A model on barriers and their solutions on bim-based revit software implementation in small construction projects in malaysia / Mohamad Firdaus Bin Mohamad Borhan

Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology

Thesis (Master of Science) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan - 2025

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The construction industry serves as a fundamental driver of economic growth in rapidly developing countries. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has significantly transformed the sector by integrating advanced digital technologies to enhance project management, improve stakeholder collaboration, and optimize the entire lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure. Despite the growing awareness of BIM under Malaysia’s Construction 4.0 strategic agenda, small projects continue to face challenges that hinder effective Revit implementation. This study aims to develop a model demonstrating the relationship between barriers and suitable solutions for BIM-based Revit software implementation in Malaysia’s small construction projects by fulfilling three main objectives: identify the barriers and suitable solutions for BIM-based Revit software implementation in Malaysia’s small construction projects; analyze the barriers and suitable solutions for BIM-based Revit software implementation in Malaysia’s small construction projects; and model the relationship between the barriers and their solutions on BIM-based Revit software implementation in Malaysia’s small construction projects. To address this research problem, a mixed-method approach was employed, involving expert interviews and questionnaire surveys. First, interviews with five BIM experts were conducted to validate the identified barriers and suitable solutions based on professional insights. Second, survey questionnaires were distributed to 100 BIM professionals and engineers actively involved in BIM-based projects. Seven analytical techniques were performed, namely Cronbach’s Alpha, Common Method Bias (CMB), Descriptive Analysis, Relative Importance Index (RII), Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE), Multivariate Comparative Analysis, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), to validate the findings and model the relationships. Through expert interviews, ten significant barriers with their corresponding solutions were identified in achieving the first objective. These were validated and further analyzed in line with the second objective using statistical techniques. The findings revealed that the most critical barrier is the high cost of software licenses and maintenance (CFII = 4.479), followed by the need for manual handling (CFII = 4.454), file corruption (CFII = 4.419), lack of technical expertise and training (CFII = 4.413), and limited client demand (CFII = 4.367). The corresponding solutions were also identified, with the most effective including simplifying the software through AI-assisted features (CFII = 4.850), increasing flexibility through customizable options (CFII = 4.800), enhancing technical training programs (CFII = 4.730), and reducing manual handling by introducing ready-to-use templates (CFII = 4.710). For the third objective, the relationship model revealed positive correlations between all barriers and their corresponding solutions, indicating strong alignment between the identified challenges and the proposed solutions. High correlation values were observed for authority requirements (AB.B–AB.S) and technical expertise (TE.B–TE.S), highlighting the importance of regulatory support and professional upskilling in promoting BIM adoption. Moderate correlations for software complexity (CS.B–CS.S), collaboration limitations (CL.B–CL.S), and cost estimation tools (CE.B–CE.S) further emphasize the need for technological and operational improvements. This study contributes to both academic and practical knowledge by providing a validated framework for improving BIM-based Revit implementation in developing economies. It aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting digital innovation, sustainable construction practices, and efficient resource management within Malaysia’s construction sector.