Understanding the perception differences on BIM adoption factors across the professions of AEC industry

Abstract

Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry lags behind other industries in terms of digitalization and technology adoption. On the other hand, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is seen as an important tool that can enhance AEC industry. However, BIM adoption might not at the desired level taken into the account of perception differences on BIM use benefits across the professions of AEC industry. Studies on the BIM adoption of construction organizations show that one of the most fundamental factors affecting the adoption is BIM users. Although studies in literature generally aim to measure how BIM adoption can be increased in different countries, none of these studies investigated whether there is a perspective difference on BIM use between BIM users according to occupational groups. In this context, this study has an attempt to develop a better understanding of architects and civil engineers' perspective on BIM adoption factors in AEC industry. In line with the purpose, main factors affecting the BIM adoption in AEC industry were identified. Then, a survey was conducted with the participation of a total of 150 BIM users. Mean score and independent t-test were performed to explore rankings of BIM adoption factors and the perception differences between architects and civil engineers respectively. According to the analysis results, majority of the perception differences on BIM adoption factors heap together under the triggering variables rather than internal and behavioral intention variables.