Developments 4d

Northeastern University Civil Engineering Master's Theses

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

January 01, 2011

Developments in cost estimating and scheduling in BIM technology Xinan Jiang

Recommended Citation Jiang, Xinan, "Developments in cost estimating and scheduling in BIM technology" (2011). Civil Engineering Master's Theses. Paper 20. http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20002392

This work is available open access, hosted by Northeastern University.

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Thesis Title:

Developments in Cost Estimating and Scheduling in BIM technology

Author:

Xinan Jiang

Department:

Civil & Environmental Engineering

Approved for Thesis Requirement of the Master of Science Degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering

Thesis Advisor

Thesis Reader

Department Chair

(Professor Ali Touran)

(Professor Asli Pelin Gurgun)

(Professor Jerome F. Hajjar)

Date

Date

Date

Graduate School Notified of Acceptance

Director of the Graduate School

Date

DEVELOPMENTS IN COST ESTIMATING AND SCHEDULING IN BIM TECHNOLOGY

A Thesis Presented

by

Xinan Jiang

to

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering

in the field of Construction Engineering & Management

Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts August 2011

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Table of Contents Abstract .......................................................................................................................... 3 List of Figures ................................................................................................................ 5 List of Tables .................................................................................................................. 5 Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 7 1.1 What is BIM? ....................................................................................................... 8 1.2 Current and Projected Status of BIM ................................................................... 9 Chapter 2 Background ................................................................................................. 12 2.1 BIM Capabilities ................................................................................................ 12 2.2 BIM Tools ........................................................................................................... 25 2.3 BIM Application Areas ....................................................................................... 30 Chapter 3 BIM and Construction Management ........................................................... 33 3.1 Project Scheduling in BIM ................................................................................. 33 3.2 Cost Estimating in BIM ...................................................................................... 42 3.3 Dealing with Electronic and Paper-based CAD Drawings ................................. 47 Chapter 4: A Case Study using BIM ............................................................................ 50 4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 50 4.2 Cost Estimating .................................................................................................. 53 4.3 Construction Scheduling .................................................................................... 58 4.3 Conclusions ........................................................................................................ 63 Chapter 5: Conclusions and Future Work .................................................................... 64 5.1 Conclusions ........................................................................................................ 64 5.2 Future Work ........................................................................................................ 64 References .................................................................................................................... 70 Appendices ................................................................................................................... 77 Appendix 1 Floor Plans of the Building Model ....................................................... 77 Appendix 2 RS Means .............................................................................................. 79 Appendix 3 Interface of Autodesk Quantity Takeoff™ 2011 ................................... 81 Appendix 4 Quantity Takeoff List ............................................................................ 82 Appendix 5 Interface of Autodesk Revit Architecture™ 2011 ................................ 84 Appendix 6 Interfaces of Autodesk Navisworks™ 2011 ......................................... 85

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Abstract Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an emerging technology in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. BIM is a computable representation of building and its related information, which provides a virtual view of the objects in the building with physical geometry (2D or 3D) and other functional parameters. Compared to parametric models in CAD, the object-based parametric models in BIM represent the objects by both physical and functional parameters.

Diverse BIM tools

such as Autodesk Revit Architecture™, ArchiCAD™, Bentley Architecture™, etc. have been widely adopted within AEC industry in design/modeling, construction energy analysis, clash detection, construction scheduling and cost estimating.

In this thesis, diverse BIM tools and applications have been introduced with an emphasis on construction scheduling and cost estimating. Two approaches for 4D scheduling in BIM have been presented: i) BIM tools with 4D capacity, and ii) use of 4D BIM tool to link the 3D BIM model with the project schedule. For the cost estimating capability, three types of available methods have been discussed: i) export the Quantity Takeoff (QTO) list from the BIM tool to the estimating software such as MS Excel, ii) link BIM components to estimating software, and iii) use QTO tool to extract the QTO list from the model. Based on the available methods, a case study is presented to illustrate the scheduling and cost estimating processes in BIM based on the BIM model of a three-story training facility.

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The case study shows that BIM does enhance the traditional scheduling and cost estimating methods with a more reliable and automated technology.

