Abstract
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a concept that has been defined as a technology that
digitally constructs an accurate virtual model of a building. BIM can be defined as an IT
enabled approach that involves the application and maintenance of a fundamental digital
representation of a building and all its information throughout the different stages of the
project. The model of the building, which will be in 3D, will depict the exact dimensions of
the building. The study assesses the barriers to the adoption and implementation of BIM
within the South African construction industry, and suggests ways of overcoming the
identified barriers to the full adoption and implementation of BIM in the South African
construction industry. The data used in this paper was derived from primary and secondary
sources. The primary data being questionnaires, was designed based on the related literature
that was reviewed. The questionnaire was distributed to construction professionals such as
Construction Project Managers, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Construction Managers,
Facility Managers, or academics who have previously done research on BIM in the South
African construction industry. The questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistical
procedures. The findings revealed that a lack of skills, education, and knowledge on BIM are
the biggest barriers to the full implementation of BIM in South Africa. Furthermore, the
results also show that educational and skill development initiatives are widely considered to
being the answer to the existing barriers to BIM adoption. As well as, establishing feasible
ways of moving away from the common practice into using BIM on all construction projects.