Uso Del BIM

SmartMarket Report
The business value of BIM for

construction in major global markets
How contractors around the world are driving
innovation with building information modelling
Premier partner: Corporate partner: Association partner:

■ Design and construction intelligence
SmartMarket Report
McGraw Hill Construction The business value of BIM for

construction in major global
President markets
Keith Fox How contractors around the
Vice President, Product Development world are driving innovation with About McGraw Hill
building information modelling
Kathryn E. Cassino SmartMarket Report
Construction
McGraw Hill Construction’s data,
McGraw Hill Construction Executive Editor
analytics, and media businesses –
Research & Analytics/ Harvey M. Bernstein, F.ASCE, LEED AP
Industry Insights & Alliances Dodge, Sweets, Architectural Record,
Editorial Advisor and GreenSource and Engineering
Vice President, Industry Contributor – BIM News-Record – create opportunities
Insights & Alliances Stephen A. Jones
Harvey M. Bernstein, F.ASCE, LEED AP for owners, architects, engineers,
Editorial Director contractors, building product
Senior Director, Research & Analytics Michele A. Russo, LEED AP manufacturers and distributors to
Burleigh Morton
strengthen their market position, size
Managing Editor
Director, Research Communications their markets, prioritise prospects,
Donna Laquidara-Carr, LEED AP
Michele A. Russo, LEED AP and target and build relationships that
Senior Director,
will win more business. McGraw Hill
Head of Marketing
Reproduction or dissemination William Taylor Construction serves more than one
of any information contained million customers through its trends
Manager, Content Operations
herein is granted only by contract and forecasts, industry news and
Juan Ramos
or prior written permission from leading platform of construction data,
McGraw Hill Construction. Art Director benchmarks and analytics.
Alison Lorenz
Copyright © 2014, Contributing Art Director To learn more,
McGraw Hill Construction, AD-BOUTIQUE, INC. visit www.construction.com.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Terumasa Yamada
Contributors
bimSCORE
Ghang Lee, Ph.D., Associate
Professor, Yonsei University
Neelam Mathews
Jeffrey Yoders
Research Project Manager
Dana Gilmore, MRA, PRC
For further information on this

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SmartMarket Report
Introduction
C
hange is sweeping the globe. ■■Over the next two years, contractors expect
THE BUSINESS VALUE OF BIM FOR CONSTRUCTION IN MAJOR GLOBAL MARKETS
Project teams are reaping the percentage of their work that involves
the benefits from faster BIM will increase by 50 % on average.
communications, smaller, more ■■BIM ROI increases directly with
powerful and mobile computers, robust a contractor’s level of BIM engagement,

digital modelling tools and a transformative represented by its BIM experience, skill
shift towards integrated project delivery level and commitment to doing a high
processes, all of which are generating percentage of its work in BIM.
positive outcomes, efficiencies and benefits ■■Contractors in all markets are planning
Stephen A. Jones
unimaginable just a few years ago. significant investments to expand their Senior Director
Since 2007, McGraw Hill Construction has BIM programs over the next two years, McGraw Hill Construction
been closely tracking the business impacts including an increasing focus on internal
of these technology advances through its and external collaborative procedures
SmartMarket Report series, with a particular as well as mobile hardware and BIM
focus on how Building Information Modelling software.
(BIM) is transforming the design and
Although BIM implementation has been
construction process in Asia, North America
underway for many years in Canada, France,
and Western Europe. During that period,
Germany, the UK and the USA, the markets
construction companies have emerged as the
that have begun adopting more recently,
leading drivers of BIM innovation and value.
such as Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea and
This report analyses new survey data
New Zealand, are showing tremendous Harvey M. Bernstein
collected exclusively from construction F.ASCE, LEED AP
momentum and are outperforming the more
companies that use BIM in nine of the Vice President
established regions in several key categories Industry Insights & Alliances
world’s top construction markets to
of the research, such as ROI, commitment McGraw Hill Construction
improve productivity, efficiency, quality,
to investment, offering innovative new
safety and their own competitiveness.
services and expanding the use of BIM
Among the key findings:
to non-building projects like mining and
■■Three quarters of the construction
manufacturing.
companies report a positive Return on
This is an exciting time in the global
Investment (ROI) on their BIM program
construction industry, and BIM is accelerating
investment and have clear ideas about
the pace of positive change for contractors of
how to further improve ROI.
all types, sizes and locations. We would like
■■Fewer errors and omissions, less rework
to thank our partners for their support that
and lower construction costs are among
allows us to continue to bring this exciting
the top five BIM benefits cited by
information to the industry.
contractors.
Stephen A. Jones leads McGraw with Primavera Systems (now Harvey M. Bernstein, F.ASCE, Foundation. He currently serves
Hill Construction’s (MHC) Oracle), a leading provider of LEED AP, has been a leader in the as a member of the Princeton
initiatives in BIM and integrated project management software. engineering and construction University Civil and Environmental
project delivery, as well as Prior to that, he spent 19 years industry for over 30 years. Engineering Advisory Council and
developing alliance relationships in creative, marketing and Currently, he has lead responsibility as a visiting professor with the
for technology and content. management roles with design for MHC’s market research group as University of Reading’s School of
Active in numerous industry firms, most recently as a Principal well as MHC’s thought leadership Construction Management and
organisations, he frequently and Board of Directors member initiatives in areas such as green Engineering in England. Bernstein
speaks at events around the with Burt Hill (now Stantec), a building, BIM, interoperability, has an M.B.A. from Loyola College,
world about the business impact large, global architectural and innovation and global construction an M.S. in engineering from
of emerging technologies and engineering firm. Jones holds an markets. Previously, Bernstein Princeton University and a B.S. in
trends. Before joining MHC, M.B.A. from Wharton and a B.A. served as the president and CEO civil engineering from the New
Jones was a vice president from Johns Hopkins. of the Civil Engineering Research Jersey Institute of Technology.
McGraw Hill Construction 1 www.construction.com SmartMarket Report

SmartMarket Report
HOW CONTRACTORS AROUND THE WORLD ARE DRIVING INNOVATION WITH BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
4 Executive summary
0
Executive summary
04
Observations and recommendations
06
7 Data
0
08 BIM users
08 Number of years contractors have been using BIM
BIM implementation
09
BIM expertise
11
Contractors’ perception of BIM proficiency among trades
12
BIM engagement index
14
Impact of BIM expertise on team formation
16
17
sidebar BIM influence grows via government mandates
19 BIM benefits, ROI and investments

19 BIM benefits
Contractors’ current perception of ROI
22
Formal measurement of ROI
24
Importance of ROI metrics
25
Improvements to ROI
26
BIM investments
27
30 BIM activities and practices

30 Project types using BIM, according to contractors
Top design/pre-construction BIM activities for contractors
32
Top BIM activities during construction by contractors
34
Top post-construction BIM activities for contractors
36
The relative value of post-construction BIM activities
37
Specialised BIM activities for sustainability
38
Accessibility to models
39
Cover: Skanska Opposite Page: Russell, Moody, Holder Joint Venture
Contractors’ perspectives on project team BIM practices

40
Using the cloud
42
43
sidebar BIM and field data: How detailed field conditions are creating better 3D models
SmartMarket Report McGraw Hill Construction 2 www.construction.com

Front cover:
Building Information Modelling is used
for construction logistics planning and
simulation on a high-rise urban structure.
This page:
Building Information Modelling is being
used extensively by the design and build
team to plan and execute the construction
of the National Center for Civil and Human
Rights, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
CONTENTS
44 Regional and country profiles

44 North America
Brazil
46
Europe
48
South Korea
50
Japan
52
Australia and New Zealand
54
56
sidebar Asia: Emerging BIM market driven by owner interest in China, Hong Kong and Malaysia
58
sidebar India: BIM gains relevance
0 Methodology
6
61 Resources

Executive summary
While Building Information Modelling (BIM) is rapidly expanding around the

globe, there are significant differences between construction companies’

experience with and business benefits from BIM in various regions.
This study builds upon McGraw Hill Construction’s investigation of BIM in individual markets, including North
America, Europe and South Korea, to demonstrate larger trends globally through data from contractors in 10
countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK and the USA.
BIM across the globe Contractors reporting a positive return

on investment (ROI) for BIM (by country)
BIM usage is accelerating powerfully, driven by major
Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
private and government owners who want to institutionalise
its benefits of faster, more certain project delivery, and more Japan
reliable quality and cost. BIM mandates by US, UK and 97 %
other government entities demonstrate how enlightened
owners can set specific targets and empower design and Germany
construction companies to use BIM technologies to meet 97 %
and exceed those goals, also driving BIM into the broader France
project ecosystem in the process. Resulting BIM adoption
97 %
in North America skyrocketed from 28 % to 71 % between
2007 and 2012, and the UK and other regions are poised for Canada
similar dramatic expansions. Adoption by contractors (74 %) 87 %
recently exceeded architects (70 %) in North America, and
Brazil
this group is increasingly showing leadership in driving
85 %
BIM innovation, metrics and value.
Aus/NZ
Return on investment (ROI) for BIM 78 %
Three quarters of all contractors surveyed report a positive
ROI on their investment in BIM. While there is no standard USA
metric for measuring ROI on BIM (unlike more standard 74 %
measurements on project ROI), the largest percentage UK
of firms estimate the ROI on their BIM investments to be
59 %
between 10 % and 25 %. The findings demonstrate that
each region has a unique set of metrics that are considered South Korea
important and different drivers that construction companies 48 %
believe will improve their return.
■■Japanese, German and French contractors report the
top ROI on BIM investments, with South Korea, the UK

Embracing the collaborative nature of BIM projects, 60 % of
■■
and the USA trailing all regions.
contractors in all.eps
4_6_ES.ROI_#02 regions expressed the belief that further
■■Financial metrics, such as reduced cost, higher profitability
enhancements of visualisation with BIM would probably
and higher productivity, are generally considered the
have the most positive impact on their BIM ROI.
most important category for measuring ROI on BIM
investments, followed by metrics related to the project Looking forward, creating and managing facilities
delivery process, such as fewer RFI’s, fewer unplanned management-enabling models for owners after construction
changes, higher customer satisfaction and less disruption may prove to be one of the most important new service
in project process. revenue streams and contributors to ROI for contractors.

Executive summary CONTINUED
Contractors are enjoying a wide Contractors citing BIM benefit as

variety of important BIM benefits among top three for their company
The top project-related benefits that contractors are Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
receiving from BIM are reduced errors and omissions and
Reduced errors and omissions
reduced rework, both of which have immediate positive
impact and contribute to strong ROI. Reduced construction 41 %
cost, reduced project duration and improved safety complete Collaborating with owners/design firms
the top five project benefits of BIM. 35 %
Contractors cite BIM’s ability to enhance collaboration
among key team members as its most important Enhancing your organisation’s image
contribution to improving the project delivery process. 32 %
Better cost control/predictability, and reduced cycle time Reducing rework
for workflows and approvals are also acknowledged as
31 %
important process benefits of BIM.
Reduced construction cost
BIM engagement is key 23 %
driver of greater BIM benefits
Better cost control/predictability
The more deeply that construction companies become
engaged with BIM, the greater their ability to receive 21 %
its benefits and to realise very strong return on their Reducing overall
investments in BIM. McGraw Hill Construction developed a project duration
BIM engagement index to measure the level of engagement 19 %
for every contractor that participated in this research,
Marketing new business
based on their experience, skill and the percentage of BIM
19 %
projects they work on. Analysing the research findings by
respondents’ BIM engagement level demonstrates a clear Offering new services
business benefit to higher levels of engagement: Impact of 14
contractor’s
% BIM
■■Half of the contractors at the highest level of BIM engagement level on ROI
engagement are reporting very positive ROI – in excess Increased profits
of 25 % on their investment in BIM – compared with 11 % 14 %

of the firms at the lowest level, over a third of whom are Very positive ROI on BIM (over 25 %)
still at negative or break-even ROI. Moderately positive ROI on BIM (1 % to 25 %)
■■BIM is significantly reducing costly rework on projects Negative and break-even ROI on BIM
for 40 % of the highest BIM engagement contractors,
4_7_ES.Benefits_#01.eps
versus only 28 % of those at a low engagement level.
Contractors plan aggressive 11 % 35 %

50 %
investments in BIM programs
Contractors around the world are focusing most highly
on investing in their internal collaborative processes, BIM
training and BIM software in the next two years. Almost 54 %
43 % 40 %
two thirds (61 %) of contractors at the highest level of BIM
engagement are focusing on new/upgraded tablets/mobile
devices, which will enable them to bring the value of BIM to 10 %
22 %
the staff in the field. Only about half as many (38 %) of the 35 %
other contractors surveyed are placing a high priority on
that category of investment.
Low BIM Average BIM Very high BIM
engagement engagement engagement

Model-based technologies and processes will continue to power

the industry’s evolution. Contractors need to stay abreast of the
key trends that will give shape to the future of the industry.
Performance Hyper-realistic immersive

■■ Many new businesses will ■■Project planning:
metrics visualisation to form to serve this market Contractors can be valued
Early-stage BIM users need communicate complex and existing companies advisors to owners’ capital
to compare performance information among will need to embrace the planning processes, not
metrics from pre-BIM multiple parties extremely change, determine where just implementers.
projects to establish the efficiently, and more they provide value and ■■Productisation:
value of basic BIM benefits effectively engage clients stake out their role, or else Contractors,
such as virtual coordination and prospects for a risk becoming irrelevant. particularly the trades,
and to justify their continued competitive edge have the opportunity to
BIM investments.More Redefining the manufacture and service
experienced BIM firms Industrialisation construction complex assemblies as
should analyse their of construction company standardised products,
completed BIM projects to Model-driven prefabrication Traditionally, contractors rather than custom-
refine the approach to more and the accelerating use of simply built what design building for each project
complex BIM uses on their modular building elements professionals drew. with no ongoing economy
new projects, such as are the leading edge of As project complexity of scale or post-project
determining in advance the a tectonic shift in how increased and fluctuating revenue stream.
best ratio of model-driven construction projects will be market conditions created ■■Model management for
prefabrication to site-built designed, assembled and more uncertainty, contractors owners: As the entity
construction to optimise maintained. began providing expertise managing all the digital
cost, schedule and site ■■Major pre-engineered as advisors to the design project information into
logistics. multi-system assemblies process for cost, schedule its final physical form,
will be available from and constructability issues. contractors are ideally
Emerging uses of manufacturers’ catalogues, Now that contractors’ situated to organise and
modelled data and produced on-demand adoption of BIM is surpassing manage the information
Basic modelling and virtual from highly automated design professionals in over the long term for
coordination are quickly factories designed for major markets such as North owners, creating lifecycle
becoming routine. To remain mass-customisation rather America, and formerly engagement and an entirely
competitive, contractors than mass-production, separate discipline-specific new revenue source.
need to embrace emerging keeping costs low, workflows are integrating
A firm’s ability to succeed
uses for using model data. enabling a variety of into a more holistic and
will depend on its willingness
■■Laser scanning to capture aesthetic options, efficient approach to project
to innovate and embrace
existing conditions and optimising material usage delivery, construction
the business opportunities
integrate with models and reducing waste. companies have the
that these advancing
■■Augmented reality to ■■Work at project sites will opportunity to make use
technologies provide. ■
blend models with live focus primarily on assembly of technology innovations
camera views of reality of these manufactured and redefine their role in the
■■Simulation and analysis elements, with extensive industry, deepening their
to optimise logistical GIS-controlled robotics long-term relationships
planning and decision- enhancing consistency with owners.
making and safety.

Data: Introduction
F
rom the initial research conducted by McGraw
THE BUSINESS VALUE OF BIM FOR CONSTRUCTION IN MAJOR GLOBAL MARKETS DATA
Hill Construction (MHC) on the use of Building Note about

Information Modelling (BIM) in North America, the data
conducted in 2007, the potential of BIM to support a The data and analysis
transformation of the processes of design and construction in this report are
based on an online
has been evident. Further research in Europe, North America
survey conducted
and South Korea over the next few years revealed that BIM with 727 contractors
was seeing wide industry awareness and adoption. Now in the in ten countries that
first study conducted by MHC on some of the most significant represent some of the
construction markets globally, it is clear that BIM is beginning largest construction
to fulfil its promise to deliver improved ways to pursue markets globally:
construction globally. Australia, Brazil, Canada,
France, Germany,
This study extends the research previously conducted by
Japan, New Zealand,
MHC by allowing immediate comparisons between several South Korea, the United
different markets that are both markedly different in terms Kingdom (UK) and the
of their construction activity and in terms of the length of time United States of America
and degree of implementation of BIM. Some countries, such as (USA).
the United Kingdom, have government mandates encouraging All data presented
wider BIM adoption that are having an impact on increasing throughout this report
in charts and tables
the degree of interest in BIM at a more rapid pace. However, the
that is not specifically
findings clearly suggest that the benefits firms see from BIM, identified by region
in terms of their own businesses, the projects they work on and or country reflects the
their ability to collaborate and improve workflow in general, are average across all the
encouraging adoption globally in all the major markets studied. survey respondents.
One aspect of this global research that differs from previous In addition to this
research conducted by MHC on BIM is that this study focuses quantitative study,
qualitative research
solely on contractors. In the studies conducted by MHC
with contractors using
in North America, a key indicator of the impact of BIM on BIM was conducted in
the industry was the increased level of engagement by China and India in order
contractors. Given their role in projects, contractors are at the to reveal key trends in
heart of the workflows and processes that see the greatest BIM activity in these
benefits from BIM, but the majority of contracting firms are markets, despite the
also typically small companies that work domestically or challenges presented
in doing a quantitative
regionally. Therefore, they are the ideal type of company
study in these regions.
to consider when examining the value gained from BIM in See the full
individual markets. methodology on page
The findings in this report demonstrate that, despite 60 for more information.
regional differences, contractors in all of the markets studied
are experiencing strong value from BIM. The research results
offer countries just emerging in terms of BIM use data and
insights from more mature markets, which they can use
to understand the opportunity and value of making further
investments into BIM. It also helps those with more experience
better understand the competitive advantages of using BIM
and the baseline of how users in more nascent BIM markets
are advancing.

Data: BIM users
Number of years contractors have been using BIM
BIM has established traction among contractors in all the Length of time contractors
major construction markets surveyed for this research, have been using BIM
with some markets showing greater maturity than others. (by region/country)
BIM is reaching maturity among

1–2 Years 3–5 Years 6 –10 Years 11 or More Years
contractors in Europe and North America
The technology for modelling buildings, which is now
USA & Canada
generally termed BIM, was initially developed in Europe,
14 % 50 % 28 % 8%
so it is no wonder that 12 % of the contractors using BIM
in France, Germany and the UK report that they have Japan & South Korea
been doing so for six or more years. This is particularly 25 % 55 % 17 % 3%
true for the UK, where 19 % of BIM general contractors
Australia & New Zealand
claim more than 10 years’ experience. This shows strong
growth from McGraw Hill Construction’s 2010 research in 39 % 50 % 9% 2%
these three countries1 where less than a quarter (24 %) of UK, France & Germany 3%
contractors were using BIM at all. 47 % 41 % 9%
Meanwhile BIM adoption among contractors in North
America has grown dramatically in recent years, now Brazil
topping 70 %, according to McGraw Hill Construction’s 70 % 27 % 3%
research in 2012.2 This is demonstrated by the finding
that more than a third (36 %) of the BIM-using contractors
in the USA and Canada have six or more years of experience, 8%
greater than twice the number that were at that level in 2009.
Large number of contractors with one
US & Canada
or two years 14% 50%
of experience 28%
The UK has the highest proportion (24 %) of BIM
BIM is becoming established with contractors of experience, probably due
Japan & Southwith
Koreajust one
25%year 55% 17% 3%
contractors in other regions to the recently announced government mandate for BIM.
Japan, South Korea and Australia/New Zealand represent 9%
All regions
Australia & have experienced a recent influx of trade
the next tier of maturity, with the majority of their contractor 39% with 50% 2%
contractors
New Zealand into BIM usage, 20 % of the total reporting
BIM users falling in the three to five years experience tier.
only one year of experience, compared with 3% just 9 % of
This finding reflects the more recent adoption in these
UK, France
general &
contractors at that initial stage. In South Korea,
regions, but it also shows how rapidly BIM is advancing. Germany 47% 41% 9% while
65 % of all contractors were engaged with BIM in 2010, that
For example, South Korean contractors show a 65 % BIM
fell to only 20 % when looking just at trade contractors.
adoption rate in McGraw Hill Construction’s 2012 research Brazil 70% 27% 3%
of that region.3 Thus, although this country is relatively
new to BIM, there are many contractors participating.
Variation by size of firm
Across all regions surveyed, large contractors have been
using BIM longer than small ones.
■■Over a third (34 %) of large firms report over five years
1_1_A1_#02.eps
of experience versus just half as many (16 %) small firms.
■■Almost half (44 %) of small organisations have only one
to two years of experience compared with only 13 % of

large companies.
1. McGraw Hill Construction, The Business Value of BIM in Europe, 2010. 2. McGraw Hill Construction, The Business Value of BIM in North America, 2012.
3. McGraw Hill Construction, The Business Value of BIM in Korea, 2012.

