The Practice and Benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM) In Ethiopian Construction Industry
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Date
2024-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The practice and benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology are studied in countries that utilize the technology well. Associated with the newness of the technology in developing countries, little is known about the practice and benefits of it in developing countries like Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the practice of BIM and its associated benefits by taking a case study of a public building in which BIM technology is tried to be practiced against the internationally accepted BIM practice standards. Primary data were collected using questionnaires from research participants identified for this study, interviews of key informants, and focus group discussions with a team that took part in BIM practice. Moreover, relevant literature is used to support the data synthesis process and these data are used for data triangulation purposes. The findings of the study revealed that BIM practice in Ethiopia involves various stakeholders including institutions (government, clients, contractors, consultants, and professionals in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. The Government of Ethiopia through its many offices including the Construction Management Institute, the Federal Government Building Construction Project Office, the Ethiopian Construction and Works Corporation, and the Ethiopian Standards Institute is playing the leading role in adopting and practicing BIM. Moreover, the study noted that there is growing awareness, and ambition/interest to adopt and practice BIM technology, and the practice of BIM in Ethiopia is in its infant stage and is slowly growing. Moreover, the author recommended that introducing seamless system adoption models, transition plans and integrated BIM planning and implementation strategies need to be developed by learning from other countries' best experiences.
Key Words: Building Information Modeling, Construction Project Management