread implementation), high training
costs (education requirements are unknown and the learning curve is steep), investment in new
technology, hardware and software is needed. All this makes BIM learning difficult to achieve (Bouška,
R., 2016).
In the other hand, (Novakova, V., et al. 2018) found that if the current trend is not reversed as soon as
possible, the Czech Republic will become less competitive in the global economy and dependent on
foreign knowledge and technology. BIM practice offers to redefine the conditions of production of
technical projects in order to save expended resources and increase productivity (Metallinos, P.,
Pantouvakis, J., 2018). Whatever, several studies have confirmed that individual efforts by people are
insufficient to have the best value from BIM implementation, there is a need for complementary
methodologies as people-oriented systems, data-driven approaches, and process innovation.
(Khosrowshahi, F., Arayici, Y., 2012). Also, BIM implementation in design firms generally faces the
lack of clarity in the adoption process, and there is a need for providing specific support services to
firms who implement BIM (Shaban, M. & Elhendawi, A, 2018, Hochscheid, E., Halin, G., 2019). As
the aim of the research is to identify needed next steps to systematic growth of BIM implementation for
better and faster results to become more competitive in the global economy. Maturity models were
investigated in order to be used as a scale to measure implemented steps at BIM implementation in
Lithuania. Maturity refers to the aspects of BIM ability or quality of use and the features or fields for
BIM implementation (Chen, L., et al., 2014). (Yusof, N., et al., 2018) adopted a bibliometric analysis
23
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
to identify the trends of BIM maturity studies, its models, and indicators for assessing BIM maturity.
According to her systematic review, the most productive author of BIM maturity is (Succar, B., 2009b),
who published four articles and had highly cited with 335 citations. (Succar, B., 2009b) introduced a
comprehensive BIM maturity that consists of BIM capability, BIM stages, BIM competency sets and a
roadmap to achieve the main goal of BIM implementation; integrated project delivery (Ahmed, S., et,
al. 2018).
Also (Smits W., et al., 2017) analyzed the impact of the BIM implementation on the performance of
construction companies in the Netherlands by using the BIM maturity assessment. Their study showed
that the existence of BIM planning team is very important to improve the company's project
performance. Also, (Azzouz, A., Hill, P., 2017) used Building Information Modelling Maturity (BIMM)
to identify the best practices of BIM in 1291 construction projects. BIM is considered as a part of
industry 4.0 (Oesterreich, D, T., Teuteberg, F., 2016). In spite of this, (Latiffi, A., et al., 2014) said:
most of the construction players in developing countries have not yet implemented BIM, and they
mostly concentrated BIM projects in public megaprojects. For this, only models that consider pre-BIM
maturities such as NBIMS-CMM, BIMM and the BIM Proficiency Index are suitable for assessing BIM
implementation in these countries.
From another side, (Wu, C., et al., 2017) comprehensively reviewed nine of the most typical BIM
maturity measurement tools. Although he found that the NBIMS CMM tool was in the first class of
assessment because of its Structure which is the simplest among all tools, it had limited scope to BIM
technical aspects. The second place was IU BIM Proficiency Index with a simple structure; Easy to
implement. but all measures have the same weight, no distinction; also, limited scope to BIM technical
aspects; Low flexibility; Lacks field tests, empirical studies and practical BIM MM which coming in
the third place was the highly flexible tool selected for BIM users that plan to implement or improve
BIM implementations. BIM MM is adjustable for different users’ aims. Covers multiple aspects of
BIM; Easy to implement; Explains detailed the matching between BIM and organizational strategies.
Whatever this method still has lacked field tests, empirical studies and practical and data collections for
validation and optimization; authors had one experience with it through (S., Ahmed, 2018) and found
it easy to use and can be familiar with the BIM team in a new transforming companies towards BIM.
Accordingly, BIM maturity model was chosen as a tool to guide through the systematic implementation
of BIM.
BIM Maturity Indicators:
BIMM is a knowledge tool for identifying the current BIM Maturity of the organization or project team
and provided criteria in three BIM fields (Technologies, Processes, and Policies). The ability of the
construction stockholders to operate and exchange information can be assessed by using BIM maturity
model which will describe maturity level at the certain project. The prerequisites were defined as trough
BIM steps that identify necessary activities, services, and products to meet requirements. Maturity
assessment will help to define the implemented steps consequently this will help to define the roadmap
for systematic improvement for implementation by knowing the remained not implemented activities.
Authors differed in identifying BIM maturity indicators, where various indicators were proposed due
to the multidimensional of BIM usage. BIM maturity indicators facilitate the assessment of projects,
companies, and industry implementing of BIM and how to improve the progressing. Although of the
24
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
difference, all of them has four essential indicators Technology, Process, and Policy or Protocol, and
People. Some of them have five indicators and others put more details and reached to eleven one.
