Implementation of BIM technologies in the construction sector: the European experience

Abstract

Introduction. Building information modeling is key to the digital transformation of the construction industry. By maintaining ­­ a transparent and continuous flow of information between all stakeholders, BIM facilitates their collaboration at various stages of a project. This leads to significant efficiency gains at lower costs, faster delivery with fewer inaccuracies and delays, better business opportunities, and lower emissions and waste. The purpose of the study is to identify patterns in the formation of new industry-wide information processes and to formulate the main barriers to their implementation in the project practice. Materials and methods. The author studied the scholarly publications of domestic and foreign researchers. Since this scope of problems was formulated in the recent decade, materials, published during this period, were considered. Theoretical methods of research were employed: analysis, which allowed the author to break down an extensive information base on the EU countries; classification, which made it possible to identify the main levers for implementing new technologies; analogy, which identified similarities in the development of innovations; synthesis, which generated a general idea of the stages of forming new phenomena in the design of construction projects. Results. The author made a comparative analysis of the introduction of new technologies in the EU countries depending on the centre-periphery patterns, drew a parallel between the information processes in Russia and European. He also formulated the main drivers of the introduction of innovative development in the construction sector and decelerating factors based on a 10-year history of the implementation of BIM in European countries. Conclusions. The implementation of BIM in the construction sector is often limited. The main barriers are related to interoperability, compliance for all users, workflow changes, legal issues and training, and the emergence of new rights and responsibilities.