3 Cloud Construction: How BIM Is Shaping the Future of Cost and Schedule Efficiency in Large-Scale Projects

Introduction

The construction industry has long been challenged by inefficiencies, budget overruns, delays, and fragmented communication. As projects become more complex and multidisciplinary, traditional management systems often fall short in coordinating real-time data and stakeholder collaboration. In response to these persistent issues, the adoption of cloud-based Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools has emerged as a transformative solution.

Platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Revizto, and Procore are at the forefront of this shift. These tools offer dynamic capabilities such as centralized data environments, clash detection, real-time issue tracking, and multi-user access, which together improve decision-making and mitigate risks. According to Azhar et al. (2015), BIM-supported cloud platforms not only improve collaboration but also result in better budgeting accuracy and overall project efficiency.

This case study explores how cloud-based BIM tools contribute to cost and schedule efficiency in large-scale construction projects, drawing upon a professional interview and a real-world case example.

Rationale for Studying the Case

The rationale for this investigation lies in the industry’s increasing reliance on digital tools to handle growing project complexities. As digital transformation accelerates, it is important to understand how specific tools reshape foundational elements such as time and cost management. While BIM is widely known for its 3D modelling capabilities, its integration with cloud-based environments has unlocked new possibilities for proactive project control.

A professional interview with a veteran in the field who spent 15 years as a project superintendent before transitioning into BIM/VDC for a decades revealed that cloud tools have become essential for preventing field errors, sharing up-to-date models, and involving broader team participation. This first-hand account, combined with supporting literature and a detailed case study, offers valuable insight into the real-world performance and potential of these tools.

Motivation for the Problem/Research Question

The motivation for this research stems from a practical industry need: reducing inefficiencies that frequently result in cost escalations and missed deadlines. Despite improvements in project planning techniques, delays and overruns remain widespread. According to Lee and Yu (2016), the integration of cloud-based systems has reduced project durations by 20% and cut cost overruns by up to 15%.

Such findings highlight the importance of exploring not only whether these tools work, but how they work across project stages from preconstruction to final delivery. This research was also prompted by the gap in academic and professional knowledge about the implementation realities of these tools, especially from the perspective of actual users in the field.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this case study is to examine the effectiveness of cloud-based BIM tools in improving cost control and schedule efficiency within large-scale construction projects. Rather than offering a generalized overview of BIM, the focus here is specifically on cloud-hosted platforms and their impact on financial and time-related performance indicators.

Focus

This study centres on two main elements:

1. Cost Control – How cloud-based BIM platforms support more accurate budgeting, early risk identification, and efficient resource allocation.
2. Schedule Efficiency – How cloud-based tools contribute to timely project execution by streamlining coordination, communication, and progress tracking.

Detailed Description of the Facts Related to the Case

The case includes data from an in-depth interview with a seasoned BIM/VDC professional and a review of documented benefits from tools such as Revizto, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and Procore.

From the interview:

• The professional emphasized that every BIM trade coordination meeting resolves numerous clashes and coordination issues.
• Cloud-based features were highlighted for enabling real-time conflict resolution, greater stakeholder involvement, and the ability to manage models as a single source of truth.
• The participant also mentioned that while cloud tools have added clarity and speed to decision-making, their cost remains a major barrier to full-team adoption.

The case study further references published outcomes. For example, the Gardner Builders Procore case study reports improved tracking of milestones and a reduction in estimating time. Additionally, Olawale and Sun (2016) emphasize how real-time access to centralized data helps reduce project misalignments and improves transparency.

Description of the Data Collected

The study relies on:

• One semi-structured professional interview, which provided qualitative insights into user experience, benefits, and limitations.
• Secondary case data, including peer-reviewed articles and industry reports (e.g., Azhar et al., 2015; Bello et al., 2020; Lee and Yu, 2016).
• Documented findings from real-world projects such as those detailed by Gardner Builders and analysis presented in the work of Davies and Harty (2013).

Together, these data sources offer both anecdotal and empirical insights into the adoption and impacts of cloud-based BIM tools.

Discussion of the Patterns/Theories Found

A few clear patterns emerged from the data:

• Real-time collaboration is a cornerstone of improved performance. Tools like Revizto allow teams to resolve spatial conflicts and track issues over time, directly enhancing constructability and reducing rework.
• Cost control improves when budget tracking is integrated into the model environment, allowing stakeholders to see how design decisions affect financial outcomes.
• Scheduling accuracy is enhanced through dynamic, visual updates that replace outdated static schedules.
• A common theoretical framework is the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) concept, where transparency and collaboration reduce inefficiencies and encourage early problem resolution.

This supports findings by Bello et al. (2020), who noted that cloud platforms reduce communication delays and increase access to updated project documentation across teams.

Connection to the Larger Scheme of Things

This case study connects to broader themes in construction innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability. Cloud-based BIM platforms are more than just technical tools—they are reshaping project delivery models, emphasizing collaboration, data accessibility, and lean processes. Their adoption is aligned with the industry’s shift toward Integrated Digital Delivery and Smart Construction, in which technology is embedded in every phase to optimize outcomes.

Moreover, these platforms contribute to sustainability by reducing material waste, enabling better energy modeling, and improving the traceability of project decisions, as observed by Oke (2023). As construction moves toward net-zero goals and more data-driven practices, cloud-based BIM tools will be pivotal in managing both cost and carbon footprints efficiently.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the significant impact cloud-based BIM tools have on enhancing cost control and schedule efficiency in large-scale construction projects. The integration of cloud platforms facilitates real-time collaboration, improves transparency, and enables early identification of conflicts and risks. These factors collectively contribute to reducing budget overruns and project delays, which remain persistent challenges in the construction industry.

Insights from the professional interview and supporting literature emphasize that while these tools offer substantial benefits, challenges such as adoption costs and the need for comprehensive team training still exist. Nevertheless, the growing shift toward digital and integrated project delivery models suggests that cloud-based BIM platforms will play an increasingly critical role in driving efficiency and sustainability.

As the industry continues to evolve with technological advancements, embracing cloud-based BIM tools is essential for organizations aiming to optimize project outcomes and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly changing landscape.

References

Azhar, S., Khalfan, M., & Maqsood, T. (2015). Building information modelling (BIM): Now and beyond. Australasian Journal of Construction Economics and Building, 12(4), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.5130/AJCEB.v12i4.3032

Bello, S. A., Oyedele, L. O., Akinade, O. O., Bilal, M., Ajayi, A. O., Alaka, H. A., & Owolabi, H. A. (2020). Cloud computing in construction industry: Use cases, benefits and challenges. Automation in Construction, 114, 103199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103199

Davies, R., & Harty, C. (2013). Implementing “Site BIM”: A case study of ICT innovation on a large hospital project. Automation in Construction, 30, 15–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2012.11.024

Lee, G., & Yu, J. (2016). Comparative study of BIM implementation between Korea and the United States. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering,

Oke, A. (2023). Evaluating BIM for sustainable construction practices. International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology, 9(2), 58–67.

Olawale, Y. A., & Sun, M. (2016). Construction project control in the UK: Current practice, existing problems and recommendations for future improvement. International Journal of Project Management, 28(5), 403–413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2009.02.005

Gardner Builders. (n.d.). Procore case study: Gardner Builders. Retrieved from https://www.procore.com/case-studies/gardner-builders