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Level of BIM Awareness and Application in the Nigerian Architecture,

Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry

Technical Report · February 2020

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.27339.95521

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 Level of BIM Awareness and Application in the Nigerian
Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry.
Dalhat Nazifi (M.Tech/Set/2019/9639)1
1
Department of Architecture, School of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology Minna,
Niger State, Nigeria.
Nazifi.dalhat@st.futminna.edu.ng¹

Abstract:

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process that begins with the erection
of an intelligent 3-demensional model and enables document management,
coordination and simulation during entire project duration. The Nigerian
construction industry most especially the AEC sector is today confronted with
many complicated and heterogeneous problems of construction sites lacking
communication system and inadequate information. This study is therefore aimed
at assessing the level of BIM awareness and application among the Nigerian
Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry professionals, in
order to ensure adequate planning for the construction industry adoption of BIM
technology in Nigeria. The study was conducted using a non-experimental
research design approach that involved quantitative data collection method. A
survey was carried-out and four (4) samples of AEC firms in Abuja, Federal
Capital Territory, were selected for this study, which includes; Qualitrends
Global Solution, Archivisual Property Development, Earth-Point and Cosgrove
Nigeria Limited. A random selection of 56 AEC industry professionals was made
to draw out the overall level of BIM awareness and application among the AEC
professionals in the selected study area, using oral interview. The data collected
was analyzed using descriptive statistics and findings were presented in form of
tables and charts, illustrating level of BIM awareness and application among AEC
industry professionals in the study area. The study reveals BIM awareness level
of 55.4% and 42.9% respectively, in the Nigerian Architecture, Engineering and
Construction industry.

Keywords: Application, Awareness, Building Information Modelling, Professionals.

1. Introduction

Most of the developing countries in the world including Nigeria boast there economy in term
of GDP through an eloquent contribution of construction industries most especially the sector
of Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Khalfan and Anumba (2000)
opined that, as a result, many factors including project delivery, forming part of design process
and procurement construction. Azhar (2011) described Building Information Modelling (BIM)

1 Dalhat Nazifi 1 Nazifi.dalhat@st.futminna.edu.ng

as an achievable instrument used by the professionals in the building industry to overcome
difficulties of the construction industry. The application of BIM in the construction industry,
most especially Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry can change the
traditional skill boundaries in the industry (Olatunji et al., 2010). Hence, most sectors of
industry has today witness an extensive shift to BIM technology.

Different study and review of literature has shown the potentials of Building Information
Modelling (BIM) in the AEC industry, among which includes; (Yan and Damian, 2008)
described BIM as a powerful handling instrument for construction, design, project management
and facility management that ensures corporation among project stakeholders. However,
(Gayathi et al., 2013) in their study Titled “BIM and future quantity surveying practice in Sri
Lanka construction industry” pointed out some of the BIM potentials to includes Sufficient
communication among project stakeholders, immediate project delivery, enhances construction
processes and lastly integration of design and construction. Similarly, BIM as revealed by
(Becerik et al., 2010) also enhances the effectiveness and productivity of communication
among project stakeholders. Nevertheless, many authors described BIM from different
perspective in one or the other, for example (Scot et al., 2005; Wong, 2012) described BIM as
a readily available, universally accepted and cost effective instrument usually used in industry
most in the sector of AEC industry. According to Royal Institute of British Architect (2012),
BIM was described as a widely accepted integrated system that analyses the behavior of a
building in a real model, and provide exact information about the building elements, quality,
quantity and design information in an integrated database. Hence, upon all the aforementioned
BIM outstanding capabilities reported by different authors, most developing countries of the
world including Nigeria are yet to benefit from it (adopt BIM). This drive the attention of the
researcher to generate question as “What is the level of BIM awareness and application in the
Nigerian AEC industry?”.

