Construction Claims Evaluation of Public Sector Projects through the Application of Building Information Modelling

Abstract

Time and cost overruns in construction projects by the public sector in Sindh are characteristic of design modifications and a lack of contract management, which caused repeated claims and disputes. This paper looks at how Building Information Modelling (BIM) could be used to mitigate claims. By enhancing work and documentation. The research methodology was quantitative. A standardised questionnaire survey was used, involving 200 professionals working on public sector projects, yielding 106 valid responses. The results were evaluated using the Relative Importance Index (RII) and the Mean Score methods to identify critical claim variables and assess the claims. The findings show that BIM enhances coordination (RII = 0.67, M = 3.40), Improves the correctness of documentation (RII=0.65, M= 3.24), and minimizes errors (RII = 0.66, M = 3.28), Nevertheless, the lack of proper awareness (RII = 0.72, M = 3.59) and the absence of qualified specialists (RII = 0.71, M = 3.55) are still significant obstacles to its application in the field. The findings confirm that the inclusion of BIM in claim management helps improve transparency, collaboration, and decision effectiveness, thereby reducing the occurrence and severity of construction claims. The report recommends introducing capacity-building programs, establishing policy frameworks, and implementing pilot BIM projects to encourage digital transformation and radical sustainability in Pakistani public-sector projects.