Anyway, BIM Technology appears in (general BIM technology, software, visualization tools) and BIM
Users (competencies, attitudes, motivation, training, and satisfaction) (Wu, C., et al., 2017), the BIM
Process consists of two types of interactions: human to human and human to computer. Including
workflow, life cycle process. While the organization measures the organizational support, leadership
commitment, BIM culture and strategies (Wu, C., et al., 2017). However, BIM output measures the
project's performance (cost reduction, speedy completion, improvement of sustainability and
functionality, standard) and the life cycles of the facilities (the actual cost of investment, return on
investment, ability to deliver on time, stakeholder satisfaction, and ease of use (Abdirad, H., 2017). The
BIM performing in the industry represents by growth in BIM implementation, investment, BIM
training, and knowledge are some examples of indicators for BIM output (Abdirad, H., 2017). Although
of all efforts, clearly still more work is needed to confirm if these BIM maturity models can assess the
BIM implementation.
(Chen, P.-H., Nguyen, T., C., 2017) tested three indicators Technology, Process, and Information using
structural equation modeling on BIM projects and identified that Process is the most important indicator
for evaluating BIM maturity. (Yosuf, N., et al. 2018) shows that the majority of the authors identified
Technology and Process as the first top indicators for measuring BIM maturity, followed by
Information, People and Policy. Specifically, there is a dearth of studies from the developing world and
that focus on People, Policy, Organizational, and BIM output indicators. (Succar, B., 2009) considered
one of the most internationally known and most comprehensive models of maturity. According to
(Succar, B., 2009) BIM maturity assessment includes TPP (technology, process, and policy)
components and it is subdivided into three stages as sown in Figure 1 which are:
BIM Stage 1: Object-based modeling BIM implementation is initiated through the deployment of an
‘object-based 3D parametric software tool' similar to ArchiCAD, Revit, Digital Project and Tekla within
the three Project Lifecycle Phases. At stage 1 visualization is emphasized through automated generation
and coordination of 2Ddocumentation and 3D visualization. Also, basic data exports will be delivered
as (ex: door schedule, concrete quantities, FFE costs) and light-weight 3D models (ex: 3D, DWF, 3D
PDF, NWD, etc…). Collaboration at Stage 1 is similar to pre-BIM Status and model-based interchanges
between different disciplines are not significant as it is limited to not systematic Data exchanges and
communication between project stakeholders.
BIM Stage 2: Stage 2 players use many technological ways to do a model-based collaboration with
other disciplinary players. The model-based collaboration includes the interoperable exchange of
models or part-models through ‘proprietary’ formats (ex: between Revit, Architecture and Revit
Structure through the RVT file format and non-proprietary formats (ex: between ArchiCAD and Tekla
using the IFC file format which may be extended through Lifecycle Phases. Generation of 4D (time
analysis) and 5D (cost estimating) studies is the very valuable output of this stage.
BIM Stage 3: Model server technologies (using proprietary ,open or non-proprietary formats) are used
in order to rich integration of models which are created ,shared and maintained collaboratively across
Project Lifecycle Phases. Analysis of interdisciplinary models can be implemented at the early stages
of virtual design and construction.
25
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Fig. 1. BIM fields (Succar, 2009)
2. Research Methodology:
An extensive investigation for the literature was conducted to determine the most effective tools for
measuring the BIM implementation maturity levels. Every tool has its indicators in each stage. As a
result of the literature review, the most effective and appropriate tool is BIM Maturity Matrix
“BIMMM" (the theoretical model of (Succar, B., 2009)) which is considered (according to the previous
studies) one of the most internationally known models of maturity. It helps to define the necessary steps
for improving the BIM implementation according to competency criteria, and in a very flexible way.
Evaluation analysis of maturity of BIM Implementation was conducted based on the characteristics of
BIM implementation in a sample contains 18 projects of important Lithuanian construction projects
which were awarded a national award for BIM implementation in Lithuania. Empirical research was
done to survey the implemented steps at the projects in addition to surveying local policies regarding
BIM in Lithuania to check the maturity stage at all of the technology, processes, and policy fields of
BIM implementation. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with some experts in the field of BIM
whose work at the companies that participated in the research. The interviews were conducted in a semistructured manner with the aim of taking individual information and also intersecting the views later.
The interviews results developed the data obtained in the research. The result of comparative analysis
using BIM maturity model and best international practices results were used to suggest a systematic
approach for BIM implementation in Lithuania that enhances the recent practices and guides the main
players at construction projects.
