An Investigation of Using Advanced Technologies Such as BIM to Reduce Construction Disputable Claims

An Investigation of Using Advanced Technologies Such as BIM to Reduce Construction Disputable Claims

The construction industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a cornerstone of the Middle East economy, with an annual expenditure exceeding USD 120 billion and a workforce of 2.54 million by 2023. The problem statement is that despite this growth, the sector faces persistent challenges, including skilled labour shortages, escalating costs, material shortages, and disputes, particularly in megaprojects such as NEOM under Vision 2030. These issues, compounded by the reliance on traditional contract forms instead of standardized ones such as NEC4, result in ambiguities and disputable claims. Although a unified contract form was introduced in 2024, its adoption remains limited, particularly in the private sector. This thesis investigates the importance of Building Information Management (BIM) in mitigating construction claims in the KSA. The research objectives were achieved through a comprehensive literature review and three published studies. The first paper analysed 50 contributing factors to claims in 75 projects, identifying recurring issues that drive disputes. The second paper evaluated the role of BIM in mitigating claims, highlighting its potential to address ambiguities and improve collaboration. The third paper proposed a BIM package comprising Revit Architecture, Microsoft Project, and Cost-X integrated with NEC4 contracts. A case study involving a USD 1.87 million claim demonstrated the package's effectiveness by reducing the analysed time claim from 725 days to 450 days, saving 275 days. To validate the proposed package, interviews were conducted with 22 KSA construction professionals. Results showed that 95% of participants endorsed utilizing the BIM package, 86% supported its integration with NEC4, and 82% expressed satisfaction with the claim resolution outcomes. These findings underscore the package’s potential to reduce claims and enhance collaboration among project stakeholders. This thesis contributes to the body of knowledge by presenting a tailored BIM solution addressing claim mitigation in KSA’s unique construction landscape. Its significance lies in integrating advanced BIM tools with standardized contracts, providing a practical and scalable model for the region. Future research is recommended to explore the application of BIM 6D for facility management during the operational phase to reduce and verify potential claims during the defect liability period.

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