ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICATION OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) TO BUILDING PROJECTS DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assesses the level of awareness and application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in building delivery process in Nigeria. The review explains in details, the structure of BIM and how it can be used as a factor to bring about the total change required in the Building construction and delivery process. Personal interview and administration of questionnaires were used to source primary data for this study. The analysis was done using descriptive statistical tool. The responses from questionnaires were presented using frequency/ percentage table and means score ranking. The findings identified low application of BIM in Nigeria building projects delivery process and various barriers to the application of BIM. Lack of awareness of BIM by the stakeholders ranked highest in the assessment of barriers. The collaborative procurement method ranked highest as method that best promotes BIM application and simultaneous access to project database by all stakeholders ranked highest as benefit of BIM application. Five recommendations were given to address the low application of BIM to Building project delivery in Nigeria. The following among others were recommended: the federal government of Nigeria through the legislative arm should enact a law, making the application of BIM in construction projects a requirement. There should be prove of a company’s competency in using BIM concept during bidding process in order to qualify for tendering and award for any construction projects. The various professional institutes and the regulatory bodies like COREN, NSE, ARCON, NIA, NIOB, CORBON, NIQS etc. being the bodies that are vested with the responsibilities of overseeing the activities of the professionals and construction works in Nigeria all have major roles to play. They should make BIM a priority to all professionals to learn and put to use in construction projects in Nigeria.