BIM and construction contracts – CPC 2013’s approach

Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) changes the way information is generated, managed and communicated between project team members. It is gaining international attention as a potential way of improving the efficiency of the construction industry; but despite the recognised benefits of BIM, perceived barriers are restricting its adoption. Some of these barriers could be addressed through standard forms of construction contract. The Chartered Institute of Building’s Complex Projects Contract 2013 (CPC 2013) is the first standard form of construction contract to include BIM clauses in its provisions and appendices. To investigate how CPC 2013 attempts to address the perceived barriers of BIM adoption and promote working in a BIM environment, a content analysis was undertaken. The research found that although CPC 2013 addresses some of the perceived barriers associated with BIM, the contract may require amendments and special conditions to its standard form in order to support a ‘Level 2’ environment.