Author(s)

K. GOVENDER, J. NYAGWACHI, J. J. SMALLWOOD & C. J. ALLEN

Abstract

Construction projects are complex undertakings, which involve many different parties striving towards successful completion. Effective and efficient processes are based on collaboration with an integrated project delivery approach, the project team working together as a cohesive unit towards a common goal. However, the current procurement system adopted creates fragmentation of the design and construction teams, which results in projects being delivered late, constructability issues, final project cost exceeding the approved budget, and variation orders.

A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to various built environment professionals within the Eastern Cape construction industry to determine the current awareness with respect to Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

The findings showed that these systems have many benefits, which can assist in mitigating the aforementioned issues. The respondents indicated that they were aware of IPD and BIM and the related benefits; however, there are barriers preventing the adoption of these systems, such as clients not identifying the advantages, clients being resistant to change, as well as a lack of the requisite-related knowledge and skills.

Conclusions include that collaboration within the construction industry is imperative toward the successful completion of projects and that further information with respect to IPD and BIM is required to raise awareness and promote the adoption of these models.

Recommendations include: all stakeholders need to commit to the ideology behind these concepts and develop an understanding of the concepts and related benefits, and industry associations need to publish information regarding IPD and BIM, as this will increase awareness.

Keywords

Building information modelling, construction, integrated project delivery