Utilising 3d Bim for More Efficient Qto and Production of Cost Reports

UTILISING 3D BIM FOR MORE EFFICIENT QTO

AND

PRODUCTION OF COST REPORTS

Ken Leung

Product Specialist

Exactal Limited

Suite 1803, 18/F, Westlands Centre,

20 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay

Hong Kong

Email: kleung@exactal.com

ABSTRACT

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a well-known concept throughout the AEC industries and its potential benefits are enormous throughout the whole project stage. BIM can automatically generate necessary take-offs, measurement and counts from the object itself. More accurate quantity of models will give a much better result in cost estimating. However, the reliability of BIM measurement still depends on the accuracy and completeness of 3D BIM model which is often characterized with the minimal data. Therefore, it is crucial for QS to understand the methodology of extracting data or information from BIM models for providing more accurate quantities and subsequent the cost reports.

This paper presents an overview of 5D BIM estimating software – CostX® and an investigation of different methods for pulling out the information from 3D BIM models. In addition, it presents the procedure of adding more information to BIM models for better cost analysis.

To conduct the research, we use CostX ® software to demonstrate the QTO and costing process: (1) How the QS adds extra parameters (ie. User-Defined Properties) within the CostX® to store information for generation of cost reports, (2) How the QS can utilize the information stored in the Revit Model, (3) How the QS can conduct quick cross-check such that the information is correct and accurate enough for cost estimating or measurement purposes.

Keywords: BIM – Building Information Modelling, Estimating Software, QTO – Quantity Take-Off, QS – Quantity Surveyor, SMM –Standard Method of Measurement

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The measurement process – taking off – in the traditional Quantity Surveying practice is very time-consuming and a large amount of human errors...