Influence of Building Information Modelling Adoption on Completion of Construction Projects: a Case of Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is characterized by its fragmented, complex and multidisciplinary nature. Hence, the project completion is heavily pivoted on its effective collaboration among the stakeholders during various project phases. The exchange and management of massive project information under various project delivery methods are cumbersome in modern day’s projects. Information Technology applications are playing a vital role in overcoming this difficulty; however the technological adoption and its full utilization has always been slow in the emerging economies. Among these technologies, Building Information Modelling (BIM) dominates the AEC sector. The main purpose of this research was to establish the influence of Building Information Modeling adoption on completion of construction projects a case of Nairobi County. Specifically, the research sought to achieve the following objectives: to establish the influence of Building Information Modelling budget estimation on completion of construction projects; to determine the influence of Building Information Modelling error minimization on completion of construction projects; to assess the influence of Building Information Modelling time estimation on completion of construction project and to establish the influence of Building Information Modelling quality improvement on completion of construction projects. A descriptive survey research design was adopted in this study so as to enable the researcher to use quantitative techniques to measure and describe the influence of Building Information Modeling adoption on completion of construction projects. Both open-ended and close-ended questions were used. The study had a total population of 30 elements. The researcher sampled out 28 AEC firms out of the target population using purposive sampling. Primary data was collected using personally administered questionnaires. The researcher sought the assistance of the supervisors in reviewing the instruments for validity and used the Cronbach Alpha test to confirm reliability. The Cronbach Alpha score was generated from SPSS to give a score of 0.75 which was within the recommendable range. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages and mean aided by SPSS. The data is presented in frequency and percentage distribution tables. The findings revealed that 85% of the respondents strongly agreed that BIM budget estimation enhances completion of projects. 94% strongly agreed BIM time estimation ensures completion of projects. On the aspect of BIM error elimination, 85% agreed that error elimination promotes completion of projects. 74% strongly agreed that BIM quality improvements ensures completion of construction projects. The study recommends that the government and key players in the construction industry need to develop institutional framework on BIM adoption in the various projects increase the awareness of the BIM adoption benefits so more firms will be able to adopt and reap its benefits. It is suggested that further research may be done on related areas including the interoperability standards, programs and legal framework of the BIM.