Xiao, He; (2025) A Conceptual Trust Framework for BIM-enabled Collaboration in the UK Construction Industry: Trust Issues, Trust Dimensions, and Trust Improvement Strategies. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) holds the promise of enhancing collaboration within the UK construction industry. However, its implementation has unveiled persistent challenges, emphasizing the need for further research to improve collaboration practices. There is a significant lack of understanding and addressing trust issues in BIM-enabled collaboration, as well as exploring how blockchain technology can resolve these issues, which are crucial for advancing construction practices and industry efficiency. This research aims to address this gap by creating a conceptual trust framework for BIMenabled collaboration and proposing trust development strategies, including using blockchain technology. The research investigates the following questions: (1) What are the trust issues in BIM-enabled collaboration? (2) What are the characteristics and dimensions of trust issues in BIM-enabled collaboration? (3) How do professionals deal with trust in BIM-enabled collaboration? (4) To what extent and how can blockchain improve trust in BIM-enabled collaboration? Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research begins with a comprehensive literature review to establish a theoretical understanding of trust in BIM-enabled collaboration. Twenty-two trust issues in BIM-enabled collaboration are identified through a systematic literature review, forming the basis for subsequent research. A questionnaire is then developed to analyse these twenty-two trust issues. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) is conducted on the 128 valid responses to group the twenty-two trust issues into four dimensions: cognition-based trust, process-based trust, relationbased trust, and institution-based trust. Statistical analyses further explored the characteristics and dimensions of trust issues, revealing their units of analysis, emerging stages, impact level and frequency. The ten most significant trust issues were further investigated through focus groups and interviews, which delve into their root causes and resolutions. This revealed further insights into the four trust dimensions, enabling trust development recommendations. The role of blockchain technology in developing blockchain-based resolution for enhancing trust by resolving the identified trust issues is also explored within these discussions. Overall, this research contributes to academia by offering a conceptual trust framework for BIM-enabled collaboration, facilitating further research in this area. Furthermore, insights into the causes and resolutions of trust issues benefit the construction industry, guiding construction companies seeking to enhance collaboration efficacy. Through its multidimensional analysis and consideration of blockchain technology, this research provides a holistic understanding of trust development from the perspectives of trust dimensions and trust issues within BIM-enabled collaboration, paving the way for improved industry practices and technological interventions.

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