Challenges to improving BIM competencies in railway infrastructure projects

Abstract

This study examines challenges that hinder the improvement of Building Information Modeling (BIM) competencies in railway infrastructure projects through a Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT) sensing lens. A qualitative exploratory design was adopted, using 15 semi-structured interviews with clients, designers, contractors, and system-related participants engaged in railway BIM practice. Thematic analysis identified four interrelated challenge themes: (1) absence of process-embedded verification and authenticity-validation mechanisms; (2) breakdowns in cross-disciplinary interface coordination and model–field alignment; (3) fragmented change–version–data governance across platforms; and (4) misalignment between contractual verifiability and lifecycle usability expectations. Across these themes, project problems were visible but not consistently translated into capability-development priorities, due to delayed problem visibility, fragmented sensing infrastructure, weak problem-to-capability translation, and broken lifecycle feedback loops. The study offers a mechanism-based explanation of why BIM competency improvement remains difficult to routinise in railway delivery settings and highlights implications for verification, interface governance, and lifecycle-oriented information management.