BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) ROADMAP: A STUDY ON THE ADOPTION OF BIM TO INCREASE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Productivity has for many years been a widely discussed topic in the Singapore construction industry. The industry is deeply concerned with the level of construction productivity not only being below that of the manufacturing sector, but also below national average. Building Information Modeling (BIM), the up-­‐and-­‐coming trend in the construction industry to date, is a process that is used to resolve the problems leading to low construction productivity, by simulating physical space and expressing design intent graphically as well as providing a clearer image of design conflicts or constructability issues so that they can be resolved before construction commences. Productivity rates increase as BIM practices are implemented because rework and idle time are reduced. With the implementation of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) BIM Roadmap, the BCA has targeted the construction industry to use BIM widely by 2015. However, the usage of BIM up-­‐to-­‐date is still considered very low and far from reaching the goal set by BCA, despite the many benefits BIM has proclaimed to bring. Hence, this dissertation aims to determine if BIM as a tool alone is able to increase construction productivity in a given project. This study will evaluate the positive impacts of BIM implementation on construction productivity, identify obstacles that the construction industry faces when adopting BIM to increase productivity, explore the construction productivity situation and performance in Singapore, analyse the relationship between BIM implementation and construction productivity as well as highlight the reasons for the industry’s resistance against BIM implementation. A series of research analysis will be conducted based on the results of the questionnaire survey and interviews conducted. Thereafter, a proposed conceptual framework will be developed. This will serve as a guide and assistance to construction firms who have yet to adopt BIM and will aid in prepping them towards BIM adoption.