BIM users CONTINUED
BIM implementation
The level of BIM implementation refers to the percentage Contractors’ current and future
of a contractor’s projects that involve BIM. McGraw Hill expected BIM implementation levels
Construction has been using a consistent scale for BIM Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
implementation in research studies since 2009.
■■Light implementation level: Users at low Users at moderate
BIM implementation BIM implementation
Less than 15 % of projects using BIM (less than 15 % of projects) (15 %–30 % of projects)
■■Medium: 15 % to 29 %
Users at high Users at very
■■Heavy: 30 % to 59 %
BIM implementation high BIM implementation
■■Very heavy: 60 % or more (31 %–60 % of projects) (more than 60 % of projects)
Relationship between BIM 36 %

33 %
implementation level and years of BIM 29 %
31 %
experience 25 %
McGraw Hill Construction research consistently shows 22 %
that as experience advances, users typically deepen their 17 %
level of BIM implementation. This trend is demonstrated

among contractors in this research as well. 6%
■■Across all regions surveyed, the majority (60 %) of
contractors currently operate at light or medium BIM Current BIM implementation BIM implementation level for
implementation (i.e., 30 % or fewer of their projects). level for all regions all regions expected by 2015
This is expected to shift dramatically in the next two
years, by which time more than two thirds expect to be
heavy or very heavy BIM implementers (i.e., more than
30 % of their projects).
1_2_A2.a_#02.eps
■■While only a fraction (10 %) of the contractors with one
to two years of experience are operating at high or

very high BIM implementation levels, this percentage
skyrockets to almost two thirds (64 %) by the time
they reach five or more years of experience.

BIM users
BIM implementation CONTINUED
Differences among contractors at high

and very high BIM implementation

levels
The percentage of contractors from all regions surveyed
that are engaging with BIM on more than 30 % of their
work is projected to increase sharply from an average of
39 % to over two thirds (69 %) in two years.
There are interesting differences among the results
related to this forecasted increase in BIM implementation.
■■At 55 %, US contractors already lead the rest of the regions
surveyed for high and very high implementation, so their

increase to 79 % is relatively modest as a percentage,
compared with Brazilian contractors who will reach almost
the same level (73 %), but from starting points of just 24 %,
representing more than a threefold increase.
■■Although general contractors and trades are roughly
equal in their current percentages of high and very high

level BIM implementers (39 % and 38 %, respectively),
the general contractors are predicting reaching 70 % in
two years, while trades are more modest at 64 %.
Percentage of contractors at high/very high BIM implementation levels

(By country)
2013 2015
79 %
72 % 73 %
71 % 71 %
66 %
54 % 55 %
52 %
50 %
43 %
39 %
37 %
33 %
27 % 29 % 28 %
23 % 23 % 24 %
Japan New South Korea Canada UK France Australia Germany Brazil USA
Zealand
1_3_A2.b_#02.eps
BIM users CONTINUED
BIM expertise
Although there is no globally accepted standard by which Percentage of contractors

to rate BIM expertise, in each of its BIM surveys since at various BIM expertise levels
2009, McGraw Hill Construction has asked respondents (By country)
to classify themselves by one of four levels: beginner, Source: McGraw-Hill Construction, 2013
moderate, advanced or expert. Although subjective, this

Beginner Moderate Advanced Expert
self-assessment of skill level into a few broad categories
provides a useful way to filter results and understand
variances in user perceptions and experiences. 10 % 36 % USA 35 % 18 %
As would be expected, there is a broad variety in the
findings about relative levels of BIM expertise in this research.
10 % 46 % Canada 26 % 18 %
■■While contractors in North America lead for the combined
percentage of advanced and expert BIM users (53 % in the

USA and 44 % in Canada), Japan shows a similarly high 15 % 42 % Brazil 32 % 10 %
percentage of experts (17 %), as does France with
advanced users (35 %).
■■The highest percentage of beginners is in the UK (37 %),
32 % 29 % France 35 % 3%
likely reflecting the recent surge of BIM users in response

to the recently announced government mandate for BIM. 23 % 40 % Japan 20 % 17 %
■■Almost half of contractors from medium and large
companies (47 % and 49 %, respectively) claim advanced

or expert BIM skills, compared with just over a quarter of 37 % 28 % UK 28 % 7%
contractors from small companies (29 %).
One area of continuity among the findings on BIM expertise 26 % 40 % Aus/NZ 27 % 7%

is between general and trade contractors, where each has
about the same combined percentage of advanced and
34 % 34 % Germany 25 % 6%
expert BIM users (42 % and 44 %, respectively).
BIM expertise correlates directly with 34 % 37 % South Korea 15 % 13 %

experience and BIM implementation
Skill grows directly with experience, demonstrated by the
finding that while only 10 % of contractors with one to two
years of experience are advanced or expert BIM users, the
percentage grows to over a third (37 %) among three- to 1_4_A3a.Skill_#02.eps
four-year users and to almost three quarters (71 %) by the
time a contractor has five or more years of BIM experience.
BIM expertise also correlates directly with level of
BIM implementation. Only 10 % of contractors at a low
implementation level (less than 15 % of projects involve
BIM) report having advanced or expert BIM skill, versus
those with high and very high BIM implementation (71 %
and 84 %, respectively).

BIM users CONTINUED
Contractors’ perception of BIM proficiency

Among trades
The success of a BIM project for a general contractor often Percentage of general contractors rating
relies heavily on the BIM proficiency of the trade contractors trade contractors’ BIM skills as high/very high
that are part of the project team. Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
Steel fabricator/erector
Steel and mechanical contractors lead
56 %
the industry globally
The steel fabricators/erectors stand out as the leaders for Mechanical/sheet metal/plumbing contractor
BIM proficiency, with 56 % of all general contractors surveyed 52 %
rating their proficiency as high or very high. The perception
Electrical contractor
by general contractors of the level of BIM skills among steel
contractors increases directly with the general contractors’ 35 %
size, years of BIM experience, level of BIM implementation Curtain wall fabricator/
and their own BIM skill level, as the following percentages of installer
firms perceiving steel contractors to have a high/very high 30 %
proficiency on BIM reveals:
Civil/site/geotechnical
• 65 % of large general contractors versus 44 % of small contractor
companies
29 %
• 68 % of contractors with five or more years’ experience
versus only 40 % of those with 1-2 years Concrete/masonry
contractor
• 71 % that are operating at a very high level of BIM
implementation (over 60 % of projects involve BIM), 23 %
compared with 45 % of general contractors at low Drywall/ceilings
implementation (under 15 % of projects involve BIM) contractor
• 71 % of general contractors with expert levels of BIM skill 16 %
as opposed to just 41 % of beginner level users
Following in close second (52 %) to the steel contractors

in terms of recognition of their BIM proficiency are the
mechanical/sheet metal/plumbing contractors. Again, 1_5_A3.b Trades skill_#01.eps
recognition of their BIM skills also increases directly based on
general contractors’ size and BIM maturity. It stands to reason
that as more general contractors expand their BIM programs,
these two categories of specialty contractor will rise in esteem
and value for their BIM capabilities.

BIM users
Contractors’ perception of BIM proficiency among trades CONTINUED
Regional BIM proficiency ratings for Brazil, South Korea and the UK show the lowest levels
categories of trade contractors of overall satisfaction with the BIM proficiency of trade
The matrix shows the full range of responses for the contractors. This probably directly relates to the fact that
percentage of general contractors by country that included these three regions have the most BIM users with low
each type of trade contractor among its top three most experience, skills and implementation.
proficient with BIM. ■■The UK (24 %), South Korea (19 %) and Brazil (18 %) have
Among all regions, French and German general the highest percentages of contractors with just one
contractors have the highest opinion of the BIM skills of year of experience, as opposed to an average of 9 %
the trade contractors they work with. The fact that BIM for the other regions combined.
began in Western Europe is probably an important factor ■■The UK (37 %) and South Korea (34 %) have the highest
influencing this finding because the companies have had percentages of contractors at the beginner level of BIM
a longer time to work together to cultivate their BIM skills expertise, versus an average of 20 % for the other regions
and processes. combined.
■■Electrical contractors rate more highly in France (77 %) and ■■South Korea (56 %), the UK (44 %) and Brazil (35 %) have
Germany (68 %) than any of the other regions, where the the highest numbers of contractors that are at a low
average is just 30 %, and they earn an even higher rating in level of BIM implementation (doing less than 15 % of
France and Germany than the universally popular steel and their projects in BIM), as compared with the average
mechanical trades. for all other regions of 21 %.
■■Each category of trade contractor earns at least a 50 % top
designation from French and German general contractors,

which compares very favourably to the average of 32 % for
all trades in all other regions combined.
Percentage of general contractors that selected

individual trades among the top three for BIM proficiency
(By country)
Over 40 % 30 % to 40 % 15 % to 29 % Under 15 %
France Germany Japan Aus/NZ Canada USA Brazil UK South
Korea
Steel fabricator/erector 66 % 61 % 70 % 51 % 48 % 62 % 37 % 62 % 41 %
Mechanical/sheet metal/plumbing contractor 63 % 61 % 50 % 57 % 38 % 66 % 24 % 24 % 24 %
Electrical contractor 77 % 68 % 60 % 36 % 35 % 35 % 16 % 18 % 10 %
Curtain wall fabricator/installer 50 % 58 % 43 % 27 % 31 % 21 % 32 % 21 % 35 %
Civil/site/geotechnical contractor 80 % 52 % 57 % 46 % 38 % 12 % 39 % 21 % 7%
Concrete/masonry contractor 60 % 50 % 50 % 35 % 8% 13 % 21 % 13 % 11 %
Drywall/ceilings contractor 50 % 58 % 33 % 13 % 19 % 7% 12 % 8% 12 %

4_3_A3d.TradesCountryV2_#03.eps
BIM users CONTINUED
Each contractor is engaged with BIM in a unique way. McGraw Average percentage of contractors
Hill Construction has developed a BIM engagement index in each BIM engagement level
to quantify engagement with a numerical score for each Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
respondent that participated in this research. The score is

Low BIM Medium BIM High BIM Very high BIM
derived from the following data: engagement engagement engagement engagement
• Experience: The number of years the contractor has been
using BIM 36 % 36 %
• Expertise: The level each contractor selected as best
representing their skill with BIM
• Implementation: The percentage of the contractor’s current 17 %
projects that involve BIM 11 %
These responses are weighted to reflect the increasing level

of engagement that is represented by more experience,
TOTAL ALL REGIONS
skill and/or implementation. And each of the three criteria is
weighted against the others to reflect its relative degree of
importance for BIM engagement, with expertise being the
most valuable, followed by experience, then implementation
level. 1_8_A4.c_#02.eps
• The lowest possible score for each of the three criteria
is one point.
• Very heavy implementation (more than 60 % of projects
involve BIM) earns eight points.
• More than five years’ BIM experience earns nine points.
• Expert BIM skill level earns 10 points.
Using this scoring system, each contractor’s BIM
engagement index falls somewhere in a range from three
points to 27 points.
To provide a way to analyse a large group of contractors
in a region and be able to compare regions, McGraw Hill
Construction divided the overall range into four standard
levels, from light BIM engagement (firms with generally
low experience and skill, who are not doing very many BIM
projects), through medium and high levels, to very high BIM
engagement (companies with a great deal of experience and BIM engagement level for all contractors
expertise who are executing more than 60 % of their projects in all regions
with BIM). Each contractor’s BIM engagement index score Combining results from all regions that participated in this
falls into one of these four standard levels. research, over one third (36 %) of the BIM-using contractors
McGraw Hill Construction intends to track the progress are currently in the low BIM engagement group, while
of users and regions through its continuing research over a small number (11 %) are at a very high BIM engagement
the years as BIM expands and users become more deeply level. This distribution is appropriate for this point in time of
engaged. This benchmarking system for evaluating BIM the advancing maturity of BIM across the world and provides
engagement provides useful targets, expectations and a reasonable framework for tracking future expansion and
goals for users and entire regions as they advance. growth.

BIM users
BIM engagement index CONTINUED
Comparing BIM engagement by region Percentage of contractors in each

The percentage of users in a given region that populate each BIM engagement level (by country)
of the various levels is a useful way to compare regions in Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
terms of their overall degree of BIM engagement.
■■The UK shows a very large percentage of low engagement Low BIM Medium BIM High BIM Very High BIM
engagement engagement engagement engagement
users (54 %) due to the recently announced government
BIM mandates, but also has a relatively large population USA
(28 %) at high and very high engagement levels.
21 % 36 % 22 % 22 %
■■Due to both the length of time that BIM has been actively
deployed there and the rapid pace of its growth , the USA Japan
has both the fewest low-level users (21 %) and the largest 27 % 57 % 17 %
numbers at high and very high levels (22 % each).
Canada
38 % 31 % 21 % 10 %
Impact of contractor
size on BIM engagement Australia/New Zealand
Consistent with other findings that larger contractors have 42 % 42 % 12 % 9%
4%
more BIM experience, more advanced skills and deeper
France
levels of implementation, there is a direct relation between
size and overall BIM engagement. 45 % 52 % 3%
South Korea
48 % 30 % 18 % 4%
Germany
50 % 44 % 6%
BIM engagement level UK

(According to firm size) 54 % 19 % 17 % 11 %
Brazil
Large contractors 55 % 33 % 13 %
Medium contractors
Small contractors
1_9_A4.d_#01.eps
28 %
34 %
52 %
58 %
28 %
36 %
22 %
18 %
44 %
29 % 27 % 24 %

1_10_A4.e_#01.eps
BIM users CONTINUED
Impact of BIM expertise on team formation
As more companies engage with BIM, the value of having • 25 % of small companies
other team members with BIM experience becomes • 27 % of contractors with just one to two years of
increasingly important. However, companies are currently experience
taking different approaches to using BIM expertise as • 34 % of beginner skill level contractors
a selection factor in the team formation process. • Over a third (37 %) of all contractors that are at a light BIM
About a third (30 %) of the contractors surveyed make implementation level (doing less than 15 % of their work
a practice of requiring BIM on their projects. with BIM)
■■This is more common among medium (37 %) and large
These findings suggest that as BIM becomes more
(33 %) contractors, compared with only 16 % of small
established in many regions, all contractors will increase the
companies that may not feel they have the influence to
degree to which they require BIM capability on their project
demand BIM.
teams.
■■BIM is also much more frequently mandated by
contractors with high and very high BIM implementation

levels (48 % and 51 %, respectively), and expert (59 %) and
Variation by country/region
Japanese (7 %) and South Korean (11 %) contractors lead in
advanced (43 %) BIM skills.
reporting the smallest percentage of BIM-using contractors
Over half (53 %) report that they encourage BIM expertise that do not consider BIM expertise in their team-formation
but do not yet require it. In addition, only 17 % say that BIM process. With over a third of contractors requiring it,
expertise does not affect their decisions, a group which Germany (39 %), France (37 %) and Brazil (37 %) show the
includes: greatest commitment to BIM as a vital factor in team
formation.
Contractors’ approach to requiring BIM expertise as a factor in team formation

(by country/region)
We require companies be experienced in BIM.

We encourage BIM expertise, but do not require it.
BIM expertise does not affect our decisions.
30 %
31 % 21 %
37 % 28 % 30 % 33 %
39 % 37 %
63 % 57 % 64 %
50 % 56 % 52 % 48 %
35 % 37 %
7% 11 % 13 % 16 % 15 % 18 % 19 % 26 % 27 %
Japan South Korea Brazil Aus/NZ UK USA Canada Germany France

Sidebar: Government mandates for BIM
BIM influence grows via government mandates
As BIM adoption continues to grow around the world, governments

are promoting its ability to eliminate waste on public projects
and even mandating its use as a part of construction sector reform,

cost-saving efforts and climate-change mitigation strategies.
United Kingdom (UK) we help with the foundation activities, Instead, it defines key exchange points
Under Francis Maude, Minister for the we put in place standards, training between client and supply chain at
Cabinet Office, the UK government is support and guidance.” different stages of a building project
implementing a construction strategy The BIM Task Group is halfway and how to exchange information
that states BIM will be a key part of the through a five-year rollout to bring all when those points are reached. It sets
government’s procurement of public publicly funded projects up to what the a clear framework for information
buildings and, by 2016, model-based Task Group defines as Level 2 BIM. In management by identifying deliverables
BIM will be mandatory in all public the UK maturity ramp, Level 2 is defined to be produced (such as a BIM Execution
sector projects, including delivery as “file-based collaboration and Plan, a 3D building information model
of all project and asset information, library management”. This includes and others), when they are to be
documentation and data. The UK a series of domain-specific models – produced, what information sources
government has also developed a BIM such as architectural, structural, and they draw from and what they can be
Task Group to support and assist both mechanical, electrical and plumbing used for. PAS 1192:2 also defines best
government clients and supply-chain [MEP] services 3D models – all within practices for these project deliverables.
contractors in transitioning their work a single environment where structured It lists more than 20 items that should
practices to BIM and electronic delivery. data can be shared. The information form its Employers Information
The overarching goal of this strategy sharing environment being used by Requirement at a minimum. Design
is to reduce capital costs and carbon the BIM Task Group is a version of the software, other tools and work-process
dioxide creation from the construction Construction Operations Building decisions are left up to the individual
and operation of the built environment Exchange (COBie) called COBie UK project teams but are required to be
by 20 %. The idea is that using BIM will 2012. COBie is a data-exchange format defined at a project’s outset in documents
unlock project efficiencies through created by Bill East of the US Army such as the BIM Execution Plan.
enabled processes such as early clash Corps of Engineers. COBie helps The Task Group is currently
detection and building component capture and record important project working on developing PAS 1192:3,
prefabrication and enable better data at the point of origin, including a standard for ongoing operational
sustainable building design and equipment lists, product data sheets, use of model information for facilities
operation. warranties, spare parts lists and and asset management. The BIM
“We have a managed programme preventive maintenance schedules. Task Group, now three years into its
that helps the government departments The BSI (British Standards Institute) five-year programme, is starting to
be consistent about how they ask for has created an information sharing see the adoption of BIM practices
information from BIM processes. We standard called PAS 1192:2. It’s a publicly by government clients. A number of
also have a set of activities to help the available specification created departments in the UK government,
supply chain meet demands from the in consultation with industry and including the Ministry of Justice and
client side,” says Adam Matthews, government institutions that delineates the Highways Agency, are engaged and
head of European development for the a workable definition of Level 2 starting early adopter projects. Many of
UK BIM Task Group. “We work both technology compliance in terms of the UK’s professional institutions and
sides of the equation. It’s very much a building project information sharing. federations are playing a role in Level 2
support role we provide to government PAS 1192:2 is not a standard that uptake. The Royal Institute of Chartered
departments, then on the supply side mandates hardware or software. Surveyors (RICS) has released a series