3. Results and discussions:
Assessment of BIM implementation maturity stages in Lithuania:
Technology field
According to Succar model technology field includes three technology step type to meet the
requirements of BIM stages which are: software, hardware, and network (Succar, 2009). And according
to each sub-requirement for each step we classified the BIM maturity implementation in Lithuania for
18 studied projects, the assessment was according to of used software only due to the limitation of data
availability for the other two technology type which is also can be considered secondary factors and
supportive tools for software's implementation. The first 3D modeling experiment implemented in
Lithuania in 2002- an office building in Klaipeda, the building design was introduced with the 3D static
analysis and BIM technologies. The table 1 shows the implemented software's at the studied projects
and we classified the maturity of BIM implementation level at projects according to the used software
as per three common level stages of BIM implementation. Most of the studied projects were the sample
that awarded at national BIM implementation award in Lithuania. The result was that 2 of studied
projects at level 1(Modeling) and 15 was at level 2 (collaboration) and only 1 was at level 3
(integration). we can see that 88 % of studied projects are at level 2 or 3 which show medium maturity
level for BIM implementation at studied projects in scope of software's. At the modeling and
visualization and engineering analysis level there was plenty of used software's like, structural BIM
model, Revit 2016, RIB iTwo 2015, Bentley Pro Structures V8i Power Product, Tekla Structures, Revit
26
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
MEP, Intergraph Visual Design VVD. Also at clash detection, project costing, and collaboration there
was specialized software's like 3D simulation in real time (4D), estimation automatically using 5D BIM
model principles Tekla BIMsight, Solibri Model Checker/Viewer for communication, Autodesk
Navisworks Manage for primary selection and crossing analysis, Design quality control, IFC model,
native software format "rvt", Sharepoint-based Collaborative Data Environment (CDE), based on the
PAS1192-2 standard. In conclusion, most of the software's steps were met in studied projects but three
important steps for next technological improvements would be recommended are the automation of
national code checking and compliance evaluation, use of more efficient CDE environment and
implementation of a classification system based on ISO12006 and ISO81346 standards within all
construction entities types.
Table 1 shows the implemented software's and its maturity level at the studied projects
SN.
Project
trade
BIM tools systems
Maturity level
1
Office building in
Klaipėda, 2002
Building
-3D static analysis and BIM technologies
1-Modelling
2
Vilnius
Municipality (2003–
2006)
Building
-structural BIM model
-database (6D) model prototype
2- collaboration
3
MG Victoria
administrative
(2004–2005)
Building
-3D simulation in real time (4D).
-estimation automatically using 5D BIM
model principles.
2-collaboration
4
Beržų terasos“ in
Vilniuje (2013–
2014)
Building
-3 D model high-quality project delivery
plans
1-Modelling
5
New Riviera
Building
•
Revit 2016, RIB iTwo 2015
2-collaboration
6
installation of the
co-generation
biofuel boiler house,
in Kaunas
industrial
7
Joint Centre for Life
Sciences in
Sauletekio avenue
public
buildings
• Architectural part:
Autodesk REVIT, Build:16.0.490.0
20150717_1515(x64)
• Building structures part:
Tekla Structures, 20.1 version
• Design part (Technology Tying):
Bentley ProStructures V8i PowerProduct,
version 08.11.11.616
Bentley STAAD.Pro V8i, version 20.07.11.45
Autodesk REVIT, Build:16.0.490.0
20150717_1515(x64)
• Heat production and supply part:
Bentley OpenPlant Modeler V8i, version
08.11.09.568
Bentley AutoPIPE V8i, version 09.06.02.06
Technological equipment design:
Solidworks 2015 x64 Edition
Intergraph Visual Design VVD, version 16.0
Danish Exergy Technology A/S, version
EN12953 ver.1.0
• Architectural model:
AutoCAD Architectural
• Structural model:
TEKLA Structures
27
2-collaboration
2-collaboration
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
8
9
crossroad
reconstruction in
Jakai
Gullfaks
administrative
building
ISSN 2571-1075
• Engineering systems:
DDS-CAD, MagiCAD, Revit MEP, Autocad
MEP
• Communication and visualization:
Tekla BIMsight
• Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
• GeoMap
transport
•
PTV VISSIM
infrastru
•
Bentley
Microstation
cture
• Ansys
• Autodesk 3Ds MAX Design
• Autodesk Revit – facade element modeling
and etc.
administr
•
Solibri Model Checker/Viewer – for
ative
communication
building
• Autodesk Navisworks Manage – for primary
selection and crossing analysis
• Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis – for
wind load analysis
BIM
•
SolidWorks / Autodesk Inventor –
project
•
bearing
parts design and analysis; additional
abroad
production drawings preparation
• Autodesk AutoCAD – for detailed joints
10
Apartment houses in
Karaliaučiaus 7b
street
11
public buildings
BIM project
public
buildings
•
•
•
•
12
Tunnel overpass on
A2 road
transport
infrastru
cture
•
•
•
13
Clarion Hotel
Helsinki, Helsinki
Tower
public
•
buildings
14
shopping center
"Žali" in Vilnius
public•
buildings
• BIM model
• virtual reality tour
Design quality control
calculation of quantities
simulation of the project made in 5D
supervision developed using the BIM model
Revit Central File
Civil3D program
Dynamo environment
•
•
Tekla Structures program.