Based on the

reviews on BIM and the case study, the thesis finds out that there are three areas of potential development in the future: i) higher levels of detail (LOD) in BIM model will be available as BIM technology develops, ii) linking time and cost parameters concurrently to BIM components in the building model to deliver a scheduled financial analysis, and iii) allocation of resources on 4D BIM model to analyze and plan the resource usage based on the most updated design, and even simulate the resource allocation.

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List of Figures Figure 1 Lifecycle of a building ................................................................................................ 8 Figure 2 Market growth in BIM use on projects ..................................................................... 10 Figure 3 The elevation view of an office building in CAD ..................................................... 14 Figure 4 The elevation view of an office building in Revit Architecture™ 2011 ................... 16 Figure 5 The interface of Revitcity for downloading object models ....................................... 17 Figure 6 Percentages of market share of BIM tools which are used by construction firms .... 26 Figure 7 The phasing function in Revit Architecture 2011 ..................................................... 38 Figure 8 The objects are linked with the defined phases in Revit Architecture 2011 ............. 38 Figure 9 The flowchart of 4D scheduling process .................................................................. 40 Figure 10 Snapshot of a 4D software interface showing how schedule is connected to object ......................................................................................................................................... 42 Figure 11 Generation of BIM model from paper drawing using Dprofiler ............................. 49 Figure 12 The training facility model in Munich, Germany ................................................... 50 Figure 13 Export the building model from Revit Architecture into Autodesk™ QTO ........... 54 Figure 14 The QTO list has been generated by Autodesk™ QTO 2011 ................................. 55 Figure 15 The QTO list shown in excel with the cost data added ........................................... 56 Figure 16 Tasks are defined directly in Autodesk™ Navisworks 2011................................... 59 Figure 17 Tasks are shown in gantt view ................................................................................ 60 Figure 18 Three gantt chart views can be selected based on the user’s preference................. 60 Figure 19 The interfaces of Autodesk Navisworks™ of 4D Scheduling in BIM .................... 62 Figure 20 Overall layout for the proposed financial analysis by integrating cost and schedule ......................................................................................................................................... 68

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List of Tables Table 1 Common exchange formats in AEC applications ....................................................... 22 Table 2 LOD definitions.......................................................................................................... 24 Table 3 BIM software- scheduling tools ................................................................................. 40 Table 4 Plug-in tools for cost estimation ................................................................................. 45 Table 5 Software list—quantity takeoff tools .......................................................................... 46 Table 6 Software tools to convert CAD drawing to BIM model ............................................. 48 Table 7 Model cost calculated for a 2-4 story office building ............................................... 57 Table 8 Comparison between MS Project™ and Autodesk Navisworks™ ............................ 69

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Chapter 1 Introduction Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an emerging technology throughout the world in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries. BIM technology provides users with accurate and consistent building data and information, accommodates the functions needed to model the building and provides a virtual view of the building model. Building Information models are also increasingly used by diverse stakeholders during the project lifecycle such as Owners, Designers, Contractors and Engineers (Fig. 1). As a key part in the project lifecycle, contractors play an important role in making sure the project will be delivered on time and within the budget. This thesis will show how BIM technology will benefit contractors for schedule and cost controls. It begins with a general introduction of BIM technology and the different ways it works compared with traditional CAD (Computer Aided Design) method, and continues with evaluation of BIM tools. It then explains the uses of Scheduling and Cost Estimating in BIM respectively and provides a case study to show how BIM can work for cost estimating and project scheduling with the available BIM model. In the last part, the thesis will provide areas of potential development with BIM technology in the foreseen future.

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Figure 1 Lifecycle of a building (Adapted from: Autodesk Revit brochure 2010)

1.1 What is BIM? According to National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), BIM is a computable representation of all the physical and functional characteristics of a building and its related project/lifecycle information, which is intended to be a repository of information for the building owner/operator to use and maintain throughout the lifecycle of a building (NIBS 2007). As a digital representation, BIM provides a virtual view of the objects in the building with physical geometry (2D or 3D) and other functional parameters, such as materials, spatial relationship, etc. Designers compose these BIM objects together to define a building model, and this model incorporates both physical and functional information stored in the BIM objects. Once Page 8 of 88

the building model is completed, all the information can be generated by users for fabricating, analyzing, construction scheduling (4D BIM) and cost estimating (5D BIM), and eventually, for facility management during operation phase of the building lifecycle.

