A Comprehensive Analysis of BIM Technology's Critical Role in Assessing Cost for Complex Dam Construction Projects

Over recent decades, the adoption of modern techniques and advantageous construction methods has significantly improved the construction process.Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one such critical approach that has demonstrated its considerable effectiveness in estimating cost and material quantities for large-scale projects, such as dams.This research investigates and assesses the essential role and contributions of BIM technology and associated software tools in estimating the cost of dam construction projects, characterized by their high complexity, intricate management, extended construction period, and substantial concrete and steel material requirements.A mixed-methods study incorporating three primary strategies was employed: (A) literature review, (B) quantitative research, and (C) qualitative research approaches.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and an online survey questionnaire.The key findings from this study's analysis (using an Iraqi dam as a case study) indicate that the implementation of BIM technology and software concepts is highly advantageous, dynamic, and effective in evaluating construction project budgets.Furthermore, the research highlights that accurately estimating the cost of dams can significantly reduce the time, financial investment, and effort needed to assess the budget of construction projects, particularly those involving dams with higher complexity, extended construction periods, challenging management, and intricate activities and tasks.Additionally, the use of BIM approaches was found to substantially mitigate human error in cost estimations and enhance the performance and accuracy of dam cost evaluations.