Adoption of innovative technologies in the South African construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liané van Wyk ◽  
Kahilu Kajimo-Shakantu ◽  
Akintayo Opawole
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
The South ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Technologies ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Dimensional Printing

PurposeThe South African construction industry appears to be lagging behind other industries in the country in terms of implementation and adoption of innovative technologies. Moreover, sufficient empirical data on the adoption of innovative technologies, especially, in developing countries are not readily available. The aim of this study is therefore to assess the adoption and implementation of innovative technologies in the South African construction industry with a view to improving the industry's performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey was undertaken using a questionnaire, administered to construction professionals primarily in project management, quantity surveying and architectural firms.FindingsThe key findings show that there are some innovative technologies such as building information modelling, 3-dimensional mapping, drones, 3-dimensional printing and virtual reality that have been deployed. However, limited adoption of innovative technologies within the industry and low levels of knowledge of its benefits among the respondents were reported. This low implementation of innovative technologies was due to critical barriers such as high cost, limited knowledge, time requirement, fear of change, lack of interest, nature of construction processes and lack of team dynamics. Key drivers of innovation were found to include globalization and competition.Practical implicationsThe current level of implementation of innovative technologies indicated that they are not yet optimized in the South African construction industry and suggests implications for change, adaptation and growth. The study recommends that firms should consider investing in research and development in order to exploit the potential of innovation for organizations and the industry at large.Originality/valueThe drivers and barriers indicated will help to prioritize the direction of adoption and growth which could help to improve the industry.

scholarly journals Factors influencing the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the South African Construction and Built Environment (CBE) from a quantity surveying perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-150
Author(s):  
Berco Venter ◽  
Sams Pfukani Ngobeni ◽  
Hendri du Plessis
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
The South ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Quantity Surveying

Abstract The construction industry has often been described as stagnant and out-of-date due to the lack of innovation and innovative work methods to improve the industry (WEF, 2016; Ostravik, 2015). The adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) within the construction industry has been relatively slow (Cao et al., 2017), particularly in the South African Construction and Built Environment (CBE) (Allen, Smallwood & Emuze, 2012). The purpose of this study was to determine the critical factors influencing the adoption of BIM in the South African CBE, specifically from a quantity surveyor’s perspective, including the practical implications. The study used a qualitative research approach grounded in a theoretical framework. A survey questionnaire was applied to correlate the interpretation of the theory with the data collected (Naoum, 2007). The study was limited to professionals within the South African CBE. The study highlighted that the slow adoption of BIM within the South African CBE was mainly due to a lack of incentives and subsequent lack of investment towards the BIM adoption. The study concluded that the South African CBE operated mainly in silos without centralised coordination. The BIM adoption was only organic. Project teams were mostly project orientated, seeking immediate solutions, and adopted the most appropriate technologies for the team’s composition. The study implies that the South African CBE, particularly the Quantity Surveying profession, still depends heavily on other role-players in producing information-rich 3D models. Without a centralised effort, the South African Quantity Surveying professionals will continue to adopt BIM technology linearly to the demand-risk ratio as BIM maturity is realised in the South African CBE.

scholarly journals Reducing material waste with the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Ayesha Mall
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Flow Chart ◽  
The South ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Waste Minimisation

Every year approximately 13 million tonnes of unused materials go to waste from construction sites. Construction professionals should strive to reduce wastage through the principle of right-first-time. Material waste directly affects the profitability of the contractor and it is a measure of competency and competitive advantage. The construction has a great influence on several industries by procuring products, as well as by providing products to other industries, therefore, by reducing waste there could be great cost savings to the construction industry. The Building Information Modelling (BIM) tool can be used in a construction of a project to motivate the design, construction, and operation of a project from start to finish. Therefore, the 3D BIM model can assist the construction industry in reducing material waste. The aim of this study is to identify the main causes of waste in the South African construction industry and develop a flow chart through the application of BIM to reduce waste. The objectives of the study include the identification of causes and sources of material waste on construction and the use of BIM to aid in waste minimisation. The tools used for data collection included questionnaires and site observations. The sample population for data collection included architects, project managers, quantity surveyors, and engineers. A programme called Statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) was employed to analyse the data. Mean score rankings, factor analysis, and Cronbach alpha test were adopted for data analysis. The structured questionnaire indicated whether construction professionals in South Africa have sufficient knowledge of BIM. Key research findings indicate that BIM has the ability to assist in reducing material waste. BIM enhances practices such as collaboration, detailing, visualisation and simulation, clash detection and improved communication. BIM has a strong influence on the reduction of waste material. BIM has the potential to address the causes of waste, relative to design changes, ineffective coordination and communication, and improvements towards waste minimisation through the construction stage of a project. The results from the data analysis, revealed that the most common contribution to waste on a construction site included material handling and storage factors, design and documentation factors, procurement factors, site management and practice factors and operation factors. The use of the developed flow chart on the application of BIM in the delivery of a project will minimize material waste. The model developed is recommended to be adopted for use in the South African construction industry for the delivery of projects with minimal wastage costs.

