Identifying and assessing critical risk factors for BIM projects: Empirical study

• 13 risk factors of BIM projects were surveyed and identified.
• The critical risk factors were identified at industry, market and organisation level.
• A case study and the risk-response strategies were proposed.

Building information modelling (BIM) technology exhibits strong potential to become the core technology used in the construction industry. However, the process of implementing new technology involves numerous challenges, and the performance of new technology can be impaired when unidentified risk factors are present during implementation. A complete understanding of the risk factors can enable BIM users to execute early responses to the potential risks, thus increasing the possibility that BIM is implemented successfully.In this study, 13 risk factors related to the technical, management, personnel, financial, and legal aspects of BIM adoption were identified. Based on the results of a questionnaire survey distributed to architects, engineering consultants, academics, and construction companies in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry in Taiwan, relationships between risk factors were identified using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method. This study identified the critical risk factors of BIM projects at various levels and proposes relative risk-response strategies for a case study project.