Critical risk factors for implementing building information modelling (BIM): a Delphi-based survey

Building information modelling (BIM) is one of the new technologies that, despite its perceived benefits and positive impacts towards the project objectives, has a very low level of adoption. The main problem with this issue may be attributed to several potential risk factors that disrupt the implementation of this technology. Previous research studies have identified various significant risk factors for implementing BIM technology, however, the relationships between these risk factors have not been evaluated and analyzed. This paper aims to identify and evaluate the critical risk factors (CRFs) for BIM adoption via several rounds of Delphi surveys. A total of 52 potential risk factors were identified and classified by an extensive desktop literature review. The analysis of Delphi questionnaires, which were distributed and responded by a panel of BIM experts in three rounds, identified 36 major factors as CRFs of BIM. Then the relationships between these 36 CRFs were determined and assessed by using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method (DEMATEL). The results showed that the CRFs such as: lack of knowledge of BIM and need for software training, resistance to change, and lack of skilled BIM architects/engineers have the most profound impact and interaction with other risk factors. The identification and prioritization of the CRFs can enable BIM users to conduct a systematic risk management and analysis and develop appropriate effective strategies for mitigating the potential risks associated with BIM implementation in a proactive manner.