Abstract:
Building information modeling (BIM) through its data-rich digital representation of
building elements has brought a revolution in the architecture, engineering,
construction and operation (AECO) industry. To ease the process of its implementation
number of legal aspects related to BIM have been discussed and standardized in
published contract systems, but legal aspects related to dispute settlement through BIM
are yet to be established. Stimulated by this need, this study aims to provide a
preliminary contractual framework for “BIM-based dispute resolution’. Objectives of
the study include: (1) to identify and analyze potential legal aspects for integrating BIM
in dispute resolution processes; and (2) to determine the corresponding contract
provisions required in BIM contracts. A questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain
an industry perspective. 140 retrieved questionnaire responses were analyzed. The
results indicated 25 relative contract provisions that could potentially be incorporated
in BIM contracts. Subsequent to a detailed analytical discussion and validation from
experts, these provisions were then assimilated into a framework. While expanding the
body of knowledge on BIM-based dispute resolution this study sets the grounds for the
extension of BIM-contracts