IFC model
Project parts coordination was performed
by HENT AS using Solibri model checker
software.
geometric detail level from LOD 350 to
LOD 500
The purpose of using BIM in the project is
to create the most accurate and detailed
model for construction, then transforming it
for facilities management objectives.
"cloud" environment using the “BIM360
team” tool.
• native software format "rvt".
an internal classification has been created,
which facilitated the generation and
structuring of quantities
• “Revit Live” tool has also been used to
monitor the complex design of the car park
and the location of engineering networks in
heavily restricted areas in the VR
2-collaboration
2-collaboration
2-collaboration
2-collaboration
2-collaboration
2-collaboration
2-collaboration
2- collaboration
•
15
„Baltas lapas
•
Residenti
al houses
28
3-integration
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
•
16
Business center in
Kaunas
public
buildings
•
•
•
17
Warehouse in
Kaunas
Industria
l
Building
s
•
•
18
ICON Växjö
Complex in Sweden
best BIM
project
abroad
•
The information was exchanged in a single
.ifc format by storing it in a Dropbox
accessible to everyone
Project participants provided information,
reviewed, and correlated issues with
Tekla BimSight software
BIM protocol was prepared and agreed
with the customer with the level of detail
of the project
Sharepoint-based Collaborative Data
Environment (CDE), based on the
PAS1192-2 standard, has also been
developed to share, review, approve and
assign information to the customer
The 3D integrated model was loaded with
a true terrain of the current location with
precise road layout and created a virtual
reality that helped the customer to
determine the visibility of the building
from side to side using VR glasses.
In "Clouds" was exchanged with IFC
format data, using all the same coordinate
system for all project participants.
2-collaboration
2-collaboration
2-collaboration
design of the building frame, which was
developed using Tekla software
Processes field:
Process step type includes leadership, infrastructure, human resources, products &services (Succar, B.,
2009). Some initiatives were found at studied projects at leadership field certainly at management
decisions and communication activities as in project NO 15 the "cloud" environment using the
“BIM360 team” tool was used and at project NO 16 The information was exchanged in a single IFC
format by storing it in a Dropbox accessible to everyone. Solibri Model Checker/Viewer – for
communication was used at project NO 9 and NO 13 and Tekla BIM sight was used at project NO 7
for communication. At Project NO 18 also the coordinate system was used for all project participants.
Also there were some steps regarding products and services, in term of products there was some
structured outputs which extended to virtual components like project NO 15 as “Revit Live” tool has
also been used to monitor the complex design of the car park and the location of engineering networks
in heavily restricted areas in the VR, also at project 17 The 3D integrated model was loaded with a true
terrain of the current location with precise road layout and created a virtual reality that helped the
customer to determine the visibility of the building from side to side using VR glasses. We couldn't
assess steps about infrastructure and human resources due to data limitation. Therefore we found that
important steps were taken in the process field towards communication and better emphasize is needed
in the scope of products and services.
Policy field:
It includes contractual, regulatory, and preparatory steps (Succar, B., 2009). At contractual scope one
attempt was found regarding of responsibilities at project NO 17 as BIM protocol was prepared and
agreed with the customer with the level of detail of the project at Sharepoint-based Collaborative Data
29
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Environment (CDE), based on the PAS1192-2 standard, has also been developed to share, review,
approve and assign information to the customer. In contrast, important steps were found at the
contractual scope in rewards by establishing The annual competition "Lithuanian BIM projects" started
at 2016 dedicated to select the best Lithuanian company practices using building information modeling
(BIM) technology and methodology. The best projects were selected in the following categories
(Lithuanian BIM project, 2016):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
BIM in residential buildings;
BIM in public buildings;
BIM in industrial buildings;
BIM infrastructure (communication infrastructure);
BIM in infrastructure. Other engineering structures;
BIM project abroad.
Table 2 includes the reward criteria and Table 3 shows the projects scores for the 2018 competition.
Table 2: Reward criteria for BIM implementation in Lithuania
Max.
Criteria
weights
OLD
from
2016
Max.
