Cloud-Based Building Information Modelling (BIM): Transforming Architectural Design and Collaboration in the Digital Era

Olatunji Olamide Segun, Oluwafemi Emmanuel Ajibade, Alademomi Ademola Peter, Anaebo Johnpaul Chukwuka, Israel Kehinde Abioye, Okegbemi Adebayo

Abstract

By combining Building Information Modelling (BIM) with cloud computing technologies, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is undergoing a paradigm shift. This paper will examine how design processes that were formerly disjointed and non-integrated are transitioning to a state where design activities are coordinated and seamless, utilising cloud-based BIM systems. This study helps to understand how cloud-enabled BIM platforms create Common Data Environments (CDEs) that can act as centralised stores of project information, considering a comprehensive technological framework, implementation approaches, and performance indicators. The proposed treatment involves a mixed-methods design, where case study analysis, performance benchmarking, and evaluation of stakeholder feedback are utilised across various types of projects. It shows substantial growth in the level of design coordination (up to a 50 % reduction in meeting times) and a reduction in errors (a 75% decrease in clash-related problems), as well as increased stakeholder satisfaction levels. Nonetheless, there are still problems in the spheres of data safety, managing organisational change, and dependency on technical infrastructure. This study found that Cloud-Based BIM is a fundamental shift necessary to support the competitiveness of the AEC industry moving forward, and new integrations of artificial intelligence, digital twins, and extended reality are areas of potential transformation. The paper contributes to the emerging research on digital construction technologies and provides best practices for industry practitioners transitioning to new technology. 

10.22178/pos.121-12


Keywords


BIM; cloud computing; digital collaboration; construction technology; common data environment

Full Text:

PDF


References


1. Sacks, R., Eastman, C., Lee, G., & Teicholz, P. (2018). BIM handbook: A guide to building information modeling for owners, designers, engineers, contractors, and facility managers (3rd ed.). Retrieved from https://www.benardmakaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BIM-Handbook_-A-Guide-to-Building-Information-Modeling-for-Owners-Designers-Engineers-Contractors-and-Facility-Managers-Wiley-2018.pdf

2. McKinsey Global Institute. (2017, February). Reinventing construction: A route to higher productivity. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/business%20functions/operations/our%20insights/reinventing%20construction%20through%20a%20productivity%20revolution/mgi-reinventing-construction-a-route-to-higher-productivity-full-report.pdf

3. Bello, S. A., Oyedele, L. O., Akinade, O. O., Bilal, M., Davila Delgado, J. M., Akanbi, L. A., Ajayi, A. O., & Owolabi, H. A. (2021). Cloud computing in construction industry: Use cases, benefits and challenges. Automation in Construction, 122, 103441. doi: 10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103441

4. ISO. (2021). Organisation and digitisation of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling — Part 1: Concepts and principles (ISO/CD 19650-1). International Organization for Standardization.

5. Li, X., Wu, P., Shen, G. Q., Wang, X., & Teng, Y. (2017). Mapping the knowledge domains of Building Information Modeling (BIM): A bibliometric approach. Automation in Construction, 84, 195–206. doi: 10.1016/j.autcon.2017.09.011

6. Samuelson, O., & Stehn, L. (2023). Digital transformation in construction – a review. Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 28, 385–404. doi: 10.36680/j.itcon.2023.020

7. Oraee, M., Hosseini, M. R., Papadonikolaki, E., Palliyaguru, R., & Arashpour, M. (2017). Collaboration in BIM-based construction networks: A bibliometric-qualitative literature review. International Journal of Project Management, 35(7), 1288–1301. doi: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.07.001

8. Jernigan, F. E. (2022). BIG BIM little bim: The practical approach to building information modeling (3rd ed.). Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/bigbimlittlebimp0000jern

9. Hardin, B., & McCool, D. (2023). BIM and construction management: Proven tools, methods, and workflows (3rd ed.). Retrieved from https://iibimsolutions.ir/files/BIM/Ebook/BIM%20and%20Construction%20Management-2nd%20edition.pdf

10. NIST. (2021). The NIST definition of cloud computing. Retrieved from https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/legacy/sp/nistspecialpublication800-145.pdf

11. Zhao, Y., & Taib, N. (2022). Cloud-based Building Information Modelling (Cloud-BIM): Systematic literature review and Bibliometric-qualitative Analysis. Automation in Construction, 142, 104468. doi: 10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104468

12. AIA. (2022). Integrated project delivery: An action guide for leaders. American Institute of Architects Press.

13. Charles Olaiya, B., George Fadugba, O., & Muhammad Lawan, M. (2024). Building Information Modeling (BIM) Implementation and Practices in Construction Industry: A Review. Advances in Civil Engineering - Sustainable Materials and Resilient Structures. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.1006363

14. Zeidler, C., & Asghar, M. R. (2017). Towards a Framework for Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing in Portable Clouds. Cloud Computing and Services Science, 273–293. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-62594-2_14


Article Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Metrics powered by PLOS ALM

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Bookmark and Share


Copyright (c) 2025 Olatunji Olamide Segun, Oluwafemi Emmanuel Ajibade, Alademomi Ademola Peter, Anaebo Johnpaul Chukwuka, Israel Kehinde Abioye, Okegbemi Adebayo

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.