Digitalisation beyond BIM - Towards a data-driven future of construction

Abstract

This talk discusses digitalisation in construction sector and how it is transforming beyond the introduction of Building Information Modeling (BIM). The construction ecosystem is complex and generates a wealth of data. Therefore, understanding BIM through data analytics applications can help with leveraging the digital change occuring across sectors. BIM and data generated from it are affecting teams (micro-scale), organisations (meso-scale) and projects (macro-scale) in different ways.

BIM as a technological innovation sits currently at the forefront of digital transformation in construction and linked to emerging visions about digital twins. While attracting a lot of interest from policy makers, researchers and industrialists, the BIM ecosystem becomes increasingly complex. This talk will briefly discuss three studies to shed light on BIM and how it used in the sector.

First, it will report on a Social Network Analysis (SNA) study to identify key players and their interrelations in BIM-based work. Second, it will explore how data analytics and effort distribution analytics can shed light into the performance of BIM implementation to support change. Third, it will discuss a Human-Organisation-Technology (HOT) impact factor analysis study using SNA to examine how project organisational and technological factors impact BIM adoption. This talk will challenge the view that BIM is a panacea for quick digitalisation and unpack the reasons for low uptake in the industry, setting some points for further problematisation on how to lead project teams and develop people to leverage data and excel in digital economy.