Republic of Iraq

Ministry of Higher Education and

Scientific Research
University of Baghdad
College of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering

Development of an Integrated Construction

Management System for Building Estimation

A Thesis
Submitted to the College of Engineering of the
University of Baghdad in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in
Civil Engineering (Construction Management)

BY

Ehab Fadhil Mohammed Ali

(B.Sc., 2008)

supervisor :Asst. Prof. Dr. Sawsan R. Mohammed

September, 0202
 Abstract
The nature of the construction industry is different from other industries, such as the
manufacturing, because they have fragmentation, include a large number of participants in
the project, and include many processes during the phases of the project life cycle such as
design, planning and estimation, and the use of different types of computer applications
software. These characteristics require the need for intensive data exchange and sharing of
information graphical and textual between the parties involved in the project.
Even though most documents are generated by computer, project management
processes are still depending on manual exchange of information based on paper documents.
Where design drawings drafting by computer-aided design CAD, but the data needed by
project management software (planning or estimation) can not be extracted directly from
CAD, this must be manually entered by the user (estimator and planner). The process of
calculation, collection of information from drawings and enter in the project management
software needs effort and time with the possibility of errors in the transfer and enter of
information, in addition, at the time of a effectual change in design or when comparing
several alternatives it would require re-calculations again. This can be overcome through a
more efficient utilization of information technology tools for the management of
construction information processes; and integration design, cost and time.
This research presents an integrated computer system for building projects where the
extraction and import quantities, through the interpretation of AutoCAD drawing with MS
Access database of unit costs and productivities for the pricing and duration of tasks, then
exported to MS Project and MS Excel for handled. The system was developed by using
Visual Basic and ActiveX automation technology for combining the above software. The
system, also, can calculate quantities of materials. The system includes digitizer (on-screen
takeoff) calculates the lengths and areas of the drawings to which the form of an image and
scanned.
The integrated system has been applied to case study, a storages building for hospital
260 beds. The results proved the effectiveness of the system for the conversion of
information from the graphical form dwg to numerical formulas xlcx / xlc and mpp can be
handled easily pleased and software are covered.
Some of the benefits of using this system is the automatic generation of quantity
takeoffs directly from CAD, improve communication between design and construction,
reduce data re-enter (reuse-able data), increase the speed of delivery (saving time), reduce
costs (increase profits), better coordination (fewer errors), and higher productivity, so as to
implementation of approach of Building Information Modeling BIM.

II
 Acknowledgements
I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to my supervisor Assist. Prof. Dr. Sawsan
Rasheed Mohammed, for her great efforts and guidance throughout the preparation of this
research.

I would also like to dedicate my special thanks to the department of Civil Engineering
(University of Baghdad) and the department of Building and Construction
Engineering (University of Technology) for their assistance to me throughout my years of
study.

Above all, I dedicate thesis to my parents and sisters, without their support this thesis
would not be achieved.
 Certification of the Examining Committee

We certify that we have read this thesis entitled “Development of an Integrated

Construction Management System for Building Estimation” and as an examining
committee, examined the student in its contents and in what is connected with it, and that in
our opinion, it meets the standard of a thesis for the degree of Master of Science in Civil
Engineering, Construction Management.

Signature: Signature:
Name: Asst. Prof. Dr. Sawsan R. Mohammed Name: Prof. Dr Angham E. Ali

Date: / / 2010 Date: / / 2010

(Supervisor) (Chairman)

Signature: Signature:
Name: Asst.Prof.Dr Sedqi E. Rezouki Name: Dr. Hatim A. Rasheed
Date: / / 2010 Date: / / 2010
(Member) (Member)

Approved by the College of Engineering:

Signature:
Name: Prof. Dr. Rafa Hashim Al- Suhaili
Dean of the College of Engineering
Date: / / 2010
 Certification of the Supervisor
I certify that the preparation of this thesis entitled “Development of an Integrated
Construction Management System for Building Estimation” accomplished by Ehab
Fadhil Mohammed Ali was made under my supervision at the College of Engineering of
University of Baghdad in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of
Science in Civil Engineering, Construction Management.

Signature:
Supervisor: Assist. Prof. Dr. Sawsan Rasheed Mohammed
Date: / / 2010

Signature:
Name: Assist. Prof. Dr. Adnan Falih Ali
Head of the Department of Civil Engineering
Date: / / 2010
 Contents
Acknowledgements ……………………..………………………………………… I
Abstract ……………………………………………………………….………..… II
Contents ……………………………………………………………….…...……. III
List of Figures ………………………………………………………….............. VII
List of Tables ………………………………………………………………...….. IX
List of Symbols ……………………………………………………………..……. X

Chapter One: Introduction ………………….……………………..……… 1

1.1 General ………………………………………………………….……...…. 1

1.2 Current Estimating and Planning Practices ……………………………..… 2

1.3 Limitations of the Current Project Management Practice …………………… 3

1.3.1. Lack of Adequate Communication …………………………………. 3
1.3.2. Lack of Automation ………………………………………………… 3
1.3.2.1 Electronic Copies vs. Hard Copies …………………………. 4
1.3.2.2 Lack of Software Integration ……………………………….. 4
1.3.2.3 Lack of Standards for Information Exchange ………………. 4
1.3.2.4 Lack of Proper Decision-Making Tools for Project Planning. 5
1.3.3 Lack of Standard Processes for Project Management ……………….. 5
1.4 Review of Previous Researches (Related Works) ……………………………. 5
1.5 Research Objectives ……………………………………………………….... 12
1.6 Research Methodology ……………………………………………………… 12
1.7 Thesis Structure ………………………………….………………………….. 13

Chapter Two: Information Technology in Construction ………….. 14

2.1 Introduction ………………………………………………………………. 14

2.2 Definition of Information Technology ……………………………………… 15

2.3 Application of IT in Construction ………………………………...………… 15
2.3.1 Computing (Software and Hardware) …………………...…………. 16
2.3.2 Communication Technology .......................................................…... 16
2.4 Software Applications in Construction ………………….………….……….. 17
2.4.1 Computer Aided Design (CAD) ……………………………………. 18
2.4.1.1 CAD Modeling …………………………………………….. 19
1- Geometric Modeling (Vector) ..….………………………. 19
1-a Wireframe modeling ……………………………... 19
1-b Surface modeling ………………………………... 19
1-c Solid modeling …………………………………... 19
2- Object-based Model (OO CAD) ..……………………...… 20
3- Parametric Modeling …………………………………….. 20
 2.4.1.2 CAD (Layer) Standards …………………………………… 21
1- ISO 13567 ………………………………………………... 21
2- BS 1192 ………………………………………….………. 22
2.4.2 Estimating Software ……………………………...………………… 23
2.4.2.1 Commercial Estimating Software …………………………. 23
1- Takeoff (Digitizer)…………………………………………... 24

2- Pricing ………………………………………………………. 25

3- Summarization and Reporting ……………………………… 26

2.4.2.2 Spreadsheets …………………………………………..…… 26

2.4.2.3 Spreadsheets vs. Commercial Estimating Software ……….. 27
2.4.2.4 CAD Integration with Estimating ………………………..... 29
2.4.2.5 BIM with Estimation ……………..……………….……….. 30
2.4.3 Planning and Scheduling Software ……………………………...…. 30
2.4.3.1 Commercial Planning Software ………………………...…. 30
2.4.3.2 4D CAD (CAD Integration with Planning) ………..……… 31
2.4.3.3 BIM with Planning ………………………………………… 34
0.5 Limitations of Current Software ……………..…………………………….... 34
2.5.1 Limitation of CAD ……………………..…………………………... 35
2.5.1.1 CAD and Estimation ………………..…………………..…. 35
2.5.1.2 CAD and Planning ………………………………..…..…… 35
2.5.2 Limitation of Estimating Software ………………....………….…… 36
2.5.3 Limitation of Planning and Scheduling Software ………………..… 36
2.6 Construction Process ………………………………………………….…….. 39
2.6.1 Material processes ………………………………………………..… 40
2.6.2 Information Processes …………………..………………………….. 40
2.6.2.1 Base Processes ……………………………………..……… 42
2.6.2.2 Glue (Integration) Processes ………………………...…….. 42

Chapter Three: Integration in Construction ….………………..…….. 44

3.1 Introduction ………………………………………………………………..... 44

3.2 Fragmentation in Construction ……………………………………………… 45
3.2.1 Geographical Fragmentation ……………………………………….. 46
3.2.2 Functional (Organizational) Fragmentation ……………………..…. 47
3.3 Integration in Construction ………………………………………………….. 47
3.3.1 Electronic Document Management (EDM) ………………………... 51
3.3.2 Data Exchange ……………………………………………………… 52
3.3.2.1 Direct Translation …………………………………………. 53
3.3.2.2 Neutral File Format ……………….……………………….. 53
1- Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) ………………………. 54
2- Data Standards …………………………………………… 55
2-a ISO 10303 (STEP) ……………………………….. 56
 2-b Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) ……………… 56
3.3.3 Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) ………………………..…. 59
3.4 CAD Integration (Data Extraction) ……………………………….………… 61

Chapter Four: Building Information Modeling …………..………….. 62

4.1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………. 62

4.2 Definition of BIM …………………………………………………………… 63
4.3 Advantages of BIM ….……………………………………………………… 64
4.4 Implementation of BIM ……………………………………………………... 65
4.4.1 Technologies Used to Implement BIM …………………………….. 66
4.4.2 BIM Implementation by Using CAD ……....………………………. 67
4.5 BIM Software (Revit) ....………………………….…………………………. 68
4.6 Revit in Estimating and Planning ………....……...…………………………. 68
4.6.1 BIM and Cost Estimating …………………………………………... 68
4.6.1.1 Application Programming Interface (API) ……………...… 70
4.6.1.2 ODBC connection …………………………………………. 70
4.6.1.3 Output to Excel ……………………………………………. 70
4.6.2 BIM and Project Planning ………………………………………….. 70
4.6.2.1 Direct to MS Project ………………………………………. 71
4.6.2.2 4D Visualization …………………………………………... 71
4.6.3 Advantages of BIM in Estimating and Planning …………………… 72
4.7 Limitations of BIM …………………………………………..……………… 73
4.7.1 BIM as Only One of Many Purpose-Built Models ……………….... 73
4.7.2 Interoperability ………………...……...……………………………. 74
4.7.3 BIM Extension …………………………………..…………………. 75

Chapter Five: Development and Implementation of the System …. 78

5.1 Introduction ………………………………………….……………………… 78
5.2 Proposed Approach …………………………………………………….……. 78
5.3 System Description …………………………………………………….……. 79
5.4 System Requirements and Limitations ……………………………………… 83
5.5 Extraction of CAD ……………………………………………………..……. 84
5.6 System Operation …………………………………………………………… 85
5.7 The Implementation of the System (InCADEP) ………………..…………… 96

Chapter Six: Conclusions and Recommendations ………..………… 100

6.1 Conclusions …………...…………………………………………………… 100
6.2 Recommendations …………………………………………………………. 101
6.3 Proposals for Further Researches ………………………………………….. 101
References ………………………………………….………………………….. 105
Appendix A Bill of Quantities
 List of Figures

Figure (2-1) Geometric Modeling ……………………..…………………………19

Figure (2-2) ISO 13567 ……………………………………………….………… 22
Figure (2-3) BS1192 …………………………………………………………...... 22
Figure (2-4) Digitizer (hardware) ………………….……………….…………… 25
Figure (2-5) Typical Take-off Item ………………………...…………………… 27
Figure (2-6) NAHB Builders Survey of Computer Usage 1997 ……...………… 28
Figure (2-7) Overall System Architecture for 4D CAD Model Development ….. 32
Figure (2-8) Problems/difficulties in usage of software ………………………… 38
Figure (2-9) Missing functionalities …………………………………………….. 38
Figure (2-10) Construction Process ……………………………………….….…. 40
Figure (2-11) Integrated and glued (not integrated) processes ………………..… 43
Figure (3-1) Fragmented nature of the construction industry …………………… 46
Figure (3-2) Construction IT applications (island of automation) …………….... 50
Figure (3-3) Three levels of integration ………………………………………… 51
Figure (3-4) Configuration of a document management system ………………... 52
Figure (3-5) Translation Methods ……………………………………………..… 54
Figure (3-6) IFC file format icon ………………...…………………………….... 56
Figure (3-7) Hierarchical relationships between a beam and other elements ….... 58
Figure (4-1) Technologies Used to Implement BIM ……………………………. 67
Figure (4-2) Current status of BIM in construction phase ………………………. 76
Figure (4-3) Desired status of BIM in construction phase ……………………… 76
Figure (5-1) Architecture of Integration ………………………..……………….. 80
Figure (5-2) References dialog box …………………………….……………….. 81
Figure (5-3) Overall system flow chart …………………….…………………… 82
Figure (5-4) The start window ………………………………..…….…………… 85
Figure (5-5) The main window ……………………………..………..….………. 86
Figure (5-6) Import from menu …………………………………………………. 87
Figure (5-7) Open file dialog box (*.dwg) ……………………..………..……… 88
Figure (5-8) Output of InCADEP ……………………………………………….. 89
Figure (5-9) Export to menu ………………….…………………….…………… 90
Figure (5-10) Save As file dialog box (*.mpp) ….……………………………… 91

Figure (5-11) Tools menu ……………………………..………………………… 92

Figure (5-12) Help menu ……………………………….……..………………… 92
Figure (5-13) About InCADEP window …...…………………………………… 93
Figure (5-14) Digitizer (On screen takeoff) ………….…………………………. 94
Figure (5-15) Materials window ……...…………………………………………. 95
Figure (5-16) Storages building for 260 bed hospital ……...…….……………… 97
Figure (5-17) MS Excel window ……………………………………………...… 98
Figure (5-18) MS Project window ……………………..…………….………..… 99
 List of Tables

Table (1-1) Summary of related integrated systems ……………..……………… 11

Table (2-1) Estimating software used by U.S. general contractors ……………... 28
Tabel (2-2) AEC Software ..…………………...………………………………… 39

List of Symbols
ADT AutoCAD Architecture (formerly Architectural Desktop)
AEC Architecture, Engineering and Construction
AGC Associate General Contractors
AIA American Institute of Architects
API Application Programming Interface
BS British Standard
BIM Building Information Modeling
BOQ Bill of Quantities
CAD Computer Aided Design
CFMA Construction Financial Management Association
CIC Computer Integrated Construction
CICA Construction Industry Computing Association
CIFE Center for Integrated Facility Engineering at Stanford University
DWG DraWinG File Format
DXF Drawing eXchange Format
EDM Electronic Document Management
FM Facilities Management
GUI Graphical User Interface
HVAC Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
IAI International Alliance for Interoperability (now: Building Smart)
IFC Industry Foundation Classes
InCADEP Integration of Computer Aided Design with Estimation and Planning
ISO International Organisation for Standardisation
IT Information Technology
ITAA Information Technology Association of America
MEP Mechanical, Electrical, and Pumping
NAHB National Association of Home Builders
NBIMS National Building Information Model Standard
NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology
ODBC Open Database Connectivity
OO CAD Object-Oriented Computer Aided Design
PC Personal Computer
STAAD Structural Analysis and Design Software
STEP STandard for the Exchange of Product Model Data
VR Virtual Reality
VRML Virtual Reality Modeling Language
 Chapter One
Introduction

1.1 General

The building industry consists of a vast range of people with different views, skills, and
knowledge of the construction process that work together by custom and practice within a
culture evolved over several centuries. Over time, the process of design and its associated
support has become divorced from the manufacturing of the product (i.e. building) for which
it exists. This creates problems for the organization of both the design and construction
processes caused by the large number of interfaces. Communication becomes difficult and
this results in breakdown, misunderstanding, frequent litigation, time consumption and
additional costs to the project (Marir et al, 1998).

