THE CHALLENGES OF ADOPTING BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) PRINCIPLES WITHIN SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMEs)

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has recently attained widespread attention within the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry involving the Government, institutions and the private sector. The new ‘evolution’ of BIM represents the development of the “virtual buildings” concept through the use of computer-generated n-dimensional (n-D) models, to help architects, engineers, constructors, clients and Facility managers to simulate, plan, design, construct and operate the facility throughout its whole life cycle. This evolution is aimed to provide an increase in construction productivity while also resulting in improved profit margins and sustainability, with the growing focus on a low carbon future. However, It is not known if there is a true understanding of BIM or a clear plan to help the implementation of BIM within UK’s industry specially for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In this paper, the possible use of BIM and future challenges for SMEs are discussed. First presented is the key concept of what BIM actually is including its advantages and disadvantages, highlighting the challenges to implementing BIM and why it is important for SMEs to understand these challenges especially within the current timeline of the UK BIM strategy. This research is based on the results of two recent questionnaire surveys along with case studies to present a quantitatively illustration of the potential benefits to SMEs implementing BIM.