Exploring the Adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the Jordanian Construction Industry

Abstract

In the last decade, construction industry has witnessed a huge transformation in term of the use of digital technologies, and particularly Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM is a revolutionary digital technology and process that is reshaping the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Though, internationally, BIM has gained a great reputation for boosting productivity in AEC industry, but it holds undeveloped possibilities for providing and supporting AEC industry in Jordan. This study aims at assessing adoption of BIM within the construction industry in Jordan. To achieve this objective, the research commenced by carrying out an intensive literature reviews on the implementation of BIM world-wide, which was utilised to identify the benefits, and challenges of BIM in construction industry. An exploratory study was then conducted using an on-line survey to identify the current level of BIM experience, and to define the perceived value, benefits and challenges facing BIM implementation. Findings reveal that the adoption and implementation of BIM in Jordan is still in a very primitive phase and it faces number of critical barriers such as, but not restricted to, the absence of government incentives, the lack of BIM standards, lack of BIM awareness, lack of BIM training, cost and resistance to change. It concludes recommendations for how the industry shall adopt BIM and integrate it within construction industry's all processes. Highlighting the synergy between the two, this paper can help AEC practitioners in Jordan recognize potential areas in which BIM can be useful in AEC practise.