The project life cycle includes planning, design, construction, operation and
maintenance. In each phase a lot of information is exchanged among various project
participants. This information can be categorized into graphical and non-graphical data. The
graphical data includes 2D and 3D drawings and non-graphical data includes other project
documents. Traditionally, these two information categories exist as independent entities and
are not linked to each other. This non-linkage decreases the project participants‟ productivity
due to implementation of time consuming information retrieval methods, and regeneration of
data (Meadati, 2009). The Researcher has noticed that these documents currently exchanged
on paper between practitioners in the construction industry. It is a commonplace that each of
these documents are subsequently rekeyed, photocopied and filed, as they pass between
different locations and computer applications.

Compared with many other industries, the construction industry faces high levels of,
complexity, uncertainty, discontinuity, as well as many restrictions. The construction process
involves a large number of participants, various forms of project organization, and the use of
numerous different types of computer applications. These characteristics bring forth the need
for intensive data exchange and information sharing based on the integration of various
applications. This can be achieved through a more efficient utilization of information
technology (IT) tools for the management of construction information processes (Dikbas et
al, 1999).

1.2 Current Estimating and Planning Practices

Current estimating and planning processes are limited by the lack of integration
between electronic design and construction information. A significant part of the estimating
process involves the calculation of quantities, which is currently performed manually by
scaling off two-dimensional paper drawings. But why do estimators perform this task
manually when this information already exists and is available in the electronic design
drawings? Additionally, construction schedules are created to show the sequence for how
construction operations are to proceed. Yet how can construction schedules convey this
message when commonly used scheduling tools do not represent design information and the
associated spatial requirements explicitly? (Staub et al, 1998).

Currently, there is a tremendous amount of effort required to transfer and interpret

design information. Designers generate hundreds of pages of design drawings and several
books of specifications for the contractors to analyze, estimate and schedule. However, the
current method of transferring information requires estimators to calculate quantities
manually. Information that designers put into the drawings can not be reused directly
because the information transmitted from designers to estimators is not in a usable, electronic
form. Calculating quantities is a critical part of the estimating and planning processes, as it
effects material and labor costs, and activity durations. Yet the contractors do not have
electronic access to this design information, giving rise to inefficiencies in the estimating
process that increase estimating time and decrease accuracy. Design-cost integration
software takes advantage of existing electronic design information, and provides the
opportunity for estimators to automate part of the estimating process, to validate the
completeness of their estimates, and to evaluate the cost impact of different design options
quickly (Staub et al, 1998).

Integration of design, cost and schedule information is necessary to improve the

estimating and planning processes, and to reduce the inefficiencies that result from the
current fragmentation between design and construction information. New software
technologies have been developed that will help project teams to integrate design, cost and
schedule information. Such integration will allow construction professionals to automate
quantity takeoffs, thus shortening estimating time and eliminating the duplication of effort
that exists in current practices (Staub et al, 1998).

1.3 Limitations of the Current Project Management Practice

In facing up to the project management challenges, current project management

practices have many limitations to efficiently deal with its demands. These limitations can be
categorized into the following three groups (Mathew, 2005) (Tat-vinh Duong, 2009):

1.3.1. Lack of Adequate Communication

The most common problem that faces project managers is lack of adequate
communication among participants. Current project management practices are often isolated
and concerned with managing problems related to individual stages of the projects (Mathew,
2005) (Tat-vinh Duong, 2009).

1.3.2. Lack of Automation

Lack of automation complete solution for management practice is also proposed as a

complicated challenging (Tat-vinh Duong, 2009). In the 1990s, there have been significant
developments in technology, which have resulted in the production of very powerful
software packages for the construction industry. The "ad hoc" deployment of such packages
have resulted in improvements at their local level of implementation, such as design,
estimating, planning, etc, (this will be discussed in more details in chapter 2 section 2.4), but
have added limited benefits at the project level. These problems can be listed: electronic
communication versus traditional communication, lack of software integration, lack of a
standardized platform for information exchange, lack of proper decision-making tools for
project planning, etc (Mathew, 2005) (Tat-vinh Duong, 2009). The following examples are
caused by such a problem (Mathew, 2005):

1.3.2.1 Electronic Copies vs. Hard Copies

Although many construction organizations are using IT to improve specific

processes/applications, the construction industry still traditionally holds the view of issuing
hard copy documentation as against electronic forms for auditing and record purposes. The
mixing of electronic and hard copies in organizations make it difficult for project managers
to process the right information as and when required (Mathew, 2005).

1.3.2.2 Lack of Software Integration

A high percentage of the project management systems that are available today, focus
on specific tasks such as project planning and scheduling, cost control, etc. These isolated
(fragmented) applications have resulted in a broad spread of stand-alone applications
packages with no or „fixed‟ communication links. The industry lacks an integrated
comprehensive system, which facilitates the smooth flow of information between the various
stages of the project (Alshawi, 2000) (Faraj and Alshawi, 2000) as mentioned by (Mathew,
2005).

1.3.2.3 Lack of Standards for Information Exchange

The incompatibility between hardware and software has raised a serious „technical‟
problem which has prevented project managers to easily access and manage project
information. These problems are caused by the lack of a standardization of project
information, such as to facilitate the information flow between incompatible hardware and
software. Consequently, IT systems that are available and currently used by the industry do
not consider the needs of widely dispersed participants in large construction projects
(Underwood and Alshawi, 1997) as mentioned by (Mathew, 2005).

1.3.2.4 Lack of Proper Decision-Making Tools for Project Planning

Planning is a lengthy process and needs contributions from the entire project team. It
is also context dependent. This process can be significantly improved if appropriate decision
making tools are incorporated into their structure. Integrated comprehensive systems have
not yet been developed in this direction (Mathew, 2005).

1.3.3 Lack of Standard Processes for Project Management

Lack of standard processes for project management is a weakness of the traditional

management manner (Tat-vinh Duong, 2009). Although there are some initiatives to
standardize project management processes such as the PMI (Mathew, 2005). Projects are
normally managed according to the experience of the project managers who are specifically
appointed for this task. Each project manager, even within the same organization, prefers to
follow his own experience, which has been developed over a long period of time. These
practices lead to large variations in management practices and thus can create a significant
impact on the capability of coordinating and controlling project information (Mathew, 2005)
(Tat-vinh Duong, 2009).

1.4 Review of Previous Researches (Related Works)

Several attempts and efforts have been made by a number of researchers to develop
integrated systems for construction management has been reported. A brief review of the
research efforts (integrated systems) closely relating to the topic of this research is presented
in the following:

1- OSCONCAD

In UK, (Marir et al, 1998) presented OSCONCAD (Open Systems for CONstruction with
Computer Aided Design system), an interactive system for integrating CAD and construction
related applications to address the problems of design fragmentation and the gap that exists
between construction and design processes. It provides a vehicle for storing architectural
design information in an integrated construction object-oriented database that can be shared
by a range of computer applications. The OSCONCAD is characterized by several features:
 1. It uses the object-oriented modeling approach to establish standard models for
architectural design that comply with Industry Foundation Classes (IFC).

2. Also, to demonstrate the feasibility and practicability of the OSCON (Open Systems for
CONstruction) object-oriented product model, three OSCON construction applications
(Esteem, Planner and Mentor) that access and share the OSCONCAD building design
instances are presented.

In addition, the OSCONCAD model classes compliance with the IFC will facilitate data
exchanges between construction-related applications and allow common interpretation of the
design objects amongst the applications in a consistent and interoperable manner. The
detailed design model is a description of the design components and their specifications with
very limited topological properties incorporated. The prototype is being developed by using
Microsoft Visual C++ v4.0. Noted here the main limitation does not use off-the-shelf
applications i.e. MS Project and Excel.

2- GALLICON

In UK, (Sun et al, 2000) described a research prototype that aims at applying
integration technologies in the design and construction of water treatment plants. The system
provides integrated project data management and seamless information exchange between
different professionals. It is achieved through a central project database and the integration of
several software packages for design, cost estimating and project planning (AutoCAD, MS
Excel and MS Project). It argues that such a system is capable of supporting better
communication and enhancing a partnering business relationship between clients, contractors
and design consultants.
GALLICON is an attempt to apply an integrated project database to real life water
treatment projects. GALLICON is a research project funded by the Department of
Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) and a consortium of companies who are
involved in the design and construction of water treatment plants in the UK. These
companies include a client, a contractor and a cost consultant firm. They have an existing
partnering arrangement and are committed to form a stable supply chain relationship. One of
the main obstacles they face is the bottleneck of cross discipline communication. Although
the design, cost estimating and project planning tasks are carried out using computer
software independently. The main aim of the GALLICON project is to develop an integrated
information framework which will improve the communications and information exchange
between the distributed processes of design, cost estimating and project planning.

3- ESSCAD
 In Singapore, (Wang, 2001) presented an expert system ESSCAD (Expert System
integrating construction Schedule with CAD drawing) developed for integrating construction
scheduling with CAD drawing. The system, which was developed mainly with knowledge-
based system programming technique and software integrating technique, can automatically
interpret the CAD drawings of a reinforced concrete frame structure building and extract
data of its building components, breakdown the project into activities, determine the logic
dependencies among activities estimate the work quantities and durations of activities finally
generate a primary construction schedule for the project. As it was integrated with CAD
system AutoCAD and scheduling software MS Project, it retains the advanced functions of
CAD drafting and network analysis. The link established between AutoCAD and MS Project
is semi-dynamic, i.e. once there is any change in CAD drawing, user could run ESSCAD
again to generate a new construction schedule.
Because the size of this kind of knowledge bases in ESSCAD is large (there are, at the
moment, about 60 typical activities in the basic knowledge base and more could be added,
Nevertheless, this is as another limitation of ESSCAD at present), they are stored and
managed by applying a database management system, i.e. FoxPro for Windows, to take its
advantages of effective data management. At the moment, only knowledge bases for
reinforced concrete frame structure building were established for ESSCAD and need to
expand further. The main frame of ESSCAD is programmed with Borland C. The knowledge
bases and database are programmed with FoxPro for Windows while their links with the
main frame are also programmed with Borland C. The user interface of ESSCAD is
programmed with Borland Object Windows. ESSCAD can run on PC installed with
Microsoft Windows, AutoCAD 12.0 and MS Project 4.0.

4- 3D CCAD

In USA, (Elzarka, 2001) had discussed a cost-effective approach for developing

computer-integrated construction (CIC) systems by integrating stand-alone CAD
(AutoCAD), spreadsheet (Excel), database (MS Access) and scheduling software (MS
Project) packages using Visual Basic and ActiveX technology. 3D CIC prototype system 3D
CCAD (Construction Computer Aided Design system) was presented, that integrates off-the-
shelf packages. The prototype was developed for a concrete subcontractor to demonstrate
the potential of CIC to improve the constructability analysis and the construction
management process of concrete projects. The 3D CCAD is capable of:

1. Generating 3D intelligent construction objects,

Objects that can be generated in the current version of CCAD include column
lines, spread footings, columns, beams and slabs. Footings, columns, beams and slabs
are generated as solid models with true dimensions (scale 1:1).
 2. Generating quantity takeoff: Both the volume of concrete and the form area can be
calculated.

3. Integrating with schedule.

5- VIRCON

In UK, (Dawood et al, 2002) developed of an integrated database VIRCON (VIRtual

CONstruction) to act as an information resource base for 4D/VR construction process
simulation. This development is part of a substantial research project, The Virtual
Construction Site: A Decision Support System for Construction Planning (The VIRCON
project). The aim of the VIRCON project is to develop tools by using fundamental and
inexpensive software packages, which can add greater intelligence to the construction
planning process. The VIRCON database is composed of a core database of building
components which are in turn, integrated with a CAD package (AutoCAD 2000), a Project
Management Package (MS Project), and Graphical User Interfaces (GUI). Integrated
interfaces between MS Access Database, AutoCAD Drawings and MS Project Schedules
were developed and implemented. Furthermore, the British Standards of layering convention
(BS 1192-5) was adapted and implemented.

6- MITOS

In Turkey, (Kanoglu and Arditi, 2004) presented an integrated system called MITOS
(Multi-phase Integrated auTOmation System) that has been designed primarily for
design/build firms, i.e., firms or alliances of firms that do both design and construction. But
the system can also be used by independent design firms and construction companies as long
as they are cooperating on the same project. This integrated system allows designers as well
as constructors to receive information about all aspects of the project (including clients,
subcontractors, suppliers, human resources, time, design, materials, equipment, cost,
communication, quality, and procurement) in the design and construction phases of the
project and hence to manage the project effectively. Noted be here that main limitation does
not use AutoCAD.

7- Intelli 3D Bridge CAD

In India, (Arun and Appa Rao, 2005) presented a simple methodology for integrating
computer aided design with construction scheduling using Visual Basic and ActiveX. It
makes use of the widely used standard software application packages namely AutoCAD and
MS Project along with MS Access database. The integration was achieved by developing
suitable interfacing modules and also by creating the knowledge based expert system for
incorporating the construction expertise to be used for achieving integration. The working of
integration methodology proposed has been demonstrated by taking an example of a
reinforced concrete Beam - Slab Bridge. The interface program has been developed to deal
with different number of piers in a pier group and different types (rectangular and I-section)
and numbers of girders. Noted be here that main limitation is takeoff only the volume.

8- CIS

In Iraq, Only (Ziyad, 2007) have been developed integrated system CIS (Computer
Integrated System) for water Projects, to connect three software (AutoCAD, Excel and MS
Project) using Visual Basic and ActiveX data transfer technology. This integrated system can
extract the graphical information from an AutoCAD drawing and transfer it to a digital form
suitable for processing in the project management software MS Excel and MS Project.

Due to the CIS does not have a database; unit cost, production rate, precedence of the
activities should be entered by user. Passing information from AutoCAD to MS Project
indirect, should be presenting it in Excel first. Measure only lengths and quantities that
calculate by each, without area and volume.

Table (1-1) show the summary of related integrated systems closely relating to the
topic of this research.

Table (1-1) Summary of related integrated systems (Researcher)

System For Using Take off Database Software

(case study)
OSCONCAD building Microsoft ObjectStore AutoCAD
Visual - OODBMS Planner
C++ v4.0 Esteem
GALLICON Water AutoCAD
treatment MS Project
- - -
projects MS Excel

ESSCAD RC frame Borland C FoxPro AutoCAD

structure - MS Project
building
3D CCAD formwork VB and Area and MS Access AutoCAD
ActiveX Volume MS Project
MS Excel
VIRCON School of MS Access AutoCAD
Health MS Project
- -
Construction
Project
MITOS MS Access Nemetschek
- - -
MS Project
Intelli 3D RC Beam - VB and Volume MS Access AutoCAD
Bridge CAD Slab Bridge ActiveX MS Project
MS Excel
CIS Water projects VB and Length None AutoCAD
ActiveX and Each MS Project
MS Excel

1.5 Research Objectives

The aim of this research is to present a simple approach for integrating CAD with
estimation and planning, and to apply it for the case of building projects, as an example. It
presents an approach for integrating the existing software. The integration of stand-alone
AutoCAD, MS Access, MS Excel and MS Project by using Visual Basic and ActiveX
automation technology was proposed as an alternative approach to developing integrated
system (InCADEP).

Also, presentation of building information modeling (BIM) approach, standards of

CAD, standards of data formats, and 4D CAD.

1.6 Research Methodology

In order to achieve the research objectives, the following methodology was adopted:

1. Literature Review: to give a review to integrated system in construction management;

CAD, estimating and planning; and Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach.
 2. Developing of integrated system: to develop (InCADEP) by using Visual Basic and
ActiveX to share information between software (AutoCAD, Access, Excel and MS
Project).

3. Implementation of the integrated system: by applying the integrated system on a real

life project.

1.7 Thesis Structure

 Chapter One: is an introduction chapter that covers previous researches and defines
justifications (current estimating and planning practices; limitations of the current
project management practice), objectives, and methodology of research.

 Chapter Two: covers the information technology in construction and the computer
applications in construction (CAD, Planning and Estimation) and their limitations.

 Chapter Three: covers the integration in construction.

 Chapter Four: covers the Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach.

 Chapter Five: covers the development and implementation of the integrated system
InCADEP by combining (AutoCAD, Access, Excel and MS Project) using Visual
Basic and ActiveX automation technology.

