A BIM-Based Framework for Assessing Change Order Impacts on Time and Cost in Saudi Construction

Change orders in construction projects frequently lead to disputes, schedule delays, and cost overruns, particularly in the rapidly expanding construction sector of Saudi Arabia. Traditional techniques for resolving claims like litigation and arbitration are predominantly reactive in nature and do not facilitate proactive assessments of the impact of change orders before disputes materialize. A BIM-based framework is developed in this study to assess change orders in terms of time and cost with visualization functions through an integration of Autodesk Revit, Primavera and Navisworks, combined in a 5D virtual environment. The framework utilizes 3D modelling, scheduling and cost management (3D/4D/5D) supported by virtual reality (VR) visualization to create an interactive decision support platform for the project stakeholders. A real residential building case study was utilized to validate the framework, and a design modification was developed and analyzed using the BIM environment. The project cost has increased as a result of change order from SAR 411,437.26 to SAR 428,280.16, which is 4.1% of the total project cost. Also, there are deviations in the schedule which occurred from Month 4. The study results show that the suggested integrated BIM-based framework assesses the impact of change order, physically and visually, on the project time and cost that was required by the industry. The study is innovative in bringing together BIM layout, scheduling, and cost management with VR-supported visualization in a single decision support environment, allowing stakeholders to take into account the implications of change orders before they become real claims and disputes. The proposed framework allows transparent communication, collective decision making with stakeholders and early impact assessment, in contrast to existing approaches whose focus is primarily on claim resolution or improving coordination. This will improve project performance and how change orders are managed.