Legal Issues and Risks Associated with Building Information Modeling Technology

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a tool that has already changed the ways projects are conceived, designed, communicated and constructed by integrating the fragmented Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. BIM has proven to reduce risk by eliminating inefficiencies and redundancies while improving collaboration and communication which ultimately enhances the overall productivity of the project. Despite the significant benefits associated with BIM there are a host of legal issues, risks and barriers which the industry has not addressed properly. In the context of this gap, the purpose of this thesis is to introduce the subject of BIM and provide an overview of its current uses in AEC industry. A wide spectrum survey and detailed case study was conducted. BIM methods are expanding and have entered mainstream use, which requires immediate consideration to properly address the Legal Issues and Risks of BIM to support this dramatic shift in project delivery methods.