BIM REVIEW IN AEC INDUSTRY AND LESSONS FOR SUB … · 2019-05-30 · lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa through the case of Cameroon. It reveals that with a BIM adoption level more than

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 10, Issue 05, May 2019, pp. 930-942, Article ID: IJCIET_10_05_093

Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=10&IType=5

ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

© IAEME Publication

BIM REVIEW IN AEC INDUSTRY AND

LESSONS FOR SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: CASE

OF CAMEROON

R. Okpwe Mbarga

PhD Researcher, Department of Civil Engineering

National Advanced School of Engineering, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon

Mamba Mpele

Research Professor, Department of Civil Engineering

National Advanced School of Engineering, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon

ABSTRACT

All round the world, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is transforming the

architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. Its various contributions

have pushed many countries to adopt it for the realization of construction projects. In

this context, this article presents a BIM review in AEC industry in order to draw

lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa through the case of Cameroon. It reveals that with a

BIM adoption level more than 90% in many countries, North America, Oceania and

Europe are very advanced. They are followed by Asia and South America. In Sub-

Saharan Africa, BIM is beginning to be known by many engineers but its potential still

unexploited for the realization of construction projects. To change this situation in the

sub-continent, local institutions dedicated to training and research in civil

engineering should be more engaged in order to effectively support all stakeholders in

the understanding, spreading and implementation of BIM.

Key words: BIM, AEC industry, Sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon.

Cite this Article: R. Okpwe Mbarga and Mamba Mpele, BIM Review in AEC

Industry and Lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa: Case of Cameroon, International

Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology 10(5), 2019, pp. 930-942.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=10&IType=5

1. INTRODUCTION

For several decades, in many developing countries, construction projects face challenges due

to a strong fragmentation of activities, stakeholders and associated disciplines. In fact, this

fragmentation creates weak exchange of technical information between the construction

professionals. In return, the lack of information exchange causes a large multiplication of

errors with moreover: extensions of deadlines, budget overruns and many non-qualities during

the realization of the project (Eastman et al., 2011).

BIM Review in AEC Industry and Lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa: Case of Cameroon


Numerous researches aimed at improving the interoperability of software in the

architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry have led to BIM or “Building

Information Modeling” (Underwood and Isikdag, 2010). Considered as a major digital

innovation, BIM approach relies on standardized and open data formats such as the IFC

(“Industry Foundation Classes”). It will become, according to (Celnik and Lebèque, 2015),

one of the main standards of the construction sector.

Given the deep changes involved by BIM, this article presents a BIM review in AEC

industry and draw lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa through the case of Cameroon. Structured

in seven (07) sections, it presents: main concepts of BIM (section 2); BIM software (section

3); contributions of BIM in construction projects (section 4); BIM practices in the world

(section 5); lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa countries (section 6) and conclusion (section 7).

2. MAIN CONCEPTS OF BIM

2.1. BIM

BIM is a process for intelligent generation and management of all data related to a civil

engineering structures, by means of an advanced 3D digital model (Eastman et al., 2011). It

allows the collaboration of the construction professionals using a digital model named “BIM

model” which facilitates the sharing of information (Figure 1).

Industry,

construction

products

Economists

Contractors Owners, Facility managers

Authorities

IT specialists

BIM manager

ArchitectsGeometers

Engineers

Drawings

and

evaluation

CAD and

simulations

BIM

PLM

SDK and

API

Cost and

BOQ

CAD & follow-up

of the

construction site

Viewing and

management

of the facility

Acquisition

tools

e-catalogues of

products and

systems

Statutory

databases

Figure 1. BIM and interaction of construction professionals (Forgues et al., 2016)

With BIM, projects are carried out according to a new approach that provides a

framework for the collaborative work of major stakeholders, from the early stages to the

construction phase. This collaborative framework is defined by IPD or “Integrated Project

Delivery” (Celnik and Lebègue, 2015).

