*5.1. Stage I—Identification of Factors*

Factor identification was based on the analysis of both Polish and foreign literature, authors' own experience in implementing BIM in Poland and reports published by Autodesk:


Table 3 presents strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the BIM technology implementation in Polish construction projects. The Table also includes the evaluation of elements in the SWOT matrix on a numerical scale from 1 to 5, where: 1—very weak impact of the element and 5—very strong impact of the element. The assessment was made subjectively by the authors on the basis of market data, reports, and their own experience.


**Table 3.** Strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats of BIM technology implementation in Polish construction projects (own study).

The elements of the SWOT matrix which were qualified to its individual components are briefly described below.

### 5.1.1. STRENGTHS (S)

### Better Quality of Documentation

Due to the greater transparency of the documentation presented in a 3D view and the requirements concerning the degree of model development (Level of Development, LOD), it is possible to obtain documentation of better quality and adapted to the requirements at a given stage of investment (for example, requirements in accordance with the LOD 100, ..., LOD 500 classification). Additionally, BIM tools allow to detect spatial collisions of elements in the BIM model, the so-called "clash detection". Thus, it is possible to detect early irregularities and design mistakes and, thus, reduce cost-generating errors during construction.

According to [12], clash detection with the use of BIM caused a significant reduction in RFIs (Requests For Information) on all surveyed projects. In case studies presented by [13], RFIs were reduced by 34% on a small tilt-wall project, 68% on a three-story assisted living facility, and 43% on a midrise commercial condominium project. The number of change orders was reduced by 40%, 48%, and 37%, respectively. In accordance with reports [10,11], the greatest benefit of implementing the BIM technology was the creation of better quality projects (2015—61.4%; 2019—69.4%) and the possibility of minimizing errors (60.5%, 51.0%), both in terms of design and implementation.

Final rating of the feature (on a scale of 1–5): **5** (due to over 60% the highest rating in surveys).

### Reduction of Construction Project Costs

Information entered into the model and accuracy of take-off calculations have a considerable impact on calculated costs of a construction project [14]. By gathering information in one place, granting access to this information for all investment participants, improving the information flow process and clash detection, BIM allows to reduce the cost of the entire investment. In case studies presented by [13], the ROI (Rate On Investment) of BIM varied greatly from 16% to 1.654%. According to the report [10] the greatest savings are generated by the stage of redundancy and cost estimation (as stated by 70% of respondents), implementation (about 55% of respondents) and use (about 50% of respondents). In 2019, a similar hierarchy was maintained. The greatest controversy was caused by the architectural design stage, since about 55% of respondents declared that BIM reduced the costs of this process, while 30% claimed that it increased the costs. Generally speaking, it can be said that BIM definitely has a positive impact on the reduction of costs of a construction project in the whole process of the construction of a building.

Final rating of the feature (on a scale of 1–5): **5** (due to 70% of respondents' support for opinions on cost savings when using BIM).

### Reduction of Construction Material Waste

The BIM technology helps to reduce building material waste by making accurate measurements based on the BIM model. Therefore, BIM allows to control the amount of material that should be used at a given stage of a construction project. With flexible purchasing and delivery management, waste and unused materials can be reduced by both contractors and subcontractors. However, environmental benefits are not prioritized in Poland, hence, the much lower assessment of this element.

Final rating of the feature (on a scale of 1–5): **3** (due to the relatively low assessment of environmental benefits in Poland).

### Automation of the Drawing Process

The drawing process based on the BIM technology is automated. Changes made to the model immediately generate corrected drawings, thus saving time that can be used to refine the model. At the moment, these design methods are regarded to be an area of professional skills, connected with computer techniques [15]. The use of parametric design allows to create even very complex shapes. It uses advanced algorithms which are based on the parameters entered into the computer. Parametric design allows to set parameters for certain element sizes, when appropriate values are entered and, thus, the shape of the element is updated. In this way a series of types is created without having to draw all the changes.

Kapli ´nski in [16] includes BIM modeling and the integrated BIM process in construction as construction trends shaping the industry in 2016 and beyond. In report [12] the respondents highly appreciated the possibility of improving the way of designing, as well as the possibility of creating more efficient projects (2015—38.4%; 2019—34.7%).

Final rating of the feature (on a scale of 1–5): **4** (due to the high position in the respondents' opinions in the report, but lower than creating better quality projects).
