Identification of BIM Dimension-Specific Contract Clauses in EPC Turnkey Projects

Abstract

Construction operations are becoming increasingly complex, necessitating a greater need for collaboration. Building information modeling (BIM) aids enhanced project visualization and collaboration. The extant literature has mainly focused on model ownership, intellectual property, and data security issues with regard to contractual issues associated with BIM implementation. There has been a lack of focus on the expectations set out in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts with regard to envisaged BIM uses (dimensions), making BIM implementation superficial rather than purposive. This study identified BIM dimension-specific contract provisions (BDSCP) to address this gap. To accomplish this, a literature review was undertaken; this was followed by a qualitative inductive study involving 12 international experts from industry and academia to identify BDSCPs. The resulting 28 BDSCPs highlight focus areas with regard to drafting contracts and will assist stakeholders in realizing the benefits of BIM implementation.