A Mixed-Method Comparative Analysis of BIM Technology Adoption in China’s and Japan’s Construction Sectors
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Research Method and Object
3. Japan’s and China’s BIM Development and Policies
3.1. China
3.2. Japan
4. Success Cases
4.1. “Shanghai Chest Hospital Science and Education Complex” Project
4.2. “Onomichi City Hall New Main Building” Project
4.3. Project Comparison
5. BIM Industry SWOT Analysis
5.1. SWOT Survey
5.2. Comparison of SWOT Survey Results
6. Survey on Awareness of BIM Education in Higher Education
6.1. University Faculty Awareness
6.2. University Student Awareness
7. Discussion
8. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Authors and Year | Country | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Prabhakaran et al. (2021) [24] | USA, Qatar | Confirming the effectiveness of macro-policies in promoting BIM adoption in the market |
Edirisinghe et al. (2015) [25] | USA, UK | Identifying the impact of national governance and institutional frameworks on BIM adoption |
Wong et al. (2011) [26] | Hong Kong, USA | Analyzing governmental involvement in BIM deployment across the construction lifecycle |
Hong et al. (2020) [27] | Australia, China | Identifying the key factors that influence BIM adoption |
Jin et al. (2019) [28] | Australia, China, and UK | Identifying the differences in students’ perceptions of BIM industry practices |
Sari et al. (2020) [29] | USA, UK, and Turkey | Identifying the deficiencies and gaps in construction companies’ practices in BIM transformation |
Morganti et al. (2023) [30] | USA, Europe | Developing a BIM educational curriculum to bridge the gap and mismatch between academia and industry |
Jiang et al. (2022) [31] | Singapore, UK, and USA | Identifying the role of government in promoting BIM implementation |
Ma et al. (2023) [32] | New Zealand, China | Analyzing barriers to BIM adoption and proposed corresponding countermeasures |
Item | Shanghai Chest Hospital Science and Education Complex Project | Onomichi City Hall New Main Building Project |
---|---|---|
Location | Xuhui District, Shanghai, China | Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan |
Size and volume | Gross floor area: approx. 24,208 m2 Above ground: 13 floors; below ground: 3 floors | Gross floor area: approx. 14,500 m2 Above ground: 5 floors; below ground: 1 floor |
Implementation period | Design phase: 2015–2016 Construction phase: 2016–2019 | Design phase: 2017–2018 Construction phase: 2018–2020 |
Functional characteristics | Complex facility with medical, research, education, and administrative functions | Facility with administrative functions and public services for citizens |
Geographical conditions | Complex surroundings with limited construction space; foundation excavation (10.9 m from subway) requires strict control of structural and environmental risks near roads and subway facilities | Adjacent to the Onomichi Waterway, considering coastal city landscape and disaster prevention needs Logistics entry restricted, requiring precise construction planning |
Policy background | Shanghai city BIM trial project | MLIT BIM model project |
Construction objectives | BIM was applied to enhance construction quality, safety, and management while establishing implementation standards for public buildings in Shanghai | Lifecycle BIM enabled the integration of design, construction, and maintenance while promoting standard BIM models and digital application in public-sector operations |
Key points of BIM application | BIM supported early-stage foundation planning, 4D simulation, and clash detection during construction, integrated piping and process management, and facilitated delivery as well as maintenance preparation | BIM was used to coordinate design and construction, establish a management platform, and support 60 years of building operation, enabling the quantitative evaluation of client efficiency and demonstrating BIM’s long-term value |
Item | Shanghai Chest Hospital Science and Education Complex Project | Onomichi City Hall New Main Building Project |