Criteria
weights
from 0 to 2
2
1
Current situation conditions modelling
from 0 to 1
1
1
1.3.
Design in the early stages of decision-making;
from 0 to 1
1
1
1.4.
Modeling of the complex architectural geometry forms;
from 0 to 2
2
1
1.5.
Decisions of irreconcilable design solutions and engineering systems
from 0 to 1
1
1
1.6.
Construction technologies solutions and material selection;
from 0 to 1
1
1
2
BIM for the green building and sustainability (Green and
sustainable). Design Judgment will be made on the outstanding usage
of BIM in sustainable design considerations, such as:
2.1.
Environmental impact assessment;
from 0 to 1
1
1
2.2.
Selection of engineering systems;
from 0 to 1
1
1
2.3.
The energy efficiency assessment;
from 0 to 1
1
1
2.4.
Life Cycle Assessment;
from 0 to 2
2
1
3
BIM innovation (Innovative use of the information in BIM).
Innovation is called change compared with the normal market
activity
3.1.
Design phases (different calculations, simulations, decision support
systems for technologies variants selection and etc)
from 0 to 2
2
1
3.2.
Construction planning and management inovations;
from 0 to 1
1
1
New at
2018
SN
BIM implementation reward criteria
Range
1
BIM solutions for the better design solutions. Outstanding usage of
BIM in resolving design challenges such as:
1.1.
Identification of the customer's expectations (customer requirements)
1.2.
30
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
3.3.
Quality Assurance; (A. Different quality assurance software used at
any of separate stage (at least 0.5 points); At design and construction
stage (plus up to 0.5); At design, construction and FM stages (plus 1)
B. Using the classification system (at least 0.5). Formula A+B should
be applied.
from 0 to 1
2
1
4
Changes in the communication process. Used standards,
methodologies (Business Collaboration transformation). Outstanding
usage of BIM for enhancing standards and workflows in:
4.1.
At the design phase; (Use of Use Cases, LOD, LOI, Development of
BEP, Standards used)
from 0 to 2
2
1
4.2.
The information exchange between the various disciplines (CDE
used. File or WEB server-based communication infrastructure used)
from 0 to 2
2
1
4.3.
Construction planning between gen. contractor and subcontractors;
from 0 to 1
1
1
4.4.
Coordination of As-built model development together with customer
team
from 0 to 1
1
1
4.5.
Model customization for operational stage and asset management
from 0 to 2
2
2
4.6.
Building lifecycle data collection at the facility management stage
(use of different sensors for monitoring
from 0 to 2
2
1
28
Overall maximum available points:
31
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Table 3: projects scores for 2018 BIM implementation award.
BIM construction project number
BIM awards evaluation value
Dwellings 1
9.9
Dwellings 2
6.5
Dwellings 3
7.1
Dwellings 4
5.1
Dwellings 5
5.1
LT_BIM_Projects abbroad1
8.9
LT_BIM_Projects abbroad2
11.9
LT_BIM_Projects abbroad3
13.5
LT_BIM_Projects abbroad4
11.9
Public1: Office
12.1
Public2: Office
10.8
Public3: Office
12.8
Public4: Shopping center with the administration
5.9
Public5: Office
4.9
Public6: Office
3.7
Public7. Special services
4.4
Public8: Office
5.8
Public9: Shopping center
19.4
The criteria of the award included four main scopes that reflect results of BIM practices maturity as
following:
1234-
BIM solutions for better design solutions
BIM for the green building and sustainability
BIM innovation (Innovative use of the information in BIM)
Changes in the communication process
Table 2 reward criteria and Table 3 shows the projects scores for the 2018 competition. The scores
ranged between 3.7 and 19.4 out of 28 max points, and this reflects medium maturity level which was
founded during assessing maturity at technology field and process field.
Requirements, more emphasis should be put on these criteria to encourage companies to develop BIM
implementation in a systematic way.
No initiatives were found in contractual steps regarding risk allocation and insurance.
Regarding national level initiatives Public institution “Skaitmenine statyba” (“Digital Construction”)
was founded which are an organization that joins associations of the Lithuanian construction sector and
coordinates the digitalization process of Lithuanian construction (Official Lithuanian Digital
Construction, 2018).
32
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
The Digital Construction institution was founded on March 5, 2014, by 13 associations:
Lithuanian Builders Association
Lithuanian Roads Association
Lithuanian Association of Consulting Companies
Lithuanian Architects Chamber
Lithuanian Association of Civil Engineers
Lithuanian Electricity Association
Lithuanian Association of Land Reclamation Enterprises
National Passive Hous Association
Project Expertise and Fire Safety Companies Association
Association of Buildings Certification Experts
Building Product Testing Laboratory Association
“Structural engineers club”
Lithuanian EPS Association
And it became in 2015 y. as associate member joined World Alliance “BuildingSMART Nordic
chapter. From 2018 is the member of bSNORDIC.
