Assessment of BIM-based maintenance management practices in Lagos State Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Tertiary institutions, with their extensive building portfolios, face unique challenges in managing maintenance operations effectively. BIM technology serves as a central repository of building information, consolidating data on design, construction, and operation, thereby revolutionizing traditional maintenance practices. This study assessed the state of Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based maintenance management practices of higher education institution buildings in Lagos State focusing on maintenance staff perspectives in public universities. The research evaluates the level of usage of BIM-based maintenance practices and recommend strategies to enhance BIM integration in maintenance. Targeting federal and state-owned universities in Lagos State, the study employs a quantitative approach, gathering data through structured questionnaires distributed via purposive sampling. Responses from two hundred and ninety-six (296) maintenance technical staff were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that preparation of maintenance codes that regulate minimum safety requirements for facility maintenance (RUI –0.52; RK -1), basic sketches and notes for maintenance works of building elements (RUI – 0.51; RK – 2), producebasic digital drawings of building elements not generated from 3d dimensions (RUI -0.50; RK -3) were ranked high in the level of usage of BIM. The study concludes that many of the institutions have high awareness of BIM, its implementation in maintenance is limited, underscoring the need for policy advancements to strengthen maintenance management quality and optimize facility maintenance management system. It is recommended that the management of the university should invest on training of maintenance staff in BIM software tools for improved and efficient facility and maintenance management of institution buildings.