Apinayan, K.; Perera, B. A. K. S.; Weerasooriya, D. and Ranadewa, K. A. T. O. (2026) Adaptability of BIM technology for detailed cost estimation in Sri Lankan construction industry. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 24(3), pp. 633-665. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose – Traditional detailed cost estimation (DCE) methods in construction often exhibit lower accuracy than building information modelling (BIM)-based estimation. The integration of BIM into construction has the potential to transcend the limitations of traditional estimation approaches. This study aims to investigate the adaptability of BIM technology for DCE in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – This study used an interpretive approach, comprising three Delphi rounds with 21, 19 and 18 interviews with experts, following a heterogeneous purposive sampling strategy. The data were analysed through code-based content analysis, using NVivo 12. Findings – Empirical evidence emphasises BIM's potential for DCE. This study analysed nine distinct DCE challenges, revealing 19 enablers and 12 barriers to BIM implementation. The study recommends strategies, including incorporating measurement rules into BIM through algorithmic solutions, adopting consistent coding for database entries and developing models that encompass all pertinent information. Originality/value – This study develops a BIM-based framework tailored for DCE in the Sri Lankan construction industry, addressing specific challenges, enablers and barriers while advancing broader BIM adaptation insights. Unlike previous studies that have primarily focused on the general application of BIM in cost estimation, this research uses a Delphi study to refine and validate BIM-based DCE strategies tailored to Sri Lanka's regulatory and economic landscape. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by formulating a framework for BIM in DCE, and the insights have the potential to elevate awareness and promote the practical application of BIM through further research. It provides actionable strategies that fill a significant gap in global and regional literature on BIM adaptation for DCE. It can foster collaboration between application developers and stakeholders, driving innovation and progress in the construction industry.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building information modelling; construction; detailed cost estimation; Sri Lanka |
| Index terms: | cost estimating, collaboration, evidence, content analysis, purposive sampling, accuracy, methodology, interview, strategy, integration, Sri Lanka, adaptability, database, body of knowledge, estimation, construction industry, building information modelling, implementation, adaptation, Delphi method |
| Subjects: | professional development, information systems, data management, data analysis and analytics, financial and cost management, knowledge management, data collection methods, research methods, evaluation and assessment methods, user focus, organizational analysis, Geography, contractual arrangements, management, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Information Management, Design Practice, Organizational Design, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here