2.2. nD BIM models

Starting from 3D digital models, BIM models can be progressively filled with additional data

to become (Celnik and Lebègue, 2015):

4D BIM models, obtained by adding the “time” dimension to 3D BIM models. These

models allow the simulation of different steps during the construction.

R. Okpwe Mbarga and Mamba Mpele


5D BIM models, corresponding to the addition of the “cost” dimension to 4D BIM

models. They allow automatic cost estimation at each intermediate step of the

construction.

6D BIM models, obtained by adding the “life cycle analysis” dimension to 5D BIM

models. They allow to analyze the overall cost of a structure or infrastructure over its

life cycle, and to evaluate related environmental impacts and energy consumptions.

7D BIM models, corresponding to the addition of the “operations management and

maintenance” dimension to 6D BIM models. They allow updating BIM models and

facilitating operation and maintenance of structures or infrastructures.

2.3. BIM maturity level

For a given construction project, “maturity level” evaluates BIM level implementation,

according to used software and means of information exchanges. One can distinguish four

BIM maturity levels (Porwal and Hewage, 2013):

The level 0 or pre-BIM, marked by a complete absence of BIM; it characterizes design

practices prior to BIM;

The level 1, corresponding to 3D object-oriented modeling and marked by a one-way

communications between software;

The level 2, characterized by collaboration of object-oriented models using BIM

software which can perform two-way exchanges;

The level 3, corresponding to object-oriented integration, in which BIM model is

stored in a server and accessible by terminals (computers, tablets, smartphones, ...)

3. BIM SOFTWARE

Computer systems that allow users to produce, modify, and manage BIM models are called

“BIM software”. It is the latest generation of object oriented computer aided design (CAD)

systems, in which all intelligent objects associated with the life cycle of a structure or

infrastructure coexist in a database (Underwood and Isikdag, 2010).

BIM software essentially manipulates data in the IFC format, ISO 16 739 standard,

developed by buildingSmart International (Celnik and Lebègue, 2015). There are three types

of BIM software (Eastman et al., 2011):

BIM tools (Table 1), computer systems designed to perform specific tasks in a specific

area (architectural design, structural analysis, thermal performance analysis, electrical

system design, etc.).

BIM platforms (Table 2), a set of BIM tools offered by a particular software editor

that can be used to generate data for multiple uses. They have interfaces with several

BIM tools and other specialized software of the AEC industry.

BIM servers, online computing applications that have a set of features allowing

aggregation, management and coordination of data in a BIM model, regardless of BIM

platforms. ArchiCAD BIM server and EDM Model server are some examples.



Table 1 Some BIM tools (Eastman et al., 2011; Celnik and Lebègue, 2015 buildingSmart, 2019)

N° Tools Examples (Software editor)

1 Tools for rebuilding BIM

models from existing Tripod (Measurix), Viz‟All (All Systems)

2 Tools for preliminary design FreeCAD, Rhinoceros (Robert McNeel & Associates), SketchUp

(Trimble), SolidWorks Premium (Dassault Systemes)

3 Tools for architectural design

Allplan Architecture (Allplan/ Nemetschek), ArchiCAD (Graphisoft/

Nemetschek), Bentley Architecture (Bentley), Revit Architecture

(Autodesk), Vectorworks Architect (Vectorwork/ Nemetschek)

4 Tools for structural modeling

and analysis

Allplan Engineering (Allplan/ Nemetschek), CYPE 3D (Cype),

CYPECAD (Cype), Revit Structure (Autodesk), Robot Structural

Analysis (Autodesk), Scia Engineer (Scia/ Nemetschek), STAAD-Pro

(Bentley), Tekla structure (Tekla/ Trimble)

5 Tools for mechanical, electrical

and plumbing (MEP)

Bentley Hevacomp Mechanical Designer (Bentley), CYPETHERM

(Cype), Revit MEP (Autodesk), DDS-CAD MEP (Nemetschek)