Adoption and implementation of building information modelling (BIM) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): a review and conceptualization

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullahi B. Saka ◽  
Daniel W.M. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hermeneutic Philosophy ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Building Information ◽  
The Status

PurposeDespite the SMEs representing a large percentage of firms in the construction industry, there has been an under-representation of SMEs’ perspective in BIM research studies. This paper aims to systematically review the few extant studies with a view of synthesizing the findings.Design/methodology/approachHermeneutic philosophy using the interpretivist epistemology approach with a touch of metasynthesis was adopted to critically review and analyse extant studies published over the last decade.FindingsThe findings revealed a scarcity of BIM studies in SMEs, the status of adoption, identified barriers, benefits and drivers. A conceptual model was then developed based on the literature review and theoretical lenses of innovation diffusion model, technology–organization–environment framework and institutional theory. The paper presents pertinent propositions to drive BIM in the SMEs.Originality/valueThis paper holistically reviews extant BIM studies from the perspective of SMEs that are the backbone of the construction industry. It synthesizes extant studies and sets scenes for further studies.

Integrating building information modelling for improving facility management operations: a fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the critical success factors

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifeoluwa Benjamin Oluleye ◽  
Abiodun Kolawole Oyetunji ◽  
Michael Ayodele Olukolajo ◽  
Daniel W.M. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Building Information

Purpose Building information modelling (BIM) is a novel technological advancement in the built environment. Despite the potentials of BIM, its adoption and implementation are undermined in facility management (FM) operations. This might be because of limited information on the critical success factors (CSFs) that can enhance its adoption. The study aims to integrate building information modelling to improve facility management operation by adopting fuzzy synthetic approach for evaluating the critical success factors. Design/methodology/approach Data for the study were sourced from practising and registered facility managers within Lagos metropolis, Nigeria. The data collected were analysed using a combination of methods which include mean item score, factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE). Findings The factor analysis results showed that six underlying groups of CSFs would enhance the effective adoption of BIM in facility operations. The FSE results showed that out of the six groups, the three topmost important CSF grouping (CSFG) in the decision rule would enhance the effectiveness of BIM adoption for FM operations. Practical implications The result of this study provides a credible road map for facility managers, policymakers and other stakeholders in FM operations on the CSFs and CSFG required for the adoption of BIM. Originality/value Previous studies that aimed at integrating BIM into FM are limited. Hence, this study provides a broad perspective on the CSF required for BIM adoption and implementation in FM operations using the FSE approach.

Building information modelling (BIM) and the return on investment: a systematic analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Apeesada Sompolgrunk ◽  
Saeed Banihashemi ◽  
Saeed Reza Mohandes
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Value Drivers ◽  
Productivity Improvement ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Building Information

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify and analyse the key measurable returning factors, value drivers and strategic benefits associated with building information modelling (BIM) return on investment (ROI). The findings of this study provide researchers and practitioners with up-to-date information in formulating appropriate strategies to quantify the monetary value of BIM. The suggested research agenda provided would also advance what is presently a limited body of knowledge relating to the evaluation of BIM ROI. Design/methodology/approach To fill the identified gap, this study develops a comprehensive systematic review of mainstream studies on factors affecting BIM ROI published from 2000 to 2020. A total of 23 academic records from different sources such as journals, conference proceedings, dissertation and PhD theses were identified and thoroughly reviewed. Findings The reported BIM ROI ranged greatly from −83.3% to 39,900%. A total of 5 returning factors, namely, schedule reduction and compliance, productivity improvement, request for information reduction, rework reduction and change orders reduction were identified as the most commonly reported factors that influence BIM ROI. Four quantification techniques including general assumptions-based theoretical model, perceived BIM ROI based on survey, factors affecting BIM ROI with no reported ROI and quantified BIM ROI based on a case study were observed and pointed out in the review, together with their limitations. Finally, three major gaps were raised as the lack of consideration on the likelihood of BIM assisting in a construction project, intangible returning factors influencing BIM-based projects and industry standards in benchmarking BIM ROI. Practical implications The outcomes of this study would assist practitioners by providing the current evaluation techniques that address the limitations with BIM investment and present issues relating to the economic evaluation of BIM in the construction industry. It is also expected that presenting a deeper and wider perspective of the research work performed until now will direct a more focussed approach on productivity improvement efforts in the construction industry. Originality/value This study identifies and analyses the key measurable returning factors, value drivers and strategic benefits associated with BIM ROI on an industry scale rather than a particular organisation or a project scale.

