This research delves into the tangible economic impact of Building Information Modelling within the Swedish construction industry, with a particular focus on exploring the relationships among the level of BIM implementation, company size, and the perceived benefits derived from BIM.

The study's methodology involved conducting a questionnaire survey, from which a dataset of 128 responses was collected for comprehensive analysis. The study's findings challenge prevailing assumptions by suggesting that the size of a company does not necessarily dictate its likelihood of implementing BIM. This contradicts earlier notions that larger companies have a more significant propensity for BIM adoption. Additionally, the research uncovers a positive correlation between higher levels of BIM implementation and the realization of greater benefits. This correlation underscores the potential of BIM in significantly enhancing construction project outcomes. By bridging empirical insights from industry professionals and a robust questionnaire survey, this study provides valuable contributions to the understanding of how BIM can improve performance in the construction sector. 

These results emphasize the importance of considering BIM's potential benefits beyond the scope of company size and offer fresh perspectives on the dynamics between BIM implementation and perceived advantages in the construction project context.

Purpose –

Perceived benefits of building information modelling (BIM) have been discussed for some time, but cost–benefit benchmarking has been inconsistent. The purpose of this paper is to investigate BIM feasibility and evaluate investment worth to elucidate and develop the current understanding of BIM merit. The aim of the study is to propose a research agenda towards a more holistic perspective of BIM use incorporating quantifying investment return.

Design/methodology/approach –

An in-depth examination of research patterns has been conducted to identify challenges in the assessment of the investment value and return on investment (ROI) for BIM in the construction industry. A total of 75 research articles were considered for the final literature review. An evaluation of the literature is conducted using a combination of bibliometric analysis and systematic reviews.

Findings –

This study, which analysed 75 articles, unveils key findings in quantifying BIM benefits, primarily through ROI calculation. Two major research gaps are identified: the absence of a standardized BIM ROI method and insufficient exploration of intangible benefits. Research focus varies across phases, emphasizing design and construction integration and exploring post-construction phases. The study categorizes quantifiable factors, including productivity, changes and rework reduction, requests for information reduction, schedule efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability and operations and facility management. These findings offer vital insights for researchers and practitioners, enhancing understanding of ’BIM’s financial benefits and signalling areas for further exploration in construction.

Originality/value –

The ’study’s outcomes offer the latest insights for researchers and practitioners to create effective approaches for quantifying ’BIM’s financial benefits. Additionally, the proposed research agenda aims to improve the current limited understanding of BIM feasibility and investment worth evaluation. Results of the study could assist practitioners in overcoming limitations associated with BIM investment and economic evaluations in the construction industry.

Purpose

This study addresses the critical imperative of quantifying building information modeling (bimalliance) benefits by augmenting existing methodologies, with a focus on monetization. Engaging industry practitioners, the research develops a comprehensive framework through an exhaustive literature review and a survey in the Swedish construction industry, incorporating insights from 128 respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework, validated by industry experts, systematically assesses tangible BIM benefits against associated costs. It introduces a novel method in construction, addressing the lack of a unified approach. The resulting framework facilitates nuanced feasibility determinations by systematically evaluating BIM benefits against costs.

Findings

Despite its acknowledged limitations, the framework effectively captures a comprehensive range of costs and benefits, providing a more accurate and detailed estimation of BIM’s impact on project outcomes.

Practical implications

With practical implications, the framework enhances BIM understanding and application, contributing to effective project management throughout the construction supply chain lifecycle. Moreover, it aims to improve efficacy within the architecture, engineering, construction and operations industry.

Originality/value

The study empowers organizations and decision-makers with a bespoke tool for evaluating BIM feasibility, contributing to decision-making through a clarified numerical representation.

This research presents a comprehensive framework for quantifying the benefits of Building Information Modelling in construction. Through industry insights and surveys, the study validates formulated equations and integrates case studies from the Swedish construction sector. Results reveal increased costs in the design phase but indicate time and cost savings during design and construction. Operational benefits, notably in maintenance planning and energy efficiency, constitute a substantial portion of the total estimated benefits. The study introduces a unified quantification methodology, demonstrating an investment rate of 16.1 % and 10.17 % for cases A and B, respectively. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on BIM adoption, offering valuable insights and methodological advancements for industry practitioners.