Building Information Model as a Collaborative Knowledge Management Tool for Construction Professionals

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess benefit of BIM as a collaborative knowledge management tool for construction professionals. Study Design: It was a mixed design research, the study was effected via literature review and a well-structured questionnaire. Likewise, interviews were carried out to substantiate the findings of the questionnaire survey. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Kaduna State, Nigeria for a period of 2 years. Methodology: Being a mixed design research, a total of 250 questionnaires were administered and 235 were properly completed and returned representing a percentage response of 94%. Data garnered were analysed using relative importance index and presented in tables and charts. Results: The study found that 94% of construction industry’s professionals are familiar with the concept of BIM but 94.47% of them never applied it whereas 4.68% rarely apply BIM, while 0.85 often apply BIM. Also, the research identified that all the thirteen areas where BIM can be used as a KM tool for collaboration among construction professionals were significantly important, however, Constructability Reviews and 4D Simulations which involves providing an interface to visualize the entire structure and simulate the construction process stood out as the most important. Conclusion: The study concludes by recommending that the built environment professional bodies in Nigeria should carry out a proper sensitization programme in-order to train and retrain professionals in Nigerian construction industry as regards BIM tools and its applications. Also, BIM should be introduced as an integral part of the school curriculum for the training of future construction professionals so equipped them with the requisite BIM knowledge.