BIM implementation by integrating lean construction and IDT (LCIDT)

Abstract

The construction industry, which makes a significant contribution to the country's GDP, continues to grapple with rising costs and project delays. While multiple factors contribute to such overruns one contributing factor is the underutilization or limited deployment of new innovative technologies and procedures. BIM is one such technology/process which have numerous benefits throughout the lifecycle of a project. However, the construction sector is still behind the rate at which innovation should be adopted due to many barriers and a heavy reliance on frameworks based on innovation adoption theories (IDT, TAM, etc.). The study utilized a systematic literature review (SLR) and a document analysis approach to seek answers for the current status of BIM and the hurdles faced by Indian construction stakeholders in its implementation. The shortlisted articles and documents underwent quantitative and qualitative content analysis. The study found that the BIM maturity in India is still very low due to various barriers, which can be eliminated by using a combination of theoretical and practical strategies. Hence, the study proposes a framework (“LCIDT”) based on an integrated approach of lean construction (LC) and innovation diffusion theory (IDT) for enhancing BIM implementation. IDT can primarily help in eliminating technical and cost-related barriers, whereas LC can overcome organizational, people, and government-related barriers affecting the utilization of BIM. This framework significantly provides stakeholders with a new perspective on the barriers and integrates theoretical guidance with practical LC applications. However, future research should focus on validating the developed framework across different organizations and geographical locations.