Emerging technical risks from the application of building information modelling

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-212
Author(s):  
Moshabab Aljarman ◽  
Halim Boussabaine ◽  
Khalid Almarri
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Technical Risks ◽  
Software Platforms ◽  
Modelling Data

Purpose Building information modelling (BIM) is not without risk, as the greater reliance on information technology has associated technical risks. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to assess the perceptions of the users of BIM regarding the likelihood of emergence of technical risks which might influence the successful application of BIM, to facilitate the successful implementation of BIM in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach The primary data were collected via a questionnaire to document the BIM risks, where 105 responses were recorded from constructors, consultants, cost consultants and other professionals from the UK construction industry. Subsequently, the analysis of the results was driven by univariate and inferential statistics (ANOVA) to assess the perception of risk emergence. Findings The study found the most likely technical risks that might emerge from BIM application. These risks are complexity of transferring modelling data from one program to another, lack of understanding of the BIM for the different software platforms, interoperability shortcomings, failure to discover errors in the model and risks of different software platforms. Practical implications The results will certainly intensify the discussion about BIM risks, risk allocation and all other aspects that are related to BIM contractual processes. Also, the compiled list of risks will help stakeholders in assessing financial implications that may result from BIM application. Originality/value Important technical risks have been identified in the application of BIM. This renders a new understanding of the risks that might influence the successful application of BIM. The respondents generally agreed on the importance of the following risks: “complexity of transferring modelling data between programs from one program to another”, “lack of understanding of the BIM for the different software platforms”, “interoperability shortcomings”, “failure to discover errors in the model” and “risks of different software platforms”, which are in line with current literature.

An enabling BIM block library: an online repository to facilitate social inclusion in Australia

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Bridge ◽  
Phillippa Carnemolla
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Educational Impact ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Current Block ◽  
The Individual

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of socially inclusive Building Information Modelling (BIM) library components. BIM requires and integrates many sets of predefined blocks or collection of attributes. Any one of the individual blocks can be replicated and/or stored in a block library for later reuse. However, few if any current block libraries contain or have access to the blocks that enable social inclusion. Design/methodology/approach – An action-based research methodology was used to design, develop and deploy three enabling blocks as part of a plan to develop a larger library of tools for BIM practitioners. The Enabling Block Library is an open access library of Australian code-compliant mobility elements published online. This paper discusses the design and development of the library components in detail, explaining how each of the three blocks was selected in our pilot evaluation and how each was identified; fact-checked; planned (designed); deployed (action); and then evaluated. Findings – The process and evaluation highlights that appropriate code-compliant design tools can support greater social inclusion aspects of a built environment project. These are tools that are relevant to the full spectrum of industry users of BIM, including designers, engineers and certifiers. Research limitations/implications – Because this paper documents the project while in an early launch phase, with a small number of launch blocks, the research results were limited in their ability to thoroughly measure industry or educational impact. However, the results showed how a socially inclusive BIM block library can be developed and why this is important, with literature supporting the potential of its dissemination to the design and construction industry. Originality/value – The paper applied action-based research methodology in the development, deployment and evaluation of exploratory BIM use to create more socially inclusive environments. It is of value because it facilitates designers creating the optimum of performance-based accessible environments, rather than the minimum “deemed to satisfy” Building Codes.