Main directions:
BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology development and implementation in
Lithuania (EIR, BEP, LOD (LOIN), BIM Stages and Use Cases and etc. templates);
Implementation of BSI Industry developments: Foundation Classes (IFC); BCF, IDM, bSDD and
etc.
National Construction Classification system development and implementation;
Organization of International Annual Digital Construction and BIM Regional
developments Conferences (from 2012) (Digital Construction, 2018.)
Organization of BIM Awards Competitions;
BIM competencies model development, training organization, and certification;
Till the 2018 year no systematic steps were found in the scope of building regulations as codes and
standards, also on project guidelines no steps were founded regarding projects benchmarks and best
practices and classification in Lithuania. Regarding preparatory steps at the scope of research many
conferences and events were held as follows:
From 2012 y. Lithuanian Builders Association arranging conferences in a BIM field called “Digital
construction”.
From 2014 y. till 2019 Public institution “Skaitmenine statyba” (“Digital Construction”) with partners
in Vilnius arranging annual international conferences in a BIM field called “Digital construction”.
The most important event of the year for “Digital Construction” is an essential part of RESTA – the
annual expo of construction.
In the scope of education at the beginning of 2015 new academic year, Vilnius Gediminas Technical
University, Faculty of Civil Engineering introduced the first Master's degree program in Lithuania
"Building Information Modeling", which is preparing BIM experts. From 2018 already within most of
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University construction related bachelors programs were implemented
BIM modules. Lithuania still does not have a BIM standard, national construction classification, and
33
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
universal data exchange standard IFC. In Lithuania, the information about building developed using
BIM method usually remains with designers. Lithuanian BIM experts say the created information
transmission to the customer is a matter of agreement. When transmitting only the information that is
regulated by Lithuanian Law on Construction (2017). Within 2016 and 2019 BIM awards experience
the majority of design and construction companies are already beginning to apply BIM in the design or
construction stages separately. However, 2018 and 2019 experience shows that Lithuania already has
few projects (within Shopping center, Industry building, and Offices categorize) were BIM
methodology was used from design to construction and preparation for facility management use. And
the maturity level of presented projects growing every year.
Suggested approach for systematic growth of BIM implementation:
According to BIM maturity assessment for BIM implementation on best projects in Lithuania, authors
found that there is a good use of BIM at level 1 and 2 with a scarcity use of BIM level 3. Plenty of steps
at policy and process fields were implemented, but the full integration of services during the project life
cycle is still under implementation. Therefore, the needed steps for systematic BIM implementation
defined depending on BIM maturity assessment and best international practices literature review results.
For technological improvements would be recommended automation of national code checking and
compliance evaluation, use of more efficient CDE environment and implementation of a classification
system based on ISO12006 and ISO81346 standards within all construction entities types. Therefore
more efforts should be done on promoting awareness about BLM (building lifecycle management) in
order to achieve fully integrated project delivery which offers better interoperability using international
standards about elements coding for better standardization which will allow e-checking for
conformance of products. Also at the process field better emphasize is needed in the scope of products
and services clearer definition we need to have about outputs and modes of delivery taking into
consideration contractual conditions about responsibilities and property rights. The practices at policy
field also missed the regulatory field as till the 2018 year no systematic steps were found in scope of
building regulations as codes and standards, also on project guidelines no steps were founded regarding
projects benchmarks and best practices and classification, therefore government with researchers need
to start to develop BIM standard, and national construction classification and universal data exchange
standard IFC which will allow to develop national implementation policy that includes best practices
and benchmarks that rely on international capability models.
Therefore, the detailed strategic and operational methodology should be developed to support the
systematic improvement of BIM implementation by Lithuanian companies that include Lithuanian BIM
standards with better effort and more details about not yet implemented steps which we identified in
this study certainly at the field of polices which was less mature among three BIM implementation
fields. Figure 2 describes the suggested next steps:
34
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Fig. 2. Needed next steps at the developed strategic and operational methodology. (Authors, 2019)
4. Conclusions:
The authors of the article presented the BIM approach and analysis of BIM implementation maturity of
construction projects in Lithuania. Evaluation analysis of maturity of BIM implementation was
conducted based on the theoretical model of (Succar, B., 2009). In order to assess the maturity of BIM
implementation in Lithuania empirical research was done to survey the implemented steps of 18 projects
to check the maturity stage at all of the technology, processes, and policy fields of BIM implementation.
