Role of BIM in the Construction Industry and Academia
In this section, the role of BIM in the US construction industry and academia is discussed based on the results of three questionnaire surveys. The main findings of these surveys are:
Kunz and Giligan (2007) conducted a questionnaire survey to determine the value from virtual design and construction
(VDC) or BIM use and factors that contribute to success. The main findings of their study are as follows:
• The use of BIM is significantly increased across all phases of design and construction during the last one year.
• BIM users represent all segments of the design and construction industry and they operate throughout the US.
• The major application areas of BIM are, construction document development, conceptual design support and pre-project planning services.
• The use of BIM lowers overall risk distributed with a similar contract structure.
• At present, most companies use BIM for 3D /4D clash detections and for planning and visualization services.
• The use of BIM leads to increased productivity, better engagement of project staff and reduced contingencies.
• Currently there is a shortage of competent building information modelers in the construction industry and their demand will exponentially grow with the passage of time.