Analysis of Citation Networks in Building Information Modeling Research

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) has emerged as a pervasive and ubiquitous tool in the fields of construction and engineering. With BIM’s rise, so too has there been an explosion of research interest in BIM. Nevertheless, despite the prolific output of BIM-related publications, the cumulative theoretical and practical value of this body of research remains vague; alignment with current industry objectives and relevance to future global challenges remain unclear. This study systematically analyzes the current body of knowledge so far produced on BIM through a purely quantitative approach. Network analysis techniques are used to assess the status of research themes, cross-topic research, trends in topic concentration, and influence of outlets, as well as to map how research actors collaborate in creating knowledge on BIM. The results reveal that although 45 separate themes are closely associated with BIM literature, a further 15 relevant themes have been neglected. Moreover, much of the research is revealed to be increasingly self-referential, lacking in cross-disciplinary insights, and weak in theoretical rigor. This study contributes to the field generally, and to editorial boards of research journals in particular, by identifying the intellectual deficiencies in BIM research and skewed distribution of research output across BIM related topics, as well as priorities for future research in BIM.