Sidebar: Government mandates for BIM CONTINUED
of BIM manager’s training courses that an international non-profit organisation Deke Smith, FAIA, programme director
align closely to the BIM Task Group’s that aims to improve the exchange at the Washington, DC-based National
2012 learning outcomes document. of information between software Institute of Building Sciences, a non-
The Royal Institute of British Architects applications. profit, non-governmental organisation
(RIBA) is also playing a role in Level In Finland, the state property that includes BuildingSMART as one
2 adoption. RIBA’s 2013 Plan of Work services agency, Senate Properties, has of its member councils. “It doesn’t
document aligns eight stages of work required the use of BIM for its projects make any sense to have all the firms
in a building project to data exchange since 2007. Many public property developing their own best practices.”
points outlined in PAS 1192:2. and government clients also require NBIMS 2.0 is based on sharing
BIM for their projects in Denmark and information via IFC, an open-file format.
Singapore Sweden. The high rate of adoption of Smith says that improvements made to
Singapore has implemented the ArchiCAD as a BIM design tool and the the file format itself by BuildingSMART
world’s first BIM-based rapid building high use of IFC for file and information will enable IFC to be used for information
permitting system. The Building and sharing has led to rapid adoption of BIM sharing on any BIM project.
Construction Authority (BCA) led practices in the Scandinavian design “IFC always worked,” Smith says.
a multi-agency effort in 2008 that and construction industries. “It was the software implementation
implemented “e-submission”, the Norway, along with the UK, recently of it that did not work too well. Now
world’s first model-based submission hosted a meeting of public owners we have validated that it does, indeed,
system. E-submission streamlines the from 13 European nations in Brussels work… there is an IFC certification 2.0
process for regulatory submission. last October to explore ways of administered by BuildingSMART that
Project teams only need to submit working together in support of public confirms that it can work for this level
one building information model, estate policy goals and improving the of information exchange.”
which contains all of the information competitiveness of the EU construction As with the UK BIM mandate, NBIMS
needed to meet the requirements sector. also enables information sharing via
of Singapore’s regulatory agencies. COBie. The version of COBie that will
In 2010, nine regulatory agencies US BIM initiatives be in version 3 of NBIMS is the same
accepted architectural 3D models for In the USA, the General Services version being used by the UK BIM Task
approval through e-submission. In Administration, the agency that Group. It was actually added in NBIMS
2011, MEP and structural BIM models manages all federal buildings, has 2.26. Smith says that once the UK
were accepted via e-submission. been requiring BIM through its BIM Task Group started using it, more
More than 200 projects have been National 3D-4D-BIM program through software vendors came around and
approved via e-submission to date. the Office of the Chief Architect of its said “Okay, it’s worth it to us to invest in
Public Buildings Service. The National writing the software for this”.
Scandinavia BIM Standard (NBIMS 2.0) from the “We want all vendors to be able to
In Norway, the civil state client BuildingSMART Alliance is continuing write software to support the NBIMS,”
Statsbygg mandated BIM use for the to evolve with version 3.0 expected Smith explains. “The success we have
lifecycle of their buildings. By 2010, all to be released in early 2014. While had so far with COBie is going to help
of Statsbygg projects were using the NBIMS is not a mandate or required us. It’s a very good example of how
industry foundation class file format standard, it does enjoy the backing information can flow from design
(IFC/IFD-based BIM). IFC is a platform of many major software vendors and through construction with the intent of
neutral, open, object-based file format several of the bigger design firms and delivering that to the facility manager.
developed by the BuildingSMART construction companies. As that grows and people become
Alliance to facilitate interoperability in “There are more best practices out more comfortable with sharing
the AEC industries. BuildingSMART is there than standard practices,” says information, we believe adoption will
grow.” ■

Data: BIM benefits, ROI
and investments
BIM Benefits
Top BIM benefits Percentage of contractors citing BIM benefit

The business benefits of BIM will drive its continued global as one of top three for their organisation
expansion and the increasing depth of BIM engagement for Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
each contractor. Since 2009, McGraw Hill Construction has

been tracking the degree to which BIM users are receiving
specific benefits as a way to predict the resulting increase 41 %
in implementation and provide reasonable expectations Collaboration with owners/design firms
for users in the early stages of their engagement. 35 %
CONTRACTORS’ TOP THREE BIM BENEFITS Enhanced organisational image
For purposes of this research, contractors were asked to 32 %
select three benefits from a list of 15 that they would rate as a
top benefit. Reduced rework
Across all regions that participated in this research, BIM’s 31 %
impact on reducing errors and omissions ranked as the Reduced construction cost
top benefit. Eliminating errors and omissions also enhances
23 %
other high-scoring downstream benefits such as reducing
rework, construction cost and overall project duration. So as Better cost control/
BIM engagement increases, the entire project delivery cycle predictability
is improved. 21 %
Using BIM to improve collaboration with owners and Reducing overall project
design firms also scored very highly with over a third (35 %) duration
of contractors. This finding highlights the increasing trend 19 %
towards greater integration among all team members, one of
the most important trends from model-oriented projects.
Benefits related to business development consistently 19 %
show value in McGraw Hill Construction BIM research. Offering new services
Here, marketing new business, offering new services and 14 %
maintaining repeat business all earn a top rating from between
10 % and 20 % of all contractors. Increased profits
Certain benefits are still emerging, such as improved 14 %
safety and faster cycle times for workflows, and for client and
Maintain repeat
regulatory approvals. business
There are three types of BIM benefits examined 13 %
in this research:
• Internal benefits: Business benefits that accrue primarily to Reduced cycle time of
workflows
the contractor that is using BIM
10 %
• Project benefits: Benefits that primarily improve the project
on which BIM is being deployed Faster client approval
• Process benefits: Benefits that enhance project workflows cycles
and processes between the parties on a BIM project 9%
Improved safety
7%
Faster regulatory
approval cycles
6%
McGraw Hill Construction 19 3_1_B1.a_#02.eps

www.construction.com SmartMarket Report
BIM benefits, ROI and investments
BIM benefits CONTINUED
Top internal benefits of BIM ■■Enhancing your organisation’s image: This top rated internal
Many contractors are turning BIM capability to their benefit across all contractors’ scores especially strongly
advantage as a way to improve profitability and enhance with trade contractors, where 43 % place it among their top
business development. three BIM benefits versus only 31 % of general contractors.
■■French contractors tend to be at the extremes, ranking This may relate to the growing awareness of the importance
first for increased profits and maintaining repeat business, of having all the build team members skilled with BIM;
but second to last in believing that BIM is enhancing their therefore, trade contractors with BIM skill are recognised
overall image and last in using BIM to market new business. and acknowledged.
■■The South Koreans and Japanese, on the other hand, are ■■Increased profitability: In the middle of the ranking for
the leaders in marketing new business and offering new internal benefits with 14 % of all contractors rating it as one
services, perhaps because BIM is more of a novelty in of their top three benefits, improved profitability earns a
their regions. top rating from almost twice as many trade contractors
(22 %) than general contractors (12 %).
MORE TRADE CONTRACTORS GIVE TOP
■■Maintaining repeat business: Owing to the nature of repeat
RATING TO INTERNAL BENEFITS THAN
business for trade contractors with general contractors that
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
are successful working with them, 16 % of trade contractors
Three of the five internal benefits studied in this research
rate this benefit among their top three, as compared with
show interesting differences between general and trade
only 12 % of general contractors. This reflects how BIM
contractors’ ratings.
can consistently make a trade contractor more attractive to
general contractors as a repeat project team member.
Top project benefits of BIM

Percentage of contractors citing internal
Contractors in all regions report that projects are reaping
BIM benefits as one of top three for their
the benefits directly from BIM.
organisation (by country)
Reduced errors and omissions earned the highest overall
average among all BIM benefits (with 41 % of contractors
Top two All Lowest two including it among their top three) and a top rating from
regions regions regions almost two thirds of South Korean (63 %) and over half of
Brazil Aus/NZ France Japan Canadian (51 %) contractors. The relatively low ranking given
Enhancing to it by French and German contractors may relate to errors
your 41 % 40 % 32 % 23 % 13 % and omissions being less of a problem in those regions,
organisation’s
image
therefore other BIM benefits earned more recognition from
South
Japan Aus/NZ France
them, such as profitability (39 % in France) and reduced
Korea
overall project duration (38 % in Germany).
Marketing Reduced rework is an important benefit because it can
31 % 27 % 19 % 13 % 0%
new business affect project cost and duration, as well as positively
South impacting productivity and the overall efficiency of the
France Japan Canada
Korea project delivery process. Forty percent of contractors
Increased
14 % 10 % 7%
with a very high BIM engagement index say reduced
profits 39 % 27 %
rework is among their top three BIM benefits compared
South with just 28 % of those with a low BIM engagement index,
Japan Germany UK
Korea highlighting the increasing impact of this benefit on more
Offering BIM-intensive projects.
new services 26 % 17 % 14 % 9% 7%
South
France UK Germany
Korea
Maintaining
repeat business 32 % 19 % 13 % 9% 4%
2_1_B1b_#02eps
BIM benefits CONTINUED
LARGE CONTRACTORS RATE SEVERAL ■■This benefit earns a top three rating from over twice as
PROJECT BENEFITS MORE HIGHLY many contractors at a very high BIM engagement level
Company size influences ratings of project benefits, perhaps (48 %) than those at a low BIM engagement level (22 %),
because of the complexity of projects and the resulting scale highlighting the collaborative value of BIM.
of the positive impact that BIM benefits can bring to larger ■■More large contractors selected this as a top benefit (41 %)
firms. than small firms (25 %), probably an indication of the greater

■■Reduced errors and omissions earns a top three rating complexity and larger teams their projects entail, where
from half (50 %) of large contractors as opposed to a third more collaboration yields greater benefit.
(34 %) of small ones.
Better cost control and predictability is a critically important
■■Reduced rework is also more widely appreciated among
benefit that will greatly improve project delivery, and although
large contractors (40 %) than small (23 %).
almost half (44 %) of German firms cite it among their top
choices, the average across all regions is only 21 %. This
Top process benefits of BIM indicates a need for greater maturity and experience for
Contractors’ use of BIM is improving project workflows and
more contractors to take advantage of it.
processes on their projects.
Faster cycle times of workflows, and client and regulatory
The ability for contractors to collaborate more effectively
approvals are still developing as benefits, with only 22 % of
with owners/design firms is the leader among process-
German and 20 % of Japanese contractors designating any
related BIM benefits.
of them as top benefits.
Percentage of contractors citing project Percentage of contractors citing process

BIM benefits as one of top three for their BIM benefits as one of top three for their
organisation (by country) organisation (by country)
Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
Top two All Lowest two Top two All Lowest two
regions regions regions regions regions regions
South USA France Brazil Japan
Canada Germany France
Korea
Reduced Collaborate
errors and with owners/ 45 % 35 % 35 % 23 % 20 %
63 % 51 % 41 % 19 % 13 %
omissions design firms
South
Canada/ Germany Brazil France
USA UK Germany Korea
Brazil Better cost
Reduced control/ 44 % 31 % 21 % 16 % 11 %
40 % 35 % 31 % 15 % predictability
rework 3%
South Canada Japan USA UK
Brazil Canada Japan
Korea Reduced
Reduced cycle time 18 % 17 % 10 % 8% 2%
construction 46 % 33 % 23 % 16 % 13 % of workflows
cost
Germany Japan UK USA
South
Germany France Canada Faster
Korea
Reduced client 9%
22 % 20 % 7% 6%
overall 38 % 35 % 19 % 13 % 10 %
approval
project cycles
duration South
Germany Aus/NZ Brazil USA Germany France USA
Korea
Faster
Improved 22 % 16 % 7% 3% 2% regulatory 22 % 16 % 6% 1% 1%
safety approval
cycles

BIM benefits, ROI and investments CONTINUED
Contractors’ current perception of ROI
There is no single widely accepted method for calculating a Contractors’ perceived ROI on BIM
company’s return on its investments (ROI) in BIM, but most Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
users have a perception of the value they are receiving for

Very positive ROI
the time, money and effort they have expended on their BIM
Over 100 %
program. The ROI discussed throughout this analysis is not
project ROI, but the estimated ROI on investment in BIM. 3%
51 % – 100 %
Perceived ROI on BIM 7%
Since 2009, McGraw Hill Construction has asked users to 26 % – 50 %
share their perception of ROI as part of its BIM research in Asia,
17 %
Europe and North America. Each BIM user is asked to estimate
if their ROI on their BIM investments falls into one of seven
numerical ranges. The seven ranges are divided into three Moderately positive ROI
broad tiers for trend analysis. 10 % – 25 %
■■Tier one: Negative/break-even ROI on BIM investments
27 %
• Negative
• Break-even Less than 10 %
■■Tier two: Moderately positive ROI on BIM investments 20 %
• Less than 10 %
• 10 % – 25 % Negative or break-even ROI
■■Tier three: Very positive ROI on BIM investments
Break-even
• 26 % – 50 %
15 %
• 51 % – 100 %
• Over 100 % Negative
10 %
Typical pattern of ROI on BIM
A consistent pattern emerges across those studies.
■■Companies in their early years of BIM adoption exhibit
negative or break-even ROI on BIM investments, especially Contractors’ perceived ROI on BIM
smaller organisations for which it takes longer to absorb the 3_2_C1a.ROI_#01.eps
(According to BIM engagement level)
initial costs of software, hardware training and development Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
of content and business processes to support BIM.

■■Contractors generally reach positive ROI quicker than Low BIM engagement level Very high BIM engagement level
design professionals because they generally receive a 50 %
greater share of the financial benefits of BIM (e.g., reduced
rework, increased profits, etc.) than design firms.
■■Users with the deepest BIM engagement, as represented 28 % 26 %
23 %
by their skill, years of experience and level of BIM 19 % 17 %
16 %
implementation, report the highest ROI on their BIM 11 %
4% 6%
investments.
Negative Break-even Less than 10 % – 25 % Over 25 %
10 %
3_3_C1b.ROI.BIMEngag_#01.eps

Contractors’ current perception of ROI CONTINUED
ROI among contractors in this research Half (50 %) of the contractors that have very high BIM
■■
The first chart shows the perceived ROI on BIM engagement are in the very positive ROI tier compared
investments from contractors surveyed in this research. with only 11 % of their low engagement counterparts.
■■Three quarters (75 %) of contractors currently believe
they have a positive ROI on BIM investments. Variation by country/region

■■More trade contractors (14 %) are receiving greater The relatively large percentage of contractors reporting
than 50 % ROI on their investments in BIM than negative or break-even ROI on BIM investments in the USA
general contractors (10 %). (26 %), UK (41 %) and South Korea (52 %) probably reflects a
■■At the same time however, almost a third (31 %) of trade recent increase of adoption by contractors in those regions,
contractors are in the negative or break-even groups, versus the more stable markets in France, Germany and
compared with less than a quarter (23 %) of general Japan (3 % each).
contractors, probably representing many recent adopters Even with the relatively large number of negative and
that are still absorbing the impact of BIM investment. break-even contractors in the UK (41 %), the overall average
for positive BIM ROI in Western Europe (UK, France and
Impact of BIM engagement on ROI Germany) is 84 %. This is up sharply from 2010, when
As is consistent with all previous McGraw Hill Construction McGraw Hill Construction research found only 40 % of
BIM research, the contractors in this study with deeper levels Western European contractors reporting positive ROI on their
of BIM engagement are reporting much higher ROI on their BIM investments.
BIM investments.
■■Most (90 %) of the contractors at very high BIM Future dynamics of
engagement have a positive ROI on their investments BIM ROI for contractors
versus only about two thirds (65 %) of the low BIM The near future will be very dynamic as more contractors
engagement firms. adopt BIM, populating the negative or break-even ROI tier,
and existing BIM users move up into the positive tiers by
gaining skills and experience, implementing more deeply
Contractors’ perceived ROI on BIM across their organisations and amortising the initial startup
(By country) costs of their BIM program. It can be expected that this current
Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 snapshot of regional ROI on BIM investments will continue
Very positive ROI (over 25 %)
to change dramatically until BIM reaches a broad level of
implementation across all regions and the cost/benefit
Moderately positive ROI (up to 25 %)
ratio stabilises for all users.
Negative or break-even ROI
40 % 38 % 36 %
28 %
36 %
35 % 26 %
26 %
12 %
57 % 59 % 61 % 59 %
49 % 43 % 48 %
33 % 36 %
3% 3% 3% 13 % 15 % 22 % 26 %
41 %
52 %
Japan Germany France Canada Brazil Aus/NZ USA UK South Korea

Formal measurement of ROI
Many contractors engage in formal measurement of their BIM engagement and measurement of ROI
ROI for BIM investments at a project level. The contractors Contractors’ level of BIM engagement correlates strongly
surveyed for this research broke down into almost equal with their approach to measuring ROI on BIM investments.
thirds in terms of their frequency of measuring ROI. ■■Over twice as many contractors at the medium (41 %),
■■Regular measurement: 33 % measure BIM ROI on at least high (41 %) and very high (43 %) BIM engagement levels
25 % of their projects, including a small group (6 %) that are in the regular measurement group, versus only 17 %
measure it three quarters of the time or more. of the low engagement firms.
■■Occasional measurement: 35 % do it, but less than a quarter ■■The largest portion of low BIM engagement contractors
of the time. (45 %) are in the occasional measurement group, with

■■No measurement: 32 % are not currently measuring their another 38 % not measuring at all.
ROI on BIM investments at all. ■■32 % of the very high BIM engagement contractors and
30 % of the high BIM engagement ones do not measure,

Over a third (34 %) of general contractors are conducting
perhaps because BIM has already established its value at
regular measurement, compared with only 22 % of trade
their firms and it no longer needs to be formally measured
contractors. And 43 % of the trades are not measuring
in order to justify continued investment.
at all, compared with under a third (31 %) of the general
contractors.
Measurement of BIM ROI by region
The findings appear to support the old adage, “You get what
you measure”.
■■The regions that most actively measure ROI on BIM
investments (France, Japan and Germany) also report

the highest ROI on BIM.
Percentage of projects on which ■■Two of the three regions that measure least frequently
contractors formally measure BIM ROI (USA and South Korea) are also among the three with
(By country) the lowest ROI.
More than 50 %
25 % – 50 %
Less than 25 %
None
26 % 17 %
28 %
14 %
43 % 17 % 7%
19 % 8%
7% 13 % 13 %
52 % 41 % 7% 20 %
23 % 15 %
45 % 43 % 46 %
37 % 38 %
28 % 23 % 29 %
22 %
3% 3%
21 %
33 % 35 % 39 % 41 % 43 %
France Japan Germany Aus/NZ UK Brazil South Korea Canada USA
3_5_C2a.ROI.Msr_#02.eps
Importance of ROI metrics
Contractors that measure ROI on BIM investments use a Percentage of users citing ROI metrics
variety of metrics to do so. Contractors were asked to rate the as high or very high importance
relative importance of five basic categories of metrics to their (By country)
company’s process of measuring ROI. Financial metrics are
the most popular among all contractors, with an average of
69 % rating them with high or very high importance. Top two All Lowest two
■■Financial metrics (such as reduced cost, higher
regions regions regions
profitability, higher productivity) Japan Germany Canada Aus/NZ
• These metrics have the top single rating among all metrics
in all regions (93 % in Japan) and the highest low rating Financial 93 % 73 % 69 % 64 % 61 %
metrics
(61 % in Australia/New Zealand).
• They are favoured somewhat more by general contractors South
Aus/NZ Germany Canada Korea
(69 %) than trade contractors (62 %). Project-related
• They are especially preferred by contractors at a very high metrics other
than financial, 81 % 81 % 68 % 55 % 52 %
BIM engagement level (81 %). schedule or safety
■■Schedule metrics (such as faster project delivery): These South
Japan Brazil Canada
metrics are rated with high or very high importance Korea
by almost a third (63 %) of all contractors surveyed. They Schedule 83 % 81 % 63 % 55 % 50 %
are given a very high importance rating by 31 % of general metrics
contractors, compared with only 20 % of trade contractors, South
Japan France Canada
likely due to the general contractor’s greater role of Korea
responsibility for overall project schedule. Internal
■■Safety metrics: Methods for measuring the impact
benefit 83 % 61 % 52 % 45 % 31 %
metrics
of BIM on safety are still an emerging metric among
South
contractors globally. Japan Aus/NZ USA
Korea
• Safety only scores as high or very high with 50 % of
Safety 86 % 68 % 50 % 35 %
all contractors, with small companies (56 %) leading metrics
29 %
large (46 %).
• Japanese firms (86 %) stand out in giving it a top rating.
The relatively low rating from South Korean (29 %) and
US (35 %) contractors should be interpreted as a lack of
experience with measuring BIM impact on safety rather 2_4_C3.ROI.Metrics_#02.eps
than a lack of interest in safety by those contractors.
■■Project-related metrics other than financial, schedule or
safety (such as fewer RFI’s, fewer unplanned changes,

higher customer satisfaction, less disruption in project ■■ Internal benefit metrics (such as enhanced marketing,
process) offering new services, staff recruitment/retention)
• This broad category appeals to over two thirds (68 %) of all • Over half of general contractors (53 %) give high/very high
contractors and almost three quarters (73 %) of those at a ratings to these types of metrics, compared with trade
very high BIM engagement level. firms (41 %).
• Slightly more general contractors (69 %) rate this category • Twice as many of the contractors with very high BIM
at high or very high importance than trade contractors engagement rate this category of metric as top (very high)
(62 %), probably because of their greater ability to in importance versus just 10 % of those with low BIM
experience positive impact over the scope of the full engagement, indicating that commitment to BIM directly
project. impacts business performance.