 Chapter Six: presents the conclusions and recommendations that have been reached
by the researcher and proposals for further relating researches.
 Chapter Two
Information Technology in Construction

2.1 Introduction

Innovation is one of the essential attributes that drives competitiveness in the

construction industry. Many research studies have been made on innovation in the
construction industry. Construction innovations could be grouped into: (Peansupap, 2004)

1. Materials, equipment and methods:

- Construction materials and equipment: tower crane, concrete pump, robotics, high strength
concrete, fibre reinforced plastic, etc.
- Construction methods: prefabrication, top-down construction, etc.

2. Management:

- Construction management techniques: bar chart, Critical Path Method (CPM), Programme
Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), line of balance, alliance, project partnering;
Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT), etc. Most of these types of innovation have been borrowed
from operations research theory and practice such as PERT, CPM, Total Quality
Management (TQM) etc.

3. Information Technology (IT):

- Computer applications and electronic equipment: computer, notebook, tablet PC, palm,
barcode, construction simulation, estimating software, project planning and control
applications, etc.
- Network and communication technologies: Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area
Network (WAN), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Internet, Intranet, VRML, wireless,
groupware, etc.

Each innovation category has a different influence on the construction industry. First,
adoption of construction materials, equipment and methods aims to improve productivity at
the operational level. Second, adoption of management techniques mainly focuses on
construction process control. Third, IT adoption is targeted at improving construction
management processes. The main function of IT is to improve the management and
processing of information during the construction process. The volume of information flows
during a construction project is enormous (speeding up information processing should help
reduce time and cost, and improve work quality) (Peansupap, 2004). With IT rapidly
growing, researchers in construction engineering keep working hard on innovating computer
applications to enhance work efficiency (Lin, 2007).
2.2 Definition of Information Technology

Information Technology (IT), as defined by the Information Technology Association

of America (ITAA), is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or
management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and
computer hardware." In short, IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer
software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information, securely. In
this definition, the term “information” can usually be replaced by “data” without loss of
meaning (ITAA, 2010).

(Bjork, 1999) has another definition: “the use of electronic machines and programs
for the processing, storage, transfer and presentation of information.” This is easy definition
and adopted by researchers in IT in construction.

2.3 Application of IT in Construction

IT comprises many techniques, which have considerable potential for improving the
management of information within the construction industry. The vast topic of IT includes
the computing and ever-popular Internet, which are fields that are continually growing
independently, but proportionately with each other. The ever-growing attention given to
information resources suggests that better management of these resources become critical to
project success (Dikbas et al, 1999).
The use of IT in construction industry is growing rapidly. However, construction
industry seems to make slow progress towards effective IT implementation for its unique
features which distinguish it from other industries; namely one-off projects, industry
fragmentation, low level of technology awareness and training, required up-front investment,
on-going maintenance costs and resistance to change (Betts, 1999) as mentioned by (FENG,
2006). IT can be of great assistance in all aspects of project planning, organizing, operation,
and control. However, the application of IT in construction industry is not effective as in
other industries (FENG, 2006).

The main uses of IT in construction are (Dikbas et al, 1999) (Sun et al, 2000)
(Peansupap, 2004) (Matheu, 2005) (FENG, 2006) (ITAA, 2010):

2.3.1 Computing (Software and Hardware)

There are different types of tool software used in construction management. Different
types of tools software can perform different tasks (FENG, 2006). It will discuss in more
details in (section 2.4).
2.3.2 Communication Technology

Communications technology is today an important part of IT. Many of the functions of

communication devices are in fact increasingly integrated. With the latest generation of
laptop computers it is already possible to send and receive emails. Recently, mobile phones
which incorporate small microcomputers have started to appear on the market (Bjork, 1999).
Internet based communication is the area that grows fastest. The ability to exchange data and
information between all those involved in a building project depends on the communication
networks. When the flow of information improves, teamwork and coordination may be
enhanced (FENG, 2006).

2.4 Software Applications in Construction

Information technologies or software applications are available to support most aspects of
a construction project. They have been designed largely as solutions to specific problems
(Matheu, 2005). List of construction IT applications complied by the Construction Industry
Computing Association (CICA) in the UK, Most of them are usually aimed at automating
various design or construction tasks with no integration between them. “Island of
Automation” is often used to describe the situation (Sun and Aouad, 1999). These
applications can be grouped into the following categories (Sun and Aouad, 1999) (Matheu,
2005) (Hore, 2006): (This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but only a general grouping
of the construction related IT applications).

1. General purpose applications for business and information management, i.e., word-
processing, e-mail, databases, etc.

Implementation of IT in the office work mainly involves the automation of routine

tasks, including, exchange building document in digital form. Office application is the
most prevalent use of IT, that is, computers for word processing for office and contract
administration. The application of office automation may improve internal management
efficiency (FENG, 2006).

2. Computer Aided Design (section 2.4.1)

3. Building Engineering Applications

 For energy analysis, HVAC design, structural analysis, lighting simulation, etc. The
benefit of these applications is that they allow designers to evaluate alternative design
solutions in order to reach optimum design (Matheu, 2005).

4. Cost Estimating (section 2.4.2)

5. Planning, scheduling and site management (section 2.4.3);

6. Facilities Management (FM)

It is based on the operation, maintenance, and impact of the building operations on the
life cycle costs (Matheu, 2005) (Hore, 2006).
From the first software applications, many different tools were developed. They use their
own data formats, which are not compatible with each other. As a result, data can not be
electronically exchanged between them. In recent years, there is an increasing awareness of
the need for integrated construction processes and many research projects are investigating
related issues (Matheu, 2005), integration will be discussed in more details in chapter three.

2.4.1 Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Before the 1980s, most drawings were created using paper. In 1982, Autodesk
introduced AutoCAD software, bringing CAD to the PC and changing the design world
forever.

Its use however has been limited to drafting for so many years that it is sometimes
referred to as “Computer-Aided Drafting” (Elzarka and Dorsey, 1999). In the CAD software
category Autodesk AutoCAD has the largest share of the CAD market. Other popular CAD
software includes Bently Microstation, Graphisoft ArchiCAD (Hungary), etc.

The development of IT and its application in construction industry have brought about
some changes to the industry. Such as, the application of CAD grants a CAD drawing with
two meanings (Wang, 2001):

1. To engineers, it consists of a series of graphic symbols representing a building;

2. To computer, it is a process-able data file which contains data related to the building,
and this makes it possible to interpret the CAD drawing and to extract from it the data
needed for construction management.

Furthermore, visualization and animation systems, like 3D studio, can produce photo-
realistic, static, and moving images, so that the clients can view the final appearance of the
building at the design stage. The emerging Virtual Reality (VR) technology allows the user
to interact with the design model and experience the building in simulated reality situations
(Mathu, 2005) (Hore, 2006).

2.4.1.1 CAD Modeling

1- Geometric Modeling (Vector)
1-a Wireframe modeling

Wire frame modeling have no surfaces associated them; just lines and arcs which
represent edges or limits of the object. This form of modeling is a nice transition from the 2D
drawing mode into an introduction of 3D visualization. Wireframe models unfortunately do
not allow additional information, such as area or volume, and not allow the user to see the
object as in real life (Cory and Bozell, 2001).

1-b Surface modeling

The surface model is the next area which has wireframe aspects, but with a coat or
skin over the frame. Surface modeling use the wireframe geometry and complex algebraic
equations to define an area between lines or edges of the model which then produces a
surface covering the object (Cory and Bozell, 2001).

1-c Solid modeling

The last type is the solid model. The space that forms the object is enclosed by surfaces,
which forms a closed volume. Users usually find solid modeling easiest to use and
understand (Cory and Bozell, 2001), Figure (2-1) shows the geometric modeling.

a b c d
a) 2D Wireframe b) 3D Wireframe c) 3D Surface Modeling d) 3D Solid modeling
Figure (2-1) Geometric Modeling (Researcher)

2- Object-based Model (OO CAD)

Object-based CAD was introduced in the early 1990s (Autodesk, 2002). Example of
the Object-based CAD is AutoCAD Architecture (formerly Architectural Desktop or ADT).

AutoCAD Architecture has been engineered so that, in the design stage, intelligent
architectural objects, such as walls, doors, and windows can be created and added to a
drawing in a 3D modeling environment. These objects are intelligent because they know
their form, fit, and function and their relationships with other drawing objects. For example,
when a door is removed from a wall, the wall automatically cleans-up (Elzarka and Dorsey,
1999).

Noted here, in the US, the acronym AEC (architecture-engineering-construction)

denotes the three main disciplines involved in the shaping of our built environment.
“Architecture” and “Engineering” are considered primarily design-related disciplines, while
“Construction” is associated with the physical process of making the product or planning its
production (Turk, 2000). Accordingly the term “Architecture” in AutoCAD Architecture or
“Archi” in ArchiCAD refer to column, beam, window and door, not MEP; and there are
special software for architectural engineering such as TurboFLOORPLAN Home, Landscape
Pro, Sweet Home 3D and Home Plan Pro; 3D MAX (general).

3- Parametric Modeling

The next generation of software technology for the AEC industry is based upon
databases and intelligent geometry, commonly referred to as “Parametric”. The basis behind
a parametric modeler is the use the entire structure as a 3D database to build digital
information (Cory and Bozell 2001).

The majority of these types of modelers are specifically designed for the engineering
industry (Bozell, 1999) as mentioned by (Cory and Bozell 2001). While these programs are
very productive in the engineering industry, they are not at all suited to the migration to the
AEC industry (Risch, 1998) as mentioned by (Cory and Bozell, 2001). Because of this, a few
companies have developed parametric software specifically to fit the needs of the AEC
industry (Cory and Bozell 2001); one of the popular AEC parametric packages is Autodesk
Revit.

2.4.1.2 CAD (Layer) Standards

Careful considerations should be taken whenever structuring the CAD model in layers
(Roberts, 1998) as mentioned by (Dawood et al, 2002). This is a central CAD principle that
associates the ability to manipulate the model elements. Moreover, such a principle allows
various project members to communicate and exchange CAD files in a more compatible
way. Therefore, representation of drawing management through structuring the information
in layers in accordance with the CAD layer standards was established (Dawood et al, 2002).
A consistent CAD drafting standard benefits not only automated measurement but also a
number of applications. It would also aid the development of international multi-media CAD
conferencing, artificial intelligence design and drafting and integrated architectural
/engineering /construction designs and built systems (Tse and Wong, 2004). The IAI
appreciates that certain types of IT, including CAD measurements , have not been widely
implemented in the construction industry. The main reason is “due to the lack of existing
standards for allowing software tools to share information” (IAI, 1997) as mentioned by
(Tse and Wong, 2004).

1- ISO 13567

The name of the layer is divided into ten fields, each with a fixed number of
alphanumeric characters. The first three fields are mandatory, and the remaining fields are
optional, Figure (2-2) (Tse and Wong, 2004).

Figure (2-2) ISO 13567 (Tse and Wong, 2004)

Among various fields in ISO 13567, the mandatory “Element” field plays a significant
role for automated measurement. The six-faceted syntax is long enough to break down
building services elements in adequate detail (Tse and Wong, 2004).

2- BS 1192

Coding convention includes a mandatory field and an optional field as depicted in

Figure (2-3). The mandatory field is given in an order of alphabetic and/or alphanumeric
attributes as explained in the BS 1192. The optional field is given in the recommended
character codes (Dawood et al, 2002).
 Figure (2–3) BS1192 (Dawood et al, 2002)

In some countries national standards or industry-wide conventions exist for layering

conventions. These are increasingly being accepted by AEC/FM organizations in those
countries (AEC3, 1999):

 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Cad Layer Guidelines has a great usage in the
USA.

 the IT user group layer convention for the building industry in Denmark,

 VDI 3805 part 1 (a layer guide for HVAC design) in Germany.

 National layer guides are in Japan and Singapore.

2.4.2 Estimating Software

The computation of construction quantities is one of those tasks which can be dealt with
computer technologies. Generally, computing by hands or by evaluation computer software
are two major methods for quantity calculation. There are few disadvantages with
performing these two methods (Lin, 2007):

1. Time consuming.

2. Accumulative errors and typos produced from manually computing.

3. Leaving some area out of consideration.

4. Personnel‟s lack of graphic working experience to perform the calculation jobs.

5. Original system limitations, such as format of input data, etc.

The accuracy of construction quantity is one of the most important factors for controlling
building cost in construction industry (Lin, 2007).
2.4.2.1 Commercial Estimating Software

Software can help to measure, count, compute and tabulate quantities, lengths, areas,
volumes, etc., of objects found in plans and specifications. Furthermore, most cost estimating
programs can be integrated with databases of costs for labour, materials and equipment. The
advantage is that cost data do not need to be re-entered, thus improving the celerity in
estimating and avoiding errors. Computer based estimation of costs archives and retrieves
large volumes of resource, cost and productivity information, makes fast and accurate
calculations and presents results in an organized, neat and consistent manner (Mathew,
2005). These systems (such as Precision estimating from Timberline, now known Sage
Timberline Office) offer several advantages in all the estimating phases (Elzarka and Dorsey,
1999), as follow:

1. Takeoff (Digitizer)

The fundamental core of estimating is the takeoff process. Without the information
obtained from a takeoff, an estimate can not be performed. While the level of detail varies,
the need to know the information obtained in the takeoff process is still vital (Miller, 2001).
In the takeoff phase, computer based systems have dramatically changed the available tools
from pencils and papers to interactive digitizers (Elzarka and Dorsey, 1999).

The quantities are taken off by tracing over the elements on the printouts via the
programmed digitizers (or sometime called On-Screen Takeoff software (Alder, 2006)). The
computer will then make a calculation, e.g. the length of a pipe from its start point to its end
point, and store the quantity. In other words, digitizers replace the scale rulers and computers
perform the calculations. But the digitized software‟s also have certain drawbacks (Tse and
Wong, 2004):

a. First, they duplicate the effort of inputting the design information into the CAD
system during the processes of design and measurement.
b. Second, because both CAD and paper drawings for measurement, (e.g. plans,
elevations and sections,) are physically 2D (as are the points digitized into the system).
Thus, quantity surveyors are still required to interpret the third dimension manually,
and then input it into the system during the digitizing process.

The multiple effect is that the digitizing process is often criticized as taking even longer
than the traditional manual approach (Tse and Wong, 2004).

A simple digitizer was included in the presented system in this research. Also there are
hardware devices (Alder, 2006) (Lin, 2007), Figure (2-4)
 Figure (2–4) Digitizer (hardware) (Lin, 2007)

2. Pricing

In the pricing phase, where prices are assigned to the items selected during takeoff,
computer based system have had a major impact. The database of these systems contains
most of the pertinent information necessary to prepare an estimate such as unit price and
production rate. Such information needs to be entered only once into the database, where it is
stored for future use (Elzarka and Dorsey, 1999).

3. Summarization and Reporting

Estimating software have also simplified the summarization and reporting phase. The
computer can take the numbers contained in the estimate and rearrange them in any number
of combinations to get a variety of reports or summaries (Elzarka and Dorsey, 1999).

2.4.2.2 Spreadsheets

Large construction companies use estimating software that cost thousands or even tens
of thousands of dollars to purchase (more money than most small-to-medium size builders
can afford). However, there are inexpensive ways to do computer estimating. One way is to
use computerized spreadsheets that have the power of programs costing thousands of dollars;
Figure (2-5). The benefits of having computer spreadsheets are (Christofferson, 1999)
(Christofferson, 2008):

1. Inexpensive
2. Easy to use
3. Can be customized to your style of doing business
4. Very powerful.

Spreadsheets can be as simple or as complex as needed. They can take the drudgery out
of doing estimates and will make estimating and other office tasks more efficient. Although
many builders use basic formulas, most do not make use of the spreadsheet tools that provide
the real power in creating spreadsheet estimates (Christofferson, 1999) (Christofferson,
2008).