1.2 Current and Projected Status of BIM After years of development and experimentation in the marketplace, BIM is being adopted broadly across the construction industry by different users. McGraw Hill Construction published a SmartMarket Report named Building Information Modeling (BIM): Transforming Design and Construction to Achieve Greater Industry Productivity in 2008 (Young et al. 2008). The report is based on the comprehensive interviews with hundreds of owners, architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, MEP engineers, construction managers, general contractors and trade contractors. The goal of the report was to determine the perceptions of BIM adoption, implementation, value, impact and even the perspectives on developing elements of BIM within the interviewers’ firms. Young et al. (2008) distributed a questionnaire survey to 82 architects, 101 engineers, 80 contractors, and 39 owners in the United States. The result of the survey was published in the report on BIM use in the AEC industry in 2008 and projections for 2009. In the report, BIM users are divided into four groups: very heavy users are using BIM technology in more than 60% of their projects, heavy users are using BIM technology in more than 31% of their projects

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and so forth as the percentage gets smaller and smaller (See in Fig. 2). The results of the survey show that in 2008 roughly one-third (35%) of BIM users were very heavy users, one-third (27%) were medium to heavy users, and one-third (38%) were light users. Compared to 2008, the projected growth of usage of BIM in 2009 is rapid—nearly half of all current adopters (45%) will become heavy users of BIM in 2009, using it on at least 60% of their projects—a 10 point increase over the previous year (Young et al. 2008). An architect from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Markku Allison, has witnessed this rapid adoption of BIM in recent years: "At our 2005 convention, the opening plenary session was about BIM, and of the nearly 4,000 architects in the room we got the impression that 85% had never even heard of BIM. Now when we go on the road, everyone knows what BIM is and the audience can offer up success stories about using BIM" (AIA n.d.).

Figure 2 Market growth in BIM use on projects (Adapted from Young et al. 2008)

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Sophisticated owners are beginning to demand BIM and to change traditional routines to enable it. U.S. Army Corps Engineers (USACE), one of the largest landowners and the largest building owner in the United States, has made a long-term system-wide commitment to BIM. The general Services Administration (GSA), which is responsible for the construction of federal buildings in the United States, demands the use of BIM models in their program requirements (Eastman et al. 2008). Manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and realtors need to embrace BIM approaches and technologies in order to gain the opportunities to do business with these institutions. Economic benefits of BIM attract all the stakeholders including owners to adopt it for their buildings. As an example of application areas for BIM use, 424 construction firms were ask to choose a specific project in BIM and answer the questions of a survey conducted by Burcin and Samara in 2010. The results showed that among the selected projects, 76.6% are commercial building projects, 18.5% are residential building projects and others are industrial facility, transportation, and power station projects (Burcin and Samara 2010). Indeed, heavy engineering and process industries also have relied on 3D BIM Modeling for over a decade (Eastman et al. 2008).

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Chapter 2 Background 2.1 BIM Capabilities BIM is the representation of the digital evolution from traditional 2D model to 3D mode and even to 4D model (scheduling) and 5D model (cost estimating) with a database through the building lifecycle. Special capabilities of parametric modeling and interoperability facilitate this evolution process, which will be explained in detail in this section. 

3D model: mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface such as width, length and height of an object. In BIM, there are different kinds of 3D Models: 1) Design models – architectural, structural, MEP (Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing) and site/civil models, 2) Construction model – breaking the design models down into construction sequences, etc.



4D model: 4D model is adding the fourth dimension--schedule to the 3D model. A 4D BIM model links the 3D elements with the project delivery timeline to provide users a virtual simulation of the project in the 4D environment.



5D model: 5D model is adding the 5th dimension—cost data to the 3D model. A 5D model links the cost data with the Quantity Takeoff (QTO) list, which is generated from the 3D model, to deliver more accurate project cost estimation.