Improvements to ROI
Contractors were asked to designate the three most important Percentage of users citing factors that
BIM benefits in terms of how much an increase in each would have high/very high impact on
specific benefit would directly improve their company’s ROI improving ROI for BIM (by country)
on BIM investments. The top five are shown in the chart, Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
both by region and in total, with analysis by engagement

Top two All Lowest two
level and firm type listed below. regions regions regions
USA UK Germany France
Contractors’ BIM engagement
level influences their preferences Improved project 73 % 69 % 61 % 39 % 32 %
process outcomes
Not surprisingly, the contractors with deeper BIM engagement
have strong opinions about what benefits, if increased, would South
Korea Japan Canada Germany
improve the ROI on their investment in BIM.
Contractors with low BIM engagement gave more Better multi-party
communication and 91 % 62 % 60 % 43 % 42 %
value to better communication and understanding understanding from
from 3D visualisation (57 %) than those with very high 3D visualisation
BIM engagement (48 %). This is likely due to the relative Brazil USA Germany Japan
novelty of their level of exposure to this potent tool among Improved productivity 54 % 45 % 36 % 26 % 21 %
these early users, who until recently had to rely on 2D of personnel
drawings and a few sketches to understand complex design Canada Japan France South
Korea
intent. Much more experienced BIM users come to take this Reduced cycle time
capability for granted and have likely gotten as much value for project activities 48 % 45 % 32 % 26 % 21 %
as possible from it and, therefore, are focused elsewhere for and delivery
improvement. Japan Germany Aus/NZ Brazil
To that point, the contractors most highly engaged
Lower project cost 55 % 48 % 29 % 20 % 8%
with BIM cited the improved process outcomes (77 %) and
improved productivity of personnel (43 %) more frequently
than those on the lowest engagement tier (47 % and 34 %, ■■Half again as many trades (21 %) included improved
respectively). This is a natural outcome of their extension of jobsite safety in their top three than did general
BIM benefits beyond improved visualisation into substantial contractors (14 %), which makes sense because it
2_5_C4.ImproveROI_#02.eps
business benefits related to workflow efficiency, improved affects them more directly.
utilisation of resources and better project outcomes. ■■A similarly high proportion of trades (40 %) selected
increased ability to prefabricate as a top driver of

Variation by type of firm increased ROI, compared with 28 % of general contractors.
A greater percentage of general contractors included This is understandable because of their direct involvement
improved process outcomes such as fewer RFI’s (Requests for with that practice and the outstanding benefits it provides
Information) and field coordination problems (62 %), reduced for productivity, speed, safety and quality. For more
cycle time for workflows and project delivery (33 %) and lower information, refer to McGraw Hill Construction’s 2011
project cost (29 %) among their top three than trade contractors Prefabrication and Modularisation SmartMarket Report.
(53 %, 26 % and 21 %, respectively). This may relate to the more ■■Positive impact on sustainability garnered a top-three
administrative nature of their role on projects. designation from 19 % of trade contractors, compared
Several other BIM benefits, which did not score among the with 15 % of general contractors, perhaps because of
top five shown in the chart, showed distinct preferences several trades’ intimate involvement with systems that
by trade contractors: influence energy performance and on the specific aspects
of reducing material and labour utilisation on the jobsite.

BIM investments
BIM programs require ongoing investments in hardware, Percentage of contractors assigning high or
software, training and processes in order to realise their very high importance to specific categories
potential value. Since 2009, McGraw Hill Construction has of BIM investments over next two years
been tracking the categories of BIM users’ investments, both (According to all contractors and those
in terms of current spending and plans for future investing. with a high level of BIM engagement)
The chart on the right shows the percentage of contractors
who anticipate top (high or very high) levels of priority
on each of eight specific categories of BIM investment over Very high BIM engagement contractors
the next two years and compares that total average with Average all contractors
the average of contractors with a high/very high level of
Develop internal collaborative BIM processes
BIM engagement. Notably, no investment earned less than
a third (32 %) of contractors’ designation as top priority, so 60 %
investment plans overall are diverse and robust. 49 %
BIM training
Top investments planned 61 %
by all contractors
45 %
On average, contractors around the world are focusing
most highly on investing in their internal collaborative BIM software
processes, BIM training and BIM software. These 59 %
investments align around the central goal of improving a 41 %
company’s BIM capabilities by bringing in more technology,
training staff on its use and creating the internal BIM Develop external collaborative BIM processes
workflows and processes for them to work collaboratively 51 %
in a model-based environment. These three types 43 %
of investments are the fundamental building blocks of a
contractor’s BIM program. New/upgraded tablets/mobile devices
The next lower tier of planned investment priorities 61 %
focuses outside the contractor’s office. 38 %
■■Developing external collaborative BIM processes:
Collaboration skills, standardised deliverables and Develop custom 3D libraries

repeatable workflows are vital to improving the 46 %
effectiveness of the broader BIM ecosystem, and they
34 %
represent an important evolution of BIM maturity for
the whole industry. New/upgraded desktop machines
■■New/upgraded tablets/mobile devices: Bringing the
45 %
value of BIM from the office to the project site is an
34 %
area of increasing interest for all contractors, and
investing in the hardware and connectivity to enable Software customisation/interoperability solutions
that is a first important step. 46 %
32 %
3_6_D1b.BIMEngag_#02.eps

BIM investments CONTINUED
The final three investment priorities are more specialised, ■■The biggest difference is with new/upgraded tablets/
addressing unique needs of individual companies. mobile devices, where 61 % of the most engaged
■■Developing 3D custom libraries: Model-based content contractors are citing its top importance versus just 38 % of
for BIM is critical. Although a growing number of the total. This speaks to the goal among the more advanced
manufacturers produce BIM content for their products, users to get the value of BIM out to the staff in the field.
most BIM users need additional content that supports their ■■BIM software shows the second largest variance, likely
specific activities. Typically a combination of internal skills indicating that the most engaged contractors plan to
and third party content creation consultants are filling add more BIM users to their staff.
this need.
■■New/upgraded desktop machines: Depending on the Variation by region
software that is being used and the file sizes that are being Combining the percentages of contractors in every region
created and managed, many contractors need to upgrade that designated each BIM investment as a top (high or very
their desktop hardware and they will typically procure high) priority over the next two years produces an average
powerful computers for any new BIM staff. for each region that reflects the intensity of planned BIM
■■Software customisation/interoperability solutions: Once investment by its contractors.
contractors engage with BIM, it becomes important to tailor ■■Among the regions, South Korean contractors show
the functionality to their specific needs and to integrate the most enthusiasm for BIM investment, with an
the data with other applications. Again, a combination average of almost half (46 %) designating top priority
of internal skills and third-party IT integration specialists for all categories of BIM investment combined.
are meeting contractors’ needs. The rapid recent growth of BIM in South Korea –
demonstrated in the 2012 Business Value of BIM in
Investments planned by contractors Korea SmartMarket Report – is a likely driver for this
at a very high engagement level commitment to expansion.
Keeping an eye on the behaviour of the industry’s BIM ■■Most other regions fall in a tight range between 44 %
leaders is a good way to predict what everyone else is (Japan) and 38 % (UK), establishing a reasonable
likely to be doing shortly thereafter. In this instance the baseline for the overall global industry.
very high BIM engagement contractors plan significantly
greater-than-average investments in all categories.
Average percentage of contractors assigning high or very high

importance to all BIM investment categories over next two years
(By country)
46 %
44 % 43 % 43 %
41 %
39 % 38 %
33 %
21 %
South Korea Japan Germany France Aus/NZ USA UK Brazil Canada
3_7_D2a.INVbyRgn_#01.eps
BIM investments CONTINUED
■■At 33 %, Brazil somewhat trails the majority of other Percentage of contractors assigning high or
regions, perhaps because BIM is relatively new and very high importance to specific categories
contractors are not ready to commit until more evidence of BIM investments over next two years
is available on the benefits they say are most important to (by country)
them (such as reduced construction cost) and ones they Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
indicate would most positively impact their ROI (such as Top two All Lowest two
process outcomes and productivity). regions regions regions
■■Canada at 21 % provides the most conservative outlook
South
on continued BIM spending. Their highest rated investment Germany Japan Canada
Korea
is internal collaborative processes, which at 36 % is well Developing
below the average for all other regions. internal 60 % 53 % 49 % 37 % 36 %
collaborative
BIM processes
Identifying the top two and lowest two regions for each South
Japan Aus/NZ Canada
investment category provides another comparative profile Korea
on investment planning.
■■The overall investment leaders, South Korean contractors
BIM training 67 % 47 % 45 % 39 % 26 %
are most committed to BIM training (67 %), an important

South
way for their contractors to deepen engagement, which Aus/NZ Brazil Canada
Korea
results in higher enjoyment of benefits and better ROI. Developing
■■The Australia and New Zealand region shows unique
external
collaborative 50 % 49 % 43 % 31 % 10 %
leadership in external collaborative processes (50 %) and BIM processes

South
upgraded desktop hardware (50 %). The interest in external Japan
Korea
Aus/NZ Canada
collaborative processes speaks to their growing focus on
integrated processes and their hardware investment plans BIM software 57 % 51 % 41 % 34 % 23 %
may be a sign of a growing focus on developing complex
models, which are larger files and require more France Japan Brazil Canada
processing power. Software
■■French firms are planning the most work on developing
customisation/
interoperability 45 % 40 % 39 % 26 % 10 %
custom 3D libraries and software customisation/ solutions
South
interoperability, reflecting their relatively advanced BIM Japan Germany
Korea
Canada
maturity.
■■Japanese and German contractors show the most
New/upgraded
tablets/ 57 % 53 % 38 % 24 %
interest in getting BIM out into the field with their mobile devices 10 %
designation of new/upgraded tablets/mobile devices France Japan Canada Brazil

as a top investment category. Developing
custom 3D 48 % 47 % 34 % 26 % 23 %
libraries
South
Aus/NZ Canada Japan
Korea
New/upgraded
desktop 50 % 37 % 34 % 28 % 27 %
machines

Data: BIM activities and practices
Project types using BIM, according to contractors
BIM is being deployed on a growing variety of project Percentage of contractors that are
types all over the world; not only in buildings but also in using BIM on specific project types
infrastructure, industrial and natural resources projects. Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
Contractors in this research indicated all of the project types

Building project types
where they are currently using BIM. The charts show both
the overall frequency of their responses by project type and Commercial (e.g. offices, retail, hotels)
the detail on percentages of contractors per project type in 63 %
each region. Institutional (e.g. education, healthcare, religious)
54 %
BIM project types in all regions
Government/publicly owned buildings
BUILDING PROJECT TYPES (e.g. courthouses, embassies,
Buildings are the dominant category for contractors civic/sports and convention)
using BIM, probably because its usage began mostly 49 %
with architects for buildings projects, and that drew most
Multi-family residential
contractors into engagement with BIM.
■■BIM for commercial buildings is especially strong with
23 %
85 % of very high BIM engagement contractors using it Single-family residential
versus the overall average of 63 %. 6%
■■Government buildings also attract an above-average
number of very high BIM engagement contractors (79 %),

compared with the overall average of 49 %, and only 29 % Non-building project types
of low BIM engagement firms. Industrial/manufacturing
■■BIM for institutional buildings, especially healthcare, is
32 %
tremendously popular among very high BIM engagement
contractors (85 %), compared with the average of 54 %, Infrastructure (e.g. highways/roads, bridges,
tunnels, dam, water/wastewater)
and is dominated by large firms (64 %) as opposed to
medium (40 %) or small (38 %) contractors. 20 %
■■Residential is still an emerging sector for BIM. Very high Industrial/energy (e.g. primary power
BIM engagement contractors (37 %) are above the 23 % generation, oil/gas facilities)
average for multi-family, while low BIM engagement 17 %
companies (8 %) outpace the 6 % average for single-family
Mining/natural resources
projects, also the only project type dominated by small
5%
(10 %) versus large (2 %) contractors.
NON-BUILDING PROJECT TYPES

Industrial/manufacturing is the most penetrated non-building
category for contractors to use BIM. 4_1_E0a_#01.eps
■■Well over half (57 %) of the very high BIM engagement
firms are involved, versus 32 % across all contractors.

■■Large contractors (35 %) only show a slight edge over Industrial/energy is a more specialised sector with only 17 %
medium (31 %) and small (29 %) ones, indicating a of all contractors surveyed using BIM. Among projects in
well-established distribution across the industry. this sector, large firms (31 %) are dominant over medium
■■A higher percentage of trade contractors are using BIM (12 %) and small (7 %) ones, and contractors at the very
(42 %) than general contractors (30 %), reflecting the high BIM engagement level are far above average (39 %),
importance of their role on industrial/manufacturing reflecting the skill and sophistication required to apply BIM
projects. in this technically demanding market.

BIM activities and practices
Project types using BIM, according to contractors CONTINUED
BIM for infrastructure (e.g. highways/roads, bridges, BIM project types by region
tunnels, dams, water/wastewater) is a relatively small but The matrix shows the detail for contractors’ regional
growing activity globally. McGraw Hill Construction’s 2012 involvement with various BIM project types.
BIM for Infrastructure in North America SmartMarket Report ■■Buildings projects are common across all regions, with
showed that while only a quarter (27 %) of infrastructure Germany far greater than average in multi-family (44 %
contractors were using BIM in 2009, almost half (46 %) were versus 23 %) and single-family (22 % versus 6 %).
doing so by 2011, and the percentage using it on over half of ■■Infrastructure is also fairly consistent across all regions
their infrastructure projects almost doubled from 16 % with the UK (33 %), Canada (31 %) and Brazil (28 %)
to 29 % over the same period. This research on BIM for showing the most activity.
infrastructure in nine global markets shows: ■■Although all regions show strong industrial/manufacturing
■■A third (32 %) of very high BIM engagement contractors BIM activity, Japan (47 %) stands out, which aligns well
use BIM for infrastructure, compared with only 8 % of withits general commitment to state-of-the-art
low BIM engagement firms. manufacturing processes.
■■Large firms (30 %) show much higher than average (20 %) ■■Industrial/energy BIM activity is more localised, with
participation in this activity. Canada (28 %), South Korea (21 %) and the UK (20 %) all
well above average (17 %).
At 5 % overall, mining and natural resources is the least
■■Mining and natural resources activity is concentrated
active sector for BIM. Very high BIM engagement firms (16 %)
in Canada (18 %) and Australia and New Zealand (11 %),
handle most of the activity, and large companies (11 %)
where these industries are most prevalent, and also
outnumber medium (3 %) and small (2 %) ones.
somewhat popular in the UK and Brazil (6 % each).
Percentage of contractors that are using BIM on specific project types

(By country)
Building projects Over 40 % 30 % to 40 % 15 % to 29 % Under 15 %

UK France Germany USA Canada Brazil Japan South Aus/NZ
Korea
Commercial (offices, retail, hotels) 69 % 68 % 59 % 66 % 54 % 53 % 63 % 48 % 70 %
Institutional (education, healthcare, religious) 61 % 32 % 31 % 77 % 41 % 31 % 23 % 35 % 39 %

Government/publicly owned (courthouses,
embassies, civic/sports and convention) 54 % 10 % 22 % 68 % 44 % 12 % 0% 51 % 37 %
Multi-family residential 33 % 35 % 44 % 18 % 26 % 19 % 23 % 20 % 26 %
Single-family residential 17 % 19 % 22 % 1% 10 % 16 % 0% 1% 4%
Non-building projects
UK France Germany USA Canada Brazil Japan South Aus/NZ
Korea
Infrastructure (roads, bridges,
tunnels, dam, water/wastewater) 33 % 19 % 16 % 14 % 31 % 28 % 13 % 24 % 25 %
Industrial/manufacturing 26 % 23 % 19 % 35 % 36 % 31 % 47 % 24 % 34 %
Industrial/energy (primary
power generation, oil/gas facilities) 20 % 13 % 3% 18 % 28 % 12 % 0% 21 % 16 %
Mining/natural resources 6% 0% 0% 4% 18 % 6% 0% 1% 11 %

4_2_E0b_#03.eps
BIM activities and practices CONTINUED
Top design/pre-construction BIM activities

for contractors
Contractors are finding numerous innovative ways to apply Percentage of contractors citing the top three
BIM to projects prior to the start of construction. In this activities for which their organisation uses
study contractors were asked to select the three top ways in BIM during design/pre-construction phase
which their organisations are using BIM during design and Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
pre-construction.
Multi-trade coordination
Consistent with all of McGraw Hill Construction’s
previous research on BIM around the world, the top-valued 60 %
pre-construction activities relate to virtual coordination Visualisation of the design intent
among trades, and the outstanding ability of BIM and 52 %
related software tools to communicate the design intent.
The following looks at these top activities in terms of the Modelling for constructability evaluation
overall averages and by how they compare by level of BIM 34 %
engagement, firm type and firm size. Determining quantities from a model
■■Very high BIM engagement contractors indicate above-
30 %
average preference for the following:
• Multi-trade coordination (82 % compared with the average Integration of model
with schedule (4D)
of 60 % for all contractors)
• Modelling for constructability evaluation (46 % compared 29 %
with 34 %) Integration of model
• Determining quantities from a model (39 % versus average with costs (5D)
of 30 %) 24 %
■■Schedule (4D) and cost (5D) integration rate among the top
Virtual jobsite planning
three most important with over a quarter of contractors and logistics
(29 % and 24 %, respectively). These activities are likely to 23 %
grow as the technical and interoperability challenges of
integrating model data with contractors’ legacy scheduling Value engineering
and costs systems become easier to manage. 16 %
■■General contractors are most above average in their
Laser scanning capturing
preference for visualisation of design intent (55 % existing conditions into
compared with an average of 52 % for all contractors), a model before construction
likely because they are responsible for all the build team’s 13 %
accurate understanding of the project.
Safety planning/training
■■Trade contractors are most above average in determining
6%
quantities from a model (49 % compared with an average
of 30 % of all contractors), which makes sense because it
relates directly to their responsibilities.
■■Large contractors are most above average in their
preference for multi-trade coordination (70 % compared 4_4_E1a.PreCon_#01.eps

with the average of 60 %) and virtual jobsite planning
and logistics (30 % compared with the average of 23 %),
probably because the value of these activities is most
evident on larger, more complex projects.

