Abstract
BIM is the most recent and momentous technological advancement in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, and has gained interest from the majority of the industry’s stakeholders. BIM provides integrated data sharing solutions that have been proven to be efficient in managing time, cost, safety, quality, building functionality, collaboration and design change in construction projects. The adoption and implementation of this novel technology have been rapid among first world countries such as the USA, Australia, Hong Kong and the UK. Despite the well documented and published benefits, BIM has not been met with the same enthusiasm and rapid adoption in South Africa. The study investigates the hindrances that the South African Industry faces in adopting and implementing BIM. The study also identifies and discusses the different strategies BIM global leaders such as the UK and USA have taken to have an increased uptake of BIM. A survey employing a questionnaire as the primary data collection technique was distributed among South African professionals in design consultancy and construction firms. The sample was limited to the Gauteng province. The data collected from the forty-one professionals who responded to the questionnaire included; the level of awareness of AEC professionals, the role of an organisation in BIM adoption, perception of professionals on the push factors for BIM adoption and legal impact of BIM. The study findings revealed that as much as there is BIM awareness among professionals, there is also a lag in BIM formal education. Further to lack of education on BIM, the study identified; high cost of implementation, lack of organisational and government support on BIM adoption, lack of standards and specification as contributors to the slow uptake of BIM. For South Africa to increase the rate of adoption of BIM, the government needs to take centre stage in pushing for the utilisation of BIM.
M.Ing. (Engineering Management)