---|---|---|
Construction period reduction | Approx. 10% reduction in construction time | Approx. 15% reduction in construction time |
Quality and safety | Structural work passed on the first attempt; completed without accidents | High-quality construction meeting design specifications |
Cost reduction | About 7.5% reduction in total investment, including BIM costs | No quantitative figure disclosed; approx. 10.8% reduction in administrative workload |
Leadership in BIM implementation | Client-led with third-party BIM consultant | Collaboration between designer and contractor |
Focus of BIM utilization | Integrated management and clash detection in the design and construction phases | Lifecycle management, including design, construction, and operation |
First | Second | Third |
---|---|---|
S | S1 Informed Decision Making | S11 Project planning optimized via comprehensive digital integration |
S12 Enhanced decision accuracy through 3D model visualization | ||
S2 Optimized Design | S21 Cost estimation improved through automatic quantity take-off | |
S22 Reduced errors and assured quality using clash detection | ||
S3 Advanced Construction Management | S31 Early assessment of buildability and maintainability | |
S32 Embedding construction data into BIM models | ||
S33 Validating construction results via integrated measurement tools | ||
S4 Unified Information Management | S41 Precise grasp of construction cost and schedule status | |
S42 Improved collaboration and data exchange among stakeholders | ||
S43 Seamless tracking of data for facility operation and maintenance | ||
W | W1 Financial Burden | W11 Substantial software acquisition and maintenance costs |
W12 Elevated personnel expenses linked to BIM utilization | ||
W13 Cost-intensive training for BIM proficiency | ||
W2 Software Limitations | W21 Poor interoperability across different software platforms | |
W22 Inadequate systems for 3D data sharing and utilization | ||
W3 Time Constraints | W31 BIM design phases often take longer than conventional approaches | |
W32 Revision cycles in BIM are more time-consuming | ||
W4 Efficiency in Project Management | W41 BIM shows limited efficiency gains over 2D methods | |
W42 Management roles need redefinition under BIM workflows | ||
W43 Long-term commitment needed for data updates and maintenance | ||
O | O1 Government and MLIT Initiatives | O11 Policy initiatives promoting construction standardization and industrialization |
O12 Active governmental support for green building implementation | ||
O13 BIM adoption encouraged in the precast construction domain | ||
O2 Societal and Industry Growth | O21 National environment conducive to construction innovation | |
O22 Local governments and private sectors support BIM center development | ||
O3 Global Advancement of BIM | O31 Accelerated global innovation in BIM technologies | |
O32 Availability of international best-practice references | ||
O4 Strong Digital Transformation Ecosystem | O41 Improved hardware performance (e.g., computing devices) | |
O42 Growing diversity of BIM-related software applications | ||
O43 Digitally fluent younger workforce in construction industry | ||
T | T1 Limited Awareness in the Sector | T11 Lack of immediate financial returns from BIM usage |
T12 Disjointed collaboration among project stakeholders | ||
T13 Industry-wide resistance to technological change | ||
T2 Standardization Gaps | T21 Absence of specific legal frameworks supporting BIM | |
T22 Lack of consistent and universal BIM construction standards | ||
T3 Industry Challenges | T31 Legacy CAD tools still fulfill current design requirements | |
T32 High initial cost for BIM implementation | ||
T33 Frequent project revisions delay design finalization | ||
T4 Shortage of Skilled Workforce | T41 Limited formal BIM education in academic institutions | |
T42 Time-intensive in-house training for BIM talent development |
First | Second | Third |
---|---|---|
S | S1 Informed Decision Making | S11 Streamlined project planning via full-process digitalization |
