Utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for mitigating construction risks

Construction projects are increasingly complex and include multi-dimensional aspects, which create potential risks. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an advanced workflow that offers a comprehensive solution for mitigating construction risks. There is a research gap regarding evaluating BIM’s contribution in mitigating construction risks. Sixty-four risk factors categorized into nine groups associated with Egyptian construction projects are identified. A fuzzy model is presented to analyze and study the risks impact on project cost and time, as well as BIM’s contribution in mitigating these risks. The inputs to the fuzzy model were statistical indices obtained by integrating the risk probability of occurrence with its impacts, namely the Cost Impact Index (CII), Time Impact Index (TII), BIM Mitigation Index for Cost (BMIC), and BIM Mitigation Index for Time (BMIT). The results indicate moderate positive linear correlations between the BIM Mitigation Fuzzy Index for Cost (BMFIC) and the Cost Fuzzy Index (CFI) ( r = 0.553, R² = 0.306), and between the BIM Mitigation Fuzzy Index for Time (BMFIT) and the Time Fuzzy Index (TFI) ( r = 0.606, R² = 0.368). Outcomes reveal that; “Lack of suitable funds and fluctuation of project cash flow” risk had the highest fuzzy index, while “Unexpected natural disasters.” has the highest impact index for both cost and time of construction projects. The risks of “ poor site safety regulations and inadequate safety measures against accidents and diseases” , and “Scheduling errors , cost underestimation , and quantities variations between actual work and bidding documents” was perceived as most mitigated by BIM utilization for cost and time respectively. The research findings indicate that BIM plays a significant role in mitigating the impact of the most crucial risk factors that negatively influence the cost and time of construction projects.