Building Information Modelling in Nigerian Construction Industry and its Impact in Project Life Cycle
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Date
2016-07-01
Authors
Onungwa, I. O.
Uduma-Olugu, N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Architecture
Abstract
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process that can improve collaboration in design and construction because of its integrated nature. However, it has not been fully adopted or effectively used in Nigeria. Consequently, it has not improved collaboration in design and construction. BIM is used to develop a collaborative construction process that includes design, build, operate and maintenance of buildings. The adoption of BIM in Nigeria is very slow; used mostly for schematic design and presentation drawings by Architects. Other professionals in the construction industry still produce their drawings with 2D AutoCAD hence collaboration within BIM based projects are not effective. There is a dearth of research in the use of BIM in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to study the Adoption of BIM in Nigeria and evaluate factors that promote collaboration on BIM-based AEC projects during design and construction. The paper addresses the challenges militating against collaborations between stakeholders that use BIM and identifies what needs to be done in the Nigerian construction industry to encourage efficient utilization of BIM. This paper seeks to evaluate factors affecting Adoption of BIM in Nigeria with a view to improving stakeholders’ relationships and value derived.
The research methodology involved using structured questionnaires to 30 AEC firms selected through simple random sampling method. Results showed BIM has a high impact on client satisfaction, time for completion, quality and presentation of different concepts in design. It also showed high impact on conflict resolution, supervision, construction programming and quality of completed jobs during post construction. Barriers to adoption of BIM were identified as lack of infrastructure, lack of skilled workers and lack of awareness of technology. For Nigeria to compete internationally in the construction industry, BIM should be better adopted hence there is need for further research on the subject. Recommendations include developing a curriculum that will incorporate the study of BIM in all construction courses in Universities, the development of learning centers for private practitioners and increased efforts by the relevant professional bodies to improve awareness of the technology.
Description
Keywords
Building information modeling , Adoption , Collaboration , Challenges , Nigeria
Citation
Onungwa, I. O. & Uduma-Olugu, N. (2016). Building Information Modelling in Nigerian Construction Industry and its Impact in Project Life Cycle. Lagos Journal of Architecture, 2, 89-102.