Integrating 4D/5D/6D BIM and Project Management to Enhance Infrastructure Project Delivery Performance

Abstract

A growing trend toward improved planning, control, and delivery of infrastructure projects accompanies the integration of building information modeling (BIM) with project management. In that regard, 4D, 5D, and 6D BIM, which are extensions of traditional 3D modeling, add schedule, cost, and sustainability information to the project decision-making process. However, there is still empirical evidence of BIM’s contribution to project delivery in developing and post-conflict settings. This study examined the relationship between 4D/5D/6D BIM and project management and infrastructure project delivery performance. The study employed a quantitative research approach based on a structured questionnaire administered to 128 professionals in the infrastructure sector. The data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Positive perceptions were found for 4D BIM’s role in schedule performance (path coefficient of β = 0.45), 5D BIM’s role in cost performance (β = 0.42), and 6D BIM’s role in sustainability performance (β = 0.40). Given the high multicollinearity among the BIM dimensions, an integrated second-order BIM capability was examined and found to be positively associated with overall project performance (β = 0.61, coefficient of determination R² = 0.67). As a result, the study identified the BIM elements reported by construction professionals to improve project scheduling, cost efficiency, and sustainability. Simultaneously, the cross-sectional data reflect the professionals’ reported perceptions at a single point in time. Therefore, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence of causal relationships. Also, an in-depth look at how 4D, 5D, and 6D BIM play out in project management was presented, with these concepts put in the context of infrastructure. This context may, in turn, involve challenges that are specific to the setting.