A conceptual framework for Social Network Analysis of Building Information Modelling in construction projects

Abstract

Increasing complexity in construction projects requires intensive research for their performance analysis. Implementation of informatics and Building Information Modelling (BIM) further affect project performance. Construction management processes can be analysed and assessed effectively through interdependence with their administrators and other users. In this literature review, we propose actors and relations interdependence to be examined under the lenses of Social Network Analysis (SNA) theory. Three types of networks are considered as suitable for the implementation of the method, namely, formal relationships through contractual arrangements; informal communication relationships and the relevant changes on roles and relations based on the implementation of BIM. Attributes are assigned to roles and relations are structured through variables. This research purposes an SNA conceptual framework to analyse project processes and their variability as a consequence of BIM implementation.