6 Tools for model review and

coordination

Bentley view (Bentley), Naviswork (Autodesk), Solibri Model

Checker (Nemetschek), Tekla BIMsight (Trimble)

7 Tools for cost estimation

WinQUANT Q4 (Attic+), Glodon Takeoff for Architecture and

Structure (Glodon Software Company Limited), CostOS Estimating

(Nomitech)

8 Tools for thermal analysis ArchiWIZARD (Graitec), Bentley Hevacomp Mechanical Designer

(Bentley), ClimaWin (BBS Slama)

9 Tools for environmental impact

analysis

Elody-eveBIM (CSTB), IDA ICE (EQUA Simulation AB), Energy

Plus

10 Tools for facility management ACTIVe3D Facility Server (Sopra Steria), Allfa Web (Allplan),

ArchiFM (Graphisoft)

Table 2 Some BIM platforms (Eastman et al., 2011; Celnik and Lebègue, 2015; buildingSmart, 2019)

N° Platforms (Editor) Specific tools File collaboration formats

1 ArchiCAD

(Graphisoft) ArchiCAD

IFC, BCF, OBDC, DWF, NWC, SMC,

3DS, 3DM, SKP, KML, OBJ, STL, …

2 AutoCAD

(Autodesk)

AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD

MEP, AutoCAD Electrical,

AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD P&D

et Plant 3D.

DGN, DWG, DWF, DXF, IFC, …

3 Bentley (Bentley)

Bentley Architecture, Bentley

PowerCivil, RAM Structural System,

…; GEOPAK Civil Engineering

Suite, Bentley Building Electrical

Systems, Facility Information

Management, …; Bentley view

IFC, CIS/2, STEP, DWG, DXF, U3D,

3DS, Rhino 3DM, IGES, SAT, STEP

AP203/AP214, STL, OBJ, KML, SKP,

…

4 Cype (Cype)

CYPECAD, CYPETHERM,

CYPEPROJECT

IFC, CIS/2, DXF, DWG, …

5 Revit (Autodesk) Revit Architecture, Revit Structure,

Revit MEP, Naviswork

IFC, gbXML, RVA, DWG, DWF, DGN,

SKP, IES, FBX, ODBC, SAT, ADSK,

BIMétré, …

6 Tekla (Trimble)

Tekla Structures, Plancal Nova,

Tekla BIMsight

DWG, DXF, CIS/2, STP, XML, IFC,

IGES, DGN, ODBC, SAP, SDNF, SDF,

STEP, …

7 Vectorworks

(Nemetschek)

Architect, Designer, Landmark,

Spotlight, Machine design, Solibri

Model Viewer, Solibri Model

Checker

IFC, DXF/DWG, STL, 3DS, Revit,

SKP, …

http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/implementation/implementations/allplominoform.application/d07234edbc0e482b94865d563fbc0d68

http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/implementation/implementations/allplominoform.application/d07234edbc0e482b94865d563fbc0d68

http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/implementation/implementations/allplominoform.application/33f4ad7c833e2013e0e859606cd1ded3




http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/implementation/implementations/allplominoform.application/a67ce4f6faed87b6eb1a99fd4eb05324

http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/implementation/implementations/allplominoform.application/a67ce4f6faed87b6eb1a99fd4eb05324

http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/implementation/implementations/allplominoform.application/7dc26e9cb41543d5bb94acf2bf6ec25e





4. CONTRIBUTIONS OF BIM IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Regardless of construction project phases, BIM model ensures the consistency of: 2D views,

associated domain views and all generated documents (Eastman et al., 2011). In addition, it

significantly reduces the manual input of data from one professional to another, which has the

effect of guaranteeing flow of shared information (Celnik and Lebègue, 2015).