Top design/pre-construction BIM activities for contractors CONTINUED
Top design/pre-construction Percentage of contractors citing

phase BIM activities by region activity as one of top three ways

Contractors show variety across regions in their designations their organisation uses BIM during
of important pre-construction phase BIM activities. The chart design/pre-construction phase
on the right shows the highest and lowest results for the top (By country)
five activities. Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
■■The 57 percentage point range in the regional responses

for multi-trade coordination is unusually large, going from regions regions regions
USA-based contractors, who almost unanimously (82 %) South
USA Germany Brazil
consider it to be a top pre-construction activity, to Brazil Korea
(25 %) and Germany (28 %), where it has not gained as Multi-trade
82 % 65 % 60 % 28 % 25 %
much acceptance. coordination
■■German (22 %) contractors are also at the low end for
South
designating visualisation of the design intent as a top Korea UK Brazil Germany
activity, versus South Korea (63 %) and the UK (59 %).
Visualisation of 63 % 59 % 52 % 32 % 22 %
Some regions express the most enthusiasm for activities the design intent
that score relatively low averages across all the countries/
South Canada Brazil France
regions. Please note that the chart on the right only reflects Korea
five of the top responses, but some of the differentials below Determining
quantities 43 % 36 % 30 % 20 % 19 %
are less popular overall. from a model
■■Japan (53 %), Brazil (52 %), France (48 %) and Germany South
Brazil France USA
(41 %) designate integration with costs (5D) as a top Korea
Integration of
activity compared to the average of 24 %. model with 72 % 39 % 29 % 22 % 21 %
■■German firms (41 %) far outweigh other regions for their schedule (4D)
enthusiasm about virtual jobsite planning and logistics, Japan Brazil UK USA
where the UK is second (30 %) and the average is just 23 %. Integration of
■■French firms (29 %) are more than twice as positive as model with 53 % 52 % 24 % 15 % 9%
costs (5D)
average (13 %) about laser scanning to capture existing
conditions, and Japanese contractors (13 %) are more
than double the average (6 %) for safety planning/training
with BIM.
2_7_E1b.Precon_#02.eps
70 % from original size

Top BIM activities during construction by contractors
The chart shows how many contractors selected specific Percentage of contractors citing activity
construction-phase BIM activities as being among the top as one of top three ways their organisation
three that best enable their organisations to use BIM data uses BIM during construction phase
effectively. Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
Model-driven layout in the field

BIM activities that reduce rework
The explosive growth and value of model-driven layout 59 %
in the field is shown clearly in its top ranking among all Model-driven prefabrication
contractors. This correlates directly with the consistently 43 %
top-rated BIM benefit of reduced rework, by using the
precision of laser-guided instrumentation and the granular Status/progress monitoring
accuracy of the model to prevent errors in physical location of 40 %
work-put-in-place, such as sleeves and penetration in slabs, Augmented reality to visualise
or embeds for attachment of building envelope elements. the model and existing
The other field-based BIM activities, augmented reality, conditions together
laser scanning for validation of work in place, GPS control 32 %
of construction equipment and model-driven robotics, all Laser scanning during
scored lower in this research, but each is also directly tied construction to validate
to the powerful benefit of reducing rework, so all of them compliance with the model
can be expected to show increased popularity in future 23 %
studies as they become more widely available, understood Supply chain management
and used.
13 %
Model-driven prefabrication Integrating model with

GPS to control construction
Model-driven prefabrication is the second most widely equipment onsite
selected activity by contractors, with 43 % placing
12 %
it among their top activities that help them use BIM
effectively. Model-driven prefabrication is well established Model-driven robotics onsite
as a highly beneficial BIM activity with profound impacts 7%
on cost, schedule, productivity and quality. Currently
most popular with mechanical, electrical, plumbing and
structural trades, the creation of increasingly larger and
more complex assemblies at offsite facilities that provide
safer, more controlled environments at lower labour cost 4_5_E2a.CONSTR_#01.eps
will continue to expand to include many other project
elements. Pre-manufactured bathroom pods, for instance,
are becoming common on healthcare projects in the USA,
and the practice is spreading to other countries as more
teams acknowledge their efficiency and quality.
Ultimately, the combination of computer-controlled
production equipment with detailed fabrication-level
models will enable mass customisation such that most
of the elements required to assemble a project will be
available from factories rather than constructed onsite from
raw materials. More information on this topic is available
in McGraw Hill Construction’s 2011 Prefabrication and
Modularisation SmartMarket Report.

Top BIM activities during construction by contractors CONTINUED
Business-oriented BIM activities Percentage of contractors citing activity

The business-oriented BIM activities, status/progress as one of top three ways their organisation
monitoring and supply chain management, are still uses BIM during construction phase
developing, but many of the software companies with (By country)
existing tools for these activities are working on integrating Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
BIM data so that their customers can use BIM for improved Top two All Lowest two
timeliness and accuracy. Therefore, it is reasonable to regions regions regions
expect that the percentage of contractors rating these as
South Korea Brazil Japan Germany
top activities will increase in future research.
Model-driven
layout in 75 % 70 % 59 % 40 % 38 %
Variation by level of BIM engagement the field
In most cases the contractors with a very high BIM
engagement level show above-average preference for these Canada South UK Germany
Korea
construction-phase BIM activities.This is especially true for
Model-driven
model-driven prefabrication, where 61 % of the most engaged 53 % 40 % 43 % 27 % 27 %
prefabrication
BIM users rate it among their top three activities versus the
average of 43 % across all contractors. France UK Brazil Japan
Status/progress
55 % 48 % 40 % 32 % 20 %
Top construction phase monitoring
BIM activities by region Augmented
Regional differences appear in the responses from reality to Germany Aus/NZ Brazil Canada
visualise
contractors about their designations of the three most the model 47 % 35 % 32 % 25 % 23 %
valuable BIM activities during construction. and existing
■■South Korean contractors lead the other regions in their
conditions
together
support of model-driven layout in the field, reinforcing the
Laser scanning Brazil Germany USA UK
rapidly growing use of BIM in that market. Interestingly it during
is also very strongly cited in Brazil, one of the newer areas construction 45 % 44 % 23 % 15 % 9%
to validate
for BIM, again highlighting this activity’s relative ease compliance
of deployment and immediate value in avoiding costly with the model
rework and enhancing onsite productivity. Japan UK Brazil USA
■■Model-driven prefabrication is highly valued in Canada,
Supply chain
management 37 % 35 %
13 % 8% 6%
where many contractors report using BIM on non-building
work, suggesting that they are actively using models to Integrating France Germany USA South
model with Korea
prefabricate on those projects. GPS to control
■■German firms, who show the least interest in two of the construction 39 % 25 %
12 % 8% 1%
equipment
three leading construction phase BIM activities, indicate onsite
top preference for augmented reality (47 %) and laser Japan France USA South
Korea
scanning (44 %), indicating their focus on advanced BIM
Model-driven 33 % 0%
activities during construction. robotics onsite
26 %
7% 3%
■■French and UK contractors show the most interest for
status/progress monitoring, the one business-related

activity in the top five. This may be influenced by the
fact that BIM has been in the market for the longest time
2_8_E2b.Constr_#02.eps
in Europe, and contractors have had more opportunity
to develop procedures for this activity. 70 % from original size

Top post-construction BIM activities for contractors
One of the biggest untapped BIM business opportunities Percentage of contractors conducting
for contractors relates to models for owners that facilitate activity at moderate or high frequency
ongoing operations and maintenance. Contractors are in during post-construction phase
the ideal position to modify, create and manage models as (By country)
an entirely new service with decades of potential revenue. Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
The fundamental task of converting one or more models Top two All Lowest
originally intended for design, fabrication or construction regions regions two regions
into a format that accurately shows exactly what was South Japan Brazil Canada
Korea
actually built for owners ranks as the top post-construction
activity for contractors. It is an especially common practice Preparing final
as-built model 77 % 73 % 64 % 52 % 51 %
among contractors at a very high BIM engagement for owner
level, where almost all (95 %) say they have moderate or
Adding France Japan Brazil USA
high involvement versus the average of 64 % among all maintenance
contractors. and operations
data to model 87 % 83 % 49 % 42 % 38 %
Enriching the model with maintenance and operation for owner
data to make it more useful to owners is the next most
popular activity, where again the very high BIM engagement Integrating Japan Germany USA Aus/NZ
with model for
contractors (59 %) are above the average (49 %) for their level punch list/
of involvement. snag list and 90 % 75 % 44 % 36 % 35 %
close-out
Using the model to close out a project is not quite as activities
common yet, although its above-average involvement Japan France Canada USA
Managing
by very high BIM engagement contractors (57 % versus the model
the average of 44 %) indicates it will probably grow in for owner 77 % 68 % 31 % 26 %
beyond
popularity. closeout 14 %
The new service opportunity to maintain a model for
an owner is still emerging as a practice with less than a
third (31 %) moderately or highly involved. The business
model for this practice has to be further developed and
standards for maintenance need to be established before 2_9_E3b.PostConstr_#02.eps
it will be widely practiced.
70 % from original size
Top post-construction phase
BIM activities by region
There are wide regional differences in this still-developing
category of activities.
■■Japanese and French contractors lead among all the
regions for most involvement in post-construction BIM

activities, with South Korean firms (77 %) taking a slight
lead over Japanese (73 %) on preparing as-built models.
■■The large percentage point ranges between the highest
and lowest regions for these activities are due to their

emerging nature, where some regions are barely
participating and others are strongly involved.

The relative value of post-construction BIM activities
As post-construction BIM activities are a new and emerging Percentage of contractors citing BIM
field, there is still significant debate about where the business activities that provide the greatest
value can be found. Contractors were asked to identify which value during post-construction phase
of the four post-construction activities studied in this research (By country)
provides the most value. Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
■■About four in ten (39 %) assign the greatest value to

Top two All Lowest
adding maintenance and operations data to models for regions regions two regions
the owner. General contractors (41 %) are somewhat more
Canada Aus/NZ Brazil South
likely than average to hold this opinion, which is probably Adding maintenance Korea
a result of their responsibility for aggregating and turning and operations
data to model 53 % 47 % 39 % 27 % 25 %
over all this information to owners at project completion,
for owner
traditionally in paper format.
South France Germany Canada
■■Trade contractors (41 %) find greater than average (29 %)
Korea
benefit from the final as-built model, perhaps because Preparing final
as-built model 39 % 32 % 29 % 22 % 16 %
many of them are involved long term in servicing what for owner
they have installed and they appreciate the accuracy and
Integrating with South Brazil UK Aus/NZ
usefulness of an as-built model. Korea
model for punch
list/snag list 32 % 32 %
Regional differences in the and closeout
21 % 13 % 6%
relative value of post- activities

Germany France Canada South
construction BIM activities Korea
Managing the
Perspectives among regions vary on the value of post- model for owner 22 % 21 %
11 % 3%
construction BIM activities, with no one region emerging beyond closeout 5%
as a consistent champion across all activities.

■■Although more South Korean contractors see top value in
the final as-built model (39 %) and using BIM for closeout
(32 %) than any other region, they are last in their support 2_10_E3d.ValuePostCon_#02.eps
of adding maintenance data (25 %) and managing the
model for owners beyond closeout (3 %). 70 % from original size
■■Canadian contractors (53 %) are most in favour of adding
maintenance data to a model, but they are in the bottom

two for both as-built modelling (16 %) and managing
a model for an owner after closeout (5 %).
■■Australian and New Zealand contractors come second
in valuing adding maintenance data to a model but are

least enthusiastic about using BIM during closeout.
Similarly, Brazil, which comes second for contractors
praising BIM for closeout, is second to last as it relates
to adding maintenance data to a model.
Another indication of the early-stage nature of post-

construction BIM activities is the absence of a difference
of opinion between contractors with very high BIM
engagement and those with low BIM engagement, a variance
that is consistent among the more established BIM activities.
This is due to the lack of experience with post-construction
BIM activities that even the most engaged contractors have to
draw on in order to make a value judgement.

Specialised BIM activities for sustainability
The use of BIM to support sustainability goals is increasingly Percentage of contractors that are
valuable. Tools for analysis and simulation are helping conducting BIM activities for sustainability
design professionals to generate higher-performing design (By country)
solutions, and contractors can use models in a variety of Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
ways to improve the quality and reduce the environmental

impact of their work. In addition, an emerging area of BIM regions regions regions
activity relates to owners using models to improve building
USA UK South France
performance by optimising facilities management. Korea
Contractors identified sustainability-related BIM activities Coordinate building
systems to improve 69 % 67 % 60 % 50 % 45 %
they engage in either often or always. building energy
■■Almost two thirds (60 %) of contractors are using BIM to performance
coordinate systems with the goal of improving energy Brazil France Canada South
Korea
Improve building
performance, with high (67 %) and very high (68 %) BIM performance through 57 % 55 % 44 % 35 % 32 %
engagement firms doing it somewhat more than average. BIM-optimised
■■BIM for building performance in facilities management facilities management
is a much more common practice among very high BIM South France USA/ UK
Korea Canada
engagement contractors (55 %) than the average (44 %), Create tighter building
envelope through
and appears to be taking hold in Brazil (57 %) and France BIM-enhanced 57 % 55 % 39 % 30 % 28 %
(55 %) more than other regions. prefabrication
■■Prefabrication to create tighter building envelopes is
France UK USA South
Korea
less frequent overall (39 %), but large companies (45 %)
Better waste
exhibit an above-average involvement, and South Korean 45 % 42 % 23 %
management 4%
13 %
and French firms (57 % and 55 %, respectively) show
leadership in this area.
■■Although using BIM to manage waste more sustainably
is the least practiced (23 %) by all contractors, it scores 2_11_E4.Green_#02.eps

more strongly with trade contractors (30 %), perhaps
because they have the greatest ability to impact material 70 % from original size
waste.

Accessibility to models
The ways in which contractors make models available to Percentage of contractors that often or always
staff on the jobsite varies a great deal by region. The charts make models available to field personnel on
show the percentage of contractors that indicated they use the project site using these methods
each method either often or always. (By country)
Computers Top two All Lowest

Providing computers for field staff to use in the job trailer regions regions two regions
is almost a universal practice for contractors in France (97 %),
France Japan Canada UK
Japan (87 %) and Germany (85 %), as well as among
contractors with a very high BIM engagement level (86 %) On computer in
the job trailer 97 % 87 % 60 % 46 % 43 %
across all regions.
Germany France South

Wireless handheld devices UK Korea
Mobile devices are increasingly popular among contractors, On wireless
75 % 71 % 42 % 29 % 12 %
so the current average of 42 % that report deploying them handheld devices
often or always is certain to increase, especially as screen
Japan France South
resolution and connection bandwidth improve. As a leading Korea USA
indicator of that trend, 63 % of very high BIM engagement Through computers
onsite (“kiosks”) 84 % 61 % 31 % 20 % 17 %
level contractors are currently deploying them that
frequently.
On large or France Germany Brazil Canada
multi-screen
Onsite computers (kiosks) display(s) in the 62 % 62 % 30 %
Kiosks on the site with computers and wireless connectivity job trailer 10 % 3%
are less often used (31 % average), but they can be an (“BIM cave”)
effective productivity enhancement because they combine
normal screen size with the benefit of bringing the model
to where the work is taking place. This enables them to
engage field workers quickly and efficiently. As a new 2_12_F1b.Access_#01.eps
approach, their frequency of use is distributed fairly evenly
across contractors at all levels of BIM engagement. Among 70 % from original size
regions, the electronics-oriented Japanese take a prominent
lead, with 84 % deploying jobsite BIM kiosks often or
always, five times the rate in the USA where they are still
relatively rare (17 %).
Large or multi-screen displays

Large or multi-screen displays in the job trailer (also
sometimes known as “BIM caves”) are an exciting new
method of immersive engagement with the model. Most
commonly used in France (62 %), Germany (62 %) and Japan
(60 %), they require greater investment, but can facilitate
much more effective communication by taking advantage of
the powerful visualisation capability of BIM.

Contractors’ perspectives
on project team BIM practices
Owners demanding BIM Percentage of contractors that often

use on their projects or always report these practices

BIM has the most chance of being successful and effective (According to level of BIM engagement)
when the project owner actively wants the project team to Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
use it, and the number of owners demanding BIM on their
projects is growing worldwide. This includes government Very high BIM engagement contractors
agencies in many countries and an increasing number All general contractors
of healthcare, educational and commercial owners in All trade contractors
markets such as retail, hospitality and corporate office An owner demands that your
buildings. These owner-driven BIM mandate programmes company works with BIM
have been effective for introducing the benefits of BIM to 62 %
a large number of design and construction firms, many of 39 %
whom become active BIM users thereafter with their other
36 %
clients and project teams, driving BIM even wider through
the industry. Your company voluntarily uses BIM on projects
General contractors were asked how frequently 93 %
owners are demanding BIM in their market. The following 56 %
commentary reflects a combined percentage of those that 38 %
gave responses of often or always. The use of combined
responses of often and always also applies to all the other Your company develops models with internal resources
data on how team members influence the use of BIM by 77 %
firms throughout this article. 52 %
■■More than a third (39 %) of general contractors report
46 %
that owners are either often or always demanding BIM,
Your company receives models
with Germany (90 %) reporting the highest percentage. from design professionals
■■The percentage of general contractors in the UK (23 %)
64 %
currently reporting high frequency of owner mandates
46 %
is well below the average, but they should increase
dramatically as the government BIM mandates go into 46 %
effect in the coming years.
■■Over half (56 %) of the very high BIM engagement level
general contractors are experiencing a great deal of

owner demand for BIM, probably because these firms 6_2_F2a.v2_#02.eps
are working with the most BIM-intensive owners.
Contractors’ voluntary use of BIM ■■French general contractors lead all regions in this
A growing number of contractors are using BIM voluntarily. category, with three quarters (74 %) citing their voluntary
■■The majority of general contractors (56 %) say they often commitment to BIM on most projects.
or always use BIM voluntarily, although fewer trade ■■Other above-average regions for general contractors
contractors (38 %) are committed at that level, pointing include established BIM markets like the USA (66 %), the
to the need to grow BIM engagement among those UK (65 %) and also Brazil (63 %), where it would appear
companies. that the relatively recent introduction of BIM is gaining
■■Not surprisingly, most very high BIM engagement level advocates quickly.
firms use BIM voluntarily, including 94 % of general ■■Canada (30 %), Japan (33 %) and South Korea (37 %) show
contractors and 83 % of trade contractors, with 61 % of the fewest numbers of general contractors who are either
general contractors saying they always do so, often or always voluntarily using BIM, perhaps indicating
demonstrating complete commitment to BIM. a need for more owner-mandated programmes.

