Building Information Modelling in the public sector in Jordan: an exploration study

BIM is widely seen as a facilitator for productivity and innovation in the construction industry. BIM can facilitate achieving sustainable construction outcomes more effectively than what is currently being achieved in the industry which in turn may contribute to eradicating poverty in developing countries. However, although BIM in developed countries is increasingly being adopted, it is less implemented in developing countries. Jordan as a developing country faces a variety of sustainability challenges shared by other developing countries especially in the Middle East such as increased level of pollution, water usage and energy concerns. In Jordan, the construction industry is “the largest and most effective” sector in the country. The public sector should be the driver for sustainable construction, therefore, this research aims to examine the current status of BIM in the public sector in Jordan by exploring the extent of the adoption of BIM among the government, public contracting and consulting companies. 214 online questionnaires were sent out to project managers working in contractors and consultants companies and public client representatives; MPWH (Ministry of Public Works and Housing) departments and GTD (Government Tender Department). Empirical statistics have been applied to analyse the completed questionnaires. Although the data revealed that practitioners in the public sector are aware of the benefits of BIM, only 23.8% are using it. The findings revealed that the main barriers to implementing BIM are that the government as the main client in Jordan does not demand BIM. Moreover, additional resources/expenses associated with implementing BIM and the adopted procurement routes were amongst the main barriers to implementing BIM. Increasing awareness of BIM’s long-term benefits for both the public and private sectors, having more training opportunities, giving grants to consultants or contractors that implement BIM and restructuring the contractual relationships between different stakeholders will help increase BIM adoption and implementation rate in Jordan.