Edinburgh Napier University

  Purpose
The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is considered the most effective contributor to development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). However, the AEC industry is facing myriad challenges due to the vast construction development required for the KSA 2030 vision. Developed countries are using Building Information Modeling (BIM) to mitigate these challenges and reap the benefits of implementing BIM to improve the performance of the AEC industry profoundly. However, BIM is currently rarely used in the KSA. This study aims to develop a methodology to implement BIM in the KSA by exploring stakeholders of factors affecting the implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
BIM users and non-users were surveyed by means of a questionnaire and structured interviews. The proposed methodology was validated through a further survey and structured interviews with BIM experts.

Findings
This study proposes a six-step methodology to implement BIM namely; raising awareness; perceived benefits; AEC industry readiness, and the key factors influencing the implementation.

Practical implications
The proposed methodology is expected to assist project participants in KSA to implement BIM to solve current AEC industry issues, improve performance and reap the benefits of implementing BIM.

Originality/value
This study makes a crucial and novel contribution by providing a new methodology to implement BIM in KSA that motivates decision makers and project players to adopt and implement BIM in their projects. It paves the way to develop BIM guidance and strategies.