INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF BIM TECHNOLOGY IN FACILITATING INTEGRATED PROJECT DELIVERY (IPD) IN SINGAPORE'S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) represents a collaborative approach aimed at improving project efficiency by integrating various stakeholders, systems, business structures, and practices. In this process, all involved parties, including the owner, main designer, and primary constructor, collaborate to optimise project outcomes, enhance value for the owner, reduce waste, and maximise productivity across the design, fabrication, and construction phases. IPD differs from conventional procurement models through features such as a multi-party contract, early engagement of principal participants, collaborative decision-making, shared risks and benefits, and liability waivers among all stakeholders. Despite its advantages, IPD is not yet widely adopted in Singapore due to contractual challenges and high initial investment. However, with increasing demand for collaboration between stakeholders, as evidenced by the promotion of collaborative contracting by relevant agencies and the advancement of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD), IPD may represent the next feasible step in integrating contractual and digital collaboration approaches in Singapore. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of BIM, commonly adopted in the local industry, in shaping an environment conducive to IPD implementation. A comprehensive literature review identified existing industry practices, challenges, and government measures that may promote or hinder IPD adoption. Additionally, the effectiveness of BIM in enhancing these factors for IPD promotion was researched. Extracted factors formed consolidated lists, validated through interviews with industry professionals to identify relevant variables. Subsequently, a survey questionnaire was distributed to construction industry professionals to gather insights for further analysis. Statistical tests were conducted to analyse the collected data. Finally, post-survey interviews were conducted to validate the findings from the data analysed. From the analysis, the three most significant BIM-enhanced industry practices were intensified planning and management from the early project stage, improvement, and utilization of BIM for the collaborative process of IPD, and early involvement and enhanced roles of key participants. Additionally, the top three BIM-addressed challenges for IPD promotion included stakeholders' reluctance to share project-related information, industry participants' unfamiliarity with BIM workflows, and stakeholders' lack of BIM skills. Furthermore, the three most important BIM-enhanced government measures for IPD promotion were encouraging the use of a common data environment (CDE), transitioning to CORENET X, and subsequently mandating BIM e-submissions for building projects exceeding 5,000 square metres (GFA). These findings aim to assess the current state of industry readiness for IPD implementation, aiming to alleviate reluctance towards its adoption within the construction sector. The insights gained can also equip all industry stakeholders to tackle challenges in IPD projects more effectively with BIM. Companies should persist in evaluating the most suitable mitigation strategies in alignment with their organisational operations and ethos.