Contractors’ perspectives on project team BIM practices CONTINUED
Contractors’ development of Percentage of general contractors that

models with internal resources often or always engage in these practices

Many contractors are building internal modelling staffs (By level of BIM engagement)
and committing to investments in software, hardware and Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
training to create models, either when they are not available
from design professionals or for specific purposes such as Very high BIM engagement general contractors
coordination, prefabrication, sequencing or constructability All general contractors
evaluation.
Your company demands that trade contractors/
Contractors were asked how frequently they create fabricators develop models
models with internal resources. 57 %
■■Over three quarters (79 %) of general contractors and over
35 %
two thirds (67 %) of trade contractors at a very high BIM
engagement level frequently build models with internal Your company receives models
from trade contractors/fabricators
resources. without having to demand them
■■Among regions, general contractors in Brazil (69 %),
33 %
Australia (67 %) and France (57 %) show above-average
20 %
commitment to building models, along with half (50 %)
of the trade contractors in the USA.
Contractors’ receipt of models

from design professionals 6_3_F2b.v2_#01.eps
Contractors frequently must conduct BIM activities without
receiving models from design professionals. This is because ■■German (61 %), Japanese (56 %) and French (53 %)
many designers are still not using BIM, and some of the ones general contractors most frequently demand models
that do are reluctant to share their models with contractors, in from the trade contractors on their projects, and German
both cases creating the inefficient need for extra work by the and French firms also lead in receiving models without
contractor. demanding them (55 % and 50 %, respectively). This
■■Very high BIM engagement contractors are more reflects more well-established inter-company practices in
frequently receiving models from designers, with trade these regions where BIM has been used for a long time.
contractors from that group (75 %) more successful than ■■Very high BIM engagement firms are significantly more
general contractors (62 %), both of which greatly surpass active in these practices than average, indicating that
the average of only 46 % across all levels of engagement. modelling by trade contractors is a trend the rest of the
■■Japanese general contractors (67 %) take a strong lead market is likely to follow.
regionally, perhaps providing a model for success that
can be copied in other regions. Trade contractors’ modelling practices
The number of trade contractors that are actively modelling
General contractors’ practices varies greatly by geography and across specialities. Although
with trade contractors the ultimate goal is for all trades to be modelling their work
In all McGraw Hill Construction’s research around the world, on all projects everywhere, it is not uncommon currently for
the top reason given for not adopting BIM is that no one has only one trade to be producing models on a project.
asked the company to do it. A growing practice everywhere One quarter (25 %) of trade contractors across all regions
is for general contractors to ask trade contractors to be in this research indicated that they are either often or always
responsible for developing models for their part of the the only trade modelling, still representing a large proportion
work. This requirement has been a major driver for BIM of the industry. A third (31 %) claim it rarely or never happens,
adoption among trades, and its continued growth as a BIM and a similar amount (36 %) say that most of the major trades
practice will also drive deeper BIM engagement among the are often or always modelling on their projects, a positive
companies that adopt. trend that needs to accelerate.

Using the cloud
All business software users around the world are exploring Percentage of contractors that often/always
ways to use offsite servers for hosting large amounts of conduct activities with the cloud
data and the applications that work with it, all of which is (According to level of BIM engagement)
generally referred to as putting these things in “the cloud”. Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
Very high BIM engagement contractors

Construction companies’ All contractors
use of the cloud
Contractors are no exception to this trend, and while this Access software for
research shows that no more than half the respondents company business activities
on average are currently using the cloud for project or 52 %
business activities, the shift from desktop and enterprise 36 %
to cloud-based services is certain to continue.
Host one or more models
■■As a leading indicator of that change, contractors currently
for team access
at the very high BIM engagement level are already 52 %
significantly more active in the cloud than the overall
44 %
average.
■■More general contractors are frequently using the cloud Access software for project activities
than trade contractors for project activities (52 % versus 65 %
41 %), hosting models (47 % versus 30 %) and company 50 %
business activities (39 % versus 26 %).
■■Large contractors are 50 % to 100 % more highly involved
in all these cloud activities than small companies, Percentage of contractors expressing
likely because the larger companies have more skilled moderate/high level of concern about
6_1_F3a.CloudV2_#02.eps
information technology staff to help guide and manage security of the cloud (by country)
this transformative initiative. Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
South Korea
Contractors’ concerns
79 %
about security of the cloud
Security of the information hosted in the cloud is a growing US
USA
issue. Overall, 62 % of the contractors surveyed expressed 66 %
a moderate or high level of concern.
■■South Korean contractors (79 %) top the list, while
UK
UK
Japanese (43 %) and German (31 %) firms seem to worry 61 %
the least. Canada
Canada
■■Two thirds of general contractors (63 %) express moderate
59 %
to high concern, compared with half (50 %) of trade
contractors, which reflects general contractors’ greater France
France
level of responsibility for large amounts of sensitive project 58 %
information. Aus/NZ
■■Not surprisingly, the very high (72 %) and high (70 %) BIM
55 %
engagement level firms express greater than average
concern. Brazil
Brazil
55 %
As more firms engage the collaborative benefits of BIM, the
industry will need to address issues of security, as well as Japan
bandwidth, mobile access, latency and new usage-based 43 %
business models. Germany
Germany
31 %

Sidebar: BIM and field data
BIM and field data

How detailed field conditions are
creating better 3D models
The promise of field-accurate information inside a 3D Building Information
Model is rapidly becoming a useful reality on construction sites and
in early design discussions, thanks to better software-importing

capabilities and newer, less-expensive field-scanning technologies.
T
hanks to faster data Using laser scans in BIM “The scan gives them that level of
connections and capital for prefabrication reliability. The value to the project
investments in storage Tocci said Gilbane has seen both cost from prefabrication and site knowledge
capacity and equipment, savings and major field safety on that project alone will exceed six
construction managers are using improvements from importing laser figures. If someone is telling us from
laser scanning as a BIM-enabled, scans into Revit models. Prefabrication finished floor to underside of beam,
whole-project verification tool. and coordination of mechanical, you have 11-feet, eight inches, we
electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems can say, ‘no we have 11 feet even’.”
Investments in installation has saved rework money
laser scanning on every project on which Gilbane Network and hardware
Previously the purview of surveyors, a has used its scanner. Prefabrication of requirements
“scan” is a powerful laser recording of ductwork and systems has eliminated Like similar big data solutions, your
field data that captures a site’s shapes, field work and stopped what might network and hardware need to be
and possibly its appearance, and have been weeks of MEP rough-in up to the task to share and upload
converts those conditions into a cloud activities. the point-cloud data. Gilbane has a
of data points that can be uploaded One such project was the renovation primary server with three terabytes of
into a 3D BIM. Last August, Providence, of Kreger Hall at Miami University storage and a secondary server that
Rhode Island-based Gilbane Building in Oxford, Ohio. The 85-year-old has 16 terabytes. Computers with 32
Company purchased a FARO Focus 3D building will become the new home GB of RAM, high-end graphics cards
laser scanner. Counting software and of Miami’s Physics Department when and solid-state hard drives are also
operations training, the bill came in the renovation is completed next year. necessary. It’s not unusual to have a
around $60,000, a far cry from the The original plans were a hand-drawn point cloud take up more than 200 GB
six-figure cost of older scanners, but set. By laser-scanning 50,000 square of hard drive space. To share these
still a major investment. feet of the building in one day, Gilbane’s data sets, Gilbane’s outbound network
“We’ve found that laser scanning has virtual design and construction traffic can generate 65 GB of network
a huge barrier to entry in cost, but if you (VDC) staff was able to get accurate activity in a single day.
own it, you find use cases for it that you measurements for prefabrication, Gilbane’s initial uses – five projects
otherwise wouldn’t have considered,” scheduling and sequencing of the across the USA spanning higher
said John Tocci, Jr., director of virtual $12 million upgrade that will turn the education renovations to work for
design and construction at Gilbane. existing building into labs and physics the National Institutes of Health in
“On one project, 30 minutes of scan lecture halls. Gilbane was able to drive Washington, D.C. – have generated
time in the field and 30 minutes of the entire MEP, structural and building such a value-add that they’re
post-processing and uploading the coordination activities on the project purchasing a second laser scanner
point cloud into a Revit model saved from a 3D model. this year. The VDC group is hoping
$30,000.” “It would have been an unrealistic to add the Faro Focus3D X 330 to its
expectation to believe trade contractors laser-scanning tool kit for long-range
could go in and come out cleanly and outdoor scans. ■
install everything the first time based
on ancient 2D documents,” Tocci said.

Data: North America
BIM for construction data from
contractors in Canada and the United States
Contractors in North America are far more advanced at BIM use compared with
those in other parts of the world, and they are planning to invest in increasing
the depth of use. Of particular importance is the collaboration of owners as well

as the improvement of process outcomes and reduction of errors and omissions.
BIM engagement Length of time using BIM Current BIM

There are three components that Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 implementation level
comprise the BIM engagement level North America All regions Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
(see page 14): experience with BIM,
North America All regions
expertise level and implementation 50 %
47 %
level – shown on the right. 29 % 26 %
31 %
24 % 22 %
28 %
22 %
Compared with those in other 17 %
28 % 28 %
regions, contractors in the USA and
18 %
Canada are notably higher in expertise, 14 % Light Medium Heavy Very
translating to 20 % being at the very 8% 6% (less than (15 % – 30 % (31 % – 60 % heavy
15 % of of projects) of projects) (more than
high engagement level. projects) 60 % of
1–2 3–5 6 – 10 11 or projects)
Project types years years years more
years
In North America, BIM is used most
heavily on building projects. Specifically,
BIM expertise level BIM engagement level
US contractors are extremely heavily
engaged in BIM on institutional and Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
North America All regions 6_22_NAmerica_#3_#01.eps

government buildings. In Canada, there 6_10_NAmerica_#1_#01.eps North America All regions
is more use of BIM on infrastructure 38 % 37 % 36 % 35 % 36 %
projects (see page 31). 34 %
29 % 23 % 22 %
17 % 20 %
ROI on BIM 21 %
18 %
11 %
13 %
Overall, 76 % of North American 10 %
contractors rate positive ROI on BIM, engagement engagement
engagement engagement
with more than a quarter rating it at Beginner Moderate Advanced Expert
a very high level. However, a nearly
comparable level rate it as break-even/
negative. This lack of agreement may be
due to the high share that are not engaging Perceived ROI on BIM Factors most often cited
in any formal measurement of ROI – 6_16_NAmerica_#2_#02.eps
as having high/very high
41 % in Canada and 43 % in the USA.
impact on improving ROI
6_28_NAmerica_#4_#01.eps
The average for the North American Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
contractors matches the overall average Improved project/process outcomes
Negative/break-even ROI
for the factors deemed the most
72 %
important to improve ROI. However,
individually, there are some differences: Better multi-party communications
■■Improved project process outcomes 24 % and understanding from
27 % 3D visualisation
and improved productivity of
57 %
personnel: Higher in the USA at 73 %
and 45 %, respectively Improved productivity
49 % of personnel
■■Reduced cycle time for project
activities/delivery: Higher in 45 %
Canada at 48 %
SmartMarket Report 6_34_NAmerica_#5_#01.eps

McGraw Hill Construction 44
www.construction.com
Data: North America CONTINUED
Planned BIM investments Planned BIM investments Top benefits cited by

over next two years rated as Investments deemed as important for contractors in North
high/very high in importance US contractors are consistent with the America (according to
Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 average of all respondents. However, benefit category)
overall, investments in Canada are Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
North America rated notably lower, with the highest
All regions North America
being 36 % reporting developing
All regions
Developing internal internal collaborative BIM processes.
collaborative BIM processes Internal benefits of BIM
48 % Top benefits Enhancing your
There are some differences among the organisation’s image
49 %
North American contractors (averages 32 %
BIM training for all North American contractors 32 %
44 % shown at right). In the USA, marketing
Marketing
45 % new business, offering new services, new business
and reduced errors and omissions 20 %
New/upgraded tablets/
mobile devices are all rated higher than average at
19 %
42 % 31 %, 26 % and 63 %, respectively. For
Canadian contractors, collaborating Project benefits of BIM
38 %
with owners/design firms and better
BIM software cost control/predictability are cited by
43 %
41 % more. (See pages 19 – 22.)
41 %
41 %
Top activities Reduced rework
Developing external
collaborative BIM processes PRE-CONSTRUCTION 37 %
40 % A high percentage of US contractors 31 %
43 % use BIM in multi-trade coordination
(82 %), visualisation of design intent Process benefits of BIM
Developing custom
3D libraries (52 %) and modelling for constructability Collaborate with owners/design firms
28 %
evaluation (45 %). However, far fewer 43 %
are using it to integrate model with cost 35 %
34 %
(5D), as opposed to Canada where this
New/upgraded is one of the larger uses, reported by 31 %. Better cost controls/
desktop machines predictability
28 % CONSTRUCTION AND 21 %
POST-CONSTRUCTION 21 %
34 %
The top construction activities and
Software customisation/inte post-construction activities are used by
roperability solutions
comparable levels of contractors in
26 % the USA and Canada, compared with
32 % those in the rest of the world. The only 6_52_NAmerica_#8_#03.eps
exception is managing modelling for
owner beyond closeout, where notably
fewer contractors in the USA report this
use (14 %). ■

Data: Brazil
BIM for construction data
from contractors in Brazil
Brazilian contractors are newer to using BIM. However, they are reporting
plans to invest in building capabilities and expertise, and expect to increase
activity levels in the future. Of particular importance in this country are the
cost benefits BIM can yield – including improved ability to predict costs.

comprise the BIM engagement level Brazil All regions
(see page 14): experience with BIM, Brazil All regions

40 %
level – shown on the right. 35 %
29 % 31 %
Compared with those in other 47 % 22 % 22 %
17 %
regions, contractors in Brazil are much 28 % 27 % 2%
newer BIM users, translating to a low 18 %
Light Medium: Heavy: Very heavy:
BIM engagement index for 55 % of 3%
6% (less than (15 % – 30 % (31 % – 60 % (more than
0%
contractors in the country and none at 15 % of of projects) of projects) 60 % of
1–2 3–5 6 – 10 11 or projects) projects)
the very high level. years years years More
years
Project types
For the most part, contractors in
Brazil are using BIM on lower levels
of project types, likely reflecting
6_7_Brazil_#1_#01.eps 6_19_Brazil_#3_#01.eps
Brazil All regions
more specialised use of BIM versus Brazil All regions
contractors using BIM on many project 55 %
42 %
types. The exception is industrial/ 37 %
32 %
manufacturing, where 31 % are using 29 % 36 %
33 %
36 %
BIM, compared with 32 % for all 21 %

17 %
15 % 13 % 13 % 11 %
respondents (see page 31). 10 %
0%
Low BIM Medium: BIM High BIM Very high BIM

ROI on BIM Beginner Moderate Advanced Expert engagement engagement engagement engagement
In Brazil, 85 % of contractors report
a positive ROI on BIM. And the share
that report very positive ROI (36 %)
is equivalent to other key countries Perceived ROI on BIM Factors most often cited
investigated in this study. However, this 6_13_Brazil_#2_#01.eps
Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 as having high/very high
high level is likely speculative, since 35 % Very positive ROI (over 25 %) impact on improving ROI
of firms are not formally measuring Moderately positive ROI (up to 25 %) Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
BIM ROI (see page 24).
6_25_Brazil_#4_#01.eps
Negative/break-even ROI
Improved project/process outcomes
The top three business benefits that
would help drive increased ROI in Brazil 62 %
line up against those for all regions 15 % Improved productivity of personnel
investigated, although improved
36 % 54 %
productivity of personnel is rated more
highly (see page 26). Better multi-party communications and
49 % understanding from 3D visualisation
46 %

Data: Brazil CONTINUED

over next two years rated as Developing internal collaborative BIM contractors in Brazil
high/very high in importance processes, BIM software and BIM (according to
training are investment areas that benefit category)
Brazilian contractors note as high/very Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
Brazil high in importance. These are all areas
All regions that correspond to the relatively newer Brazil
All regions
Developing internal level of BIM use, since they reflect the
collaborative BIM processes need for these firms to build internal Internal benefits of BIM
45 % BIM capacity and expertise. Enhancing your organisation’s image
49 % 41 %
Top benefits
BIM software 32 %
Generally, contractors in Brazil match
40 % up against the benefits most often cited Marketing
by other contractors around the world New business
41 %
(see chart at right as well as pages 21 %
BIM training
20 – 23), though sometimes at 19 %
40 %
different priority levels.
45 % For example, in process benefits, Project benefits of BIM
New/upgraded the top two benefits are reversed with Reduced construction costs
desktop machines significantly more Brazilian contractors 46 %
33 % rating cost controls/predictability 23 %
34 % as a key benefit, compared with all
respondents around the world where
Developing external 26 %
collaborative BIM processes collaboration with owners is more often
cited as a benefit. Similarly, for project 41 %
31 %
benefits, reduced costs ranks higher
43 % Process benefits of BIM
than reduced errors and omissions.
Software customisation/ Better cost control/
interoperability solutions predictability
Top activities
26 % 31 %
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
32 % 21 %
Integration of model with schedule
New/upgraded tablets/ (4D) and with cost (5D) are used by Collaborate with owners/
mobile devices design firms
significantly more Brazilian contractors
26 % compared with all respondents. Use of 23 %
38 % 4D is reported by 72 % Brazilian firms, 35 %
and use of 5D is reported by 52 % –
Developing custom
3D libraries compared with only 29 % and 24 %, CONSTRUCTION AND
23 % respectively, for all respondents. The POST-CONSTRUCTION
results reinforce the importance of 6_49_Brazil_#8_#03.eps
There are no notable differences
34 %
using BIM for cost control. in the use of BIM in construction
and post-construction activities for
Brazilian contractors compared with all
respondents. ■

Data: Europe
contractors in France, Germany and the UK
Contractors in France, Germany and the UK are currently at relatively low
BIM engagement levels, but they are planning activities and investments to
increase usage. The benefits and activities vary across the different countries,
pointing to markets that are unique, versus consensus across Europe.

comprise the BIM engagement level Europe All regions Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
(see page 14): experience with BIM, Europe All regions

expertise level and implementation 47 % 47 %
41 % 36 %
level – shown on the right. 31 % 29 % 31 %
25 % 22 %
Compared with those in other 28 % 17 %
8%
regions, the European contractors 18 %
are notably higher in both newer users 9% Light (less Medium Heavy Very heavy
6%
and those at a beginner expertise level. 3% than 15 % (15 % – 30 % (31 % – 60 % (more than
of projects) of projects) of projects) 60 % of
Implementation and engagement levels 1–2 3–5 6 – 10 11 or projects)
are relatively consistent across the three years years years more
nations, though France is a little higher. years

Project types
In the UK, BIM is used most heavily Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
on all building projects at higher rates Europe All regions Europe All regions
6_18_Europe_#3_#01.eps
than contractors in other regions.
35 % 37 % 50 %
In France and Germany, the emphasis 30 % 29 % 29 % 36 % 34 % 36 %
is on commercial and residential
21 %
buildings, with far fewer using BIM 13 %
17 %
10 % 11 %
on government-owned buildings. 6% 5%
(See page 31 for more details.) Low BIM Medium BIM High BIM Very high BIM
Beginner Moderate Advanced Expert engagement engagement engagement engagement
ROI on BIM
Overall, 80 % of contractors in these
European countries report positive
ROI on BIM, though those in the UK
Perceived ROI on BIM
6_12_Europe_#2_#01.eps Factors most often cited
pull down the average, with French
and German contractors among the
Very positive ROI (over 25 %) impact on improving ROI
most positive (see page 23). 6_24_Europe_#4_#01.eps
The averages for the European Moderately positive ROI (up to 25 %) Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
contractors for factors that improve Negative/break-even ROI Better multi-party communications
ROI match against other nations. and understanding from 3D visualisation
However, individually, there are 52 %
differences in each of the countries: 20 %
■■Lower project costs: Higher in the 32 % Improved project/process outcomes
UK (47 %) and Germany (48 %) 48 %
■■Faster plan approval and permits:
Lower project cost
In France, cited by 48 % 48 %
41 %

