Investigating the diffusion of 4D BIM Innovation

UK Government regularly applies challenging strategic targets to the construction industry, chief amongst these are requirements for more rapid project delivery processes and consistent improvements to the time predictability aspects of on-site construction delivery periods. Latest industry KPI data has revealed a recent increase across measures of time predictability, however more than half of UK construction projects continue to exceed agreed time schedules. The aim of this research was to investigate the diffusion of 4D BIM innovation as adoption of this innovation is seen as a potential solution in response to these targets of construction time predictability. Through purposive sampling, a quantitative survey was undertaken using an online questionnaire that measured 4D BIM innovation adoption using accepted diffusion research methods. These included an exploration of several perceived attributes including compatibility, complexity, observability and the relative advantages of 4D BIM innovation in comparison against conventional functions of construction planning and against stages of the construction planning processes. Descriptive and inferential analysis of the data addresses how the benefits are being realised and explore reasons for adoption or rejection decisions of this innovation. Results indicate an increasing rate of 4D BIM innovation adoption and reveal the typical time lag between awareness and first use.