Digital Transformation : Establishing the Core Requirements of Contractual Protocols for BIM Integration in Water Treatment Plant Development

Abstract

The integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in water treatment plant (WTP) projects presents significant opportunities for improving design coordination, construction efficiency, and lifecycle asset management. However, the absence of robust contractual protocols tailored to BIM implementation often leads to ambiguity in roles, responsibilities, and data ownership, increasing the risk of disputes and inefficiencies. This study aims to establish the essential components of a contractual protocol specifically designed for BIM integration in WTP projects. A systematic literature review of ten key studies was conducted, covering BIM contractual frameworks, dispute resolution mechanisms, data management standards, and sector specific applications in the water industry. Findings reveal that effective contractual protocols require five core components: (1) clearly defined roles and responsibilities, (2) standardized workflows and data exchange formats, (3) intellectual property and data ownership clauses, (4) dispute resolution procedures linked to BIM deliverables, and (5) performance and compliance monitoring mechanisms. A proposed framework is presented to guide stakeholders in drafting BIM enabled contracts for WTP projects, reducing ambiguity and fostering collaborative project delivery.