Level of Awareness and Use of the Different BIM Software Packages in the Nigerian AEC Industry

Abstract

This study considered the extent of use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industry (AEC) in Nigeria. The factors influencing the level of adoption of BIM and the barriers to the adoption of BIM in the AEC industry in Nigeria was investigated. The data collection technique used was the survey method, which involved the administration of structured questionnaires to 100 professionals in the AEC industry in Nigeria in the three main cities of Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The result shows that most professionals in the AEC Industry are aware of the use of BIM in the AEC Industry and a lot of professionals have also engaged in the use of BIM tools. It also shows that the BIM tools are mostly used for activities in the design stage such as design, visualization and drafting but, are least used for maintenance activities. The major barriers to the adoption of BIM in the AEC Industry in the study include, lack of training and education on BIM use, technical challenges associated with adoption of BIM, the complicated nature and processes involved in BIM use, inadequate government support for BIM use in the AEC Industry and general resistance to change by people in the AEC Industry. The study recommends that in order to achieve critical mass adoption of BIM and its benefits maximized in the AEC Industry in Nigeria there is a need for sensitization on the benefits of BIM and training of students and professionals in the industry on the use of BIM.