BIM models strongly limit errors associated with geometry, alignment and spatial

coordination of objects during various modifications (Eastman et al., 2011). They

automatically adjust the digital model to modifications and promote automatic detection of

geometric inconsistencies.

BIM, associated with IPD, allows us to: have a complete view of project from early

stages; have a better understanding of project issues; optimize overall cost and minimize

associated risks (Figure 2). It makes possible (CIFE in Eastman et al., 2011; Underwood and

Isikdag, 2010; Chone et al., 2016):

A cost estimation with an accuracy of 3%;

A cost reduction of 8 to 18% and a time reduction from 10 to 15% in design phase;

A cost reduction of 8 to 10% and a time reduction up to 7% in construction phase.

Finally, BIM is a technology that optimizes design, construction, operation, maintenance

and deconstruction of structures and infrastructures, in a context increasingly characterized by

high environmental and resource constraints (Celnik and Lebègue, 2015; Min-Seok Oh and

Seunguk Na, 2017; Soleen Alhasan et al., 2017).

Pre

desig

n

Sch

em

ati

c d

esig

n

Desig

n d

evelo

pm

en

t

Co

nstr

ucti

on

do

cu

men

ts

Ten

deri

ng

Co

nstr

ucti

on

Exp

loit

ati

on

/ M

ain

ten

an

ce

Time

High

Cost of design changes

Efforts for pre-BIM

projects

Efforts for BIM projects

(IPD)

Ability to impact

project

Little

Figure 2. Curve of efforts in a construction project with or without BIM (adapted from MacLeamy in

(Chandler et al., 2012))

5. BIM PRACTICES IN THE WORLD

5.1. Major initiatives for the adoption of BIM in the world

In 2003, the United States of America (USA), through General Services Administration, set

up a national 3D-4D BIM program to support the implementation of this technology for the



realization of public projects (Kalfa, 2018). Since 2014, the BIM Institute in Canada has

conducted several initiatives in order to enhance a wide BIM adoption (McAuley et al., 2017).

All these initiatives have led many South American countries (including Brazil, Mexico, Peru

and Chile) to adopt BIM (McAuley et al., 2017).

In Europe, Norway (via Statsbygg), Denmark (through Palaces & Properties Agency,

Danish University Property Agency, Defense Construction Service) and Finland (via Senate

Properties), have strongly supported BIM implementation since 2007 (Granholm, 2011,

McAuley et al., 2017). Two years later, Sweden has been committed to BIM through state-

owned enterprises and non-profit organizations (McAuley et al., 2017, Plan Transition

Numérique dans le Bâtiment, 2018). In 2011, the United Kingdom (UK) started an ambitious

program to transform its construction industry through the use of Level 2 BIM (McAuley et

al., 2017). As early as 2014, European Union (EU), with its directive “Public Procurement”,

encouraged its state members to support, specify or make mandatory the use of BIM by 2017

for publicly financed construction projects (Celnik et Lebègue, 2015). This directive has

accelerated BIM adoption in many countries such as: France, Ireland, Russia, Germany,

Austria, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic and Poland (Cheng and Lu,

2015; NBS, 2016; McAuley, 2017; Kalfa, 2018).

In Asia, as early as 2008, Singapore developed a strategy to extend BIM implementation

in construction projects and created a public funding for this purpose (McAuley et al., 2017;

Kalfa, 2018). Since 2009, in Japan, Korea and Hong Kong, many guides have been produced

in order to enhance a wide adoption of BIM by construction professionals (Cheng and Lu,

2015). All these initiatives have encouraged many other Asian countries (such as China,

India, Dubai and Qatar) to start the transformation of their AEC industry by BIM

implementation (McAuley et al., 2017).

