If BIM is the solution, what is the problem? A review of the benefits, challenges and key drivers in BIM implementation within the UK construction industry

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Abstract: The interest in Building Information Modelling has increased within the construction industry over the past few years, both within the UK and globally. This interest was accelerated in 2011, following the UK Government's announcement that BIM would be mandated on all UK centrally procured public sector projects by 2016. BIM has been described as a game-changing Information Communication Technology and cultural process for the construction sector. This paper provides an overview of BIM. It also outlines the benefits, challenges and the key drivers in BIM implementation within the UK construction industry. Findings from this paper indicate that a shift towards collaborative working within the construction industry is crucial to ensure that BIM is implemented fully and for its benefits to be wholly realised.

Keywords: multi-disciplinary; Building Information Modelling (BIM); Information Communication Technology (ICT); efficiency; collaborative working; benefits of BIM; collaboration

Jennifer Hardi is a senior lecturer at London South Bank University and the course director for BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering. Prior to joining LSBU, Jennifer was a senior sustainability consultant for BRE, specialising in refurbishment and sustainable design consultation, BREEAM, Code for Sustainable Homes and Passivhaus. She coauthored and project managed a number of BRE Information Papers and various EST technical publications. Between September 2012 and September 2013, Jennifer was seconded as Business Innovation Manager to Adapt CBE at University of East Anglia.

Steve Pittard is a senior lecturer at London South Bank University, where he specialises in Quantity Surveying and BIM-related subject areas. Before joining LSBU, Steve was a director of Causeway Technologies and, before its acquisition in 2007, Elstree Computing Limited (ECL). Prior to this Steve gained wide experience as a chartered quantity surveyor both in private practice and with contractors. He also spent a short time with the Construction Industry Computing Association (CICA) advising a wide range of organisations on the selection and implementation of construction IT. As an active member of the RICS, Steve chaired the QS and Construction IT Business Group from 2002 until 2012, and was a member of the QS and Construction Professional Group Board until 2013. He continues as a founder member of the UK Technology Focus Group as well as an assessor for the recently launched RICS BIM Manager Certification.