Spreadsheets have assisted the estimator in calculating the quantities (by using MS Excel
functions; i.e. not extract) for items in the takeoff and then extending the pricing for the
items faster than what an estimator could do manually (Miller, 2001). By using a
spreadsheet, the amount of time required to generate an estimate could be reduced by
approximately one-third when compared to manual methods (Christofferson, 2000) as
mentioned by (Miller, 2001).

Setting up a computer spreadsheet is much the same as doing an estimate by hand. It

takes a little longer to set up the first time, but once it is created, all of the estimates
afterwards can be done in a fraction of the time. Once estimating spreadsheet is set up, there
is only need to enter quantities (Christofferson, 2008).

Figure (2-5) Typical Take-off Item (Researcher)

(Christofferson, 1999) (Christofferson, 2008) provides some helpful methods that can
turn basic spreadsheets into powerful tools to accomplish estimates quickly and accurately.
But main limitation, the estimating effort is centered on taking off quantities, while this
research will tried avoiding this limitation.

2.4.2.3 Spreadsheets vs. Commercial Estimating Software

In 1994, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) completed survey the
“Builder Computer Study”. A result of computer usage is shown; of note is the high usage
among builders of word processing 78 and spreadsheet software 63 (It has been shown that
many builders have a spreadsheet on their computer already). Only 39 percent of the builders
used estimating software during 1994 (Christofferson, 1999).
 A follow-up survey was made in 1997 (Christofferson, 1999) (Al-Hadythy, 2006).
According to this study, Figure (2-6), the use of spreadsheets increased by 9 (72-63) percent
and ranked as the second (after word processor) most used software by builders. Although
the use of estimating software by builders increased, its use remained relatively low at 46 (39
to 46) percent.

Figure (2-6) NAHB Builders Survey of Computer Usage 1997 (Christofferson, 1999) (Al-
Hadythy, 2006)

In 2002 a study (Information Technology Survey for the Construction Industry) in

USA by CFMA shows that Microsoft Excel was the most popular estimating software even
in the largest-companies group with a 33 percent. Others use specialized estimating software
26 percent use Precision Collection of Timberline. Up to 5 percent of estimating software
were the result of companies‟ own development “Developed in house”, Table (2-1).

Table (2-1) Estimating software used by U.S. general contractors (CFMA, 2002)
Software (vendor) Used
Excel (Microsoft) 33%
Precision Collection (Timberline, now sage) 26%
ICE-2000 (MC2) 11%
Heavy Bid (HCSS) 6%
Other 19%
Developed in house 5%
In Iraq a questionnaire
by (Al-Hadythy, 2006) shown that Timberline not available in the market and it is unknown
to the estimators with 100 % percentage.
 Usage of special purpose software for estimating was seen to be very limited (Appa
Rao and Narasaiah, 2004). Many estimators still insist on not to beat the classic spreadsheet
(primarily Excel) for flexibility, updating databases, report creation and customizing
estimates to meet individual client needs. On the other hand, commercial packages serve a
purpose, but people should realize that they will have to spend three to six months with one
to four people to customize the data in these software packages (Farah, 2005). Commercial
packages do not use parallel databases, but they can do that with spreadsheets. (ENR, 2002)
as mentioned by (Farah, 2005).

However, the estimators concerns about software products are that they want them to
integrate with project management and scheduling. They also want the ability to change the
assumptions, such as work crew breakdowns and productivity rates that govern calculations
(Farah, 2005).

2.4.2.4 CAD Integration with Estimating

This automated model makes direct use of the original electronic CAD files for
measurement (Walker, 1996) as mentioned by (Tse and Wong, 2004). The research and
development (R&D) goal of integrating CAD with estimating is progressing. However, the
standards for the CAD integration are still being developed by the International Alliance for
Interoperability (IAI/IFC) and the learning curve for both the designers and the constructors
is still largely unknown (Miller, 2001), integration\standards will be discussed in more
details in chapter three.
The benefits range from cost and time savings to improved flexibility in calculating the
cost impact of different what-if scenarios (alternatives) (Staub et al, 1998). In the Associate
General Contractors (AGC) estimating text Construction Estimating and Bidding, several
concerns are mentioned concerning integrating CAD with estimating (Miller, 2001) (Alder,
2006). These concerns are listed below (Miller, 2001):
1. Who is responsible for quantification errors?
2. What software will be universal enough for use?
3. How does the architect and/or engineer preserve its copyright when it distributes its
total design in a form that can be easily modified and copied by others?

Additionally, the AGC states that the technology may assist the estimator “but will
always have many limitations” (Swenson et al., 1999) as mentioned by (Miller, 2001). The
technology of CAD integration may in the future play a larger role in the takeoff process
(Miller, 2001).

Several studies have been conducted at Stanford University to demonstrate the

abilities of estimating using CAD. One study found that those who used CAD software for
estimating recorded an 80% reduction in required time to complete an estimate with an
accuracy margin of error of +/-3% (Schwegler et al, 2001) as mentioned by (Alder, 2006).

2.4.2.5 BIM with Estimation

BIM will be discussed in more details in chapter four (section 4.6.1).

2.4.3 Planning and Scheduling Software

2.4.3.1 Commercial Planning Software

Construction works require careful planning and skilful management of human and
physical resources. Computer systems can assist managers to plan ahead, evaluate different
options and adopt and execute the most efficient construction operation. The widespread
uses of planning packages are Microsoft Project and Primavera, to plan and schedule detailed
construction activities (Mathew, 2005); noted here Primavera was purchased by Oracle in
2008.

2.4.3.2 4D CAD (CAD Integration with Planning)

4D CAD was seen as a natural progression to 3D CAD models, as it adds a further

dimension, where time is 4th dimension. It provides the ability to represent construction plans
graphically, by adding the temporal dimension to 3D CAD models, i.e. linking a 3D
graphical model to a construction schedule, through a third party application (4D CAD
planning software) (Heesom and Mahdjoubi, 2004), as shown in Figure (2- 7).

Since the early 1990s, there has been a growing interest in four-dimensional computer
aided design (4D CAD) for construction project planning. With the emergence of 4D CAD
as a tool to assist the comprehension of construction project plans, various software packages
have been developed, however most of these concentrate on the utilization of 4D CAD as a
visualization tool, rather than something that can be used for analytical purposes (Heesom
and Mahdjoubi, 2004). Even when using 4D CAD systems, the planner still plays a crucial
role, as he manually relates building components to construction activities and visually tests
whether problems occur during the construction process. 4D CAD systems do not bear any
knowledge about the construction process itself (Vries and Harink, 2007).

Developing the 4D model involved categorizing the activities of the original schedule,
creating 3D CAD models from 2D drawings, and creating relationships between the
activities with the 3D CAD model components in a 4D-simulation application. This process
was quite labor-intensive (Koo and Fischer, 2000). Through feasibility study of 4D CAD in
commercial construction by (Koo and Fischer, 2000), discovered limitations in the
development and analysis stages of the 4D model:

1. Viewing the 4D model alone made it difficult to comprehend the current status of the
project (i.e., which components were being installed, which activities were being
executed). As mentioned, the 4D model does not convey all the information required
to evaluate the schedule.

2. Users can infer the physical constraints in a 4D model (e.g., they can infer why a
column has been sequenced before a beam by viewing the spatial implications in the
4D model). However, other activities are sequenced because of nonphysical
constraints. For example, activities may be sequenced in a certain order because of
resource availability or a specific construction method. 4D models do not inform the
viewer of such constraints.

Figure (2-7) Overall System Architecture for 4D CAD Model Development (Koo and
Fischer, 2000)
 3. The 4D model does not convey all the planning information represented in the CPM
schedule. The 4D model does not alert users to the availability of float for the
activities in the schedule.

4. The 4D model does not show activities that do not have corresponding components
(For example, there is no effective way of conveying the activity inspection in the 4D
model).

5. Current 4D models convey only one perspective of the project and can only be viewed
at a single level of detail. This makes it difficult for multiple participants of a project
to use the model for their purposes.

6. Current 4D tools do not support the rapid generation of alternative scenarios. When
users wish to make a change to the 3D CAD model or schedule, they need to refer
back to the schedule and the 3D CAD models in their separate applications.

The most 4D software used is Plantspace Schedule Simulator developed by Jacobus

Technology (Staub et al, 1998) (Koo and Fischer, 2000) (Heesom and Mahdjoubi, 2004).

(Vries and Harink, 2007) described a method for automated generation of the
construction planning from a solid model of the building in Architectural Desktop (ADT)
from Autodesk. However, Integration of CAD data with planning of construction and
automation of construction scheduling has not yet been achieved in most cases (Arun and
Appa Rao, 2005). If the construction schedule of a building can be generated directly and
automatically from its drawings provided at design phase, it will benefit in at least two ways
(Wang, 2001):

1. to predict the construction schedule at design phase, hence to facilitate the optimize of
the design;

2. to fully utilize the data existing in the drawings for managerial purposes in
construction phase, such as scheduling and estimating, so as to reduce the tedious
human manipulation of data and the potential source for numerous errors.

2.4.3.3 BIM with Planning

BIM will be discussed in more details in chapter four (section 4.6.2).

2.5 Limitations of Current Software

Software is a tool for user. It can not do everything, and unless user know how to deal
with the various issues in a project, all the tool (i.e. software) can do is help document
failures with great precision.

Software are applications by commercial vendors and their internal data format are
proprietary, which is why they can not communicate their rich building information directly
with each other unless they develop specific translators for this purpose (CRC CI, 2004). A
number (n) of types of software can solve A number (n) of tasks respectively (i.e. one type of
tool software can solve one simple task). Also, it is essential to improve the capabilities of
the existing software (FENG, 2006).

An architect may use a CAD package to produce a set of drawings. A quantity

surveyor/estimator will then use these drawings to produce costing information and BOQ. A
construction planner/scheduler will also use the drawings and BOQ to produce a set of
construction schedule. Participants use their preferred software package, maintaining their
own subset of the project's information. This approach, although well established, does have
a number of disadvantages (Marir et al, 1998):

1. The existence of “information lag” between participants

2. occurrence of errors when re-entering data

3. The difficulty in gathering an overall view of the project for management purposes

4. The difficulty in integrating software packages due to the lack of a common

conceptual information model.

2.5.1 Limitation of CAD

The main difficulties of integration are exacerbated by the fragmentation of design

information. The drawings are expected to provide the experts from different areas of interest
the information they require and serve as the main medium for integration. Despite the fact
that CAD systems are extremely powerful, they are not being utilized thoroughly in the AEC
industry. Specialists in the AEC industry have used today's CAD systems as simply
automated drafting tools, thereby automating their own narrow areas of specialization. Each
participant uses unique drafting conventions and their own CAD systems. Information is
scattered about the project in an uncontrolled and uncoordinated way, on a variety of
information systems and media, so that the design can not be viewed as a complete entity.
Such obstacles to the free flow of information between parties to the construction process
lead to data re-entry and the consequent inaccuracies. These are responsible for many of the
quality problems and for adding to the costs of construction projects (Marir et al, 1998).

2.5.1.1 CAD and Estimation

Architect‟s first responsibility is to meet the client‟s expectations in design quality as

well as in budget. Widely used by architectural firms, CAD software like AutoCAD does not
support any cost data storage on their platform. In order to generate the estimate,
Architect/Engineer has to rely on other software. It could vary from a MS Excel spreadsheet
to Timberline (Farah, 2005). Users need to calculate quantities by hands with their
imagination due to the lack of data for quantity calculation (Lin, 2007).

2.5.1.2 CAD and Planning

The CAD graphic documents often exclude information needed for effective project
planning. The information that is sufficient for project designs is often insufficient to meet
the requirements of project planning (Chen and Feng, 2008)

The major tasks of CAD are drawing and visualization (Lin, 2007). However, these
are not considered as weaknesses of AutoCAD as this software is only a general drafting
tool. Thus, it is up to the practitioners of each profession to make the most of it (Eben Saleh,
1999).

Therefore, the researcher has made an effort to help the practitioners in the
construction management by developing the system that presented in this research
(InCADEP), which will help the practitioners in the estimating and planning.

2.5.2 Limitation of Estimating Software

Estimator should input once more components and sizes first; then, the software may
automatically calculate quantities and form the bill of quantities (BOQ). Apparently, the
software is not so capable of the automatic calculation (extract). The main technical problem
lies in quantity calculation software system is how to identify drawings. In some developed
countries, advanced applications such as knowledge-based expert systems and simulation
have been applied in construction (FENG, 2006).

2.5.3 Limitation of Planning and Scheduling Software

Software for construction scheduling requires complete data to be input by planner.

However, due to the complexity of building projects and the limitation of traditional software
programming technique, these software are applicable only to a prepared network model of a
project. They are mainly used to carry out computations on input data provided by
construction planner. The input data required normally comprise an activity list (activity
definition) complete with their estimated durations (can not tell how long a task will take)
and logic dependencies (i.e. all it can do is computations). Even if the design is CAD-based,
the data needed by any software for construction scheduling can not be extracted directly by
these software from the data existing already in the CAD drawings generated at design phase
while have to be re-input manually by the planner (Wang, 2001) (Arun and Apaa Rao, 2005).
This indeed has constrained the application of the network planning technique and the
construction scheduling software based on it (Wang, 2001).

In fact, they are more of schedule report generators and calculators rather than
scheduling tools that aid and provide alternative solutions to schedulers\planners and project
managers. This statement is not intended to down play the major improvements that
computer automation have made in avoiding mathematical errors found in hand calculation
of activities: early start, early finish, late start, late finish float and identifying the critical
path (Mohamed and Celik, 2002).

The current situation, the data expressed in drawings can only be understood and
extracted by human. Namely, the data transfer from design phase to construction phase is
carried out manually by human and suffers from numerous shortcomings (Arun and Apaa
Rao, 2005) (Wang, 2001). On the other hand, the building design and construction
scheduling are very professional and different and require engineers in respective discipline
of different background and professional knowledge (Wang, 2001).

A huge advantage of using planning software is that it will leave out holidays, and
compute the actual dates on which activities should start and finish. Doing calendar
computations manually is a difficult task.

In general, Figure (2-8) below gives an idea about the problems and difficulties being
faced by the construction industry in using software (Appa Rao and Narasaiah, 2004), Tabel
(2-2) show the AEC software that mentioned in this research.
 Figure (2-8) Problems/difficulties in usage of software (Appa Rao and Narasaiah,
2004).

Finally, users find import and export (Data Exchange\Interoperability) functionalities

the most important missing features (25 answers). Intelligent components and objects were
important for (5 answers). The next important function was estimating and quantity take-off
features (4 answers). This function seems to be even more important because several persons
were missing “export” features especially to estimating software (InPro, 2007), as shown in
Figure (2-9).

Figure (2-9) Missing functionalities (InPro, 2007)

Tabel (2-2) AEC Software (Researcher)

Vendor Software Application Native Data Format

dwg
Autodesk AutoCAD CAD
(DraWinG)
Graphisoft ArchiCAD CAD pln
 CAD rvt
Autodesk Revit
(Parametric) (ReViT)
dgn
Bentley MicroStation CAD
(DesiGN)
Estimating
Microsoft Excel xlcx , xlx
(Spreadsheet)
pee (PrEcision
Sage Timberline Estimating
Estimation)
Mpp (Microsotft
Microsoft Project Plannning
Project Plan)
Oracle Primavera Plannning

2.6 Construction Process

Construction process is a process during which construction products, such as

buildings, are built. Due to its complexity, it is broken into several sub-processes, which
recursively include other sub-processes. The two major types of processes are the material
processes and the information processes (Turk, 1997) (Björk, 1999) as shown in Figure (2-
10). In the early stages of the building life cycle, such as requirements specification,
inception, feasibility, design and planning, most of the tasks focus in the processing the

information, the result of these tasks is information (Turk, 1997).

Figure (2-10) Construction Process (Björk, 1999)

2.6.1 Material processes

During materials production and the construction itself, however, the raw materials
and components are used to build civil engineering products. Material processes are
controlled by information processes (e.g. design information specifies how much
reinforcement should be placed into a concrete slab) (Turk, 1997) (Turk, 2000).