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2.1.1 PARAMETRIC MODELING—CAD OBJECTS VS. BIM OBJECTS The 3D modeling capability in Computer Aided Design (CAD) was first developed in early 1980s, and this 3D modeling capability is also recognized as one of the fundamental principles of parametric modeling—solid shape with physical dimensions. BIM is an enhanced parametric modeling technology which is called object-based parametric modeling. Other than basic physical dimensions of the object, BIM objects also incorporate functional parameters. This section provides a comparison between these two different object-based models.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) 1 Objects

As the starter in 3D modeling technology, CAD models are recognized as the digital representations of well-understood drawings of building objects. Thus the models depict the shapes and dimensions with specifications by assembling lines into solid models. In other words, CAD objects are models with basic parameters—geometrical information. As an example, Figure 3 gives the elevation view of an office building in CAD. The objects can be clearly classified by different colors in the design—yellow lines for exterior walls and blue lines for windows. The windows are defined in the layer named “Window” and colored “Blue” in order to distinguish the “Window”

1

Computer Aided Design (CAD): also known as computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), is the use of

computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Page 13 of 88

from other objects—users may use other colors to make the objects be more easily identified. However, the color and the name only represent the shape and the category of the window in the drawing.

The

lines

of

the

windows are defined in “window” layer and in “blue” color.

Figure 3 The elevation view of an office building in CAD

It is well known that the drawings from the architects are the most basic documents in the building lifecycle, and changes made in architectural drawings will always come with the changes in the following activities. MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) and Structural design, cost estimating and scheduling, and all the other sub-sequential activities will be conducted based on the architectural drawings. In 3D CAD, every aspect of element’s geometry must be edited manually, and it will take substantial amount of time to conduct these changes, while some errors and omissions may occur in this process. For example, a wall in CAD is defined by length, width and height, and if any of these three parameters is changed, the other two should be Page 14 of 88

changed manually. In other words, once the parameter of the object needs to be changed, all the other related parameters should be manually edited and reassembled on demand.

BIM Objects

Compared to parametric models in CAD, the object-based parametric models in BIM represent the objects by parameters and associated rules that describe the geometry and specification, as well as some non-geometric properties and features such as geographic information, materials, spatial relationship, code requirements, price, manufacturer, vendor and any other related parameter associated with how the object is actually being used. Compared to Figure 3, Figure 4 also shows an elevation view of a building, but this building design is shown as a BIM model, and the differences are clearly shown: 1st, the windows in the design are not formed by colored lines—they are recognized as the objects named “window” in the design; 2nd, the properties of the window information are also shown in the design such as materials, specifications, etc. in addition to geometry information, and these properties can be easily edited by changing the values in the “Properties” window (Fig. 4). In other words, BIM objects are geometric models which will also tell how the objects can work. Instead of assembling lines into a solid model, designer defines a model family or element class according to Construction Specification Institute (CSI) Masterformat or Uniformat with a set of associated rules and data to control the parameters. The rules will be defined as attached to, parallel to, and distance from, which allow the

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objects to be automatically updated if design changes are entered into the related objects models in the building model. BIM technology facilitates the design change process, since the changes can be updated automatically and shared within the building lifecycle (shown in Fig. 1). It reduces the errors and omissions which may happen in the changes in the CAD design.

Properties of the window

Figure 4 The elevation view of an office building in Revit Architecture™ 2011 (Adapted from Autodesk Revit Architecture)

BIM tools have object-based parametric models under the object families such as doors, walls, components and others. These predefined models can be modified and then applied to building designs directly. In addition to that, some websites such as Revitcity (http://www.revitcity.com) have started to provide predesigned BIM object models which are available for download. Figure 5 shows the interface of the Revitcity. In the left column, BIM objects are categorized according to CSI

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Masterformat 03. In Figure 5, the “03 50 00 Precast Concrete” is chosen and the available objects are listed on the right side of the interface. The Precast Column, Precast Concrete Splash Block, etc. are available for users to download. As BIM technology develops, more predefined BIM object models will be available for download in the future, and the website such as Revitcity.com will become a huge BIM model database. Other than that, this open database encourages product manufacturers to provide BIM models of their own products on the website; manufacturers can utilize this public platform to show potential customers their own products. Thus the designers can use more predefined BIM object models instead of designing the BIM objects by themselves and this will save more time for designers; also the website may work as a platform for BIM users to share the models they have.

