Features and Conditions of Building Information Modeling Contracts

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) has improved efficiency in construction projects by utilizing digital instrument capabilities. However, the use of this technology has brought new challenges, particularly legal and contract issues. Conventional construction contracts cannot respond to specific BIM conditions. Therefore, several contract solutions have been proposed to tackle this problem. Despite significant efforts, researchers are still attempting to develop a suitable contract framework and conditions due to the complexities of BIM technical and legal aspects. The present study reviews the solutions developed within seven pioneer countries in BIM and collects the views of construction experts selected by the snowball sampling method in order to identify the most crucial factors that should be considered in BIM contracts. This work incorporated and analyzed 47 questions relating to BIM legal and contract factors in five groups, including BIM contractual basics, BIM contractual obligations and approvals, BIM ownership and copyright, general rules, and other contractual topics. The findings could be exploited to develop a proper BIM contract framework in compliance with construction rules and conditions.

Keywords

• building information modeling
• BIM
• contract
• construction industry
• legal
• snowball sampling