2.6.2 Information Processes

Information processes are those of which major input and output is information. The
main information processes are design and planning (Turk, 2000). This research deals with
information processes.

The construction process is an information-intensive (Sun and Aouad, 1999). In

construction project planning, information processing is perhaps the most challenging task
faced by project teams. As a construction project increases in size or complexity, the
efficiency and accuracy of information processing between different project participants
have a tremendous impact on the successful development and execution of a construction
project plan (Chen and Feng, 2008).
In practice, the implementation of information processing by most project teams is
substantially manually. The project team needs to study the 2D design drawings and contract
documents, and investigate the site in order to further develop plans on budget, schedule, and
so on. Furthermore, these project plans are generally created independently of one another.
This respective approach becomes a heavy burden to the project team due to the tremendous
amount of information that must be manually pieced together to integrate a comprehensive
plan (Waly and Thabt, 2002) as mentioned by (Chen and Feng, 2008). For example, it is still
very difficult to integrate information from budget and schedule plan. Thus, it is hard to take
account of both cost and schedule impact during the decision-making process (Chen and
Feng, 2008).

Along with current development of computer technology, various research efforts

attempt to develop innovative ways of processing project information. Embarking on
advancements in data standards, CAD systems and information systems, many researchers
have tried to streamline the information processing tasks by modeling and standardizing the
information required for design, construction and operation of constructed facilities (Chen
and Feng, 2008).

Processes are interrelated (the preceding process prepares the inputs of a follow-up
process), but smooth transition of outputs into inputs is not always the case. Quite often the
outputs need to be modified in order to be useful in the follow-up process. Any information
process can be observed from two perspectives: as information creation and information use
(e.g., information process of design, architectural design process provides results which are
used-by the structural design process). Typically, the results of the information creation
process are not directly useful as input to the follow-up process (the processes are not
integrated). Therefore, the two need to be connected by a glue or integration process, Figure
(2-11). Therefore, the following distinction of the processes is possible: (Turk, 1997) (Turk,
2000).

2.6.2.1 Base Processes

Base processes are the main value adding or core processes, for example calculating
stresses in beams. Looking from the perspective of the item processed, the base processes are
either information creation processes or information utilisation processes (Turk, 1997) (Turk,
2000).

2.6.2.2 Glue (Integration) Processes

Glue processes make sure that the information flow from creation process to
utilisation process and that the utilisation process can use them. For example, getting the
architect's drawing of the building and converting it into a format that can be used by the
finite element analysis software. Because of their function, the glue processes are also
referred to as “integration processes”. They are sometimes referred to as “non value adding”
(Turk, 1997) (Turk, 2000).

An information process has the following features (Turk, 2000):

1. Input: Information entering the process.

2. Output: Information exiting the process.

3. Performer: Person or application performing the process.

4. Customer: Person or application who requested this process to run. Performers and
customers have roles.

5. Method: Processes are performed using methods, which require tools.

6. Time frame: Processes take time, are scheduled etc.

7. Has related processes (sub-processes, predecessors and follow-up processes).

A key factor in the potential for business process change is that the number of times that
the same information has to be re-entered to the computer can be reduced. Studies in the UK
by Laing have identified that (for certain information, this can occur 5 to 6 times during the
project lifecycle). Clearly, each time that information is entered (having been entered before
for a different purpose) there is a cost and time implication. If information could be “Key
Once, Read many times”, there is a clear business benefit (AEC3, 1999).
Computers use in construction to create new information, e.g. by CAD software. The goal
was to automate the base processes and reduce human interventions. This was leading to the
“islands of automation” and ultimately to computer automated construction. The Computer
Integrated Construction (CIC) research has focused on the finding, moving and re-using the
information. Right now, humans are all too often the glue between the applications.
Reducing human intervention from controlling the glue processes leads to computer
integrated construction. Reducing human intervention in both base and glue processes leads
to computer automated construction, Figure (2-11) (Turk, 1997) (Turk, 2000).

Figure (2-11) Integrated and glued (not integrated) processes; integration and automation is
achieved by removing human control (Turk, 1997) (Turk, 2000)
 Chapter Three
Integration in Construction

3.1 Introduction

Construction is a collaborative activity involving a multi-disciplinary team including

client, architect, engineer, consultant, contractor, etc. Each member of this team is
responsible for certain aspects of the project. Different professions use their own unique
processes to undertake their tasks, but often have to rely on information supplied by others.
At present, the communication problem between the team members is often a cause for
project delay and building defects. With the wide use of AEC software, the traditional cross
discipline communication is increasingly manifested as an issue of data exchange and data
sharing between different software applications (Sun and Aouad, 1999).

Information share between project participants is still largely undertaken on paper.

Furthermore, the construction industry has been identified as not having an integrated
computer system that encompasses the whole of the construction process, even though
advance IT and the existing technology can make this possible.

It can be seen that the computer applications are fragmented in nature (Hoard et al,
1989), since they deal with specific/individual problems such as architectural layouts,
structural analysis and design, construction planning, scheduling and management, etc. IT is
presently being used mostly for communication of textual (specifications, reports,
letters/documents, etc.) and graphical (architectural layouts, and engineering drawings, etc.)
information electronically. Since application software packages used by the AEC industry
partners belong to different developers/vendors, data formats used in software applications
differ posing problems for data exchange and interoperability, which are not compatible with
each other (ApaaRao and Narassaiah, 2003). As a result, data can not be exchanged
electronically between them. This has been the concern of many researchers and
professionals in the industry since software applications are not integrated for realizing the
full benefit. In recent years there is an increasing awareness of the need for integrated
construction processes and a number of research centers are investigating related issues
world wide (Mathew, 2005), like Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE) at
Stanford University.

During the last two decades, advances in object oriented programming, database
systems and product data modeling technologies have provided a solid platform for
integration. Data standards are being developed. An integrated project database covering the
whole life cycle of construction projects remains a future prospect (Matheu, 2005).
3.2 Fragmentation in Construction

The nature of the construction industry is different from other industries, such as the
manufacturing, the temporary nature and uniqueness of construction projects is reflected in
one-off locations, one-off designs solutions and one-off project teams, which leads to a very
fragmented communication platform, as shown in Figure (3-1). This has lead to poor
communication and inefficient information (Hore, 2006).

The AEC industry, in particular, is characterized by fragmentation (Howard et al,

1989); due to fragmentation, coordination among various participants throughout the
construction process can be a difficult task (Chan and Leung, 2004). In addition, information
fragmentation within project documents has always been an obstacle to information sharing
and exchange among different participants and different phases (Chen and Feng, 2008).

Figure (3-1) Fragmented nature of the construction industry (Hore, 2006)

3.2.1 Geographical Fragmentation

The large-scale and non-transportable nature of the end-product means that

organizations must be located local to the site of manufacture. Transporting large-scale
resources to and keeping highly-skilled personnel at a remote site incur a significant
economic cost; this results in enterprises specializing in taking on work within a specific
geographical location. Immediately it can be seen that the construction industry is
geographically fragmented (O‟Brien and Al-Biqami, 1998) due to the locations of the
projects and the locations of these partners are usually geographically different (Chan and
Leung, 2004).

The exchanges of information between major players such as project managers,

architects, contractors, engineers occur very frequently, in the forms of letters, change
orders, drawings, etc. During the construction stage, good communication between project
participants on site and those operating from their offices are necessary to ensure no
misunderstanding or lacking of information that may cause delay in the completion of
projects (Chan and Leung, 2004).

The researcher believes that advance in IT and especially in communication such as

mobile phones and internet (e-mail, chat, and video conference) is ideal for the AEC
industry. It provides the best communication solution to the geographical fragmentation.

3.2.2 Functional (Organizational) Fragmentation

The fragmentation exists both within individual phases of the construction process, as
well as across project phases from planning through design and construction into building
maintenance and operation. The problems arising from fragmentation affect productivity and
competitiveness throughout AEC industry. Fragmentation in the AEC industry increases
costs across the entire economy (Howard et al, 1989).

This type of fragmentation takes shape in two ways horizontal and vertical. Functionally,
project partners assume different roles (horizontal fragmentation: between specialists at a
given project phase, e.g. design) throughout the entire construction process (vertical
fragmentation: between project phases, e.g., planning, design, and construction) (Howard et
al., 1989) (Chan and Leung, 2004).

3.3 Integration in Construction

The AEC industry is still exchanging data and design decisions as it did a century ago,
with paper drawings and reports. There has been some progress in exchanging drawing files
between CAD software, and data standards organizations are working to improve the quality
and reliability of such exchanges. However, as we move toward automated data exchange
and data integration across project phases, the key challenge is to develop data architectures
that are not only “machine-readable”, but “machine-usable” as well. For example, typical
CAD software create machine-readable vector and symbol representations (geometric
modeling), but additional information is required to quantify the design elements as a bill of
quantities/materials (Howard et al, 1989).
 Lack of integration among the planners, designers, builders, and operators of
constructed buildings misses important opportunities for improved project performance.
Contingencies for risks arising from a lack of information at various levels throughout the
development and life of a building add further costs. To date, computer utilization in
building development has tended to reinforce rather than mitigate this existing organizational
fragmentation (Howard et al, 1989).

An increase in the scale and complexity of building production requires a larger

number of participants and more efficient communication among them. Because of the
fragmented nature of the construction process, construction organizations have always
searched for new ways to integrate both inter and intraorganisational functions (Nam and
Tatum, 1992) as mentioned by (Kanoglu and Arditi, 2004). Indeed, participants in the
construction activity have always encouraged researchers to focus on integration issues with
the hope that such research could eliminate the consequences of the currently existing
fragmentation in the construction industry. Attempts to deal with fragmentation can be
carried out at three levels, namely at the (Kanoglu and Arditi, 2004):

1. Organizational level: including approaches such as partnering and design/build

contracting,

2. Process level: including methods such as lean production, supply chain management,
just-in-time delivery, and

3. Virtual level: including software and hardware packages aimed at integrating the
activities of the parties such as the integrated system described in this research.

Introduction of computers in AEC has changed the way of designing building,

production of engineering drawings, construction planning and scheduling, but it has not
fundamentally changed the method of sharing the data across different applications, parties
and organizations. Presently many computer software packages are available for solving
different problems in AEC to take advantage of speed in computation and visualization.
However, In spite of considerable advances made in computer and information technologies,
application software development has been fragmented in nature (Howard et al, 1989)
requiring significant amount of professional judgment and interfacing during the total
process of planning, design and construction of buildings. Computer applications have
focused on automating individual engineering tasks, i.e. creating islands of information. It is
well accepted that through integrated automation of design and construction process can the
productivity of the AEC industry improve (Apparao and Narassaiah, 2003).

Figure (3-2) is a „roadmap‟ showing when and by whom different applications are
being used during the construction process. Each group of applications likes an island of
automation. While individual application may be good at automating certain tasks, the lack
of integration between discrete (fragmented) applications means the same building
information needs to be entered many times and stored at different places. This obviously
causes inefficiency and more risks for errors (Sun and Aouad, 1999).

Computer science technologies offer real hope for solving the problems of AEC
industry fragmentation (Howard et al, 1989). Advances in IT can be used to develop suitable
methods/approaches for integration of different computer applications so as to realize
maximum benefits by the AEC industry (Arun and Appa Rao, 2005).

Figure (3-2) Construction IT applications (Island of automation) (Sun and Aouad, 1999)

With the rapid improvement in computing and communication technology, IT is

widely seen as the enabling technology to achieve the desirable integration thus
improvement in efficiency in construction. Integration is the key to the performance
improvement for the fragmented construction industry. Research in recent years has resulted
in some rapid maturing integration technologies, such as data modeling, integrated project
database, data management and data exchange, integration with third party application
software, etc (Sun et al, 2000). With the growing application of computers, the construction
process is moving from a "paper based" project execution to a future, fully computer based
integrated environment that supports concurrent way of working. However, such a change
will take a long time to complete (Sun and Aouad, 1999). The integration of software in the
construction industry has occurred mostly through the development of links between stand
alone commercial packages. For instance, integrated planning/estimating and integrated
planning/CAD systems have been developed by individual researchers. Integration through
the establishment of standards for data exchange is also progressing (Maria et al, 1998).
At present, several different integration technologies co-exist at different Research and
Development (R&D) stages. The integration efforts can be divided into three categories
according to the breadth and depth of process and data integration, Figure (3-3) (Sun and
Aouad, 1999).

1. Electronic Document Management (EDM) systems

2. Data Exchange (interoperability between autonomous applications)

3. Integrated Systems (CIC)

Figure (3-3) Three levels of integration (Sun and Aouad, 1999)

3.3.1 Electronic Document Management (EDM)

The construction process is an information intensive one during which huge amount of
information is generated and consumed by all professionals. To manage the information
effectively, a reliable system of organisation and maintenance becomes the most important
need for today's construction professionals. One of the popular solutions is an Electronic
Document Management (EDM) system; Figure (3-4) (Sun and Aouad, 1999).
 Figure (3-4) Configuration of a document management system (Sun and Aouad, 1999)

However, EDM system is a broad but shallow form of integration. All AEC
applications are independent from the management system. The system only manages the
outputs, or documents of a project, of AEC applications. Each document is treated as one
entity, which means that each document has its own specific format and can not be
exchanged directly/automatically by computers. The system has no knowledge of the
detailed contents of the document (Sun and Aouad, 1999).

3.3.2 Data Exchange

In a computer integrated construction environment, data exchange refers to “the

exchange of data between AEC applications, often using neutral format files”. A sending
application (exporter) translates data from its internal format and encodes it into an
established neutral format. This file is then transferred to the receiving application (importer)
where the data is translated into the internal format of the receiving system (Sun and Aouad,
1999). However, data exchange has not yet entered mainstream use and many unresolved
technical difficulties remain in the AEC industry (Apparao and Narassaiah, 2003).
If the integration of the different software is made easier, many more software would
be developed and integrated in a one system that can be used for architects, planners and
estimators etc. In an integrated system these representations need a way of transferring
information back and forth between each other. Data exchange can be accomplished by one
of the following methods (Nassar, 1999):

3.3.2.1 Direct Translation

In the direct translation method, translators have to be developed for each software
developed. As new software are developed new translators are required to exchange data
with the other software already existing. If n is the number of applications that need to
exchange data among them, then n (n-1) translators are required (Owen, 1993) as mentioned
by (Nassar, 1999). As the number of applications increase, the number of translators required
grows exponentially, as shown in Figure (3-5) (Nassar, 1999).

3.3.2.2 Neutral File Format

In this method, the software developers provide a way to write out the internal
representation of their software in a neutral format. This neutral format can then be read by
another software and the data structures of the neutral file format can be mapped to the
software‟s internal data structures. An important advantage of this method, it that the number
of translators required in this method is less than the direct pair-wise translation method. The
number of translators required in this method is equal to 2n, as shown in Figure (3-5)
(Nassar, 1999).

Figure (3 – 5) Translation Methods (Nassar, 1999)

1- Drawing Exchange Format (DXF)

DXF is a well-known file format for exchange graphic file between CAD systems
(Sun and Aouad, 1999). DXF was originally introduced in 1982 as part of AutoCAD, and
was intended to provide an exact representation of the data in the AutoCAD native file
format DWG. Noted here native file format is the default file format a program uses to
creation, edition or publication of a file, is often a proprietary file format.
Frequently, the use of native file formats is preferred to the use of DXF to ensure that
there is no data loss in the exchange. However, this type of data exchange takes place at a
very low level, with each participant having to reinterpret the data for his own purpose
(Maria et al, 1998). The communication protocols that do exist DXF allow the transfer of
low-level data but are often ineffective in bridging between the islands of information
(Apparao and Narassaiah, 2003)

It is a relatively simple and universal format, supported by most CAD software

packages. As the abstraction level is low, project information has to be encoded, for example
using colour or layer information. The intervention of specialist is often required to verify
and correct the received data (MIJ Jurasz, 2003).

