Building information modelling (BIM) integration with prefabrication technology: The case study of Turkey

In today's construction industry, evolving demands related to time, cost, quality, and sustainability are reshaping traditional practices, with prefabrication technologies emerging as a prominent alternative construction method. Prefabrication is an industrial building system in which structural components are manufactured in a controlled factory environment and then transported to the construction site for assembly. However, this production model requires the simultaneous coordination of multiple stakeholders across planning, production, transportation, and assembly stages, often leading to structural issues such as design changes, production delays, and communication breakdowns. The integration of digital technologies has become a critical necessity in overcoming these challenges. The main objective of this study is to identify the common problems encountered in prefabrication processes in Türkiye and to evaluate the potential contributions of Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration as a solution. The study analyzes the impact of BIM on prefabrication, the level of sectoral awareness, its potential benefits, and implementation barriers. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and an online questionnaire was conducted with member firms of the Turkish Precast Concrete Association. The survey systematically evaluated variables such as participants' demographic characteristics, their roles in prefabrication processes, firm scale, software usage, and their views on BIM. Additionally, ten international case studies showcasing successful BIM–prefabrication integration were examined to support the analysis. Survey findings reveal that the most common problems occur during the production phase, followed by storage and design stages. Revisions, production delays, design errors, and internal communication issues were found to negatively affect process efficiency. Participants indicated that BIM integration offers significant benefits in areas such as project tracking, visualization, clash detection, reducing revisions, and improving information sharing. However, factors such as lack of training and expertise, high software costs, limited sectoral demand, and low awareness continue to hinder the widespread adoption of BIM. This study presents a comprehensive analysis based on field data regarding the integration of BIM and prefabrication in Türkiye, offering original insights and practical recommendations to support digital transformation, process improvement, and sustainable production goals.