Experiences of countries with the adoption of the BIM-based permit process

Abstract

Construction projects are revolutionized by the introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry. It changed the way projects are managed and executed as a collaborative approach to building design, construction, and management. A relatively new concept that has been adopted in several countries around the world is the BIM-based permit process. This process involves the use of BIM technology to optimize the permit process for construction projects. The traditional process of obtaining a building permit involves multiple stakeholders and numerous steps and is often handled using paper documents or digital file submissions. Inefficient building permit procedures are considered time-consuming and prone to errors. Additionally, the demand for building permits has increased due to rapid urbanization, placing more significant pressure on regulatory authorities. This paper presents an analysis of the experiences of countries where the BIM-based permit process has been implemented: Singapore, Norway, Estonia, Finland and Netherland. Reviewing the existing literature and case studies, the advantages and challenges of this method are presented. The benefits identified include increased efficiency, improved accuracy, and reduced costs and delays in the permit process. However, there are many challenges, such as resistance to change and legal support. The paper also highlights the importance of government policies, stakeholder collaboration, and adequate training and education in successfully implementing the BIM-based permit process. The study concludes that the BIM-based permit process has the potential to improve the permit process for construction projects significantly, but its success depends on various factors.