AutoCAD files are usually saved in DWG, DXF file formats. Nevertheless, these file
formats are created by software developers, and their resources are not open to the public due
to commercial competition. In many cases, this result in interoperability problems among
different applications, therefore the data standards was developed.

2- Data Standards

Data standards are being developed first by the International Standards Organizations
(STEP), and then by the International Alliance for Interoperability (IFC). At present, these
standards are still evolving (Matheu, 2005). Currently there are two major research efforts
being carried out to define a neutral file format for the construction industry (the second
format is special for building industry): the ISO STEP and the IAI IFC (Nassar, 1999)
(Bjork, 1999) (Rankin et al, 1999) (Sun et al, 2000).

By using standards for different types of data, that data can be transferred among the
project participants (Maria et al, 1998). Although, there are disadvantages to standards, e.g.,
because they are applied over large areas of applications, they can be a poor fit to specific
uses and can inhibit advances and innovations, many researchers and practitioners believe
they are important to enable significant advances in integration capabilities (Fischer and
Froese, 1996) as mentioned by (Kanoglu and Arditi, 2004).

2-a ISO 10303 (STEP)

 Its official title is "Industrial automation systems and integration - Product data
representation and exchange", known as "STEP" (Standard for The Exchange of Product
data), otherwise known as ISO 10303, provides a mechanism that is capable of describing
product data throughout the life cycle of a product, independent from any particular system.
The nature of this description makes it suitable not only for neutral file exchange, but also as
a basis for implementing and sharing product databases and archiving. STEP is used by
leading organizations in aerospace, the automotive industry, shipbuilding, and the
Department of Defense, including companies such as Boeing, IBM and NASA (ISO, 2010).

2-b Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)

The IFC data model is a neutral and open specification that is not controlled by a
single vendor or group of vendors. It is an object oriented file format with a data model
developed by buildingSMART (International Alliance for Interoperability, IAI) to facilitate
interoperability in the building industry, and is a commonly used format for Building
Information Modeling (BIM). The IFC format was originally developed by the IAI
established in 1995 by American and European AEC firms, along with software vendors, to
promote interoperability between software in the Industry. Since 2005, the IFC specification
is developed and maintained by buildingSMART International (buildingSMART, 2010),
Figure (3-6) show the *.ifc file format icon.

Figure (3-6) IFC file format icon (buildingSMART, 2010)

The IFC effort closely parallels STEP, initiated in 1984 by the ISO; STEP was focused
on defining standards for the representation and exchange of product information in general.
Several people involved in the STEP effort from the building industry realized that a more
domain-specific model was needed for representing building data. They subsequently got
involved with the IFC development effort. The IFC model continues to be closely related to
the STEP standard (CRC CI, 2004).

The IFC is a similar object-based building data model that is, however, non-
proprietary. A simple example of the difference between a geometric model and a object-
based building model can be illustrated in the representation of a beam. Geometrically, a
beam can be represented as a rectangular. Unfortunately, most slabs, columns, footings and
walls are also represented as rectangular. This situation is one weakness of a geometric
modeling. The model is unable to represent domain specific concepts. On the other hand, a
beam in the IFC data model is a much richer concept. A beam (IfcBeam) is a horizontal
structural member. It represents a horizontal, or nearly horizontal, structural member
designed to carry loads. A beam has a geometric representation (i.e. a rectangular) but it has
also other properties such its material and its relation to other building elements or group of
elements. Figure (3-7) illustrates the hierarchical relationships between a beam and other
elements (CRC CI, 2004).

Some CAD developers have developed new software which are compatible with *.ifc,
e.g.

1. Graphisoft: ArchiCAD

2. Autodesk: Architecture (ADT) and Revit

Noted here that AutoCAD does not support *.ifc file format, till now.

However, the current IFC is still incapable of providing sufficient information

required by the construction activities (Chau et al, 2005) as mentioned by (Chen and Feng,
2008).
 Figure (3-7) Hierarchical relationships between a beam and other elements (CRC CI, 2004)

3.3.3 Computer Integrated Construction (CIC)

The concept of Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) is mainly derived from

manufacturing industry such as Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). CIC defines a
goal to make “better use of electronic computers to integrate the management, planning,
design, construction, and operation of constructed facilities”. In this context, “integrate”
means to “combine” the individual elements to optimize the performance of whole facility
(Sanvido and Medeiros, 1990). CIC describes a future target stage of the use of IT in
construction. The key factor in CIC is the integrating of the different computing applications
used in the life cycle of a building. Such integration will take place via automated digital
data transfer between applications (Bjork, 1994).

IT is a core technology facilitating information integration throughout the construction

project life cycle. At the design phase, design information will be translated into drawings.
Therefore if drawings are developed in a standard electronic format, then this information
can be reused in subsequent construction processes such as estimation, planning, and
construction management control. The advent of the CAD software are has had a significant
impact on design document integration. Moving from a 2D linear (geometric) drawing to a
3D object drawing provides potential for information integration. Although construction
information can be stored or integrated into a central database, its application could have to
overcome two types of barriers (Peansupap, 2004).

1. Access barrier to allow central database information to be accessed and exchanged

from construction projects located in different locations.

2. Interoperability barrier, being able to translate and/or exchange data from one format
into a compatible format used by other applications.

The researcher believes that access barrier can be solved by using communication
technology such as internet (web-based management system), Interoperability barrier can be
solved by using standards or programming effort such the integrated system developed in
this research.
Integrated construction management systems had their early start with the automation of
scheduling and planning. It was found that starting from so-called “first principles” and
regenerating all the necessary information that is required for a single application, let alone
integrated applications, was a challenging task. Work in this area then took a turn towards
integrating the applications that are more widely accepted (scheduling and estimating);
through the application of broader IT approaches, with a higher level of information
representation and use of templates or libraries of knowledge structures (Rankin et al, 1999).
To date, it is generally accepted that integrated construction management systems will be
conceptually based on a central information source with which integrated applications and
the industry participants will interact (O'Brien, 1997) as mentioned by (Rankin et al, 1999).

It is well known that integration of computer applications in the areas of planning, design
and construction would help in saving time and cost of construction and in improving
productivity (Arun and Appa Rao, 2005). CIC systems automate many of the labor- intensive
tasks associated with construction management of new facilities (e.g. building). The main
objective of CIC systems is to communicate data to all project participants, throughout the
project‟s entire life cycle and across business functions (such as design, estimating and
scheduling). Information processing requirements for many of these construction business
functions are currently handled by computer systems that are not integrated. This creates a
situation, which many refer to as “islands of automation”. Through integrating individual
computer systems, CIC systems improve the effectiveness of the entire management process
by enabling the communication of information among all business functions through the
entire project development process (Elzarka, 2001).
 Many large construction companies use integrated systems that cost thousands or even
tens of thousands of dollars to purchase (more money than most small-to-medium size
builders can afford) (Christofferson, 1999), or have developed CIC systems in house
(Elzarka, 2001).

Previous research has shown that at the heart of any effective CIC system is a 3D CAD
model (Elzarka, 2001) (Arun and Appa Rao, 2005). Such a CIC system combines 3D CAD
models with other project planning and management tools to integrate all parties involved in
the project. Off-the-shelf stand-alone packages can now be integrated to develop cost-
effective CIC systems that are as powerful and effective (Elzarka, 2001).

3.4 CAD Integration (Data Extraction)

Organizations make very different use of the ability to extract other data from CAD.
Some do not extract data at all. However, there are many that do try to reuse data based on
the current technology available. The extent to which this is done varies according to the
technical capabilities within the organization. In general, there is still minimal integration of
CAD with other software e.g., quantity takeoff (AEC3, 1999):

1. Quantity take-off from CAD is not often used in practice (and then only for limited
subsets). 2D data is of limited use for full quantity take-off

2. Area calculation can be partially achieved within CAD but national building codes and
standards often impose measure rules that can not easily be dealt with by current CAD
software.

3. Integration with other software is achieved primarily through manual data re-entry.
 Chapter Four

Building Information Modeling

4.1 Introduction

More than 40 years ago, (Champion, 1967) wrote that “One of the most common
problems in relation to the use of computers generally in the building industry is that of
finding a satisfactory coding system for information. Whereas individual firms can quite
easily devise their own coding systems, the use of computer techniques throughout the
industry as a whole will depend to a large extent on all parties agreeing on one generally
accepted coding system. One of the difficulties is that different sections of the industry may
require different forms of coding; what is ideal for the quantity surveyor for producing Bills
may not be satisfactory for the architect for his own use, and vice versa” as mentioned by
(Turk, 2000).

However, after over 40 years, the research and development (R&D) of information
technology in construction (building), very little has changed (Turk, 2000).

In the early 1980s architects began using CAD, And within a few years a large
percentage of construction documents and drawings were plotted from computers rather than
being manually drafted on drawing boards. Slowly technology began to affect the process.
DWG files were exchanged with consultants instead of physical drawings (paper-based).
Beyond simple graphics these files communicated information about a building through their
layer structure; a rectangle on one layer represented a concrete column, but on another layer
a tile pattern on the floor. The use of CAD files was evolving toward communicating
information about a building in ways that a plotted drawing could not (Autodesk, 2002).

This evolution continued with the introduction of object-oriented CAD (OO CAD) in
the early 1990s. Data “objects” in these systems (doors, walls, windows, roofs) stored non-
graphical data about a building in a logical structure together with the building graphics.
These systems often supported geometrical modeling of the building in 3D. Forward-
thinking design firms adopted these tools, realizing that the data in the OO CAD files, if
carefully structured and managed, could be used to automate certain documentation tasks
like schedules (material lists) and room numbering (Autodesk, 2002).

But OO CAD software‟s remain rooted to building graphics, built on graphics-based

CAD foundations, and as a result are not fully optimized for creating and managing
information about a building. Other industries, such as manufacturing, have realized great
benefit from non-graphical, parametric information technology tools. Another generation of
software solutions, designed with current technology and purpose-built, is required to fully
realize the benefits IT can bring to the building industry. This next generation of
information-centric software provides “building information modeling” in place of “building
graphic modeling” (Autodesk, 2002).

There are strong indicators that building information modeling is finally going
mainstream in the AEC industry (Khemlani, 2004) as mentioned by (Alder, 2006).

4.2 Definition of BIM

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is strategy for the application of IT to the

building industry (Autodesk, 2002). BIM an innovative new approach to building design,
construction, and management introduced by Autodesk in 2002 has changed the way
industry professionals worldwide think about how technology can be applied to building
design, construction, and management (Autodesk, 2003).

BIM is a new way of approaching the design and documentation of building projects
(Bentley, 2010).

The term BIM was recently coined to distinguish the next generation of IT and CAD for
buildings from traditional CAD, which focused on drawing production. BIM is “the process
of generating and managing building information in an interoperable and reusable way. A
BIM system is a system or a set of systems that enables users to integrate and reuse building
information and domain knowledge through the lifecycle of a building” (Lee et al, 2006).

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) defined BIM as “a model-based technology

linked with a database of project information” (AIA, 2010).

The National Building Information Model Standard (NBIMS) defines BIM: as BIM is
best thought of as “a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a
facility...and a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable
basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to
demolition.” (NBIMS, 2010)

4.3 Advantages of BIM

BIM supports the continuous and immediate availability of project design scope,
schedule, and cost information that is high quality, reliable, integrated, and fully coordinated.
Among the many competitive advantages it confers are (Autodesk, 2003):
 1. Increased speed of delivery (time saved)

2. Better coordination (fewer errors)

3. Decreased costs (money saved)

4. Greater productivity

5. Higher-quality work

6. New revenue and business opportunities

The ability to keep this information up to date and accessible in an integrated digital
environment gives architects, engineers, builders, and owners a clear overall vision of their
projects, as well as the ability to make better decisions faster, raising the quality and
increasing the profitability of projects (Autodesk, 2003).

BIM provides several major advantages over CAD (Bentley, 2010):

1. BIM Models and manages not just graphics, but also information (information that
allows the automatic generation of drawings and reports, design analysis, schedule
simulation, facilities management, and more) ultimately enabling the building team
to make better-informed decisions.

2. BIM supports a distributed team so that people, tools, and tasks can effectively
share this information throughout the building lifecycle, thus eliminating data
redundancy, data re-entry, data loss, miscommunication, and translation errors.

Although BIM has many strengths\advantages, it also comes with challenges. Some of
the challenges are as follows (Khemlani, 2004) as mentioned by (Alder, 2006):

1. Overcoming the resistance to change.

2. Developing a new workflow from the existing design process.

3. Training for the new software.

4. High end hardware.

5. Large file sizes.

4.4 Implementation of BIM

BIM is an approach to building design, construction, and management. Though it is

not itself a technology, it is supported to varying degrees by different technologies
(Autodesk, 2003).

4.4.1 Technologies Used to Implement BIM

Although BIM is an approach and not a technology, it does require suitable

technology to be implemented effectively. Examples of some of these technologies, in
increasing order of effectiveness, include (Autodesk, 2003):

1. CAD (i.e. Geometric Modeling)

2. Object CAD

3. Parametric Building Modeling

Figure (4-1) shows the overall effectiveness or benefit level of each of these three
different technologies (vertical axis) measured against the effort required to achieve those
benefits (horizontal axis). In addition, the horizontal dashed line represents the minimum
degree of effectiveness that can be properly characterized as BIM. Below this BIM threshold
are existing, traditional industry processes that are well-supported by traditional drafting and
task automation. Above this line (i.e. dashed line) are increasing degrees of BIM
effectiveness. The three solid curves show the effectiveness achievable at a given level of
effort using these three different technologies (Autodesk, 2003).
 Figure (4-1) Technologies Used to Implement BIM (Autodesk, 2003)

4.4.2 BIM Implementation by Using CAD

The lower curve in the Figure (4-1) represents CAD-based software; that is, software
that is based on the familiar geometry-based CAD technology used in the industry for several
decades. This technology supports drafting automation very effectively and with little effort
(better than any other technology, in fact). However, to achieve increasing levels of
efficiency, this technology requires greater and greater levels of effort. Higher levels of
administrative and management overhead are introduced, layer and naming standards must
be maintained and enforced, and the quality of the information coming from the CAD-based
files depends heavily on the discipline and reliability of the users entering the data. Very
high levels of effort, including programming and partner product development, can achieve
effectiveness in the BIM range. However, the level of effort required is so high that CAD-
based technology is rarely used at this level (Autodesk, 2003).

In this research, AutoCAD has chosen as CAD-based technology. With enough

discipline and some programming effort, AutoCAD can be used to deliver some of the
benefits of BIM. Few examples of this kind of use exist, but certainly the third-party cost
estimating, scheduling, structural design, facility management, and similar applications that
have been built on the AutoCAD platform are examples of BIM applied to specific slices of
the building industry (Autodesk, 2003).

4.5 BIM Software (Revit)

 Autodesk Revit is a building information modeling software primarily used by project
designers for drawing projects. Using Revit, architects draft the project using objects that
contain predefined properties to create their model. This model has parametric properties,
meaning the designer creates one complete three-dimensional model which can be sliced to
reveal, floor plans, elevations, sections, or any other views needed (Alder, 2006).

Revit is a proprietary data model which does not currently support IFC import/export,
although future IFC support has been promised. For software developers, ODBC links
provide limited access to the building model information and a limited application
programming interface has been provided in the most recent release (Howell and Batcheler,
2010); noted here Revit 2010 support IFC.

4.6 Revit in Estimating and Planning

4.6.1 BIM and Cost Estimating

Cost estimating is yet another aspect of the building process that can benefit from
computable building information. Designing a building is the responsibility of architects,
whereas assessing the cost to build it is the domain of estimators. In general, the architect‟s
scope of work does not extend to quantities takeoffs or cost information. That is left to the
estimator. When preparing their cost estimates, estimators typically begin by:

1. digitizing the architect‟s paper drawings, or

2. importing their CAD drawings into a cost estimating (software) package, or

3. doing manual takeoffs from their drawings

All of these methods introduce the potential for human error and propagate any
inaccuracies there may be in the original drawings (Revit, 2007a).