It can be said that the level of implementation of the BIM is more than good in a country such as
Lithuania; the BIM has not been officially adopted until the date of this paper. The authors found that
15 of the best 18 projects in Lithuania were implemented in accordance with the second level of BIM
according to the evaluation tool used in this paper BIMM. In addition, at least one project was
implemented according to the third level. This gives an optimistic view of the reality of the BIM in
Lithuania in the next few years. Anyway, the result of comparative analysis using BIM maturity model
and best international practices results were used to suggest a systematic approach for BIM
implementation in Lithuania that enhances the recent practices and guides the main players at
construction projects. The researchers made several recommendations for each of the fields assessed including, but not limited to, in the field of technology. The building companies need to move to a
general state of automation and use international standards within all construction entities. In the field
of operations, a better understanding of delivery methods is required. In the field of policy, which is the
least mature among the three areas, the authors believe that the Government should begin to develop
standards for BIM, develop a national implementation policy that includes capacity building and best
practice, and support the systematic improvement of BIM implementation.
35
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Authors couldn't assess steps about infrastructure and human resources, and some technology types due
to data limitation.
Furthermore, no systematic steps were found in the scope of building regulations as codes and standards,
moreover, on project guidelines, no steps were founded regarding projects benchmarks and best
practices and classification in Lithuania.
The future studies may be dealing with a framework to enhance the BIM implementation in Lithuania.
Acknowledgments:
The authors thanks BIMarabia research center for their help.
5. References:
Abdirad, H., A. 2016. Metric-based BIM implementation assessment: a review of research and practice.
Architectural Engineering and Design Management. DOI: 10.1080/17452007.2016.1183474
Ahmed, S., 2018. The innovation of Syrian Building Processes by using BIM .Ph.D. Thesis. Faculty of
Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague. 2018.
Ahmed, S., Dlask, P., Shaban, M., Selim, O., 2018. Possibility of Applying BIM in Syrian Building
Projects. Proceedings of 17th International Scientific Conference ENGINEERING FOR RURAL
DEVELOPMENT. ISSN 1691-5976. DOI:10.22616/ERDev2018.17.N101
Ahmed, S., Dlask, P., Selim, O. & Elhendawi, A., 2018. BIM Performance Improvement Framework
for Syrian AEC Companies. International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science (IJBES), 1(1), pp.
21-41
Azzouz, A. & Hill, P. How BIM is assessed using Arup's BIM maturity measure? In: Chan, P.W. &
Neilson, C. J., eds. 33rd Annual Association of Researchers in Construction.
Shaban, M. & Elhendawi, A., 2018. Building Information Modeling in Syria: Obstacles and
Requirements for Implementation. International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science (IJBES), 1(1),
pp. 42-64.
Bouška, R. 2016. Evaluation of maturity of BIM tools across different software
Chen, L., Luo, H., 2014. A BIM-based construction quality management model and its applications.
Automation in Construction. 46. pp. 64-73.
Chen, P.-H., Nguyen, T., C., 2017. Integrating web map service and building information modeling for
location and transportation analysis in the green building certification process. Automation in
Construction. 77; 52-66.
Di Giuda, G. M.; Villa, V.; Piantanida, P. 2015. BIM and energy efficient retrofitting in school
buildings, Energy Procedia 78: 1045–1050.
HM Government. 2012. Building Information Modeling, Industrial Strategy-Government, and Industry
in Partnership, Government Report, London.
36
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Hochscheid, E., Halin, G. Micro BIM adoption in design firms: Guidelines for doing a BIM
implementation
plan.
2019,
DOI:
10.13140/RG.2.2.18423.68004.
at:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333079784
Khosrowshahi, F., Arayici, Y. Roadmap for implementation of BIM in the UK construction industry,
Engineering, Construction, and Architectural Management. 19 (2012) 610–635
Latiffi, A., A., Mohd, S., Brahim, J. 2014. Building Information Modeling (BIM) Roles In The
Malaysian Construction Industry. DOI: 10.14456/ISEC.RES.2014/978-0-9960437-0-0_C-17_v5_150
LRSJ (2019). I-1240 Lietuvos Respublikos statybos įstatymas. [online] E-tar.lt. Available at:
https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/en/legalAct/TAR.F31E79DEC55D [Accessed 1 Jul. 2019].
Management Conference, ARCOM 2017. Association of Researchers in Construction
Management, 35-44.
Maya Rana, Ali Kherbek, Banan Sakhta,” Enhancing the application of interoperability in the
construction projects using IFC file format within BIM system”, Tishreen University Journal for
Research and Scientific Studies - Engineering Sciences Series Vol. (36) No. (5),2014.