Data: Europe CONTINUED

over next two years rated as The investments deemed important for contractors in Europe
high/very high in importance European contractors are consistent (according to benefit category)
Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 with the average, with the following Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
exceptions:
Europe
Europe ■■New/upgraded tablets/mobile
All regions
All regions devices: 48 % in France and 53 %
Internal benefits of BIM
Developing internal in Germany
Enhancing your
collaborative BIM processes ■■Developing custom 3D libraries:
organisation’s image
48 % 48 % in France and 47 % in Germany 27 %
49 % 32 %
Top benefits Increased profits
Developing external There are some differences among
collaborative BIM processes 22 %
European contractors (averages for all 14 %
46 %
European contractors shown on the
43 % right). In France increased profits and Project benefits of BIM
New/upgraded tablets/ reduced overall project duration are Reduced errors and omissions
mobile devices cited by more contractors – at 39 % 28 %
45 % and 35 %, respectively. 41 %
38 % For German contractors, better cost Reduced overall project duration
controls, faster regulatory cycles and 28 %
BIM training
reduced overall project duration are 19 %
40 % cited by more. (See pages 19 – 21.)
BIM software Top activities Collaborate with
owners/design firms
39 % PRE-CONSTRUCTION 29 %
41 % Activities where BIM is used by more 35 %
contractors in Europe compared with
Developing custom Better cost controls/
3D libraries the average (see pages 32 – 33): predictability
■■Integration of model with costs (5D): 26 %
38 %
Higher in France (48 %) and 21 %
34 %
Germany (41 %)
Software customisation/ ■■Integration of model with schedule: CONSTRUCTION AND
interoperability solutions Higher in Germany, at 41 % 6_48_Europe_#8_#03.eps
POST-CONSTRUCTION
37 % ■■Modelling for construction The top two construction activities
32 % evaluation: Higher in the UK, at 44 % where BIM is used by German
■■Laser scanning: Higher in France (29 %) contractors are augmented reality
New/upgraded
desktop machines and Germany (28 %) (47 %) and laser scanning (44 %), while
32 % ■■Value engineering: Higher in the those in France and the UK match
34 %
UK (24 %) and Germany (31 %) against the average.
In France and Germany, the use
of BIM on post-construction activities
is higher for almost all activities (see
page 36), whereas UK contractors
6_42_Europe_#7_#02.eps match against the average. ■

Data: South Korea
contractors in South Korea
Though currently at a relatively low implementation level of BIM use,
contractors in South Korea are preparing for a more intense use in the future,
as they look to make investments in internal BIM expertise and processes to

encourage it. Improved communication and collaboration, as well as reduced
errors, are important benefits and drivers to increasing engagement.

comprise the BIM engagement level South Korea All regions
(see page 14): experience with BIM, South Korea All regions
expertise level and implementation 46 % 47 %
56 %
level – shown on the right.
Compared with those in other 29 % 28 %
29 % 31 %
regions, contractors in South Korea are 21 %
18 % 21 % 22 %
17 %
using BIM on fewer projects, leading to 11 % 12 %
78 % of them being at low or medium 4% 6%
engagement levels. 1–2 3–5 6 – 10 11 or

Light Medium Heavy Very heavy
(less than (15 % – 30 % (31 % – 60 % (more than
years years years more 15 % of of projects) of projects) 60 % of
years
Project types projects) projects)
Most of the South Korean contractors’
BIM use is being done on buildings,
particularly commercial and
government-owned ones. Levels
6_9_SKorea_#1_#01.eps
South Korea All regions
of use in non-building projects is South Korea All regions
comparable with the total for all 37 % 37 % 6_21_SKorea_#3_#01.eps
34 %
48 %
respondents (see page 31). 29 % 36 % 36 %
30 %
21 %
ROI on BIM 15 % 13 % 13 %
18 % 17 %
11 %
4%
In South Korea, only 48 % report a
positive ROI on BIM, which is the lowest Low BIM Medium BIM High BIM Very high BIM
Beginner Moderate Advanced Expert engagement engagement engagement engagement
of all the key countries investigated in
this study. The relatively low usage of
BIM on projects and the lack of formal
measurement of ROI (39 % are not
Perceived ROI on BIM Factors most often cited
formally measuring BIM ROI on any
projects) could be reasons for this
Very positive ROI (over 25 %) impact on improving ROI
low result.
Overwhelmingly, South Korean Moderately positive ROI (up to 25 %) Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
contractors agree that the factor Negative/break-even ROI Better multi-party communications
that would have the most impact and understanding from 3D visualisation
on improving ROI for BIM is better 91 %
12 %
multi-party communications and Improved project/process outcomes
understanding – 91 % versus 60 %
59 %
for all respondents (see page 26). 52 % 36 %
This consensus does not exist in Improved productivity of personnel
other markets. 29 %
SmartMarket Report McGraw6_33_SKorea_#5_#01.eps

Hill Construction 50
Data: South Korea CONTINUED

over next two years rated as BIM training and developing contractors in South
high/very high in importance collaborative processes are Korea (according
Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 investment areas in which South to benefit category)
Korean contractors place high/very Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
South Korea high importance. The agreement as South Korea

All regions to the importance of BIM training All regions
BIM training makes a strong statement about the
future plans for BIM use in the country
67 % Enhancing your
as firms prepare all their workers to organisation’s image
45 %
become users. 34 %
Developing internal 32 %
collaborative BIM processes Top benefits
Marketing
60 % Overall, the top benefits reported by new business
49 % contractors in South Korea align with 31 %
the total for all respondents. Though 19 %
BIM software
second for all respondents, including
51 % those in South Korea, marketing new Project benefits of BIM
41 % business is noted by significantly more Reduced errors and omissions
Developing external contractors in South Korea. Similarly, 63 %

collaborative BIM processes the reduction of errors and omissions is 41 %
49 % viewed as a top benefit for significantly Reduced rework
43 %
more contractors in South Korea. 34 %
31 %
Developing custom 3D libraries Top activities
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
34 % Collaborate with
Overall, the current ways contractors owners/design firms
New/upgraded are using BIM in South Korea are 32 %
desktop machines comparable to those of all respondents 35 %
37 % (see page 32), with particularly strong
Better cost controls/
34 % use of BIM for multi-trade coordination predictability
(65 %), visualisation of the design intent 11 %
Software customisation/
interoperability solutions (63 %) and determining quantities from 21 %
models (43 %).
34 %
32 % CONSTRUCTION AND
POST-CONSTRUCTION
New/upgraded tablets/
mobile devices Overall, similar numbers of contractors Two notable areas of difference:
in South Korea are using BIM for (1) Significantly more contractors in
24 %
construction and post-construction South Korea (75 %) report using BIM
38 %
activities compared with all respondents for model-driven layout in the field,
(see pages 34 – 36). compared with all respondents (59 %);
and (2) far more South Korean
contractors (77 %) report using BIM to
6_45_SKorea_#7_#02.eps prepare a final as-built model for the
owner, compared with the average for
all respondents (64 %). ■

Data: Japan
contractors in South Korea
Japanese contractors are engaging in BIM at moderate levels but are reporting
significant benefits from doing so. This should help spur increased usage, as
should the investments oriented towards building capacity for and expertise
in BIM. Higher profits and lower costs are key factors to BIM use in Japan.

comprise the BIM engagement level Japan All regions Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
(see page 14): experience with BIM, Japan All regions

80 %
expertise level and implementation
47 %
level – shown on the right.
Compared with those in other 47 % 27 % 29 %
31 %
27 %
22 %
regions, contractors in Japan are at 17 %
more moderate BIM engagement 28 %

0%
17 % 18 %
levels, with 83 % having used BIM for Light Medium Heavy Very heavy
6%
more than three years, and nearly three 3%
0%
15 % of of projects) of projects) 60 % of
quarters (74 %) using BIM on 15 % – 60 % 1–2 3–5 6 – 10 11 or projects) projects)
of projects. years years years more
years
Project types BIM expertise level BIM engagement level

Most of the Japanese contractors’
BIM use is being done on commercial
buildings and industrial/manufacturing Japan All regions Japan All regions
6_20_Japan_#3_#01.eps
6_8_Japan_#1_#01.eps
projects, with the other sectors rating 57 %
40 %
37 %
lower usage compared with other
29 % 36 % 36 %
respondents around the world 23 % 21 % 27 %
20 %
(see page 31). 17 % 17 % 17 %
13 % 11 %
0%
ROI on BIM Low BIM Medium BIM High BIM Very high BIM
In Japan, nearly all contractors report a Beginner Moderate Advanced Expert engagement engagement engagement engagement
positive ROI on BIM. Further, the share
that report very positive ROI (40 %) is
higher than the percentage reporting
the same in any other region. More Perceived ROI on BIM Factors most often cited as
Japanese contractors are also formally 6_14_Japan_#2_#01.eps
Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 having high/very high impact
measuring BIM ROI on projects Very positive ROI (over 25 %) on improving ROI
compared with respondents in most Moderately positive ROI (up to 25 %) Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
6_26_Japan_#4_#01.eps
other regions. Negative/break-even ROI Better multi-party communications
and understanding from 3D visualisation
The top business benefits that would 3%
help drive increased ROI in Japan 62 %
line up against those for all regions Lower project cost

investigated, though lower project cost 55 %
is significantly higher in Japan at 55 % 40 %
Improved project/process outcomes
versus 29 % for all respondents (see 57 % 45 %
page 26).
Reduced cycle time for project activities
45 %

6_32_Japan_#5_#01.eps
Data: Japan CONTINUED

over next two years rated as New/upgraded tablets/mobile contractors in Japan

high/very high in importance devises, BIM software, developing (according to benefit category)
Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 custom 3D libraries and BIM training Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
are investment areas in which

Japan Japan
Japanese contractors place high/ All regions
All regions
very high importance. These areas
New/upgraded tablets/mobile devices all correspond to the moderate level
57 % of BIM engagement, since these are
investments related to building internal 27 %
38 % 19 %
capacity to accelerate BIM use.
BIM software Increased profits
57 % Top benefits 27 %
41 % Marketing new business and increased 14 %
profits are the top reported internal BIM
Developing custom 3D libraries Project benefits of BIM
benefits for Japanese contractors, at
47 % levels greater than for all respondents. Reduced errors and omissions
34 % Conversely, significantly fewer cite 33 %
enhancing your organisation’s image 41 %
BIM training
as a top benefit (see page 20), which Reduced overall project duration
47 %
may be representative of the Japanese 33 %
45 %
culture as well as of moderate BIM 19 %
Software customisation/ users.
interoperability solutions The top process benefits for Process benefits of BIM
40 % Japanese contractors align with all Collaborate with owners/
design firms
32 % respondents, though collaboration is
20 %
noted by far fewer contractors in Japan.
Developing external 35 %
collaborative BIM processes In contrast, reduced overall project
duration is noted as a project benefit by Better cost controls/
40 % predictability
far more firms in Japan.
43 % 20 %
21 %
Developing internal Top activities
collaborative BIM processes
37 % PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION AND
Integration of model with cost POST-CONSTRUCTION
49 %
(5D) is used by significantly more The only notable differences in the
6_50_Japan_#8_#03.eps
New/upgraded Japanese contractors compared with use of BIM in construction activities
desktop machines
all respondents – 53 % versus 29 %, for Japanese contractors compared
27 % respectively. BIM in value engineering with all respondents is for BIM use for
34 % is also more common in Japan (30 % supply chain management (37 %) and
versus 16 %). model-driven robotics (33 %).
In Japan, the use of BIM on post-
construction activities is overwhelmingly
6_44_Japan_#7_#02.eps higher with almost all activities reported
by significantly more contractors in
Japan (see page 36). ■

Data: Australia and New Zealand
contractors in Australia and New Zealand
Contractors in Australia and New Zealand, though relatively new users of BIM
compared with contractors in some other parts of the world, are reporting important
benefits from BIM and planning future investments, particularly in areas that
extend to accelerating use of BIM across project teams, especially owners.

comprise the BIM engagement level Aus/NZ All regions
(see page 14): experience with BIM, Aus/NZ All regions

47 %
42 %
level – shown on the right. 39 % 31 %
28 % 29 %
Compared with those in the other 28 % 19 % 22 % 17 %
11 %
regions, contractors in Australia and
18 %
New Zealand are slightly newer BIM
9% Light Medium Heavy Very heavy
users, which results in their relatively 2%
6%
lower engagement levels – though the 15 % of of projects) of projects) 60 % of
1–2 3–5 6 – 10 11 or projects) projects)
difference is not dramatic. years years years more
years
Project types
For the most part, contractors in BIM expertise level BIM engagement level
Australia and New Zealand are Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013 Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
using BIM on the same projects as Aus/NZ All regions Aus/NZ All regions
6_5_AUSNZ_#1_#01.eps 6_17_AUSNZ_#3_#01.eps
contractors in other regions. Notable
40 % 42 % 42 %
exceptions are commercial buildings, 37 % 36 % 36 %
industrial/manufacturing and mining 26 % 27 % 29 % 17 %

projects where BIM is used at significantly 21 % 12 % 11 %
4%
13 %
higher rates (see page 31).
7% Low BIM High BIM
Medium BIM Very high BIM
ROI on BIM Beginner Moderate Advanced Expert
In Australia and New Zealand, 78 % of
contractors report a positive ROI on
BIM, and those that report very positive
ROI (35 %) is equivalent to other key Perceived ROI on BIM Factors most often cited
countries investigated in this study. 6_11_AUSNZ_#2_#01.eps
as having high/very high
Two of the top three business
impact on improving ROI
6_23_AUSNZ_#4_#01.eps
benefits that would help drive increased Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
ROI in Australia and New Zealand line up
Negative/break-even ROI Improved project/process outcomes
against those for all regions investigated.
59 %
However, in Australia and New Zealand,
using BIM for sustainability goals is Better multi-party communications
rated as an important benefit by twice 22 % and understanding from 3D visualisation
as many contractors than globally – 32 % 35 % 57 %
compared with 16 %, respectively.
Positive impact on sustainability
43 % 32 %

6_29_AUSNZ_#5_#01.eps
6_35_AUSNZ_#6_#01.eps
Data: Australia and New Zealand CONTINUED
Planned BIM investments Planned BIM Top benefits cited by

over next two years rated as investments contractors in Australia/

high/very high in importance External collaborative BIM processes New Zealand (according
and interoperability are investment to benefit category)
areas where contractors in Australia Source: McGraw Hill Construction, 2013
Aus/NZ and New Zealand place higher

All regions Aus/NZ
importance, which corresponds to
All regions
Developing external
findings in the Business Value of
collaborative BIM processes BIM in Australia and New Zealand Internal benefits of BIM
50 % SmartMarket Report (2014), which Enhancing your organisation’s image
43 % revealed efforts that are already 40 %
underway to accelerate BIM standards 32 %
New/upgraded desktop machines and use of BIM across entire project
50 % teams, including owners. New and Increased profits
34 % upgraded desktop machines is also an 16 %
area of high planned investment. 14 %
Developing internal
collaborative BIM processes
46 % Top benefits Project benefits of BIM
Generally, contractors in Australia Reduced errors and omissions
49 %
and New Zealand match up against 39 %
Developing custom 3D libraries the benefits most often cited by other 41 %
41 % contractors around the world (see chart
at right as well as pages 20 – 23). Reduced rework
34 %
The exception is increased profits. It 26 %
Software customisation/
interoperability solutions is cited by the second highest number of 31 %
contractors compared to its position as
39 %
third, behind marketing new business, Process benefits of BIM
32 %
for all respondents. Collaborate with owners/
BIM training design firms
39 % Top activities 26 %
45 % 35 %
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
BIM software Visualisation of the design intent and Better cost controls/
multi-trade coordination are cited by predictability
34 %
the most contractors in Australia and 24 %
41 %
New Zealand as the top ways they 21 %
New/upgraded tablets/ are using BIM for pre-construction –
mobile devices at 55 % and 43 %, respectively. It is CONSTRUCTION AND
31 % comparable to the top for all contractors 6_47_AUSNZ_#8_#03.eps
POST-CONSTRUCTION
38 % (see page 32), though in reversed order. Contractors in Australia and New
Integration of model with cost (5D) and Zealand are using BIM for construction
with schedule (4D) and safety are also activities at comparable levels to all
used by more contractors in this region. respondents.
For post-construction activities,
6_41_AUSNZ_#7_#02.eps managing the model for the owner
beyond closeout is more frequently
used, at 41 % versus 31 % for all
respondents. ■

Sidebar: Asia – China, Hong Kong and Malaysia
Asia: Emerging BIM market driven by owner

interest in China, Hong Kong and Malaysia
Valued at well over $1 trillion in 2012, China’s construction market has the
potential to see immense benefits from BIM, but structural obstacles have
caused that potential to remain largely untapped. Comparisons to BIM use

in Hong Kong and Malaysia provide insight into China’s unique challenges.
China On the other hand, Dr Li Yungui Li Fei agrees, noting that a key
finds that market forces and strong barrier to BIM adoption is that it
STILL A NASCENT MARKET FOR BIM
benefits are helping drive contractors “requires altering typical management
Only a small percentage of firms in the
to adopt BIM. “Contractors in China processes, which frequently results in
Chinese market are currently using
are technically skilled and competition some level of resistance”.
BIM, according to a survey conducted
between the major organisations is Dr Li Yungui reveals that legal
in 2012 and published in March 2013
fierce. Using BIM can help reduce requirements in the construction
by the China Construction Industry
costs through clash detection and market work against collaboration,
Association (CCIA). Li Fei, secretary
optimisation of construction schedules, which therefore inhibits the use
general of the CCIA, explains that
enabling organisations to not only win of BIM. “For projects in China, the
the survey revealed that “actual BIM
contracts, but earn more from each RFP for design and construction is
implementation is still in the early
contract.” However, he also notes that required to be separate – the law
stages, with less than 15 % [of the
only a few have the prerequisite skills states that the design stage cannot
388 Chinese construction firms that
to currently use BIM, which may help involve contractors, so there is
participated in the research] indicating
explain the relatively low use of BIM less opportunity of collaboration
they have used BIM”. However, the
across the industry. through BIM.” Without the ability to
study also showed that 55 % have heard
capitalise on the transparency of BIM
of BIM. This awareness will be a crucial KEY OBSTACLES TO BIM
and its effectiveness in supporting
first step towards wider BIM adoption. ADOPTION IN CHINA
collaboration, the Chinese market may
One aspect of adoption of BIM in He Xixing, general manager of
struggle to see the full benefits BIM can
China that differs from markets with Shanghai Jianke Engineering
provide.
earlier adoption is that contractors Consulting Company, Ltd., a project
With only 13 % of designers who
are the largest group of adopters, management firm employing over
have reported using BIM compared
vastly outnumbering designers and 3,000 people, finds that his company
with over 50 % of contractors,
owners. Dr Li Yungui, deputy director has needed to adopt BIM, but he
according to the survey published by
of the Technical Center of China State recognises many structural barriers in
CCIA, the lack of interoperability in
Construction Engineering Corporation the market. “Breaking with traditional
software is also a notable problem.
Limited, one of the largest construction methods can be difficult,” he explains.
He Xixing states, “Another challenge
companies in the world, states that, “New developments in BIM will conflict
is that the software available in China
“For designers, BIM adoption is more with benefits of traditional stakeholder
is not yet able to easily support
challenging”. Among the reasons for roles and values. For example, when
modelling efforts at sufficient levels
this challenge, he notes that, “From a we suggest the use of BIM for clash
of detail and accuracy required for
designer’s perspective, using BIM is detection and MEP coordination, the
analytic and management model uses.
often considered extra work within a GCs feel that we are threatening their
Such modelling requires significant
fixed fee. This extra cost may include familiar workflow. Typically, GCs like to
investment and is rather inefficient.
buying software and investing in the submit a low bid then cut costs during
One example is the Tianjin 117 Tower
training of staff. While the additional the construction process. The high
project, where the LDI is using BIM but
technical skill may help designers to degree of transparency inherent in
has separated BIM from the design
beat out the competition in winning BIM projects can reduce the flexibility
team. Therefore, this requires extra
projects, the abundance of available available to GCs during project delivery.
time where the model is lagging behind
projects in the Chinese market reduces This makes BIM adoption difficult in
the actual design.
the urgency of adoption”. a market that is driven by the demand
and ideology of GCs.”

