Date of Award
Fall 12-2016
Degree Type
Honors College Thesis
Department
Construction
First Advisor
Dr. Sandeep Langar
Advisor Department
Construction
Abstract
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process used by AEC industry members that simulates a construction project in a multidimensional digital model and provides multitudes of project benefits from inception to occupancy. However, a variety of barriers impede a holistic BIM implementation. Because of these barriers, some general contractors are choosing to outsource the creation and/or utilization of BIM models to specialized Information Technology (IT) firms instead of performing these processes in-house. Since little literature currently exists for BIM outsourcing, this online survey-based study aimed to identify BIM outsourcing patterns among the general contractors across the US and the perceived impacts it has on construction projects. Analysis of 252 complete responses from general contracting firms determined 45% of them have outsourced BIM, signifying that outsourcing has become an important aspect of modern BIM usage. Data was also collected on company demographics, BIM outsourcing locations, strategic reasons for outsourcing, and various other BIM outsourcing aspects. It was found that contractors perceived BIM outsourcing as having a less effective impact than in-house BIM overall. However, its continued widespread utilization displays the adaptability of the industry in meeting challenges and embracing new technology through alternative methods despite the potential risks.
Copyright
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Recommended Citation
Fountain, James W., "Outsourcing of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Among General Contractors in the United States" (2016). Honors Theses. 435.
https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/435