Figure 5 The interface of Revitcity for downloading object models (Adapted from Revitcity)

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2.1.2 INTEROPERABILITY The building lifecycle involves organizations with different responsibilities and functions and no BIM tools can support all the functions needed at all stages of the building lifecycle. Data exchange between applications is essential to the stakeholders, since other than architectural design of the building, there are structural and Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) design, energy analysis, fabrication, cost estimation, scheduling and other related activities. Each activity requires a different software application to support its function, thus data exchange at the software level is quite essential. According to Eastman et al. (2008), four ways are defined in which model information can be exchanged between two software tools: (1) Direct links between specific BIM tools (2) Proprietary Exchange File Format (3) Public Level Exchange Formats (4) XML-based exchange formats Direct links between specific BIM tools utilize the middleware interfacing capabilities to integrate BIM tools. These capabilities include Open Database Connection (ODBC), Component Object Model (COM) and some proprietary interfaces such as Geographic Description Language (GDL) and MicroStation Development Language (MDL) (Autodesk 2005, Eastman et al. 2008). These binary-interface programming languages link BIM tools accessible to each other for sharing data and information in the building model. The exchanged information from the building model is accessible for export, modification and deletion. The

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middleware interface often supports the software tool better and can exchange the information between software tools more directly, thus software vendors prefer to choose the direct link approach. However, this interface is often designed for two software tools from different software vendors, and it will be robust for the functions the interface is designed for; furthermore, the interface requires the agreements between the software vendors. Once the agreements are broken, the interface will not be maintained or exist anymore. Proprietary exchange file format is a file-based data exchange method. The file format is usually developed by the commercial organization to support its own software product. For example, Data Exchange Format (DXF) is one of the best known proprietary exchange file formats, which is introduced by Autodesk (Eastman et al. 2008, Eastman et al. 2010, and Arayici et al. 2011). Other proprietary exchange file formats such as SAT, ACIS, STL and 3DS are also developed by the commercial organizations to address the functions of their software. The proprietary exchange file formats are developed by the software company for specific purposes, and the limitation of this exchange format is that it may only be compatible with its own software tool. However, the development of this exchange format is more complicated, since it requires this format to gain the interoperability of different systems. Public level exchange formats are using open standard exchanging models which are Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)—for building planning, design, and construction management and CIMsteel Integration Standard Version 2(CIS/2)—for structure and fabrication (Eastman et al. 2008, IFCwiki 2009, Edwin 2010, Lee et al. 2011).

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Currently, more than a dozen BIM software tools are supporting IFC models such as Revit Architecture™, Bentley Architecture™, ArchiCAD™, etc. (IFCwiki 2009). Similar to IFC, CIS/2 is also supporting many BIM software tools such as SmartPlant4D Structural™, Structural Triforma™, Tekla Structure™ (CIS/2@GT 2008). The IFC and CIS/2 are developed based on the open formats and international standards. According to NIBS (NIBS 2007), the IFC data model has become the international standard for data exchange in the building construction industry. These formats enhance the interoperability between diverse software tools and integrate the BIM model standard. The limitation is that the BIM model must follow the same standard as the exchange format. Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a markup language which is designed to transport and store data (Refsnes 2009). XML structure which is called schema can support the data exchange between different applications, and most of them are desktop applications. The XML Schema was developed as an alternative to full scale IFC models to simplify data exchanges between various AEC applications and to connect Building Information Models through Web Services. However, XML is mostly used for small amounts of business data exchange between two applications and is not powerful enough for complex information exchange (Eastman et al. 2008, Refsnes 2009). Using these open standards, BIM tools can export the intended file format which can be imported and read by another software tool. In Table 1, the common exchange formats in AEC applications, provides a summary of most commonly used exchange

