Project Quality and Change Performance Differences Associated with the Use of Building Information Modeling in Design and Construction Projects: Univariate and Multivariate Analyses

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) has garnered significant attention in the past several years as a process that can positively impact the performance of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects. This paper builds upon previous research to investigate the effect of BIM on two key measures of AEC project performance: project change metrics and facility quality metrics. The research methodology includes conducting univariate and multivariate analyses on quantitative performance data from more than 30 completed vertical construction projects. Thirty-six BIM input variables were measured, summarized, and analyzed against project performance. Interesting results and contributions emerge from the analysis, including the lack of a relationship between BIM use and the extent of total project change; instead, the projects saw a transformation in the initiator of these changes. As BIM use increased, projects exhibited fewer design changes and more owner-initiated changes, arguably due to better visualization and understanding, leading to a more constructive involvement of project owners in the process. The findings also included the potential of BIM to increase systems quality and decrease the warranty and latent defect costs. The findings of this study can help project stakeholders decide how to most effectively use BIM on their projects by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of BIM on project change and quality performance.