By using a BIM, the (takeoffs, counts, and measurements) can be generated directly
from the underlying (original) model. Therefore the information is always consistent with the
design. And when a change is made in the design, the change automatically ripples to all
related construction documentation and schedules, as well as all the (takeoffs, counts, and
measurements) that are used by the estimator (Revit, 2007a).

The time spent by the estimator on quantification varies by project, but perhaps 50-
80% of the time needed to create a cost estimate is spent just on quantification. Given those
numbers, one can instantly appreciate the huge advantage of using a BIM for cost estimating.
When you do not require manual takeoffs, you can save time, cost, and reduce the potential
for human error. By automating the tedious task of quantifying, BIM allows estimators to use
that time instead to focus on higher value project-specific factors (identifying construction
assemblies, generating pricing, factoring risks, and so forth) that are essential for high quality
estimates .There are a variety of ways of getting quantities out of a BIM into a cost
estimating system. Broad categories of integration approaches include (Revit, 2007a):

4.6.1.1 Application Programming Interface (API)

Application Programming Interface to commercially available estimating programs

from vendors. This approach uses a direct link between the costing system and Revit. From
within Revit, a user exports the building model using the costing program‟s data format and
sends it to the estimator, who then opens it with the costing solution to begin the costing
process (Revit, 2007a).

4.6.1.2 ODBC connection

Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) connection to estimating programs. ODBC is a

tried and true standard, useful for integrating data-centric applications like cost estimating
with BIM (Revit, 2007a).

4.6.1.3 Output to Excel

In comparison to the approaches outlined above, quantity takeoffs done within Revit
and output to a Microsoft Excel program may seem lackluster, but the simplicity and control
is perfectly suited to some costing workflows. For instance, many firms just create material
takeoffs in Revit, output the data to a spreadsheet, and then hand it off to the cost estimator
(Revit, 2007a).

4.6.2 BIM and Project Planning

Most builders invested in their first project planning system more than a decade ago
and they have become a vital tool for project management services. BIM solutions on the
other hand are relatively new. Given the success of BIM in the design realm, building firms
are now turning to BIM for their own uses (constructability analysis, quantification, and cost
estimating, and so on). One of the most obvious building applications for BIM is where
design and construction first come together: construction planning (Revit, 2007b).

Construction planning is an ongoing effort to manage the progress of a construction

project and react accordingly – dynamically adjusting to the “situation on the ground.” Of
course, a building‟s design is at the core of its project plan, and by adding schedule data to a
3D building information model (i.e., the building design) a 4D building information model
can be created, where time is the 4th dimension. Teams usually start out developing 4D
models by manually mapping the schedule dates from the project plan to the model
components. That effort helps them improve the plan and improve how they communicate
the plan to the whole team. Later, as they advance their skills, they programmatically link the
schedule to the model, to save time and increase their ability to evaluate various construction
sequence options. Below are two representative approaches for linking a BIM to a project
plan (Revit, 2007b).

4.6.2.1 Direct to MS Project

The first features is a direct link between Revit and Microsoft Project (MS Project),
developed by Autodesk Consulting, that uses a bidirectional link between Revit and MS
Project to keep the project up-to-date when changes are made in either program. The tool
includes a new “Export to MS Project” Revit function that exports applicable building
components to a MS Project file, pre-sorted by:
1. Level (e.g., floor) and

2. Category (e.g., wall, window, column, etc.) (also the system that presented in this
research)

for rapid project scheduling and resource tasking (Revit, 2007b).

4.6.2.2 4D Visualization

Second features a product from Innovaya called Visual Simulation, a 4D tool that
allows a BIM created in Revit to be integrated with either a MS Project or Primavera project
plan. Visual Simulation uses the Revit API to export the Revit model to the Innovaya file
format. The model can then be imported into Visual Simulation. The product includes a
specialized 3D/4D environment for both standard 3D building model navigation as well as
4D visualization (Revit, 2007b).
4.6.3 Advantages of BIM in Estimating and Planning

The first step of cost estimating is quantification - and the computable information at
the heart of a BIM makes quantification effortless. BIM solutions do not generate automatic
cost estimates by any means, but they offer significant advantages over traditional drawing-
based systems by minimizing manual takeoffs. More accurate quantities results in more
accurate cost estimates. Reducing the quantification effort means estimators can more
effectively apply their time and knowledge to higher value estimating activities, and
architects can use the information within their design model to easily double check
estimating quantities (i.e. facilitating concurrent estimating during the design process)
(Revit, 2007a).

If building information models containing detailed schedule and resource data from
the native project planning software, can lead to a more engaged team, more informed
decision making, and better coordination between designers and builders (Revit, 2007b).

Till 2006, those using BIM were using it almost exclusively for design purposes
(Alder, 2006). The long-term goals for those firms using BIM include using it for quantity
takeoffs and cost estimating (Khemlani, 2004) as moiented by (Alder, 2006).

(Alder, 2006) recognizes that three conditions must exist to improve the estimator‟s
productivity using BIM:

1. A BIM model must be available.

2. Quantity takeoffs using BIM require advanced training for the estimator. This advanced
training requires many hours of BIM training as well as time spent in the program to
understand what the quantities extracted from BIM represent.

3. The estimator must have the necessary software.

4.7 Limitations of BIM

4.7.1 BIM as Only One of Many Purpose-Built Models

While BIM is proving itself as a very powerful architectural design and coordination
tool, research conducted by Newforma, show that the limitations represent recurring
difficulties in the use of BIM for project-wide design and documentation. Our subsequent
analysis shows that rather than being dependent on a single building model, project team
members typically rely on a number of purpose-built models such as (Howell and Batcheler,
2010):

1. Design model (AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, MicroStation)

2. Structural finite element analysis model (STAAD)

 3. Planning model (MS Project, Primavera)

4. Estimation model (Excel, Timberline)

Each of these purpose-built models they create and manage has been highly optimized for
the precise needs of the discipline/trade involved, and for the specific project process they
support. Even with the advent and adoption of BIM, what is really happening industry-wide
is the use of a growing number of purpose-built models. It is not reasonable to expect that the
use of BIM should dictate that individual members of the project team abandon the tools
they trust, and that are highly optimized to support their individual work processes. It is the
project information being created and maintained across all of these purpose-built models
which, in aggregate, fully describes everything that is known about a project (Howell and
Batcheler, 2010).

BIM is best viewed as just one of many purpose-built models, as a “source” of

information about the building, rather than being viewed as a “destination” for every item of
information about the project. BIM is primarily a geometric model with the advantage that
its parametric variables and associated non-graphic properties provide richer transfer of
building information to/from related purpose-built models (Howell and Batcheler, 2010).

4.7.2 Interoperability

BIM is an important subset, but the critical missing ingredient is “interoperability”

(the ability for each of these purpose-built models (above) to interact and be coordinated as a
consistent representation of the same building, or, the sharing of information between these
different models) (Howell and Batcheler, 2010). The cost burden to the U.S. construction
industry due to inadequate interoperability among CAD, engineering, and software systems
is described in the August 2004 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
report entitled “Cost Analysis of Inadequate Interoperability in the U.S. Capital Facilities
Industry” which estimated that $15.8 billion is lost annually by U.S. capital facilities
industry resulting from inadequate interoperability due to “the highly fragmented nature of
the industry, the industry’s continued paper-based business practices, a lack of
standardization, and inconsistent technology adoption among stakeholders” (NIST, 2004).

Interoperability is critical to the success of BIM. Demanding support for open data
standards and non-proprietary access to BIM data is an urgent priority for the industry if we
are to avoid the inefficiencies and recurring inaccuracies of data re-entry. Interoperability
will allow the re-use of project data which has already been created and thus ensure
consistency between each of these models as different representations of the same building.
Interoperability will also allow the comparison and validation of purpose-built models in
support of faster revision cycles and the iterative nature of the design process. Consistent and
accurate data accessible on demand by the entire project team will contribute significantly to
mitigating project schedule and cost over-runs (Howell and Batcheler, 2010).

BIM is certainly viable and offers many realizable advantages over CAD. However, it
is the ability to share the intelligent building information being generated in a BIM
to/from/between the other purpose-built models, that is critically important (Howell and
Batcheler, 2010). The standards will help the BIM and other software developers reduce the
burden of interoperability (Goedert and Meadati, 2008).
4.7.3 BIM Extension

During the construction process, project participants exchange construction process

documents\ information such as request for information (RFI), schedules, submittals, change
orders, shop drawings, specifications, and site photos, or as-built, (rarely serves as a reliable
database for future decision making and would be more effective if incorporated into the
BIM) (Goedert and Meadati, 2008). These are not linked to either the 2D or 3D models
(Meadati, 2009).

The current status of graphical data and non graphical data in the construction phase is
shown in Figure (4-2). It shows the 2D as-built drawings developed in the post construction
stage and the related documents exist as independent entities. The 3D model developed in
early stages of the life cycle is generally not in use after the pre-construction stage. The
implementation of BIM needs a 3D product model and association of relevant information to
each component to serve as information resource. Thus by using the existing practices BIM
implementation process tends to stop at the pre-construction phase leaving large amounts of
relevant data out of the final model needed by facilities management for operations,
maintenance, and possible re-commissioning or decommissioning efforts (Meadati, 2009).

There are two reasons for not achieving BIM during post construction of the facility:
1. unavailability of 3D as-built model and

2. lack of integration of construction process information to the 3D as-built model

The desired status of information flow from the construction phase to operation and
maintenance phase that facilitate BIM implementation is shown in Figure (4-3). The existing
2D as-built drawings have to be replaced with 3D as-built model. Project data such as RFI,
submittals, change orders, shop drawings, specifications, site photos, actual cost, and actual
schedule must be attached to the 3D as-built model. This integration of construction process
documents to the 3D as-built model facilitates BIM implementation beyond the pre-
construction stage (Meadati, 2009).
 Figure (4-2) Current status of BIM in construction phase (Meadati, 2009).

Figure (4-3) Desired status of BIM in construction phase (Meadati, 2009).

Existing practices facilitate the implementation of BIM up to the preconstruction
phase only. The availability of the integration of the construction process documents extends
the implementation of BIM throughout the project life cycle. The existing parameters in BIM
software do not facilitate integration of the construction process documents and need to be
created. BIM software does not directly incorporate the construction process data but is
adaptable with some programming (Goedert and Meadati, 2008).
 Chapter Five
Development and Implementation of the System

5.1 Introduction

Since application software packages used by the AEC industry partners belong to
different developers/vendors, data formats used in software applications differ posing
problems for data exchange and interoperability, which are not compatible with each other.
As a result, data can not be exchanged electronically between them. This has been the
concern of many researchers and professionals in the construction industry since software
applications are not integrated for realizing the full benefit. In recent years there is an
increasing awareness of the need for integrated construction processes and a number of
research centers are investigating related issues world wide.

To illustrate the potential of new technologies to develop cost effective integrated

systems, an integrated system was developed by integrating stand-alone CAD, database,
spreadsheet and scheduling software packages using Visual Basic (VB). One advantage of
this approach is that the integration of existing software, already familiar to the user,
achieves dramatic reductions in development effort as well as training time over
conventional programming for systems with similar scope. The integrated system was
developed for users to demonstrate the potential of integrated systems to improve the
construction management process of buildings projects. The presented system treats case
study.

5.2 Proposed Approach

The results of design of building from CAD can be appropriately placed in the VB.
The building may consist of several components. The CAD model can be used through the
integrated system to extract the quantity of different components of the building. The
quantity data extracted can be exported automatically to MS Excel spreadsheet. The database
can also be modified interactively by the user to input the required data. The database
contains information for crew/team productivity rate, unit cost and other parametric. The list
of construction activities, their dependencies and estimated duration of activities can be
exported automatically to MS Project for generating the construction schedule.

The integration approach described above, it contributes towards automation in

construction. It may be noted here that the “approach” is conceptual in nature and it is
possible to use it with different levels of details and sophistication.

5.3 System Description

 The Integration of Computer Aid Design with Estimation and Planning (InCADEP)
was developed to facilitate the construction management of buildings projects by integrating
the following off-the-shelf applications:

1. AutoCAD for drafting the model. AutoCAD contains drawing and editing functions
necessary to produce model of building components.

2. Microsoft Access database for storing historical project information on crews,

productivity and unit costs etc.

3. Microsoft Project scheduling system to scheduling the project.

4. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to report the BOQ in a convenient spreadsheet format for
subsequent manipulation and printing.

The integration of computer applications is carried out under Microsoft Windows

operating system. All components of the system are integrated by using Visual Basic and
ActiveX automation technology, as illustrated in Figure (5-1). Advantage of this integrated
system developed using VB lies in their graphical user interface (GUI), which has the
familiar Windows operating system look that the users are accustomed to. The same features
of the user interface, like command buttons, menus and text boxes, can be incorporated into
the applications' screen displays by adding controls from the tool box. VB is a graphically
oriented language, so mush of InCADEP can be accomplished with the click of a mouse.

AutoCAD and MS Access database is the central repository of all data and is stored in
the InCADEP. It contains the information required to support the activities of design, cost
estimating, and scheduling.

AutoCAD MS Access
Drawing Unit cost, productivity,
Extract Quantity etc Database

Visual Basic
ActiveX
User Interface
InCADEP
 MS Project
Generation Scheduling

Figure (5-1) Architecture of Integration

This integrated system has been integrated with objects of the computer applications
using VB and ActiveX automation technology. VB plays the role of “glue” that holds
together many objects (individual software) applications and packages. Here in this system,
VB provided the capabilities to construct user interfaces and access to other software.

To make another application's objects available in the developed VB code, there is a need
to set a reference to that application's object library. This can be done by clicking on the
“Project” menu in VB menu bar and selecting “References…” The references dialog box
lists the references available to the VB project, to add AutoCAD objects, the check box next
to the AutoCAD name should be selected "AutoCAD 2010 Type Library". The same process
can be followed to make other application's objects available in the code of system; MS
Access, MS Excel and MS Project, as shown in figure (5-2).

Figure (5-2) References dialog box

ActiveX automation can be used to obtain key information about the exposed
AutoCAD objects and to send this information to a VB-enabled application like MS Excel.
This approach is useful for making of bill of quantities.
 Certain properties are displayed for the AutoCAD entities selected. For line, the value
for the beginning point, end point, and length, as well as the layer name and, of course, the
entity type. The access of much of same information with ActiveX automation can be
preformed and put in use in various ways, such as counting the number of entities in a certain
layer, or calculation up the total length of certain lines.

The operation of the developed system is represented by the overall system flow chart,
as shown in figure (5-3).

Start

Pictures AutoCAD model in

*.jpg; *.wmf; *.bmp layers and blocks *.dwg

Digitizer (On Database Not available

Screen Takeoff)

Input project data

Import from MS Access

Unit cost, productivity,

Import from AutoCAD specification, start date etc

Estimating calculation Planning calculation

Extract quantities & Activity duration &
total price precedence

Output data

Export to Materials calculation

MS Excel MS Project

Bill of Quantities Schedule generation

End
 Figure (5-3) Overall system flow chart

5.4 System Requirements and Limitations

InCADEP is developed according to some assumptions as follows:

1. AutoCAD scale should be (1:1).

2. All building components must be drawn in one drawing, i.e. one AutoCAD drawing
file (*.dwg) and different specific layers names.

3. Each door and window should be drawn as a block (for example Door1 drawn as
block named 24D1 1_1).

4. Need four elevations for building, stairs neglected.

5. The cost of the activities is estimated using activity quantities that extracted from the
AutoCAD drawing and the cost information stored in database or entered by the user.
Information cost should be as unit cost/unit of measure.

6. The production rate for an activity is assumed to be fixed along the activity duration
(production rate should be as quantity/day).

7. The duration of the activities is estimated using activity quantities that extracted from
the AutoCAD drawing and the productivity rate information stored in database or
entered by the user.

8. The precedence of the activities collected from practical constraints governing the
construction only and without overlap between activities. Note here the user can enter
precedence before exporting data to MS Project.

