Determinantes da propensão ao uso de tecnologias digitais no setor de construção brasileiro

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of the propensity to use of Digital Technologies (DT) in the Brazilian Construction sector. A theoretical model was developed comprising 36 variables grouped into 8 constructs. The model was tested and refined through Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis using Structural Equation Modeling, based on data collected from a survey with 144 professionals from 14 states of Brazil. It revealed a good level of awareness on the subject and widespread use of technologies, with a focus on BIM, Cloud Computing, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and Virtual Reality. These technologies are mainly applied in the stages of design/feasibility, and in the construction stage – for managing and executing work. The results indicated the positive influence of usefulness, professionals’ attitude towards using DT, organizational assumptions, necessary resources, actual capacity, and intention to use on the actual use of DT. Additionally, it was revealed that perceived ease of use and the business environment, investigated through government support, standardization, and data security, are not determinants for the use of DT. Similarly, production stability, investigated through lean construction principles of improving workflow, reducing the share of non-value-adding activities, reducing variability, and eliminating waste, is also not a determinant for the use of DT. As a conclusion, despite their widespread use, the adoption of DT is recent and still in its early stages. Additionally, the structural model provides a more indepth understanding of the propensity for the use of Digital Technology in the Brazilian Construction sector. This represents the main contribution of the study. The different variables, associated with their constructs and the relations among them, reveal possibilities to invest in determinant factors to improve the use of Digital Technologies in the construction sector. As an implication, the results can be used by policymakers and managers interested in promoting construction digitalization, taking the application of digital technologies as a precursor to this process. Finally, the study provides an overview of the use of DT in the Brazilian construction sector. Limitations and suggestions for future research were also discussed.