Enhancing BIM-Based Information Interoperability: Dispute Resolution from Legal and Contractual Perspectives
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 146, Issue 7
Abstract
Building information modeling (BIM) produces positive results for the construction delivery process. BIM obtains these types of results by enabling information interoperability in respect of a building or facility throughout its life cycle phases starting at the conceptual design, continuing to facility management, and, in particular, dealing with contractual challenges for BIM-based construction projects. In spite of these compelling contributions by BIM in optimizing construction processes, their complexity leaves them still vulnerable to risk and uncertainty from unforeseen circumstances. The case study presented in this paper has developed insights into the implications of enhancing information interoperability by assessing the following categories of BIM-based contractual issues: (1) technology compatibility, (2) auditing procedures, (3) responsibilities, information and communication technology (ICT) protocols, and processes, and (4) transfer procedures. Project documents were reviewed followed by semistructured interviews with eight relevant project stakeholders to enable data triangulation. The set of results obtained was based on adopting the hierarchical Jaccard’s coefficient cluster analysis that then initiated a starting point from which a more comprehensive data interpretation was developed. Several new codes emerged from the session. Respondents described BIM as a new strategic management innovation, and they discussed the need to consider legal aspects when devising BIM contracts. The strategies were then consolidated into a model data validation conceptual framework as a means of protecting the data from loss, corruption, and/or manipulation.
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Data Availability Statement
Data generated or analyzed during the study are available from the corresponding author by request. Information on the Journal’s data-sharing policy can be found here: http://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001263.
Acknowledgments
This research project was financially supported by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (UTM-FRGS Grant No. 4F951) under the Ministry of Education, Malaysia.
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Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 146 • Issue 7 • July 2020
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©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 11, 2019
Accepted: Jan 31, 2020
Published online: May 14, 2020
Published in print: Jul 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Oct 14, 2020
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