Clusters of key barriers to life cycle assessment adoption in the South African construction industry: perspectives of stakeholders

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Titus Ebenezer Kwofie ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa ◽  
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
The South ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The South African Construction Industry (SACI) in recent times has been characterized by a strong emphasis towards achieving sustainable building practices in infrastructural delivery. However, the lack of progress encountered in making gains in achieving sustainable practices has raised concerns over the effectiveness and understanding of the extent to which life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques may aid in meeting requirements of sustainable construction. Most efforts at LCA have been blighted with numerous barriers that have not been rigorously pursued and aggregated. Ironically, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the limitations and barriers to these methodologies, especially in the South African context. The purpose of this study is to delineate the cluster of barriers to the adoption of LCA methodologies in the SACI. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was carried out from a deductive research design elicit primary data based on the experience of purposively sampled stakeholders in LCA in the SACI on the extent they perceived the presence of well-established barriers in LCA adoption culled from the extensive literature review. Findings Through the use of factor analysis, three aggregated clusters of key barriers to LCA adoption in the SACI were identified, which were knowledge and enabling conditions constraints, cost and time constraints and technical constraints. The results confirm that indeed human and technical barriers have been notable in limiting gains in LCA adoption and achieving sustainable practices. Originality/value These findings are, thus, useful in overcoming challenges to LCA methodologies in achieving sustainable building practices in building and infrastructural delivery in SACI.

Preliminary building information modelling adoption model in Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 408-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wallace Imoudu Enegbuma ◽  
Uche Godwin Aliagha ◽  
Kherun Nita Ali
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Collaborative Processes ◽  
Building Information ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relationship between building information modelling (BIM) adoption from the perspectives of people, process and technology to strategic information technology (IT) in construction mediated by collaborative processes for new BIM entrants. The demand pull for more effective project delivery in the construction industry across the globe has continued to transform design techniques from two-dimensional, three-dimensional (3D) and, currently, BIM. Leverage on IT is pivotal for construction industry development as earmarked by the Malaysian construction industry master plan. BIM uptake by stakeholders in Malaysia construction industry is on a gradual increase. BIM generates and manages building data during its life cycle via 3D, real-time, dynamic building modelling. Design/methodology/approach – BIM model is dependent on collaborative contribution by project teams’ input at various stages. However, challenges such as people, process and technology impede an effective adoption rate in Malaysia. This paper presents a continuation of an ongoing theoretical framework developed, to further investigate the relationship between BIM adoption from perspectives of people, process and technology to strategic IT in construction and collaborative process. To develop the framework, an extensive literature review on factors affecting BIM adoption was carried out. The underlining gap stems from a positivist standpoint in examining human – IT interaction. The model builds on conceptual technology acceptance models incorporating strategic IT implementation and collaborative processes in the industry. Findings – The paper examined factors affecting BIM adoption in Malaysia. The factors are further affected by the environment where BIM is utilised. The paper also presents the mediating effect of collaboration for new BIM entrants. Overall, the theorised hypotheses delineate the strength and significance of the examined relationship within the model. Subsequently, the data will be collected from construction industry professionals (architects, quantity surveyors, engineers and contractors) through the developed survey instrument. The hypotheses will undergo structural equation modelling to analyse the desired statistical power, test for close versus exact fit and complexity of the model. Social implications – The findings will delineate the variables with predominant impact on BIM adoption and serves as a guide to future policymaking on BIM implementation in Malaysia. Originality/value – Current research on BIM in Malaysia is limited to readiness and awareness. This paper extends the need for empirical findings from construction professionals’ perception of BIM. The findings also explain reasons for BIM adoption in new BIM entrants and add to current body of knowledge on IT acceptance model formation.

Unprepared industry meet pandemic: COVID-19 and the South Africa construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa ◽  
Douglas Omoregie Aghimien ◽  
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala ◽  
Moleboheng Ntebo Ngozwana
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
The South ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to determine the responses of construction organisations to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated lockdown and the impact on the South African construction industry (SACI). Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative survey with responses sought from 825 contracting organisation’s representatives drawn from the database of the construction industry development board. The data gathered were analysed using percentage, mean item score and one-sample t-test. The reliability of the research instrument was also tested using the Cronbach alpha test. Findings Findings revealed that most construction organisations implemented a complete travel ban and halting all business operations on sites and offices in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. Furthermore, whilst most construction organisations envisage significant disruption in their project delivery, the problem of job losses was regarded as a short, medium and long-term impact of the pandemic. Loss of revenue, a decline in the economy and business interruption are also some of the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the SACI. Originality/value The study’s findings give practical insights on the potential impact of the pandemic on the construction industry and the possible approach needed to help cushion the effect on the industry.

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