In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s booming construction sector, a new study is making waves, promising to reshape how disputes are handled in major projects, particularly those in the energy sector. The research, led by Abdirahman Bashir Muse of the Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Management at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, has developed a structured framework that leverages Building Information Modeling (BIM) to mitigate disputes throughout the project lifecycle.
Disputes in construction projects are nothing new, but their impact can be devastating. They can derail timelines, inflate budgets, and strain stakeholder relations. In a sector as critical as energy, where projects are often massive and complex, these disputes can have far-reaching commercial implications. “Disputes can lead to significant delays and cost overruns, which can ultimately affect the profitability and success of energy projects,” Muse explains.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Built Environment, which translates to Frontiers in the Built Environment, identified ten leading causes of disputes and matched them with specific BIM functionalities. Through a survey of 87 industry practitioners, the research revealed that improved visualization, enhanced collaboration and communication, and improved data management were consistently valued as cross-cutting BIM functionalities across dispute types and project phases.
One of the most striking findings was the critical role of design coordination and clash detection in addressing change orders and design errors. “Design coordination and clash detection emerged as the most effective BIM functionalities in mitigating disputes,” Muse notes. “This underscores the importance of early design phase interventions in preventing disputes downstream.”
The resulting framework provides a roadmap for owners and practitioners, guiding them on where to prioritize BIM efforts across the project lifecycle to proactively reduce disputes. This is particularly relevant in Saudi Arabia, where BIM adoption is now mandatory for public-sector projects.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. By adopting this framework, energy companies can potentially reduce the risk of disputes, leading to more efficient project delivery, reduced costs, and improved stakeholder relations. “This framework can help energy companies to streamline their project delivery processes, reduce the risk of disputes, and ultimately improve the success of their projects,” Muse says.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the integration of BIM into dispute resolution processes is likely to become increasingly important. This research not only provides a valuable tool for practitioners but also sets the stage for future developments in the field. It challenges the industry to think differently about dispute resolution, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures and the power of technology in mitigating risks.
In an industry where every delay can have significant commercial impacts, this research offers a promising path forward. By leveraging BIM, energy companies can potentially transform their dispute resolution processes, leading to more efficient, cost-effective, and successful projects. As the industry continues to embrace digital transformation, the insights from this study will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of construction project management.