2005 2010 2015 20202000

2003

USA

Finland

Denmark

Singapore

Hong Kong

Sweden

Australia

Korea

Japan

Netherland

UK

Norway

China

Canada

France

Ireland

Russia

Germany

Austria

Belgium

Spain

Brazil

Poland

Switzerland

Italia

Czech Republic

2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016

Egypt

South Africa

Africa

America

Asia

Europe

Oceania

2018

Figure 3. Beginning of major initiatives for BIM adoption all round the world

In Oceania, since 2009, Australia has mobilized the stakeholders of its AEC industry on

potential and massive use of BIM (Kalfa, 2018). A similar movement has been followed in

New Zealand (McAuley et al., 2017).

In Africa, serious initiatives for a wide adoption of BIM have begun in 2018. More

precisely, in South Africa a BIM Institute has been created to support BIM implementation by

professionals of construction projects (Akintola et al., 2017; BIM Institute, 2019). In Egypt,



the stakeholders of AEC industry are mobilized in periodic activities centered on BIM

(Gerges et al., 2017; El-Chazly, 2018).

Major initiatives aiming at BIM adoption all round the world can be summarized by

Figures 3 and 4.

BIM

Pro

gra

mm

es p

lan

ned

Pla

nn

ing

on

BIM

ad

op

tio

n

CA

NA

DA

2014

-202

0 B

IM

impl

emen

tati

on

prog

ram

me

BR

AZ

IL

Man

date

BIM

in

2021

CH

ILE

2020

BIM

obl

igat

ory

for

Gov

ernm

ent

proj

ects

CZ

EC

H R

EP

UB

LIC

Pla

ns g

oing

on

for

BIM

adop

tion

ITA

LY

BIM

man

dato

ry f

rom

2019

for

pro

ject

s ab

ove

100

mil

lion

. Ful

l

impl

emen

tati

on b

y 20

22

NE

TH

ER

LA

ND

S

2012

bas

ed o

n op

en

BIM

SP

AIN

Goi

ng s

tron

g in

BIM

adop

tion

PO

RT

UG

AL

BIM

Pro

gram

me

in

plac

e

FR

AN

CE

2017

pla

nned

intr

oduc

tion

SW

ITZ

ER

LA

ND

Goi

ng s

tron

g on

BIM

adop

tion

GE

RM

AN

Y

2017

-202

0 P

hase

d

intr

oduc

tion

BE

LG

IUM

Pla

ns g

oing

on

for

BIM

ado

ptio

n

JA

PA

N

BIM

gui

deli

ne

CH

INA

Str

ong

gove

rnm

ent

supp

ort

NE

W Z

EA

LA

ND

Goi

ng s

tron

g in

BIM

adop

tion

Fu

ture

Ma

nd

ate

s fi

xed

ME

XIC

O

2017

Sta

ndar

ds f

or B

IM

proj

ects

PE

RU

2022

BIM

obl

igat

ory

for

gove

rnm

ent

proj

ects

QA

TA

R

2017

pla

nned

intr

oduc

tion

SC

OT

LA

ND

2017

Lev

el 2

BIM

to

be

intr

oduc

ed

Ma

nd

ate

s in

pla

ce

UN

ITE

D S

TA

TE

S

2008

BIM

obl

igat

ory

for

Gov

ernm

ent

proj

ects

DU

BA

I

Res

tric

ted

man

date

in

plac

e

UK

2016

BIM

obl

igat

ory

for

gove

rnm

ent

proj

ects

FIN

LA

ND

2007

req

uire

s IF

C f

or

new

bui

ldin

gs a

nd

oper

atio

n ba

sed

on

inte

grat

ed m

odel

s

RU

SS

IA

2017

BIM

obl

igat

ory

for

all

Fed

eral

ord

ers

DE

NM

AR

K

2012

BIM

for

all

gove

rnm

ent

offi

ces

and

univ

ersi

ty b

uild

ings

KO

RE

A

2012

BIM

sta

ndar

d of

Kor

ea HO

NG

KO

NG

Man

date

in

plac

e si

nce

2014

AU

ST

RA

LIA

Res

tric

ted

man

date

in

plac

e

SIN

GA

PO

RE

2015

obl

igat

ory

for

all

buil

ding

s >

500

0 sq

m

SW

ED

EN

Res

tric

ted

Man

date

in

plac

eO

pen

BIM

Sta

nd

ard

s &

Ma

nd

ate

AU

ST

RIA

2015

BIM

stan

dard

s ba

sed

on

IFC

NO

RW

AY

2016

Sha

red

on o

pen

BIM

cer

tifi

cati

on

Figure 4. Major initiatives for BIM adoption all round the world (McAuley et al., 2017)



