APPLICATION OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) IN IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PREFABRICATION CONSTRUCTION

For locations with urban density and prevalent construction challenges, adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) in prefabrication practices offers a practical approach for streamlining processes and enhancing project outcomes. This approach facilitates better design coordination, optimizes resource management, reduces waste, and shortens project timelines. As the Hong Kong construction industry increasingly adopts technological innovation, understanding the impact of BIM on prefabrication within this context becomes essential. This study aims to explore the current state of BIM implementation in Hong Kong's prefabrication sector, assess its benefits, and identify potential challenges associated with its integration. The quantitative approach was adopted to obtain the generalized findings, and 62 industry professionals participated in the questionnaire survey. The results indicated that the adoption of BIM in prefabrication work is becoming increasingly widespread, with its applications expanding across various areas, including design coordination, schedule management, and cost control. Enhanced design accuracy with reduced errors is the most crucial benefit, whereas over-reliance on BIM consultants is the most critical challenge. Most respondents expressed a strong willingness to continue using BIM, reflecting their recognition of its value and effectiveness. Based on the findings, this study proposes some practical recommendations for improving the effectiveness of prefabrication construction in Hong Kong.