Understanding the risk factors of BIM technology implementation in the construction industry: an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify risk factors in building information modeling (BIM) technology application, analyze the correlation between risk factors, and find the most influential risk factors using interpretative structural model (ISM), put forward a response to targeted suggestions, and provide a reference for widespread BIM technology application.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature reviews, ISM, a questionnaire survey and expert interviews were used in this paper. First, the risk factors of BIM technology application and their relationships were determined by consulting the relevant BIM literature. Second, to more intuitively reflect the relationships between risk factors, an ISM model based on expert interviews was established to structure the explanatory relationships and hierarchical relationships between factors. Finally, a questionnaire survey was conducted for relevant practitioners, and a scale was designed to evaluate the risk factors of BIM technology application to determine the risk factors that have a greater impact on implementing BIM technology.

Findings

The root risk factors of BIM technology consist of unclear data ownership, incomplete standard BIM systems, lack of industry insurance, lack of BIM technicians, lack of BIM project practice experience, BIM infrastructure preparation, inconsistent thinking about BIM from project participants, changes in delivery mode and software function problems.

Research limitations/implications

The risk-sharing of BIM technology and the analysis of responsibilities, rights and benefits of all parties in a BIM project can be used as future research directions to solve higher management problems.

Originality/value

This paper describes the risks of BIM technology application for related researchers and provides another research train of thought for the follow-up studies.