5.2. Level of BIM adoption in AEC industry round the world

Figures 5, 6 and 7 summarize the information on level of BIM adoption in AEC industry from

2007 to 2018 given by (McGraw Hill Construction 2010, 2012; NBS, 2014, 2016; RICS

School of Built Environment and Amity University, 2014; Conject, 2015). Such statistics are

not yet available for African countries; however there are low levels of BIM adoption in

Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt, which are the main economies of the continent (Akintola et

al., 2017; Gerges et al., 2017; El-Chazly, 2018 ; Ibem et al., 2018; World Bank, 2019).

Figure 5. Levels of BIM adoption in America and Oceania

Figure 6. Levels of BIM adoption in Europe

y = 8.5x - 17030

y = 5.6429x - 11289

y = 0.2x3 - 1211.3x2 + 2E+06x - 2E+09

0

20

40

60

80

100

2005 2010 2015 2020

Ad

op

tio

n le

vel

Years

USA

Canada

Brazil

New Zealand

Australia

y = 5.6x - 11218

y = 4.4x - 8808

y = -0.2426x2 + 985.12x - 1E+06

y = 4.3571x - 8699

0

20

40

60

80

100

2005 2010 2015 2020

Ad

op

tio

n le

vel

Years

France

Germany

Austria

Spain

UK

Finland

Netherland

Denmark

Russia



Figure 7. Levels of BIM adoption in Asia

Linear regression methods of Excel 2010 software (Barbary, 2011) allows us to obtain the

curves plotted on Figures 5, 6 and 7. With these elements, we can estimate levels of BIM

adoption in 2018 for some advanced BIM countries (Table 3).

Table 3 Levels of BIM adoption in 2018 for some advanced countries

N° Countries Adoption Level

1 USA 100

2 New Zealand 100

3 Canada 96

4 UK 95

5 Finland 92

6 France 82

7 Denmark 78 a

8 Singapore 76 a

9 Germany 70 a Minimum values

Table 3 shows very high levels in North America, Western Europe and Oceania. The

previous group is followed by Asia (led by Singapore) and South America (led by Brazil).

6. LESSONS FOR SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA COUNTRIES: CASE OF

CAMEROON

6.1. General framework of the AEC industry in Cameroon

Cameroon is a Central African country, which occupies an area of 475 000 km2, with 24

million inhabitants and a gross domestic product (GDP) of 36.4 billion (constant 2010) US $

in 2017 (World Bank, 2019). Of the fifty economies in sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon is

ranked 10th

and 17th

respectively in terms of GDP and GDP/ capita in 2017 (World Bank,

2019).

With a share of 5.3% of GDP in 2016 (Deffonsou and N'kodia, 2018), AEC industry is a

major sector of Cameroonian economy. There are at least 422 construction companies and 81

y = 23

0

20

40

60

80

100

2005 2010 2015 2020

Ad

op

tio

n le

vel

Years

China

India

Japan

Korea

Singapore



design firms in the country (Ministry of Public Works, 2015). The construction projects

carried out by these professionals are characterized by numerous dysfunctions which have the

effects of: lengthening deadlines, increasing costs and decreasing quality of structures or

infrastructures (Ministry of Public Works, 2015; Public Contracts Regulatory Agency, 2016).

