Author(s)

IHUOMA ONYINYECHI ONUNGWA, NNEZI UDUMA-OLUGU, JOSEPH M. IGWE

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process that enhances construction management. One of the major advantages of the BIM is its ability to develop a model that can be used from the initial design to construction and occupancy of the building. In view of this advantage, it can be regarded as a central aspect of construction management. However, in Nigeria, the utilization of BIM as a vital tool for construction management remains at the preliminary stage. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of BIM as a tool for construction management in Nigeria and, through this, identify measures to improve or, otherwise, facilitate its use in the Nigerian building industry. To realize this, structured questionnaires were distributed to AEC firms selected through the simple random sampling method. Discussions were also conducted among peers and showed a number of barriers to the use of BIM, which include: lack of support from leadership in the offices, lack of communication among consultants from diverse fields, and lack of awareness on how to use BIM. The data analyzed indicate that BIM has a high impact on the effective supervision of projects, programming and resolution of conflicts during construction. BIM is, therefore, significant in a bid to realizing a high level of efficiency in construction. Particularly, it can guide subcontractors and fabricators in submitting their inputs at an early stage in order to improve the co-ordination of projects during construction. Moreover, given the high rate of building collapse in Nigeria, due mainly to inefficient construction management, a research on BIM as a tool for building construction is necessary. Worth considering as well is that despite advances in the use of BIM, the processes by which buildings are constructed in Nigeria remain unchanged. The paper, therefore, recommends the development of innovative processes that will include BIM in construction management, more communication and collaboration among diverse professionals and, indeed, increased publicity on the benefits derivable from using BIM in construction management.

Keywords

adoption, building information modeling, collaboration, Nigeria, construction management