Sidebar: Asia – China, Hong Kong and Malaysia CONTINUED
Dr Li Yungui, He Xixing and Li Fei all He Xixing agrees that owners seeking general contractors are the leading
agree that lack of human capital is also to improve facility management are BIM adopters” there, but that BIM use
a critical factor currently impacting emerging as a key driver of adoption is frequently” one-off due to unique
adoption in China. Dr Li Yungui states, in China. “Today, BIM is used to connect project requirements”.For her, the key to
“We are not seeing enough people with construction management, reduce growth in this market is “further support
who know about the software”. waste, increase efficiency and support from the government, in terms of policy,
However, He Xixing finds that the information transfer to the O&M phase. mandates and incentives”,and she sees
human capital problem goes beyond Owners and project teams are the potential for BIM-experienced Hong
just the software to other key skills: increasingly looking towards BIM for Kong firms to “support the development
“Finding adequately trained staff to operations and facilities management.” of the built environment in nearby
support BIM processes is critical. First, He sees this playing an important role countries and regions”.
team members operating BIM need to in the future. “Many owners want us
have the skills and capabilities of using to go beyond managing design and Malaysia
the technology. Second, they must construction, moving into building Khor Wei Moon, director of technical
also have a good understanding of operations and management. So now, design for Sunway Group, a property
construction processes. Third, users of BIM can be used to expand how we development and construction
BIM need good project management provide services to the client.” company, finds that BIM is “mainly
capabilities to work well as a team. a private initiative driven by the larger
Very few candidates in the Chinese Hong Kong property developers and contractors”
market today have this advanced set Rosana Wong, executive director of in Malaysia. He expects that to continue
of capabilities.” Li Fei reports that the the Yau Lee Group, a large contractor in the future, since government support
most widely recognised step for future operating in Hong Kong, feels that for BIM adoption has been limited to
BIM adoption in the survey is training the Hong Kong market is also largely training thus far. ■
more BIM-capable staff. owner-driven. She finds that “premium
OWNERS WILL DRIVE BIM USE
Owners are likely to help drive
further adoption of BIM. Dr Li Yungui bimSCORE1 for selected Asian countries compared to leaders
identifies the opportunities of facility Source: bimSCORE, 2013
management, which is still largely China Hong Kong Singapore USA Norway Finland
untapped in more developed BIM
markets like the USA and Europe, as Planning
one of the factors currently influencing
BIM adoption in China: “We have seen
Adoption
many Chinese owners of major
projects ... may go as far as requesting
BIM for facility management. Oftentimes Technology
this is reflected in their RFP language.”
He affirms, “Building owners/operators Performance
are receiving the most benefit from
using BIM, because at the end of the Conventional Typical Advanced Best Innovative
day, it is their money”. practice practice practice practice practice
Confidence
level 5%
0% 25 % 50 % 70 % 85 % 100 %
Country to country comparison in terms of the four areas of BIM maturity: planning,
adoption, technology and performance. Selected Asian economies – China, Singapore,
and Hong Kong – are compared with countries leading in each of the four areas.
6_4_New chart for design _#02.eps
bimSCORE provides an objective measure of BIM utilisation for owners, designers and contractors to help them optimise the value of their buildings.

Sidebar: India
India: BIM gains relevance
As India strides to keep pace with significant gaps in its infrastructure, the
construction sector – the second largest industry after agriculture accounting
for 11 % of India’s GDP – is crying out for efficiencies to speed up productivity.

BIM provides one opportunity to help address India’s growing needs.
I
ncreasingly, larger construction of construction. We find BIM useful Uttam Sagar, CEO, development
companies in sectors such as as conflicts like a pipe going into an and construction of Bangalore-
hotels and airports are starting to air-conditioning duct, not possible in based Vasoo Builders, with projects
implement Building Information CAD, can be seen visually,” says Anil including large commercial buildings,
Modelling (BIM) in India with distinct Lal, managing director, Systra-MVA says BIM is too complicated and has
benefits but at a very high cost. Consulting India to ENR. “[However] we “too much information for uncertain
use BIM only when clients mandate it.” scenarios. The inputs required for BIM
Costs of implementation Mumbai-based HCC Group, one feeding off structural and mechanical
“It’s a chicken and egg situation. of the largest companies spanning drawings and then having to update
Unless BIM is adopted on a larger scale, the engineering and construction, the drawings is very difficult. We need
costs will continue to be high, trained real estate, infrastructure and urban a separate agency for implementing
people will remain at a premium and development sectors, does not use BIM BIM, which comprises around 4 % – 5 %
the full potential of BIM technology much. “It is used mostly for buildings, of design costs. Margins are paper
for visualisation and walkthrough which is just 5 % – 10 % of our total thin, so it’s not worth it for us”. Sagar
developments will continue to lag,” business,” a design engineer told ENR. says using BIM for the Bangalore
says one software engineer. In fact, “For the past decade, people have been metro makes sense “because it’s a
Tesla Outsourcing Services, an Indian using STAAD [a structural analysis government project ... they can afford it
company that delivers engineering, and design computer program] and want control at various points”.
CAD and BIM services to clients and now convert the STAAD model
worldwide, reported in a blog post that, to ETABS [an analysis and design Factors favouring BIM
according to a report by Autodesk, software]…[People] are (now) India’s steel industry leads the way
“Designers across the world have developing confidence [to use newer with BIM, as do companies supplying
started implementing BIM technology technology].” ETABS is the solution prefabricated manufactured and
in their respective construction projects; for designing a simple 2D frame or finished products. “If you dump 1000
whereas their Indian counterparts have performing a dynamic analysis of a bags of cement at a site, it doesn’t
still not captured the full potential of complex high-rise. It can be applied for matter which one goes first,” says
BIM technology for visualisation and design of building structures with Gautam Suri, founder, director and
walkthrough developments”. a structural system consisting of chief technology officer, Interarch
BIM technology promises delivery of beams, slabs, columns, shear walls Building Products, a company
coordinated design and construction and bracings. Different materials can manufacturing pre-engineered metal
information in a 3D visual environment. be assigned to the structural elements building systems. The company has
However, as pressures on construction within the same model, such as steel, integrated SAP with BIM in-house
companies to deliver quality value- reinforced concrete, composite or any as the “BIM aspect helps you model
added projects on time and within other user-defined material. the building and on time,” says Suri.
budget increase, the industry is still Systra was recently awarded “For large projects, the sequence
learning about BIM and how to utilise the construction of stations for the of deliveries is essential, and
software to meet their needs. Bangalore metro system, which manufacturing follows a similar
“BIM is moving slowly and is used mandated BIM. “The software is schedule…. Being in the prefab
for hotel projects and luxury buildings expensive and there aren’t enough business, BIM is an important tool for
that have lots of electro-mechanical trained people [which means design us, and we couldn’t live without it.”
requirements to avoid conflicts at time takes longer],” says Lal.

Sidebar: India CONTINUED
Interarch does not use standardised for instance, announced a partnership The future of BIM
packages as they need to be with Mansycom Consultants. Donald Looking at the growing market,
customised and its “experience in Henrich, co-founder and executive vice BIM software provider, Tekla India,
dealing with software package vendors president of Vico Software, explains, recently showcased its offering
is that they get stuck in nitty gritties”. “Because the Indian market is so broad for concrete construction projects.
Many large construction companies and diverse, we knew we needed According to chief operating officer
in India do not use BIM, though some a partner who is committed in three Nirmalya Chatterjee, the industry is
buy a standard package and adapt areas: market education, technology starting to reap benefits. For instance,
their requirements to it. For instance, advocacy and expert consulting cast-in-place concrete has been a
Punj Lloyd, a large engineering and services for change management. We major concern for contractors, which
construction group that provides are very impressed with Mansycom’s BIM solutions address.
integrated design, procurement commitment in these areas”. The past two years have seen
and project management services Autodesk announced it will sophistication in systems bringing in
for energy and infrastructure sector provide its BIM software to help Jurong automatic information flow and control.
projects, confirmed to ENR it did not use Consultants India, part of Singapore- Interarch’s Suri is optimistic about BIM’s
BIM. Recently, Mike Barker, managing based Jurong International. Jurong is role in the future from engineering to
director, Mott MacDonald India, said creating a design centre as a means of execution even as more manufacturing
the company was increasingly looking enhancing its multidisciplinary service takes place in facilities rather than
at BIM in its construction projects. BIM delivery through BIM in India. “We onsite. Offsite prefabrication uses
was used in the design of neighbouring are equipping a pool of professionals software to deliver sequentially and on
Male International Airport expansion that includes engineers, architects and time for pre-engineered steel structures
in the Maldives. “As with all island master planners, to provide integrated for large buildings. Challenges in
airport projects, challenging aspects consulting services for our customers … implementation remain for the time
of this expansion include limited This will enable us to deliver projects being.
space – reclamation is restricted by that are aligned with the pace of the “Many engineers don’t understand
the coral that surrounds the island, and building industry’s transformation,” or know how to use the tool. On-the-job
problems of procurement, as most says Uma Maheswaran, CEO, India training is lacking and software-based
of the resources (are) imported to the Operations, Jurong Consultants. fabrication engineers are just not clued
site.” Shell’s R&D Centre in Bangalore is Recently, Munich-based Nemetschek in. To start with, they need to learn how
also being designed with the help of Allplan partnered with Ram Caddsys. to use the software. That should take
BIM, says Barker. “In India, we have a dramatically growing the fear of God away,” explains Suri.
construction industry particularly Benefits are striking and include less
International firms in bridge construction, power and material waste, speedier completion,
using BIM in India hydraulic engineering, which offers scheduling of risks and easing of
With India’s construction market valued huge potential,” says Benjamin Hansen, logistics issues. “To handle (logistics)
currently at $140 billion and a forecasted director global sales for Nemetschek manually is cumbersome as India
growth of $620 billion by 2020, new Allplan. Tata Consulting Engineers poses many constraints of loading
projects are being fast-tracked, leading (TCEL) also announced it will make use material for transportation. With
many international firms to seize the of BIM solutions offered by BIM to bring BIM, raw material is pre-identified
opportunity, and this is helping to bring business value to its global customers and what goes into which truck is
BIM into the marketplace. Vico Software, in the power, infrastructure, chemical, predetermined,” adds Suri. ■
process and building sectors

Methodology:
Global Building Information Modelling (BIM) Study Research
McGraw Hill Construction conducted Association of Korea, Consult Australia, The analysis throughout the report
the 2013 Global Building Information German Sustainable Building Council, explores the differences in the responses
Modelling (BIM) Study to determine Green Building Council Brasil, Green of small, medium and large contractors.
contractors’ use of and attitudes towards Building Council of Australia, International Those are defined by their annual
BIM. The research was conducted Council for Research and Innovation in revenue in 2012:
through an internet survey to contractors Building and Construction (CIB), Korea • Small: Less than $50 million
between 25 September and 5 Mechanical Construction Contractors, • Medium: $50 million to less
November 2013. O’Empreiteiro, Sheet Metal and Air than $250 million
A total of 727 individuals across Conditioning Contractors’ National • Large: $250 million or more
10 countries completed the survey, Association, UK Contractors Group,
The following is the list of countries
recruited through a combination of UK Green Building Council, US Green
included and the number of respondents
professional association invitations Building Council and World Green
from each country:
and supplemental panel recruiting. Building Council, along with Yonsei
• Australia: 83
The organisations that provided the University.
• Brazil: 40
survey to their members or subscribers
• Canada: 39
include: Air Conditioning and Mechanical Survey participants • France: 31
Contractors Association, American The survey targeted contractors that
• Germany: 32
Society of Professional Estimators, use BIM. BIM use was self-reported.
• Japan: 30
Association of General Contractors, Firms referred to as general
• Korea: 91
Australian Construction Industry contractors in the analysis include those
• New Zealand: 36
Forum, Australian Institute of Building that identify themselves as general
• United Kingdom: 54
Surveyors, BIMForum, buildingSMART contractor, construction manager
• United States: 291
Korea, Canada Green Building Council, at risk or construction management
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, companies. Trade contractors were
Chartered Institute of Building, asked to identify their specialty or trade.
McGraw Hill Construction has
Construction Industry Council, 82 % of the respondents are identified
developed a BIM engagement index
Construction Management Association as general contractors in the analysis
which quantifies with a numerical score
of America, Construction Management and 18 % as trade/specialty contractors.
each respondent that participated in
this research.The score is derived from
contractor survey responses about
their experiences with, expertise in and
Percentage of global contractors according
level of implementation of BIM.These
to their BIM engagement index rating
responses are weighted to reflect the
increasing level of engagement that
Range of BIM Percent of contractors in is represented by more experience,
BIM engagement engagement each BIM engagement level skill and/or implementation. Each of
levels index scores (combined average for the three criteria is weighted against
for each level all regions)
the others to reflect its relative degree
Very high BIM of importance for BIM engagement,
engagement 23 to 27 11 % with expertise being the most
valuable, followed by experience,
High BIM
17 to 22 17 % then implementation level. For more
engagement
information on the BIM engagement
Medium BIM
engagement 11 to 16 36 % index, see page 14. ■
Low BIM
3 to 10 36 %
engagement

1_7_BIMEngagementTable_#02.eps
SmartMarket Report
Resources
Organisations and websites that can help you get
smarter about building information modelling.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The authors wish to thank our premier partner Autodesk, corporate partner
AECOM and association partner BIMForum for helping us bring this information
to the market.
McGraw Hill Construction
Main website : construction.com We would also like to thank Calvin Kam and the team at bimSCORE for contributing
Dodge : construction.com/dodge to the insights gathered on BIM in China and the Asian marketplace and Dr
Research & analytics : Ghang Lee, associate professor at Yonsei University, for his role in facilitating
construction.com/dodge/ engagement from contractors in South Korea. In addition, we thank all the
dodge-market-research organisations that helped distribute the survey to their members (listed below).
Architectural record : archrecord.com
Engineering news-record : enr.com
Sweets : sweets.com
SmartMarket Reports :
construction.com/market_research
A message from … Premier research partner

Autodesk: www.autodesk.com
Lisa Campbell
Vice President, Industry Strategy Corporate partner
AECOM: www.aecom.com
and Marketing, Autodesk
Association partner:
Over the years Autodesk has been BIMForum: www.bimforum.org
Lisa
honoured to sponsor a series
Survey partners
Campbell of McGraw Hill Construction Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’
SmartMarket Reports on the Association: www.amca.com.au
adoption, usage and business value of Building American Society of Professional Estimators: www.aspenational.org
Associated General Contractors of America: www.agc.org
Information Modelling (BIM). As greater industry
Australian Construction Industry Forum: www.acif.com.au
demands unfold, BIM is emerging as a necessary Australian Institute of Building Surveyors: www.aibs.com.au
process to promote leaner operations throughout buildingSMART Korea: www.buildingsmart.or.kr
a construction project’s lifecycle. Regardless of Canada Green Building Council: www.cagbc.org
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction: www.cisc-icca.ca
size, contractors are at the heart of the workflows
Chartered Institute of Buildings: www.ciob.org
and processes that see the greatest benefits Construction Industry Council: www.cic.org.uk
from BIM. Adopters of BIM accrue competitive, Construction Management Association of America: www.cmaanet.org
financial and operational benefits with usage and Construction Management Association of Korea: www.cmak.or.kr
Consult Australia: www.consultaustralia.com.au
mastery of BIM processes and technologies. This
German Sustainable Building Council: www.dgnb.de
first Global BIM in Construction report reinforces Green Building Council Brasil: www.gbcbrasil.org.br
Produced
our view with
that,support
despitefrom
regional differences, Green Building Council of Australia: www.gbca.org.au
construction companies represent the fastest- International Council for Research and Innovation in
Building and Construction: www.cibworld.nl
growing segment of BIM adopters and are Korea Mechanical Construction Contractors Association: www.kmcca.or.kr
leading the industry in innovative applications O’Empreiteiro: www.revistaoempreiteiro.com.br
of the technology. Autodesk appreciates the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’
opportunity to support meaningful research and National Association: www.smacna.org
UK Contractors Group: www.ukcg.org.uk
analysis to learn from the industry and advance UK Green Building Council: http://www.ukgbc.org/
effective and efficient construction project U.S. Green Building Council: www.usgbc.org
management through BIM. World Green Building Council: www.worldgbc.org
Yonsei University: www.yonsei.ac.kr/eng/
Other BIM resources

bimSCORE: www.bimscore.com
buildingSMART International: www.buildingsmart.org
www.autodesk.com National Institute of Building Sciences: www.nibs.org
■ Design and Construction Intelligence
SmartMarket Report
McGraw Hill Construction SmartMarket Reports™
Get smart about the latest industry trends.

For more information on these reports and others, visit
www.construction.com ⁄market _ research

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SmartMarket Report

The business value of BIM for

Premier partner: Corporate partner: Association partner:

McGraw Hill Construction The business value of BIM for

For further information on this

powerful and mobile computers, robust a contractor’s level of BIM engagement,

McGraw Hill Construction 1 www.construction.com SmartMarket Report

19 BIM benefits, ROI and investments

30 BIM activities and practices

Contractors’ perspectives on project team BIM practices

SmartMarket Report McGraw Hill Construction 2 www.construction.com

44 Regional and country profiles

McGraw Hill Construction 3 www.construction.com SmartMarket Report

While Building Information Modelling (BIM) is rapidly expanding around the

globe, there are significant differences between construction companies’

BIM across the globe Contractors reporting a positive return

top ROI on BIM investments, with South Korea, the UK

SmartMarket Report McGraw Hill Construction 4 www.construction.com

Contractors are enjoying a wide Contractors citing BIM benefit as

of 25 % on their investment in BIM – compared with 11 % 14 %

Contractors plan aggressive 11 % 35 %

McGraw Hill Construction 5 www.construction.com SmartMarket Report

Observations and recommendations

Model-based technologies and processes will continue to power

Performance Hyper-realistic immersive

SmartMarket Report McGraw Hill Construction 6 www.construction.com

Hill Construction (MHC) on the use of Building Note about

McGraw Hill Construction 7 www.construction.com SmartMarket Report

BIM is reaching maturity among

to two years of experience compared with only 13 % of

SmartMarket Report McGraw Hill Construction 8 www.construction.com

Relationship between BIM 36 %

that as experience advances, users typically deepen their 17 %

level of BIM implementation. This trend is demonstrated

to two years of experience are operating at high or

McGraw Hill Construction 9 www.construction.com SmartMarket Report

Differences among contractors at high

and very high BIM implementation

surveyed for high and very high implementation, so their

equal in their current percentages of high and very high

Percentage of contractors at high/very high BIM implementation levels

SmartMarket Report McGraw Hill Construction 10 www.construction.com

Although there is no globally accepted standard by which Percentage of contractors

moderate, advanced or expert. Although subjective, this

percentage of advanced and expert BIM users (53 % in the

likely reflecting the recent surge of BIM users in response

companies (47 % and 49 %, respectively) claim advanced

contractors from small companies (29 %).

One area of continuity among the findings on BIM expertise 26 % 40 % Aus/NZ 27 % 7%

BIM expertise correlates directly with 34 % 37 % South Korea 15 % 13 %

McGraw Hill Construction 11 www.construction.com SmartMarket Report

Contractors’ perception of BIM proficiency

Following in close second (52 %) to the steel contractors

SmartMarket Report McGraw Hill Construction 12 www.construction.com

designation from French and German general contractors,

Percentage of general contractors that selected

Mechanical/sheet metal/plumbing contractor 63 % 61 % 50 % 57 % 38 % 66 % 24 % 24 % 24 %

Curtain wall fabricator/installer 50 % 58 % 43 % 27 % 31 % 21 % 32 % 21 % 35 %

McGraw Hill Construction 13 www.construction.com SmartMarket Report

BIM engagement index

respondent that participated in this research. The score is

These responses are weighted to reflect the increasing level

SmartMarket Report McGraw Hill Construction 14 www.construction.com