Adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Construction Projects Delivery in Rwanda

Abstract

Worldwide, the construction industry is experiencing fast and adaptive innovations; new construction technologies such as 3-Dimensional printed structures and different platforms are developed to help professionals involved in the planning, design, construction, and management of buildings and infrastructure. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is transforming the way that buildings and infrastructure are designed, constructed and operated, and it is also helping to improve decision making and performance across the buildings and infrastructure in general. Where BIM has not been fully applied in the design, construction, and operation of infrastructure like our case of Rwanda, the industry has to undergo these technologies in order to be in line with the others, in the performance improvement. BIM adoption in construction projects in Rwanda is the issue that is discussed in this study. The study focused on investigating the level of use of BIM and elaborating a process that could enhance its adoption in construction projects in Rwanda. The research enquired into the awareness of the respondents on BIM need in Rwanda, with the aim of exploring the level of use, addressing related benefits and barriers in the country, and elaborating the process of adoption which the industry can opt for to ensure full BIM usage in construction project life cycle and facilities management. In Rwanda, the term BIM does not sound as new to a number of design and construction professionals, and facility managers in the country, but the number remains low. Results revealed that only 29.1% of the total respondents were aware of BIM existence, 82.9% of those who were aware have been using it while 17.1% have not. Results also revealed that only 2D and 3D are the most frequently BIM dimensions used in the construction industry in Rwanda while the technology is continuously evolving. They have been using them in existing conditions modelling, civil works design, review of designs, quantity, cost estimation, structural modelling, analysis, and design, but none of them have used BIM tools in energy analysis, code validation, digital fabrication, maintenance scheduling, or in other engineering activities. The fact is that BIM is used in a vague manner with inappropriate practices and certification. The level of awareness of BIM existence and the insufficient use of BIM in the construction industry in Rwanda which have been observed in this study validate the current shortage of building design professionals trained in collaborative design and construction practices. The study also addresses the need for the BIM full adoption in construction projects in Rwanda. A process for adopting BIM with focus of enhancing delivery of construction projects in Rwanda is formulated from the results of the data analysis and expert opinions of the respondents. The formulated processes process involves setting needs and goals of using BIM tools, organizing training and courses, availability of ICT infrastructure, authorizing software, advocacy to policy and decision makers, establishment of policy and legal framework, dissemination of the importance of BIM, enforcement, strategic implementation, sustainability, monitoring and evaluation, and scaling-up. The Ministry of Infrastructure would benefit from implementing the process for adoption discussed in this study. Additionally, recommendation is made for full uptake of BIM in the life-cycle of construction projects and facilities management in Rwanda.