Exploring the environmental influence on BIM adoption for refurbishment project using structural equation modelling

Building information modelling is perceived as a remarkable innovation in the built environment sector with a handful of expectations towards refurbishment of existing buildings. Despite the motivations and acceptance of BIM within Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), this promise seems to be hampered by less consideration of environmental factors which might also impact BIM adoption for refurbishment projects. The aim of this study is to empirically examine the potential environmental factors that influence refurbishment stakeholders' attitude or decision to adopt BIM by conducting structural equation modelling. This study describes an empirical testing of a structural model of environmental factors that influence decisions to adopt BIM for refurbishment of complex building. The study is based on response of 105 New Zealand construction professional who have participated in refurbishment project and have BIM experience. Several factors were identified and developed, and a final path model was determined that fit the data best. Overall, we find strong support for policies predicting the attitude towards BIM adoption, including having impact on information sharing, retrofit tools, culture of organisation and client expectations. The model provides empirical insights into how environmental factors can positively or negatively impact refurbishment project stakeholders to adopt BIM in the context of New Zealand construction industry.