ABSTRACT

Purpose: Widespread efforts driving building information modelling (BIM) adoption under construction industry transformation agenda in many advanced countries are yet to reach the wished-for effects. Existing studies on BIM adoption tend to focus on mainly identifying factors, and there is limited empirical evidence detailing how construction companies can successfully adopt BIM in their organisations to offer learning. The purpose of this study is to complement existing understanding through a detailed description of how enabling factors are implemented by large UK contractor firms for successful BIM adoption internally and across projects.

Methodology: A qualitative exploratory approach is employed in this paper. Data is gathered through 42 semi-structured interviews with professionals in strategic and management roles in construction companies in the UK, followed by case studies of five leading main contractor companies selected to provide examples of how they implemented the identified enablers.

Findings: This study identifies and describes six key enabling factors that influence successful BIM adoption and implementation, namely: committed leadership and management; a digital transformation strategy with realistic objectives; building a capable supplier network; building trust-based relationships with clients; upskilling employees; and establishing a robust structure for effective collaboration and communication.

Practical implications: Nine practical implications are offered to guide construction firms on how to adopt and use BIM internally and for projects.

Originality: This study makes a contribution by detailing how key enablers are implemented towards successful BIM adoption and use by large UK contractors.