Towards the success of building information modelling implementation: a fuzzy-based MCDM risk assessment tool

Abstract

The adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) brings numerous benefits to Industrialised Building System (IBS) construction projects. However, implementing new technologies in a complex environment involves several risks such as having insufficient information, an increase in short-term costs, and reluctance to share information. This research aims to develop a prototype risk assessment tool (PRAT) for identifying and evaluating the risk factors associated with implementing BIM in IBS construction projects. The “Fuzzy Delphi Method” was employed to identify the critical risk factors, while “DEMATEL” and the “Parsimonious-fuzzy analytic network process” were employed for data analyses. The novelty of this research is twofold: developing a risk assessment tool for BIM-based IBS projects and employing a hybrid, comprehensive, and efficient method for model development. PRAT consists of six main parts: instructions and opening window; modifiable database, pairwise comparison modules 1 and 2, calculation, and result window. After refining the risk factors, PRAT analyses the risk of BIM-based IBS projects considering thirty-two risk factors. The results of PRAT implementation show that it enables users to prioritise the risk factors, considering their importance and interdependencies, with an understandable procedure by the managers. Hence, it increases the possibility of successful BIM implementation for IBS construction companies.