Capacity of information technology infrastructure in Sri Lanka to support building information modelling systems

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a concept, improved with Information Technology (IT) to upgrade construction, maintenance and operation of a building or an infrastructure project. Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI) is a crucial aspect in implementing BIM. Rapid improvement of ITI has benefited mostly to AEC and FM industry while enhancing the accessibility to more numerical dimensional BIM modelling such as scheduling (4D), costing (5D), operation (6D), sustainable design (7D) and safety (8D). Therefore, it is necessary to investigate on ITI in Sri Lanka for successful implementation of BIM in Sri Lankan construction industry. Thus, this research is aimed at identifying the capacity of information technology infrastructure in Sri Lanka to support BIM systems. A qualitative approach to the research methodology was proposed in order to carry out an indepth investigation on subject matter. Major five BIM systems and minimum ITI requirements for each BIM systems were identified through a comprehensive literature review. Existing ITI in Sri Lanka was identified from various organizations which represent IT, construction, banking and apparel sectors. Further, risks and challenges in each infrastructure were identified. By combining the literature findings and existing knowledge which was obtained through a deep analysis. Then a framework was developed to indicate the capacity of ITI in Sri Lanka to support BIM systems. From the findings of the study, the conclusion was made that the BIM implementation in Sri Lanka is possible even there are several risks and challenges bound with ITI. Ultimately, it was recommended that Sri Lanka has enough capacity to implement BIM with minimum ITI requirements.