All this is very detrimental to socio-economic development of Cameroon given the

magnitude of its needs in terms of structures and infrastructures. In facts, statistics reports

show (Ministry of Public Works, 2015; World Bank, 2019): a housing deficit of 100 000 units

per year in urban areas since 2013; a road network of 113 000 km in which 58% is in poor

condition; a railway network of 1 104 km.

6.2. Current status of BIM in Cameroon

In Cameroon, construction projects essentially rely on: paper documentation for various

information exchanges, 2D and 3D geometric models for carrying out various analyzes. The

most used software within design offices are essentially AutoCAD, Covadis, ArchiCAD and

Robot (Abanda et al., 2014; Doumtsop, 2017). Collaborations of NASE/ UYI (National

Advanced School of Engineering of University of Yaounde I) with main design firms (Le

Competing, INTEGC Sarl, ECTA BTP, CGV Engineering, …) and Ministry of Public Works,

shows that BIM is beginning to be known by architects and engineers (Abanda et al., 2014;

Doumtsop, 2017). However, the potential of BIM technologies is not mobilized in the

realization of construction projects.

In universities and schools, training of civil engineers is still based on pre-BIM

engineering practices (Doumtsop, 2017; Mbassally, 2018). Some courses on BIM software

(Revit, Staad Pro) are offered by “Computer Aided Design (CAD) Center” located at NASE/

UYI. However, in addition of being costly, these offers are essentially focused on CAD

aspects, and not on BIM and collaborative work (Mbassally, 2018).

Currently, initiatives related to BIM are carried out by Department of Civil Engineering of

NASE/ UYI. More precisely, since 2016, framework for the understanding, spreading and use

of BIM in Cameroon is being structured by means of: scientific communications, scientific

publications, Engineering and Master Thesis and research studies. The Department plans to

introduce BIM-related modules into the curriculum of civil engineers during the academic

year 2019/2020.

6.3. Recommendations for BIM implementation in Cameroon

BIM implementation in Cameroon would provide structures and infrastructures of high

quality under better conditions of cost and time. Well thought, it would improve the country

socio-economic environment while ensuring a short- and medium-term return on investment

for companies engaged in a BIM transformation.

BIM should be supported by a larger number of institutions devoted to training and

research in civil engineering in Cameroon. Specifically, it would be appropriate to:

Integrate BIM into training programs for civil engineers in order to prepare a

generation of engineers linked to BIM and who will impulse the implementation and

the spreading of BIM among the construction professionals;

Build the capacity of engineers already working in the construction sector through

BIM-focused and financially accessible training opportunities;

Increase researches on BIM, specific to Cameroonian environment in order to improve

the performance of construction projects, raise awareness and support companies in

their transition to BIM;



Support the public authorities in the understanding of BIM issues, definition and

implementation of a national BIM strategy.

7. CONCLUSION

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a global initiative that deeply impacts practices of

architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. It involves the use of systems

based mainly on the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format and requires the reorganization

of construction professionals according to IPD (Integrated Project Delivery). BIM provides

structures and infrastructures of better quality at reduced cost and time.

With a BIM adoption level over 90% in several countries, North America, Oceania and

Europe are the most advanced parts of the world. This dynamic is spreading in Asia (where

Singapore, Korea, Japan and Hong Kong are the leaders) and in South America (led by

Brazil). In Africa, major initiatives for a wide BIM adoption are more recent (2018). Except

South Africa, the potential of BIM remains unexploited by engineers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

These observations and the case of Cameroon show that it is urgent for Sub-Saharan

Africa to engage the transformation of its AEC industry with BIM. For this, local institutions

dedicated to training and research in civil engineering should be more engaged in order to

effectively support all stakeholders in the understanding, spreading and implementation of

BIM in construction projects. The effective deployment of BIM can solve many challenges

faced by AEC industry in this subcontinent.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank the African Center of Excellence in Information and Communication

Technologies of University of Yaounde I for their collaboration and support.

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