Assessing risks associated with BIM adoption: An empirical study in China

Apart from the well-recognized benefits of BIM adoption, the potential risks associated with BIM adoption are also worthwhile research. The objective of this study is to assess risks associated with the BIM adoption in the Chinese architecture, engineering and construction industry. To achieve the objective, a total of 16 risks were identified through a literature review, and a questionnaire survey was performed with 95 industry practitioners. The magnitude of impact, likelihood of occurrence, and criticality of risks were analyzed. The results indicated that the risk criticality scores ranged from 2.81 to 3.37. Only three risks were perceived significantly critical: “cost overrun with BIM”, “technological interface among programs” and “interoperability issues”. However, nine risks were considered as significantly impactful and five risks were received significantly high likelihood scores. “Cost overrun with BIM” occupied the top position in both rankings of impact and likelihood. In addition, the criticality of two risks “unclear ownership of the BIM data” and “changes in the BIM model by unauthorized parties” was positively associated with the BIM experience of users. The assessment of the risks associated with BIM adoption contributes to a better risk awareness in the organizations that were adopting BIM, and enables the industry practitioners to develop appropriate risk response measures.