The use of building information modelling by quantity surveyors in facilities management roles

Abstract

Purpose

Adoption of building information modelling (BIM) in facilities management (FM) provides an information platform to store and exchange asset data. Quantity Surveyors, with cost management expertise, are increasingly involved in FM roles in the operation phase. However, no study has been conducted on how BIM may assist Quantity Surveyors when contracted in FM roles. This study aims to identify the potential benefits and challenges of using BIM by Quantity Surveyors in FM roles.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with eight professionals from an international built and natural asset design and management company and its FM business partner in Australia.

Findings

Lack of complete and accurate data was the main issue faced by Quantity Surveyors in FM. The benefits of BIM in FM were digitizing and storing asset information and developing a cost database that would be useful for Quantity Surveyors, whereas challenges included keeping model data up to date, cost, industry resistance to change and contractors' lack of model use.

Originality/value

This study contributes to revealing the niche adoption of BIM by Quantity Surveyors in FM and identifying the issues faced by Quantity Surveyors in FM roles using BIM. It contributes to the knowledge of BIM adoption in post-construction. Findings will be useful to develop strategies for adopting BIM in FM and supporting Quantity Surveyors' roles in FM.

Citation

Stride, M., Hon, C.K.H., Liu, R. and Xia, B. (2020), "The use of building information modelling by quantity surveyors in facilities management roles", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 27 No. 8, pp. 1795-1812. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2019-0660