9. The schedule generation is for ground floor only.

5.5 Extraction of CAD

 This automated model makes direct use of the original electronic CAD files for
measurement. The rationale behind the files is that different kinds of components in the
drawings, e.g. walls, windows, doors, etc., can be commonly structured in CAD format in
terms of layers, line types (polylines) and so on, that can be fully coded in order to represent
the descriptions of the components. This technique replaces the function of a digitizer to
answer the questions of „where‟ and „what‟, and hence the quantities can be quickly and
directly extracted.

Due to the limitation of 2D CAD drafting, users are still required to manually input the
third dimensions. Even for 2D items, the whole CAD drawing must be well defined and
structured; i.e., identical CAD building objects must be on the same layers, and have the
same line types. Since most of the CAD systems allow individual draftsmen to define CAD
layers by whatever structures and names desired, draftsmen always encounter difficulties in
using drawings created by others. Although many well-established companies have created
their own in-house CAD standards, exchanges of CAD data between various disciplines in a
project does occur and is necessary.

AutoCAD refers to all 2D/3D building components as "objects" with specific

properties. The preparation method for all CAD objects in the CAD drawings was to redraw
them as closed 2D/3D polylines. For the purpose of obtaining spatial properties of a CAD
component, it is advised to convert simple drawn lines in the CAD drawings into closed
polylines. This is an AutoCAD technique so that each object will have a specific area. For
example, each quadrilateral column is drawn as a closed polyline and not four lines, noted
here that rectangle is also polyline.

A VB code was written for each layer in the AutoCAD drawing to enable the
extraction of "objects" properties and write them to the related table in the InCADEP. For
example, columns information drawn in the "columns" layer will be extracted to the
"columns" table of the InCADEP.

5.6 System Operation

The first window shows the system name, version and copyright, as shown in figure
(5-4). This window will automatically hide after few seconds, and the main window will
appear.
Figure (5-4) The start window
Figure (5-5) The main window

1. File menu
1.1 Import from menu

This menu has the control of VB on the MS Access and AutoCAD object, Figure (5-6)
 Figure (5-6) Import from menu
1.1.1 MS Access

If the user does not saved database, the user should be enter the unit cost of each item
(for example 12,000 ID per square meter for plaster) and enter the production rate per day
for each item (for example finishing 100 m2 per day for plaster). The one how use the system
can enter the cost by Iraqi Dinar "ID" or US Dollar "$", and the production rate consider in
this case depend on the experience of the user.

1.1.2 AutoCAD

If the user click on the "Import from ►AutoCAD", the "Open" file dialog box will
appears, and the format of file type is limited to (*.dwg) to open only AutoCAD drawing, as
shown in Figure (5-7).

The user should open the exact drawing to get the required information correctly from
the system. "Import from ►AutoCAD", allow for automatic extraction of quantities (length,
area, volume, each/No. can be calculated) of various components of the building from the
CAD model (like area of plaster, number of specific doors, etc). The user can perform the
takeoff for the entire building; InCADEP will loop through all the elements contained in the
model and calculate its quantities. The quantities will output in the table as shown in Figure
(5-8).
 Figure (5-7) Open file dialog box (*.dwg)

The unit cost is then retrieved from the database and the total price is calculated. Each
component of the building is identified with a schedule activity\task. The durations of the
construction activities are estimated using the quantities from the CAD model and the
productivity information stored/input in the database.

Some sequence of construction activities (i.e., precedence and successors for each
activity) is given by the InCADEP or can be input by the user. However, they can also be
generated if suitable procedures (code programming) are added to the system. InCADEP
includes heuristics collected from practical constraints governing the construction. It may be
noted here that the expertise included in the system described here is only demonstrative in
nature to show the approach of integration, and it can be refined or modified for the
improvement of the system.

In this menu "Import from ►AutoCAD", the graphical information convert to textual
(non-graphical) information and the user can deal with this textual information in easy way
more than the graphical information.
Figure (5-8) Output of InCADEP

1.2 Export to menu

This menu has the control of VB on MS Excel and MS Project objects, Figure (5-9).
 Figure (5-9) Export to menu

Data from this table can be exported automatically to MS Excel spreadsheets just by a
click (File menu and then export to ► Excel), which can be kept as a separate file for BOQ.
This can be used for further estimations. The quantity takeoff data is used by InCADEP for
generating construction scheduling.

1.2.1 Excel

If user click on the "Export to ► Excel", the “Save As” file dialog box will appears,
and the format of file type is limited to (*.xlcx \ *.xlc) to save as MS Excel spreadsheet.
Then the user first enter “File name” and then click “save”, the InCADEP automatically
open the MS Excel and fill the cells with the required information like (description, quantity,
….etc).

1.2.2 MS Project

If the user clicks on the "Export to ►MS Project", the “Save As” file dialog box will
appear, and the format of file type is limited to (*.mpp) to save as MS Project as shown in
Figure (5-10). Then the user first enters “File name” and then click “save”, the InCADEP
automatically will open the MS Project and fill the activities and its durations and
precedence sequentially. The user should enter the start date of the project in the database, if
the user does not enter the start date, the system will take the date as the day of system
operation.
 Figure (5-10) Save As file dialog box (*.mpp)

The list of activities arrived at by the system for a building construction and the
durations calculated for each activity in the table by system is exported to MS Project
through and it automates the input of list of activities and their durations in their respective
column. Thus, it can be seen that input needed by the software for construction scheduling
(MS Project) can be automated (to the maximum extent possible) by adopting the approach
of integration presented in this research.

1.3 Save database

The user can save database, then there is no need to enter the parametric again.

1.4 Exit: To exit InCADEP.

2. Tools menu, Figure (5-11)

Figure (5-11) Tools menu

2.1 Digitizer

InCADEP also contain a "Digitizer" or "On screen takeoff" Figure (5-14), which can
measure (length and area) for image\scanned drawings, support (*.jpg, *.wmf and *.bmp)
data format. First, the user should enter scale of drawing (by input the known distance
between two points), and then can measure distance between two points and the horizontal
and vertical distance for this points; or the user can measure the area and the perimeter.

2.2 Materials

To calculate construction materials for some activities Figure (5-15), such as quantity
of cement, sand, and gravel for concrete.

3. Help menu, Figure (5-12)

Figure (5-12) Help menu

3.1 Requirements

Show the requirements and limitations of InCADEP, as sec 5.4.

3.2 About InCADEP, Figure (5-13)

Figure (5-13) About InCADEP window
Figure (5-14) Digitizer (On screen takeoff)
 Figure (5-15) Materials window

5.7 The Implementation of the System (InCADEP)

The developed system was designed for reinforced concrete building projects.
However, the system can be easily modified to cover all types of projects, since the main
code of data exchange system is already exist.
 The system was designed to find: the total volume of foundations, columns, beams,
and slabs concrete; Total number of doors and windows; area and volume of brick; total
length of DPC; area of plaster and cement plaster and ceramic; area of roof; area of floors
etc.

The layout drawing of a storages building for hospital 260 beds is shown in Figure (5-
16). The output of system in MS Excel and MS Project is as shown in Figure (5-17) and
Figure (5-18).
Figure (5-16) Sto
Figure (5-17) MS Excel window
Figure (5-18) MS Project window
 Chapter Six

Conclusions and Recommendations

6.1Conclusions
The following points have been identified as the overall conclusions of the research:

1. Design, cost, and time integration is possible with today‟s off-the-shelf software
products. The resulting benefits include faster estimating time, fewer takeoff errors,
better documentation and reproducibility of the estimating process, and the ability to
release a construction schedule electronically with the whole project prior to
construction.

2. It is possible to prepare information of the BOQ and construction schedule for the
building automatically (with least user interaction) by taking the results from the
AutoCAD. A special feature of the system is the CAD modeling facilitating capability
to extract quantity. A consequence of this is that project management software will be
much easier to incorporate and also can have direct access to the design data from such
integrated system.

3. The utilization of integrated systems will become more and more important as the
popularity of the design/build project delivery system continues to increase. In the
design/build approach, more business functions are performed by the same company
and as a result, their integration to share data becomes more vital.

4. The integration of AutoCAD and computer based construction project management

software can be utilised to reduce fragmentation and to bridge existing gaps between
disciplines within the AEC industry.

5. With the continuous development in BIM and improvement of programming capability

(such as ActiveX automation technology), the potential application of an integrated
system in construction practice can no longer be ignored. The industry is also eager to
capitalise on this potential. This research provided a vision for meeting the vital,
critical and urgent needs by the construction industry for integration tools that enhance
the sharing of project information.

6. Integrating design, cost, and schedule information can help a project team to improve
the efficiency of the planning and estimating processes. Design-cost integration
 supports the automatic calculation of quantities, thus shortening estimating time and
eliminating the duplication of effort that exists in current estimating practices. In
addition, it allows a project team to quickly evaluate the cost impact of different design
and specification alternatives, and provides electronic validation that all the items in the
CAD model have been included in the estimate. Decisions are expected to be made
faster and to become more reliable.

6.2 Recommendations
1. The ability to develop integrated systems should entice the construction industry to
use these systems. AutoCAD available today, with its ability to link to other software
has made such development possible.

2. The IFC standards once fully developed will enhance such integration. However, it is
vital to address integration within a business context which is mainly related to
process, human and cultural issues.

3. Use of OO CAD and Parametric software

4. CAD layer standard that develops such integrated system.

6.3 Proposals for Further Researches

InCADEP is needs to be improved especially in the followings:

1. Design:

To enhance its drawing interpreting function by:

a) either further standardizing drawing drafting rules

b) or by improving its programming so as to make it more sophisticated;

2. Estimating:

Expand the system to the Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP) design

services.

3. Planning:

Use of knowledge-based expert system for decision making taking into

consideration: the construction methods to be adopted depending on the site conditions
and availability of resources and experience, traffic condition in the area, level of
contractor selected, and speed of construction process required for construction etc.
 Detailed knowledge-based expert system can be developed for generation of an
optimal scheduling. Step further using optimisation methods (e.g. genetic algorithms).

4. General:

a) To expand the InCADEP so as to extend the applicable scope to other projects such
as roads.

b) Integrate with Geographical Information System (GIS), themes in ArcView instead

layers of AutoCAD, to enhance spatial information.

c) 4D CAD planning (import from MS Project).

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 ‫الخالصت‬
‫ذخرهف طثُؼح أػًال انثُاء ػٍ انظُاػاخ االخشي يصم انرظُُغ و رنك نكىَها ذؼاٍَ يٍ انرعضوء‬
‫‪ Fragmentation‬و ذرضًٍ ػذد كثُش يٍ انًشاسكٍُ فٍ انًششوع و ذشرًم يشاحهها ػهً انؼذَذ يٍ انؼًهُاخ خالل‬
‫ػًش انًششوع يصم انرظًُى و انرخًٍُ و انرخطُظ و إسرؼًال أَىاع يخرهفح يٍ تشايعُاخ ذطثُقاخ انحاسىب‪ .‬ذرطهة هزِ‬
‫انخظائض انحاظح انًاسح نرثادل انثُاَاخ و يشاسكح انًؼهىياخ انشسىيُح و انُظُح تٍُ االطشاف انًؼُُح تانًششوع‪.‬‬

‫تانشغى يٍ أٌ أكصش انىشائق ذُرط تانحاسىب‪ ,‬ال ذضال إداسج انًشاسَغ ذؼرًذ انرثادل انُذوٌ نهًؼهىياخ و تاالسرُاد‬
‫ػهً انىشائق انىسقُح‪ .‬حُس َرى سسى انخشائظ و انًخططاخ انرظًًُُح تًساػذج انحاسىب ‪ ,CAD‬نكٍ انثُاَاخ انًطهىب‬
‫ادخانها نثشايعُاخ إداسج انًشاسَغ (ذخطُظ أو ذخًٍُ) ال ًَكٍ اسرخشاظها يثاششج يٍ ‪ CAD‬تم َعة ادخانها َذوَا يٍ‬
‫قثم انًسرخذو (انًخًٍ و ان ًُخطظ)‪ .‬اٌ ػًهُح أخز و ذعًُغ انًؼهىياخ يٍ انًخططاخ انرظًًُح و ادخانها فٍ تشايعُاخ‬
‫اداسج انًشاسَغ ذحراض انً ظهذ و وقد يغ احرًال حذوز اخطاء فٍ َقم و ادخال انًؼهىياخ و تاالضافح انً رنك فؼُذ‬
‫حذوز ذغُُش يؤشش فٍ انرظايُى او ػُذ يقاسَح ػذج تذائم فأٌ رنك َرطهة اػادج انحساتاخ يشج اخشي‪ًَ .‬كٍ ذعاوص هزا‬
‫يٍ خالل إسرخذاو أدواخ ذكُىنىظُا انًؼهىياخ تكفاءج اكصش إلداسج ػًهُاخ يؼهىياخ انثُاء و يكايهح انرظًُى و انكهفح و‬
‫انىقد‪.‬‬

‫هزا انثحس َقذو َظايا حاسىتُا يركايال نًشاسَغ انًثاٍَ حُس َقىو تاسرخالص و اسرُشاد انكًُاخ ػٍ طشَق‬
‫ذشظًح يخططاخ ‪ AutoCAD‬يغ قاػذج تُاَاخ ‪ MS Access‬تانكهف و االَراظُاخ نحساب االسؼاس و انًذد انضيُُح‬
‫نهفؼانُاخ شى ذظذَشها انً تشايط ‪ MS Project‬و ‪ MS Excel‬وانرؼذَم ػهُها‪ .‬ذى ذطىَش انُظاو تأسرخذاو ‪Visual‬‬
‫‪ Basic‬و ذقُُح أذًرح ‪ ActiveX‬نشتظ انثشايط اػالِ‪ .‬تاالضافح انً حساب كًُاخ انًىاد ‪َ ,‬رضًٍ انُظاو‬
‫‪Digitizer‬نحساب االطىال و انًساحاخ نهًخططاخ انرٍ ذكىٌ تظُغح طىسَح‪.‬‬

‫ذى ذطثُق انُظاو انًركايم ػهً دساسح حانح نثُاَح يخاصٌ نًسرشفً ‪ 062‬سشَش‪ .‬اشثرد انُرائط فؼانُح انُظاو فٍ‬
‫ذحىَم انًؼهىياخ يٍ طُغرها انشسىيُح ‪ dwg‬انً طُغ ػذدَح ‪ًَ mpp , xlcx / xlc‬كٍ انرؼايم يؼها تسهىنح و َسش‬
‫تانثشايعُاخ انًشًىنح تها‪.‬‬

‫يٍ فىائذ اسرخذاو هزا انُظاو‪ ,‬انرىنُذ اِنٍ نهكًُاخ انًسرخشظح يثاششج يٍ ‪ CAD‬و ذحسٍُ انرىاطم تٍُ‬
‫انرظًُى وانثُاء‪ ,‬و ذقهُم اػادج ادخال انثُاَاخ ( تُاَاخ قاتهح إلػادج االسرؼًال) و صَادج سشػح انرسهُى (ذىفُش انىقد) و‬
‫ذقهُم انكهف (صَادج االستاغ) و ذُسُق أفضم (أخطاء أقم) و اَراظُح اػهً‪ .‬ورنك نرحقُق يُهط ًَزظح يؼهىياخ انثُاء‬
‫‪.BIM‬‬
 ‫جوهىريت العراق‬
‫وزارة التعلين العالي و البحث العلوي‬
‫جاهعت بغذاد‬
‫كليت الهنذست‬
‫قسن الهنذست الوذنيت‬

‫تطىير نظام إدارة انشاء هتكاهل‬

‫لتخوين الوباني‬
‫رسالة‬
‫مقدمة الى كلية الهندسة في جامعة بغداد‬
‫كجزء من متطلبات نيل درجة الماجستير في علوم الهندسة المدنية (ادارة مشاريع)‬

‫من قبل‬

‫ايهاب فاضل محمد علي‬

‫(بكالوريوس علوم في الهندسة المدنية ‪)2008 ,‬‬

‫اَهىل‪2010 ,‬‬