The Nigerian construction industry most especially the AEC sector is facing so many
challenges, majority of which are problems of Nigerian construction sites lacking
communication system and adequate information (Ryal-Net and Kaduma, 2015). Mu’awiya
(2013) described BIM as a potential technological tool that would enhances effective
communication between others if fully implemented. On a study “Assessment of redlines of
the Nigerian building design firms to adopt Building Information Modelling (BIM)
technology” by (Mu’awiya, 2013) it was discovered that, the most biggest barriers of BIM
application in Nigerian AEC industry sector was as a result of Nigerian building professionals
level of BIM awareness. In addition, a study carried out by (Armah, 2015) shows that, only
6.89% of the respondents had potential knowledge of BIM technology. Although, a study
conducted in Anambra and Enugu states of Nigeria by (Ugochukwu et al., 2015) revealed that,
69% of the total respondents are aware with BIM technology. However, different study
conducted by different authors shows varying level of BIM awareness across Nigerian states.
Hence the need to assess the level of BIM awareness and application in Nigerian Architecture,
Engineering and construction industry.

2.1 BIM Awareness in Nigeria

Different study and review of literature reported a low BIM awareness among Nigerian AEC
industry professionals. For instance, a study conducted by (Ryal-Net and Kaduma, 2015)
revealed an awareness level of 32.6% of the total respondents, in which the respondents were
asked to respond Yes or No on their awareness of BIM technology. The study revealed that,
43 respondents, representing 58.1% of the total respondents were marked yes, they are aware
of BIM technology and had applied BIM technology in at least one of their project. On the
other hand, 31 respondents, representing 41.9% of the total respondents have no idea of BIM
technology. So as the findings of (Ugochukwu et al., 2015) a study conducted in Anambra and
Enugu states of Nigeria, revealed 69% awareness level of BIM technology among the
respondents in AEC industry.

2.2 BIM Application in Nigeria

Despite the high level of BIM awareness among Architecture, Engineering and Construction
industry professionals as discovered by different authors, BIM application is a different case.
A study conducted by (Solomon, 2018) ascertain the level of BIM application in the Nigerian
AEC industry professionals of Ikeja, Lagos state. The study revealed that, respondents that
testify their awareness of BIM were also asked if they have applied BIM technology in at least
one of their project, the result shows that, only 19 representing 44.2% of the respondents have
applied BIM technology in their organization, most especially Revit Architecture Software.
Similarly, 24 representing 55.8% of the total respondents revealed that they have no idea of
applying BIM technology in their organization. It was clearly shown that, sequel to the high
level of BIM awareness in Nigerian AEC industry; the application of BIM technology in the
Nigerian AEC industry is quite low.

3 Research Methodology

Considering the aim of the study, a non-experimental research design was adopted to assess
the level of BIM awareness and application in the Nigerian Architecture, Engineering and
Construction industry. The study employed the application of quantitative research approach
and was descriptive in nature. A quantitative analysis was employed in form of oral interview
seeking professionals information on BIM awareness and application in the Nigerian
Architecture, Engineering and construction industry. A survey was conducted among four (4)
samples of AEC firms in Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria that includes Qualitrends Global
Solution, Archivisual Property Development, Earth Point and Cosgrove Nigeria Limited. The
study was limited to Abuja, Federal Capital Territory due to high development and large
number of AEC firms in the city and being the city with much construction activities in the
country. The study targeted a sample frame consist professionals in the build environment
(Architects, Structural/Civil Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Builders) in he selected AEC
firms. In line with (Krejcie and Morgan, 1970) table for determining sample size of a given
population of 65, a sample size of 56 is require to represent a cross-section of the population.
Ms excel tools were employed to analyzed the data collected from the respondents inform of
percentage, tables, and cross tabulation. The respondents of this study were asked to respond
Yes or No to a question on their awareness and application of BIM technology.
Table 1: Respondents Distribution
Professional Background Number of Respondents Percentage of Respondents (%)
Architects 21 37.5%
Engineers 18 32.14%
Quantity Surveyors 10 17.86%
Builders 7 12.5%
56 100%
(Source: Authors’ Field Work, 2020)
4 Findings and Discussion
4.1 Level of BIM Awareness
The result shows in table 2 below described the distribution of respondents of BIM awareness
based on their professions. The result of the findings revealed that, Architects are the most
aware professionals of BIM with 16 respondents, representing 28.6%. Followed by Quantity
surveyors with 8 respondents, representing 14.3%. 7 respondents from engineers marked their
awareness of BIM technology, representing 12.5%. Moreover, of course none among the
builders has the idea of BIM technology (see figure 1). The result shows high level of BIM
awareness among the professionals, in which 31 respondents, representing 55.4% were
recorded to have the idea of BIM technology. On the other hand, 25 respondents, representing
44.6% were recorded to have no idea of BIM technology. This is in line with the findings of
(Solomon, 2018) which revealed 58.1% BIM level awareness.

