STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE UTILISATION OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) IN QUANTITY SURVEYING TASKS IN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been identified as a key technology to increase the productivity of the construction industry. Despite its recognised potential, utilisation of BIM for quantity surveying tasks remains relatively low. While numerous studies investigated the usage of BIM in Singapore, little focus on quantity surveyors (QSs), especially those working in contracting firms. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the level of BIM utilisation among the contractors’ QSs, analyse the enablers and barriers to its utilisation and provide strategies to increase its usage among contractors’ QSs. A two-pronged approach was adopted for the research design: survey followed by in-depth interviews with 4 contractors’ QSs who have experience in using BIM for their quantity surveying tasks. Based on a literature review, a questionnaire was design. It was distributed to QSs working for contractors in Singapore via an online survey. A total of 39 valid responses were gathered. Data were analysed using SPSS software. The analysis reveals a low usage of BIM among the contractors’ QSs despite their positive perception towards its ease of use and usefulness. The utilisation of BIM is higher among male, younger respondents and respondents with less working experience. Factors such as cost, lack of real time updates to BIM models and resistance to change serve as prominent factor discouraging the use of BIM for quantity surveying tasks. To facilitate uptake of BIM among contractors’ QSs, BIM’s ability to enhance information sharing and assistance in measurement are critical enablers. To motivate the use of BIM, it is important to have an effective BIM modelling team to enhance quality of BIM model, organisation support and advocacy for BIM usage in quantity surveying tasks and governmental mandate. Several recommendations to increase the utilisation of BIM were proposed such as the formulation of industry BIM standard and guide targeting at contractors’ QSs, establishment of modelling team to enhance quality of BIM models and the implementation of knowledge sharing initiatives.