Building information modeling (BIM) provides a collaborative and integrative platform supporting design, construction, and various operational processes in project development. However, contractual impediments in actual project implementation discourage BIM adoption. Previous research conceptualized theoretical perspectives through exhaustive literature reviews, but this study proposes modifications to existing theoretical lens regarding contractual challenges in real BIM implementation. This qualitative research design involved in-person, semistructured interviews with ten BIM-based construction practitioners from design-build (D-B) contractors. Data analysis using ATLAS-ti revealed various emergent themes through detailed deductive and inductive processes that modified a priori theoretical lens of BIM contractual impediments. Thematic analysis identified seven key themes: fragmented D-B integrations, time and cost implications, digital coordination barriers, competency gaps in contract responsibilities, quality concerns, risks to professional liability, and data security issues. Quantitative validation with five experts assessed data reliability and validated research findings. This study offers empirical findings from real-life project participants regarding contractual issues and challenges that should be addressed to improve professional liabilities requiring clarification in contract forms or addenda for BIM-based D-B projects. Findings demonstrate that competency issues involving BIM proficiency become a significant challenge for project team members fulfilling contractual roles and responsibilities when managing BIM-based D-B projects. The identified contractual challenges could be a starting point for policymakers to develop improved contractual resolutions for future BIM applications.
Alwee et al. (Fri,) studied this question.