Transformation to Building Information Modeling in Construction Industry in Bahrain: Benefits and Barriers

Abstract

Abstract : Building Information Modeling (BIM) is rapidly gaining traction in the construction industry. It is a crucial tool that enhances construction project management through its multidimensional capabilities. Despite its global value, BIM remains underutilized in Bahrain, creating a gap between international best practices and local implementation. This study investigates why BIM adoption in Bahrain lags and explores ways to bridge that gap. Specifically, it examines the adoption of BIM within Bahrain's construction industry, focusing on the benefits, barriers, and factors influencing its implementation. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 247 construction professionals in Bahrain through structured questionnaires, with interviews conducted with selected professionals to validate questionnaire responses. The findings reveal a high level of BIM awareness (82%) among professionals. Still, there is a significant gap between knowledge and usage, with only 30.9% actively using BIM tools. Also, the findings indicate that while core BIM functionalities, such as 2D (drawings production) and 3D modeling (visualization), are commonly adopted, the integration of advanced BIM features such as clash detection, budgeting, cost estimation, and facility management remains limited (in other words, usage of BIM in Bahrain is limited to 2D and 3D adoption). However, there is a strong willingness to adopt BIM, with 81.51% of respondents in favor of its implementation, especially among consulting firms and government entities. The study identifies that educational level and project scales BIM knowledge and usage variations influence BIM adoption. For instance, professionals with higher academic qualifications, such as Master's and PhD holders, demonstrate greater engagement with BIM compared to their Bachelor's degree counterparts. Also, larger projects demonstrate higher adoption rates, with 38.89% actively using BIM tools and only 9.52% unaware of BIM, indicating that the demands of larger projects often drive the need for advanced solutions like BIM. The study indicates several key benefits of BIM adoption, including improved productivity, enhanced work efficiency, better budget monitoring, reduced project duration, and improved documentation. However, it also highlights significant barriers to implementation, such as the lack of demand from project owners, high training costs, limited access to training, and low awareness of BIM's benefits The study concludes that government legislation and academic integration are crucial for successful BIM adoption in Bahrain, and they are key to overcoming challenges and facilitating effective BIM implementation. Aligning policies and incorporating BIM into curricula can increase owner demand and awareness, leading to a rise in BIM experts in Bahrain. Furthermore, redirecting internal resources towards building in-house expertise can reduce reliance on external consultants, promoting sustainable and efficient BIM practices within the industry