S12 Precise cost forecasting for client reference and budgeting | ||
S2 Optimized Design | S21 Automated compliance checking against regulatory standards | |
S22 Improved design quality and error minimization through clash detection | ||
S3 Sophisticated Construction Management | S31 Standardized production process for precast elements | |
S32 High-accuracy placement of precast components on site | ||
S33 Clear real-time monitoring of project cost and timeline progress | ||
S4 Comprehensive Information Management | S41 Quick model-based cost estimations | |
S42 Strengthened inter-party communication and data exchange | ||
S43 Lifecycle tracking of data for facility operation and maintenance | ||
W | W1 Financial Constraints | W11 Elevated expense of BIM software licenses |
W12 High labor costs in BIM-integrated workflows | ||
W13 Considerable investment required for workforce training | ||
W2 Software Limitations | W21 Deficiencies in BIM component libraries | |
W22 Inadequate infrastructure for 3D data exchange and application | ||
W23 Limited interoperability across software vendors | ||
W3 Design Time Burden | W31 Revisions in BIM take longer than traditional methods | |
W4 Project Coordination Challenges | W41 Need for reevaluation of stakeholder management roles | |
W42 Urgent need for a revised BIM cost distribution framework | ||
W43 Ongoing data maintenance demands over the long term | ||
O | O1 Government-Driven Initiatives | O11 Strong policy endorsement of construction digitalization and standardization |
O12 Nationwide atmosphere supportive of technological innovation | ||
O13 Proactive governmental promotion of green building practices | ||
O14 State-led efforts to expand BIM use in precast construction | ||
O15 Regional and private-sector establishment of BIM service hubs | ||
O2 Evolving Industry Landscape | O21 Fast-paced development of digital technologies in China | |
O22 Abundant international case studies available for reference | ||
O23 Rising innovation potential in small- and medium-sized enterprises | ||
O24 Gradual move toward standardization and institutionalization of projects | ||
O25 New generation professionals proficient in digital tools and IT skills | ||
T | T1 Low BIM Awareness Among Practitioners | T11 Weak understanding of data-sharing mechanisms within teams |
T12 Lack of coordination among owners, designers, and builders | ||
T13 Absence of direct economic returns from BIM implementation | ||
T14 Institutional inertia against adopting new technologies | ||
T2 Deficiencies in Regulatory Frameworks | T21 Absence of BIM-specific legal frameworks | |
T22 No standardized national BIM implementation guidelines | ||
T23 Missing system for BIM-related cost attribution | ||
T3 Structural Challenges in the Construction Sector | T31 Conventional CAD tools still meet immediate design needs | |
T32 Compressed timelines for design delivery | ||
T33 Frequent revisions slow down project finalization | ||
T34 Overemphasis on cost-cutting over long-term value | ||
T35 Widespread use of low-efficiency, extensive project management styles | ||
T36 Limited financial incentives or subsidies from the government | ||
T4 Shortage of Skilled BIM Workforce | T41 Scarcity of formal BIM education and training in academia | |
T42 Corporate training requires long-term resource investment |
Score | Interpretation |
---|---|
1 (No advantage) | Represents a baseline level of importance; the indicator is generally relevant within the strategic development context but lacks distinct significance. |
3 (Slight advantage) | Reflects a modest level of importance; the indicator holds relatively more value compared to less impactful factors. |
5 (Moderate advantage) | Denotes a clearly influential indicator that plays a meaningful role within the strategic framework. |
7 (High advantage) | Suggests a strongly favorable indicator that is highly relevant and influential in development strategy formulation. |
9 (Critical advantage) | Indicates a top-priority indicator with exceptional importance in guiding strategic decisions. |