Table 2: Level of BIM Awareness among AEC Professionals

Professional Background Aware Not Aware
# % # %
Architects 16 28.6% 5 8.9%
Engineers 7 12.5% 11 19.6%
Quantity Surveyors 8 14.3% 2 3.6%
Builders 0 0% 7 12.5%
31 55..4% 25 44.6%
(Source: Authors’ Field Work, 2020)

Level of BIM Application among AEC Professionals

28.60%

19.60%

14.30%
12.50% 12.50%
8.90%
3.60% 0%

ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS QUANTITY SURVEYORS BUILDERS

Aware (55.4%) Not Aware (44.6%)

Figure 1: Level of BIM Awareness among AEC Professionals

(Source: Authors’ Field Work, 2020)

4.2 Level of BIM Application

Table 3 below shows the distribution of respondents on level of BIM application in their
organization, based on individual professions. The findings reveals that, Architects are the most
applicable profession of BIM with 14 respondents, representing 25% of the total respondents.
Followed by Quantity Surveyors with 6 respondents, representing 10.7% of the total
respondents. 4 respondents from engineers marked their application of BIM technology in at
least one of their project, representing 7.14% of the total respondents. Moreover, none of the
builders responds to the application of BIM technology (See figure 2). The study reveals that,
despite the high level of BIM awareness among Nigerian AEC industry professionals, there is
low level of BIM application in the Nigerian AEC sector, only 24 respondents of this study has
the knowledge of BIM application, representing 42.9% of the total respondents. Similarly, 32
respondents have no idea of BIM application, representing 57.1% of the total respondents.

Table 3: Level of BIM Application among AEC Professionals

Professional Background Applied Not Applied
# % # %
Architects 14 25% 7 12.5%
Engineers 4 7.14% 14 25%
Quantity Surveyors 6 10.7% 4 7.14%
Builders 0 0% 7 12.5%
24 42.9% 32 57.1%
(Source: Authors’ Field Work, 2020)

Level of BIM Application among AEC Professionals

25% 25%

12.50% 12.50%
10.70%

7.14% 7.14%
0%

ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS QUANTITY SURVEYORS BUILDERS

Applied (42.9%) Not Applied (57.1%)

Figure 2: Level of BIM Awareness among AEC Professionals

(Source: Authors’ Field Work, 2020)

5 Conclusion and Recommendation

This study assess the level of BIM awareness and application in the Nigerian Architecture,
Engineering and Construction industry. The data for the study was collected through oral
interview with professionals in the AEC sector (Architects, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and
Builders). The targeted respondents were distributed base on the availability of the
professionals of individual field in the study area. A quantitative research approach was
employed for the data analysis and often descriptive in nature. The study reveals that, the
awareness level of BIM technology among Nigerian AEC industry professionals is high, yet
not applicable by most of the professionals. The study indicates that 31 representing 55.4% of
the respondents revealed they are aware of BIM, but among which only 24 representing 42.9%
have applied BIM technology in at least one of their project. On the other side, 25 respondents
representing 44.6% have no idea of BIM technology, and 32 of the total respondents
representing 57.1% have never deploy BIM technology in any of their project. The high level
of BIM awareness revealed in this study can be supported with the findings of (Ugochukwu et
al., 2015) that discovered 67% BIM awareness level among AEC Professionals.

The result discussed in this study may not be generalizable to the entire Nigerian Architecture,
Engineering and construction industries, because only AEC professionals from four (4)
selected AEC firms were approach for oral interview. Nevertheless, the study was expressive
as it draw attention to the awareness and application level of BIM technology in the Nigerian
AEC industry.

Based on the low level of BIM application and moderate level of its awareness among AEC
professionals. The study recommend coherent increased awareness and application of BIM
technology among AEC professionals through the participation of relevant professional bodies
in an energetic campaign, sensitization programs and training of AEC professionals on the
great important of BIM technology to the industry.

References

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