Prince Aloysius Kunnappillil Aloysius

ADVANCED BIM IN CONSTRUCTION 2

Contents
1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................4
2. Description of 5D Cost Estimation........................................................................................5
ADVANCED BIM IN CONSTRUCTION 3

2.1 Purpose of 5d Cost estimation as part of the building life-cycle process........................5

2.2 Related technology, process, input, output and outcome.................................................6
2.2.1 Technology and Process............................................................................................6
2.2.2 Input, Output and Outcome.....................................................................................10
2.3 Human capabilities and other resources required..........................................................11
3. Conclusion............................................................................................................................12
4. References............................................................................................................................12

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1. INTRODUCTION

The role of a quantity surveyor is growing with the involvement of BIM in the construction

industry. Cost estimation which used to be a 2d process is transforming into 3d measuring. A

lot of benefits can be achieved by working in a BIM environment and these benefits are also

extended to cost management. It is a process of creating a building model with both graphical

and non-graphical data assigned to them and shared through a common space known as the

common data environment. Data such as scheduling and construction programming can be

added as information (Eynon. J, 2016). And when cost estimation data are added to them they

are known as 5d BIM as seen in fig-1.

Figure-1, above shows the composition of 5-D BIM.

This is a process through which specific quantities and respective costs are generated using

the support of BIM. So, it is necessary for all the members in the team to understand the roles

and responsibilities of each other before commencing the project. And as a solution a

responsibility matrix in included into BEP (Bim execution plan). The QS also needs to know

the necessary data needed from the designer and other departments to generate the estimation.

By estimating the budget during the design stage will help the project team to see the effects

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on the project cost because of their decisions during the project cycle. And thus, it can help

the project team to reduce the unwanted excessive cost and avoid cost overrun (Eynon. J,

2016).

2. Description of 5D Cost Estimation

The 5D BIM brings the cost estimators to work along the designers and other team members

and to contribute more to the building process in contrast to the traditional method where

they usually work in silos[ CITATION AEC17 \l 16393 ].

2.1 Purpose of 5d Cost estimation as part of the building life-cycle process

The primary purpose of the 5d cost estimation is to develop an estimate for the project which

reduces the risks and increases the sustainable profit. These estimates can be beneficial to

three best parts of a building life-cycle process such as,

 The capital costs needed for the project.

 The running cost associated with it once in use.

 And the cost estimated for repair and maintenance.

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Figure-2, above shows the 5D BIM in building life cycle process.

So, to benefit the uses of 5D BIM through the design, construction and operation period they

must be implemented during the design stage itself as seen in fig-2 above.

Firstly, in design stage, the implementation of 5D BIM gives the estimators a digital visual

display of the proposed facility which helps to quantify and generate accurate estimation.

Another primary purpose of 5D BIM is that it helps the estimator to give quick budget

calculation for the architect’s design compared to traditional method, which helps the project

team to create multiple design options within the client’s budget (BIM Acceleration

Committee, 2016).

Secondly, during construction stage, the information model is imported to estimation

software which are compatible with BIM and budgeting is done. After this, if any alterations

in design happens, then the 5d BIM estimation software makes the process easy to recalculate

the alterations in budget. Thus, with 5D BIM it is easy to generate cost estimation for altered

design much quickly. The most important purpose of 5D BIM is that it helps to give the client

an estimate of the proposed project even before starting construction, which avoids many risk

(BIM Acceleration Committee, 2016).

Thirdly, the operations stage obtains the highest cost when compared to the other stages in

the building life cycle process as seen in fig-3 below. So, to manage this Construction

Operations Buildings Information Exchange (COBie) comes to play where information

during the design and construction phase of projects is used for facilities management

purpose. So, the cost estimates of the objects in the model help to find the anticipated price

for repair and maintain them in future (BIM Acceleration Committee, 2016).

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Figure-3, above shows the proportional split of whole of life costs of an asset.

2.2 Related technology, process, input, output and outcome.

2.2.1 Technology and Process

There are various software’s which supports BIM for estimating costs and provides a 5-D

BIM service. To mention few are-

1. Vico Office.

o Vico Cost planner.

o Vico Cost explorer.

2. Sigma estimates.

3. iTWO (complete end to end service)

4. CostX estimating software.

5. Revit Architecture.

Most of these software’s work on a similar process as seen in figure-4 below, where non-

graphical and graphical information are feed to the objects during modelling stage. These are

stored in the common data environment (CDE). And this information is soon used by the QS

team for quantifying and estimating. The 5D cost estimation software helps the estimator to

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visualize the building in 3 dimension which they are estimating, thus providing a better

understanding.

Figure-4, above shows the development

of project cost process

Vico Office process: For 5D BIM cost estimation the Vico Office offers software such as

the,

o Vico Cost planner.

o Vico Cost explorer.

Both support 5d BIM cost estimation. The Vico Cost planner helps the estimating team to

notify the project owners about the effect of design change on the cost. And the Vico Cost

explorer helps the estimator to show the owner the cost variations in distinct colour codes

such as red, blue, yellow or green. By clicking on the colour nodes the owner can explore the

which elements contribute high or low cost.

Using Vico office multiple 3d models can be combined and perform analysis such as

scheduling, cost planning, clash detection and production control. Vico office helps to

collaborate 3d, 4d and 5d in one data base allowing the user to see how a change in one of the

dimension affects the others as seen in figure-5 below.

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Figure-5, above shows how Vico Office works

If any alterations are made in the design, then it immediately reflects on the cost. This

provides a “what-if?” quick look for the client and explore different options that makes the

final design efficient [ CITATION Kar14 \l 16393 ].