Metallinos, P., Pantouvakis, J. BIM Implementation in Greek Public Construction Projects. Conference
Paper · 2018. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326176016
Migilinskas, D., Pavlovskis, M., Urba, I., & Zigmund, V. (2017). Analysis of problems, consequences,
and solutions for BIM application in reconstruction projects. Journal of Civil Engineering and
Management, 23(8), 1082-1090. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2017.1374304
NBS
(2019).
[online]
Nationalbimstandard.org.
Available
https://www.nationalbimstandard.org/files/NBIMS-US_V3_4.2_COBie.pdf [Accessed 1 Jul. 2019].
at:
Oesterreich, D, T., Teuteberg, F., 2016. Understanding the implications of digitization and automation
in the context of Industry 4.0, Computers in Industry, v.83 n.C, p.121-139, December 2016
[doi>10.1016/j.compind.2016.09.006]
Platforms. Procedia Engineering, 164. 481 – 486.
Rafiee, A.; Dias, E.; Fruijtier, S.; Scholten, H. 2014. From BIM to geo-analysis: view coverage and
shadow analysis by BIM/GIS integration, Procedia Environmental Sciences 22: 397–402.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.proenv.2014.11.037
Skaitmeninestatyba (2019). Digital Construction, 2018. The public institution. [online] Skaitmenine
statyba. Available at: http://www.skaitmeninestatyba.lt/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/37about-us [Accessed 1 Jul. 2019].
Skaitmeninestatyba (2019). Lithuanian BIM projects of the 2016 year. [online] skaitmeninestatyba.
Available at: http://www..lt/lietuvos-bim-projektai/lietuvos-bim-projektai-2016 [Accessed 1 Jul. 2019].
skaitmeninestatyba (2019). Lithuanian BIM projects of the 2017 year. [online] skaitmeninestatyba.
Available at: http://www.skaitmeninestatyba.lt/renginiai/210-konferencija-skaitmenine-statyba-2017vilnius [Accessed 1 Jul. 2019].
Smith, P., 2014. “BIM Implementation -Global Strategies.” Procedia Engineering85482–92. DOI:
10.1016/j.proeng.2014.10.575
37
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
Smits, W., Buiten, M., Hartmann, T., 2017. Yield-to-BIM: impacts of BIM maturity on project
performance, Building Research & Information, 45:3, 336-346, DOI: 10.1080/09613218.2016.1190579
Succar, B. (2009), “Building information modeling framework: a research and delivery foundation for
industry stakeholders”, Automation in Construction, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 357-75.
Ustinovichius, L.; Peckienė; A.; Popov, V. 2017. A model for spatial planning of site and building using
BIM methodology, Journal of Civil Engineering and Management 23(2): 173–182.
https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2016.1247748
V. Novakova, S. Ahmed, S. Vitasek. 2018. Problems of technical education and lack of students at
Czech technical universities. Proceedings of 17th International Scientific Conference Engineering for
Rural Development. ISSN 1691-5976. DOI: 10.22616/ERDev2018.17.N295
Wikipedia (2019). Building information modeling. [online] Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_information_modeling [Accessed 1 Jul. 2019].
Available
at:
Wu, C., Xu, B., Mou, C. and Li, X. (2017) Overview of BIM maturity measurement tools, ITcon Vol.
22 pg. 34-62, http://www.itcon.org/2017/3
Yusof, N., Mohd Ishak, S., Doheim, R., M., 2018. An Exploratory Study of Building Information
Modelling Maturity in the Construction Industry. IJBES. V:1. ISSUE:1. PP: 6-20. Available at:
www.BIMarabia.com.
Zhao, X. 2017. A scientometric review of global BIM research: Analysis and visualization, Automation
in Construction 80: 37–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.04.002.
38
Available online at: http://bimarabia.com/IJBES/
International Journal of BIM and Engineering Science
Volume: 2 Issue: 1; June - 2019
ISSN 2571-1075
At the end of this issue, we wish it is a good and a distinct issue, we would like to thank
all those who contributed to its achievement since the first idea until today 30-06-2019.
Thanks to the BIMarabia Research Center, the publisher of the Journal. The
International scientific board who led the review and follow-up and coordination over
the whole last six months of effort to accomplish this work. Based on a sense of
responsibility and passion for scientific research, we have provided every possible
means to monitor research and scientific papers interested in the field of BIM, and its
review followed up with the distinguished authors to reach the best scientific level. We
promise you more valuable papers in the next issue. We also sincerely invite you to
put forward your constructive views and suggestions for the development of the
Journal. And a special invitation to contribute to the publication of your articles and
research in the field of BIM and modern management and other areas covered by the
Journal and mentioned at the beginning of the issue.
39