BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING AND AI-INTEGRATED RISK COMMUNICATION FRAMEWORKS FOR SUSTAINABLE MEGA CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The construction industry in Pakistan is increasingly challenged by inefficiencies in risk management, fragmented communication systems, and limited adoption of advanced digital technologies in mega infrastructure projects. This study developed and empirically tested an integrated framework combining Building Information Modeling (BIM) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance risk communication and sustainability performance in mega construction projects. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 300 professionals involved in large-scale construction projects using a structured questionnaire. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze relationships among BIM-enabled systems, AI-based risk prediction, risk communication, decision-making effectiveness, and sustainability performance. The findings revealed that BIM significantly enhances AI-based risk prediction accuracy, while AI-driven analytics substantially improve risk communication processes. Risk communication was found to play a critical mediating role between AI-based prediction and sustainable project outcomes. Moreover, stakeholder decision-making effectiveness strongly influenced sustainability performance, confirming the importance of integrating technological and human systems in construction management. The results validated the Socio-Technical Systems Theory, emphasizing that optimal project outcomes are achieved through the alignment of digital technologies and organizational communication structures. The study concludes that AI-integrated BIM frameworks significantly improve risk transparency, decision efficiency, and sustainability outcomes in mega construction projects. The findings provide valuable insights for construction practitioners, policymakers, and researchers aiming to advance digital transformation in the construction sector of developing economies such as Pakistan.