2, 4, 6, 8 (Intermediate values) | Used to express a nuanced level of importance that lies between two adjacent defined scores. |
(a) | |||||
Second Item | Second | Third Item | Third | Ranking | |
S1 | 0.2427 | S11 | 0.4931 | 0.1197 | 4 |
S12 | 0.5103 | 0.1239 | 2 | ||
S2 | 0.2516 | S21 | 0.4897 | 0.1232 | 3 |
S22 | 0.5103 | 0.1284 | 1 | ||
S3 | 0.2555 | S31 | 0.3346 | 0.0855 | 6 |
S32 | 0.3344 | 0.0854 | 7 | ||
S33 | 0.3309 | 0.0845 | 8 | ||
S4 | 0.2503 | S41 | 0.3476 | 0.0870 | 5 |
S42 | 0.3260 | 0.0816 | 10 | ||
S43 | 0.3264 | 0.0817 | 9 | ||
(b) | |||||
Second Item | Second | Third Item | Third | Ranking | |
W1 | 0.2791 | O11 | 0.2033 | 0.1023 | 1 |
O12 | 0.1984 | 0.0998 | 5 | ||
O13 | 0.1987 | 0.0999 | 4 | ||
W2 | 0.2629 | O14 | 0.2028 | 0.1020 | 2 |
O15 | 0.1968 | 0.0990 | 9 | ||
O21 | 0.1989 | 0.0989 | 10 | ||
W3 | 0.2311 | O22 | 0.1999 | 0.0994 | 7 |
W4 | 0.2267 | O23 | 0.1991 | 0.0990 | 8 |
O24 | 0.2004 | 0.0996 | 6 | ||
O25 | 0.2016 | 0.1002 | 3 | ||
(c) | |||||
Second Item | Second | Third Item | Third | Ranking | |
O1 | 0.5021 | O11 | 0.2033 | 0.1023 | 1 |
O12 | 0.1984 | 0.0998 | 5 | ||
O13 | 0.1987 | 0.0999 | 4 | ||
O14 | 0.2028 | 0.1020 | 2 | ||
O15 | 0.1968 | 0.0990 | 9 | ||
O2 | 0.4979 | O21 | 0.1989 | 0.0989 | 10 |
O22 | 0.1999 | 0.0994 | 7 | ||
O23 | 0.1991 | 0.0990 | 8 | ||
O24 | 0.2004 | 0.0996 | 6 | ||
O25 | 0.2016 | 0.1002 | 3 | ||
(d) | |||||
Second Item | Second | Third Item | Third | Ranking | |
T1 | 0.2533 | T11 | 0.2592 | 0.0657 | 6 |
T12 | 0.2593 | 0.0657 | 7 | ||
T13 | 0.2437 | 0.0617 | 8 | ||
T14 | 0.2378 | 0.0602 | 9 | ||
T2 | 0.2376 | T21 | 0.3375 | 0.0802 | 3 |
T22 | 0.3352 | 0.0796 | 4 | ||
T23 | 0.3273 | 0.0777 | 5 | ||
T3 | 0.2534 | T31 | 0.1577 | 0.0400 | 15 |
T32 | 0.1688 | 0.0428 | 13 | ||
T33 | 0.1701 | 0.0431 | 10 | ||
T34 | 0.1695 | 0.0429 | 11 | ||
T35 | 0.1694 | 0.0429 | 12 | ||
T36 | 0.1646 | 0.0417 | 14 | ||
T4 | 0.2557 | T41 | 0.4988 | 0.1276 | 2 |
T42 | 0.5012 | 0.1282 | 1 |
(a) | |||||
Second Item | Second | Third Item | Third | Ranking | |
S1 | 0.2892 | S11 | 0.4481 | 0.1296 | 2 |
S12 | 0.5519 | 0.4596 | 1 | ||
S2 | 0.2203 | S21 | 0.4512 | 0.0994 | 5 |
S22 | 0.5488 | 0.1209 | 3 | ||
S3 | 0.2321 | S31 | 0.3669 | 0.0851 | 6 |
S32 | 0.2996 | 0.0695 | 10 | ||
S33 | 0.3335 | 0.0774 | 7 | ||
S4 | 0.2584 | S41 | 0.2916 | 0.0754 | 9 |
S42 | 0.4100 | 0.1060 | 4 | ||
S43 | 0.2984 | 0.0771 | 8 | ||
(b) | |||||
Second Item | Second | Third Item | Third | Ranking | |
W1 | 0.2898 | W11 | 0.3573 | 0.1035 | 5 |
W12 | 0.3071 | 0.0890 | 7 | ||
W13 | 0.3357 | 0.0973 | 6 | ||
W2 | 0.2387 | W21 | 0.4951 | 0.1182 | 3 |
W22 | 0.5049 | 0.1205 | 2 | ||
W3 | 0.2467 | W31 | 0.5265 | 0.1299 | 1 |
W32 | 0.4735 | 0.1168 | 4 | ||
W4 | 0.2248 | W41 | 0.2996 | 0.0674 | 10 |
W42 | 0.3452 | 0.0776 | 9 | ||
W43 | 0.3552 | 0.0799 | 8 | ||
(c) | |||||
Second Item | Second | Third Item | Third | Ranking | |
O1 | 0.2360 | O11 | 0.3347 | 0.0790 | 9 |
O12 | 0.3025 | 0.0714 | 10 | ||
O13 | 0.3629 | 0.0856 | 6 | ||
O2 | 0.2543 | O21 | 0.4870 | 0.1239 | 3 |
O22 | 0.5131 | 0.1305 | 2 | ||
O3 | 0.2521 | O31 | 0.5460 | 0.1376 | 1 |
O32 | 0.4540 | 0.1144 | 4 | ||
O4 | 0.2576 | O41 | 0.3613 | 0.0931 | 5 |
O42 | 0.3070 | 0.0791 | 8 | ||
O43 | 0.3317 | 0.0854 | 7 | ||
(d) | |||||
Second Item | Second | Third Item | Third | Ranking | |
T1 | 0.4512 | T11 | 0.3152 | 0.1422 | 6 |
T12 | 0.3995 | 0.1802 | 4 | ||
T13 | 0.2854 | 0.1288 | 7 | ||
T2 | 0.5488 | T21 | 0.4652 | 0.2553 | 2 |
T22 | 0.5348 | 0.2935 | 1 | ||
T3 | 0.2350 | T31 | 0.2644 | 0.0621 | 10 |
T32 | 0.3855 | 0.0906 | 8 | ||
T33 | 0.3500 | 0.0823 | 9 | ||
T4 | 0.3669 | T41 | 0.4512 | 0.1655 | 5 |
T42 | 0.5489 | 0.2014 | 3 |
n | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RI | 0 | 0 | 0.58 | 0.89 | 1.12 | 1.24 | 1.32 | 1.41 |
Item | China | Japan |
---|---|---|
Strengths | 1. Improved design quality and error minimization through clash detection. 2. Streamlined project planning via full-process digitalization. | 1. Enhanced decision accuracy through 3D model visualization. 2. Project planning optimized via comprehensive digital integration. |
