Contractual challenges for BIM-based construction projects: a systematic review

Building information modeling (BIM) has been proven to enable outstanding results in construction processes by enhancing knowledge sharing with regard to a building or facility throughout its life cycle from the conceptual design to facility management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which the use of BIM has impacted the legal and contractual implications of the existing construction contracts for aligning the three sets of relevant development domains: BIM functionality, contract procurement methods, and BIM legal and contractual issues to enhance the efficient use of valuable resources.

This exploratory study was undertaken by analyzing the literature using a novel approach involving a matrix that juxtaposes BIM functionalities for each project life cycle with contract procurement methods. As part of the study, 28 interactions of BIM legal and contractual issues have been identified, as representing positive and negative interactions.

The interaction matrix framework that juxtaposes BIM functionalities and procurement methods highlights the theoretical and practical relationships identified between the methods. It also simultaneously recognizes the constructive and destructive interactions between these development domains by means of critically identifying the possible interactions of the legal and contractual aspects of both the BIM project procurement and the practical aspects of BIM project delivery.

The present study contributes to the existing literature by extensively identifying the probable interactions of contractual issues within BIM functionality with contract procurement methods throughout the life cycle of a building construction project.