BARRIERS TO BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) IMPLEMENTATION AMONG CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL CONSULTANTS IN MALAYSIA'S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

Digitalization technology through Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry is a key focus in the Malaysian government's Strategic Plan for 2021-2025. Despite the introduction of BIM in 2007 with the aim of achieving 80% implementation by 2025, its adoption among civil and structural (C&S) engineering consultants remains limited. This paper presents the findings of a preliminary study conducted through a questionnaire survey administered to thirty (30) C&S consultants, aimed at identifying the barriers to BIM implementation in government projects. Several statistical analytic approaches, including validity, normality, reliability tests, and factor analysis, are used to identify the crucial specific factors impacting weak BIM adoption among C&S engineering consultants in Malaysia. The instrument reliability was tested, yielding a Cronbach alpha value of 0.91. The results indicate that issues such as coordination of construction activities within BIM, lack of clear BIM policies, legal concerns, data exchange interoperability, high costs associated with BIM investment, demanding software requirements, and difficulties and complexities in using BIM software are the main obstacles hindering the adoption of BIM among the C&S consultants. Therefore, establishing a systematic BIM process is expected to mitigate these challenges. This study contributes to the existing BIM literature within the construction industry context by providing insights to enhance the BIM implementation processes.