Weaknesses | 1. Revisions in BIM take longer than traditional methods. 2. High labor costs in BIM-integrated workflows. | 1. BIM design phases often take longer than conventional approaches. 2. Inadequate systems for 3D data sharing and utilization. |
Opportunities | 1. Strong policy endorsement of construction digitalization and standardization. 2. State-led efforts to expand BIM use in precast construction. | 1. Accelerated global innovation in BIM technologies. 2. Local governments and private sectors support BIM center development. |
Threats | 1. Corporate training requires long-term resource investment. 2. Scarcity of formal BIM education and training in academia. | 1. Lack of consistent and universal BIM construction standards. 2. Absence of specific legal frameworks supporting BIM. |
Country | Position | Years of Teaching Experience | BIM Teaching Experience Years |
---|---|---|---|
Japan | Professor | 40 years | 26 years |
Professor | 24 years | 5 years | |
Professor | 21 years | 6 years | |
Associate Professor | 10 years | Unknown | |
China | Professor | 18 years | 8 years |
Professor | 16 years | 10 years | |
Associate Professor | 8 years | 8 years | |
Associate Professor | 5 years | 5 years |
Item | Selected Content | Japan | China |
---|---|---|---|
BIM-related course content | Design and 3D modeling | 4 | 4 |
Structural analysis | 1 | ||
Construction management related | 1 | 4 | |
Cost estimation | 3 | ||
Sustainable design | 1 | 1 | |
Others | 1 | ||
The importance of BIM education in university education | Very important | 4 | 1 |
Important | 3 | ||
The university provides sufficient resources and support for BIM education | Think so | 2 | |
Ordinary | 2 | ||
Do not think so | 2 | ||
Do not think so at all | 2 | ||
How will the role of BIM education in university education change over the next five years | Unchanged from the current situation | 1 | |
A slight change has no overall impact | 3 | 1 | |
Changes have an overall impact | 3 |
Item | Classification | China (n = 62) | Japan (n = 53) | χ2 | p | Cramer’s V | Conclusion |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The importance of BIM technology | High | 56 (90.3%) | 51 (96.2%) | 1.557 | 0.212 | 0.12 | Not significant |
Low | 6 (9.7%) | 2 (3.8%) | |||||
Frequency of using BIM technology | Has experience | 54 (87.1%) | 26 (49.1%) | 19.40 | <0.001 *** | 0.41 | Significant |
No experience | 8 (12.9%) | 27 (50.9%) | |||||
Adequacy of BIM education | Rich | 33 (53.2%) | 13 (24.5%) | 18.93 | <0.001 *** | 0.40 | Significant |
Neutral | 21 (33.9%) | 14 (26.4%) | |||||
Deficient | 8 (12.9%) | 26 (49.1%) | |||||
Market demand for BIM | High | 39 (62.9%) | 47 (88.7%) | 10.57 | 0.001 ** | 0.30 | Significant |
Low | 23 (37.1%) | 6 (11.3%) | |||||
Status of BIM education | Core/important | 51 (82.3%) | 45 (84.9%) | 0.760 | 0.684 | 0.08 | Not significant |
Non-major | 11 (17.7%) | 8 (15.1%) |
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Rui, S.; Makanae, K.; Liu, J.; Wu, J.; Fujiu, M.; Morisaki, Y. A Mixed-Method Comparative Analysis of BIM Technology Adoption in China’s and Japan’s Construction Sectors. Buildings 2025, 15, 2234. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132234
Rui S, Makanae K, Liu J, Wu J, Fujiu M, Morisaki Y. A Mixed-Method Comparative Analysis of BIM Technology Adoption in China’s and Japan’s Construction Sectors. Buildings. 2025; 15(13):2234. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132234
Chicago/Turabian StyleRui, Sucheng, Koji Makanae, Jun Liu, Jianping Wu, Makoto Fujiu, and Yuma Morisaki. 2025. "A Mixed-Method Comparative Analysis of BIM Technology Adoption in China’s and Japan’s Construction Sectors" Buildings 15, no. 13: 2234. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132234
APA StyleRui, S., Makanae, K., Liu, J., Wu, J., Fujiu, M., & Morisaki, Y. (2025). A Mixed-Method Comparative Analysis of BIM Technology Adoption in China’s and Japan’s Construction Sectors. Buildings, 15(13), 2234. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132234