Analysis of BIM functionalities diffusion in the construction industry: the case of the MENA region

PurposeThis paper researches the diffusion patterns of various BIM functionalities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study grounds on the innovation diffusion theory proposition that both the internal and external factors drive the widespread adoption of innovative trends. The study empirically analyzes the diffusion patterns of BIM by employing and comparing three mathematical influence models: internal, external and mixed models.FindingsThe results of the questionnaires point out that the mixed model as having the highest explanatory power and shows that the internal influence factors outperform the external factors in affecting the diffusion of BIM functionalities in the MENA Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper can be of significant value for academic researchers as well as BIM business developers who are interested in emerging markets via providing an enhanced understanding of the adoption process of different BIM functionalities as well as a theoretical basis for explaining the diffusion patterns of information technology innovations in the AEC industry.Originality/valueThis study is among the first applications of the influence models to examine the adoption of BIM functionalities in the AEC industry and the very first across the MENA region.

Building Circularity Assessment in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry: A New Framework

Circular Economy (CE) has proved its contribution to addressing environmental impacts in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries. Building Circularity (BC) assessment methods have been developed to measure the circularity of building projects. However, there still exists ambiguity and inconsistency in these methods. Based on the reviewed literature, this study proposes a new framework for BC assessment, including a material flow model, a Material Passport (MP), and a BC calculation method. The material flow model redefines the concept of BC assessment, containing three circularity cycles and five indicators. The BC MP defines the data needed for the assessment, and the BC calculation method provides the equations for building circularity scoring. The proposed framework offers a comprehensive basis to support a coherent and consistent implementation of CE in the AEC industry.

Design for Disassembly (DfD) in construction industry: a literature mapping and analysis of the existing designs

A systematic search of scientific literature on the topic of Design for Disassembly (DfD) in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry was performed with a special focus on study cases. The results were augmented by electronic magazine search due to the non-representative amount of data found in the scientific database. Results show the domination of wood and steel solutions among architects and engineers designing for disassembly. Frame structural system is preferable. DfD structures are mainly located in Europe but observed in the whole world and growing exponentially since 90'. The database with 117 built DfD study cases is made available online and will be further developed.

Modelling the blockchain adoption barriers in the AEC industry

PurposeIn the era of digitalisation, blockchain has the potential to fundamentally change the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry's workflow, trust and procurement environments. However, few studies have investigated blockchain adoption barriers in the AEC industry in detail. Therefore, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these barriers and their interdependent relationships in the context of the AEC industry.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of the literature, industry reports and expert feedback, 11 barriers towards adopting the blockchain were identified. Then, the authors investigated the interdependencies amongst the factors by adopting a two-stage integrated interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method.FindingsThe findings show that the lack of information technology infrastructure (BC4) and legal and regulatory uncertainty (BC11) are the most prominent barriers towards blockchain adoption in the AEC industry.Practical implicationsThe research contributes in providing a clearer understanding of related barriers and potential solutions for practitioners in this area. Subsequently, the identification of adoption barriers can enable an important knowledge foundation and suggest possible solutions for adopting blockchain techniques successfully and effectively in the AEC industry.Originality/valueThe study lays an essential research foundation for the effective adoption and use of blockchain in the AEC industry.