Firstly, since Vico is not a modelling tool, the design part can be done using another BIM

tool and imported into Vico for further developments. For example, Revit architecture can be

used to create the necessary BIM model. Once the model is finished, then it is published to

the Vico Office data base for quantifying and budgeting.

Secondly, the new model is selected and activated in Vico Office and it appears on a 3d

window. As we activated the model, a list of take-off items (TOI) is automatically generated

and under each TOI a list of TOQ is listed. Both the 3-D and the TOI appears parallelly on

the same screen allowing us to have a better understanding as seen in figure-6.

Figure-6, above shows the Vico screen with 3d and the TOI parallelly.
Courtesy:[ CITATION Vic \l 16393 ]

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And from these BIM based quantity take-off the cost plan can be generated. By clicking the

cost planning tab an excel type spread sheet appears and the calculations are done by an

estimator. And so, if any alterations are done in the model using the same Revit and re-

activated, the scheduling and budgeting are automatically reworked by the

software[ CITATION Vic \l 16393 ].

Sigma estimates: Sigma estimates is another software which helps calculation and planning

in a more user friendly and flexible manner which works in integration with 3D and 4D BIM.

Like Vico, sigma cannot support in creating a model but helps to create a dynamic connection

with the calculations directly from Autodesk Revit or IFC. All the information on building

materials and quantities are transferred directly and sorted in sigma. And if changes are made

in the model, the change values are updated in sigma. This is done automatically by the

software same as the Vico. Therefore, the budget is always up to date and accurate.

Using Sigma Estimates data such as the list of materials, cost of materials, working hours,

contractor’s information, machinery, bill of quantities and other classifications are developed

and a transparent project price is generated by sigma. Another benefit is that in sigma

estimates, even previously created files can be used and the information in it can be simply

dragged and dropped into the new file [ CITATION Sig \l 1033 ].

Another benefit of using Sigma is that once estimation is done, the software helps the user to

create a professional report in a pdf format on one click as seen below.

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Figure-7, above shows in built pdf report generator in Sigma Estimates.

Courtesy:[ CITATION Sig \l 16393 ].

2.2.2 Input, Output and Outcome

Input: Firstly, the primary input needed will be a building information model which is

compatible with BIM is needed for quantifying and estimating[ CITATION Joh16 \l 1033

].

And since BIM is a collaborative process, the project team members should firstly, conduct a

meeting and discuss topics such as,

 Specific 2D drawings and 3D information models required for cost planning.

 File format to be used.

 Share objectives and requirements by the estimator team from other team members.

 Necessary Level of Detail (LOD).

 Bim Execution Plan (BEP).

 Storage method for example common data environment.

 QA process.

 Architectural, mechanical, hydraulic, structural and electrical models.

 Software used and its interoperability with BIM.

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 Communication process.

Proper milestones to be set and the cost plan to be discussed with stakeholders regularly. And

the feed backs are to be considered as inputs for further alterations in design and

budget[ CITATION AEC17 \l 16393 ].

Output: The accuracy of the output totally depends on the quality of the input provided.

Some of the outputs through 5D BIM cost estimation are

 Able to achieve accurate bill of quantities for the project.

 To produce a precise cost estimate for the project client. (Sigma Estimate has a built-

in facility to present high quality documents for the client in just one click).

 Also helps to manage the project cost in a more efficient way.

Outcome: This allows the user to identify the potential risk, gaps and other risks in an early

stage. And the best output is that the project can be delivered on time and in pre-calculated

budget. Adding to that, since it is a more visual process it helps the new estimators to

understand and adapt easily. The stakeholder’s involvement in the project is more and

decision making is also much easy. Finally, this provides the owner with more options to pick

within the same budget [ CITATION Adr16 \l 1033 ]

2.3 Human capabilities and other resources required.

For a 5D BIM output, professionals of distinct roles and capabilities are required including,

Cost estimator- Capable of collecting and analysing cost related data such as cost of

materials, time needed and labor required fort the project completion in a BIM environment.

Estimator professionals specialized in the building industry are essential.

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Quantity surveyor- Capable of managing al cost related to the project from the start to the

final digits. Potential to minimize the project cost in the same time not compromising in the

quality and standards.

Team capability requirements:

 Capable to develop precise quantity take-off using BIM aided software.

 Capable to choose quantities early for the suitable estimating level.

 Capable to use information models to extract quantities needed for the cost calculation

(BIM Acceleration Committee, 2016).

3. Conclusion

In conclusion, 5D BIM helps the user to quantify and produce accurate budgeting more

quickly than the traditional method. It can benefit throughout the life cycle process of a

building such as the design, construction, operation and for renovation. Proper implication of

the 5D BIM can help the client to complete and maintain the project in a more economical

way. The process is more helpful for complex building models to achieve their target on time

and within budget. Also keeps the owner up to date with the cost in parallel to the

construction process which helps to foresee the risk early.

4. References
References
Adriana X. Sanchez, K. D. (2016). Delivering Value with BIM: A Whole-of-life Approach.
Routledge.
AECOM. (2017). ARA Institute Of Canterbury. Christchurch.
BIM Acceleration Committee. (2016). New Zealand BIM Hanbook.
Eynon, J. (2016). Construction Manager's BIM Handbook. John Wiley & Sons.
Kensek, K. M. (2014). Building Information Modelling. Routledge.
Sigma estimates. (n.d.). Sigma. Retrieved from Sigma estimates: https://sigmaestimates.com/
Vico Software. (n.d.). Vico Cost Explorer. Retrieved from Vico Software:
http://www.vicosoftware.com/

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Prince Aloysius Kunnappillil Aloysius