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file formats with their main usage. These include Image formats for pixel data, 2D Vector formats for line drawings, 3D Surface and Shape formats for 3D drawings, 3D Object Exchange formats for 3D models, various Game formats for different animation purposes, GIS formats for geographical information and XML format for business data. For example, an estimator intends to use Autodesk Quantity Takeoff™ to generate the quantity takeoff list from a building model designed by Revit Architecture. The default format of the design is RVT which is not one of the file formats supported in Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (DWF or DWG). However, Revit Architecture™ allows users to export the drawing with different file formats, such as DWG, DXF, or DWF. Thus, the estimator can export the drawing with the intended file format and then import the file into Autodesk Quantity Takeoff to generate the accurate takeoff list. For supported file formats in different BIM software, more details will be discussed in the following section. The interoperability of BIM allows users to pass a more complete and accurate building model from computer applications used by one organization to another with less errors and omissions. Thus all the involved organizations can share the consistent building model data at all stages during the building lifecycle.

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Table 1 Common exchange formats in AEC applications (Adapted from Eastman et al. 2008)

Descriptions Image (Raster) formats JPG, GIF, TIF, BMP, PIC, PNG, Raster formats vary in terms of compactness, number RAW, TGA, RLE of possible colors per pixel, some compress with some data loss Descriptions 2D Vector formats DXF, DWG, AI, CGM, EMF, Vector formats vary regarding compactness, line IGS, WMF, DGN widths and pattern control, color, layering and types of curves supported 3D Surface and Shape formats Descriptions 3DS, WRL, STL, IGS, SAT, 3D surface and shape formats vary according to the DXF, DWG, OBJ, DGN, types of surfaces and edges represented, whether they PDF(3D), XGL, EWF, U3D, represent surfaces and/or solids, any material IPT, PTS properties of the shape (color, image bitmap, texture map) or viewpoint information Descriptions 3D Object Exchange formats STP, EXP, CIS/2 Product data model formats represent geometry according to the 2D or 3D types represents. They also carry object properties and relations between objects. Descriptions Game formats RWQ, X, GOF, FACT Game file formats vary according to the types of surfaces, whether they carry hierarchical structure, types of material properties, texture and bump map parameters, animation and skinning Descriptions GIS formats SHP, SHX, DBF, DEM, NED Geographical information system formats Descriptions XML formats AexXML, Obix, AEX, bcXML, XML schemas developed for the exchange of building AGCxml, IFCxml data. They vary according to the information exchanged and the workflows supported.

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2.1.3 LEVEL OF DETAIL According to Bedrick (2008), Level of Detail (LOD) of BIM models are defined as “the steps through which a BIM element can logically progress from the lowest level of conceptual approximation to the highest level of representational precision”. Five levels of detail are determined to describe the BIM models, which are named from Level 100 to Level 500: Conceptual, Approximate Geometry, Precise Geometry, Fabrication and As-built. Table 2 provides LOD definitions in different project phases (Bedrick 2008, Leite et al. 2010). As the project progresses, the LOD of the models will be going to a higher level and the richness of the information will also be improved. It requires the cooperation among all parties involved in the project such as architects, estimators and schedules. Each party will embed the information in the model based on its own requirements.

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Table 2 LOD definitions (Adapted from Bedrick 2008, Leite et al. 2010)

Project Phase LOD 100

LOD 200

LOD 300

LOD 400

LOD 500

Shop drawing/fabric ation with manufacture, installation and other specified information Fabrication and assembly detail including construction means and methods Committed purchase price of specific assembly at buyout Precise simulation based on specific information

As built

Design

NonThree geometric dimension-generic line, areas or elements volume zones

Specific elements with dimensions, capacities and space relationships

Scheduling

Total project construction duration

Time-scaled, ordered appearance of major activities

Time-scaled ordered appearance of detailed assemblies

Cost Estimation

Conceptual cost estimation

Estimated cost based on measurement of generic element

Energy Analysis

Strategy and performance criteria based on volumes and areas

Conceptual design based on geometry and assumed system types

Estimated cost based on measurement of specific assembly Approximate simulation

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As-built cost

Commissioning and recording of measured performance

2.2 BIM Tools As BIM evolves into one of the most advanced technologies in construction industry, more software developers are applying their products into the prospective area in BIM. A survey conducted by Burcin and Samara (2010) of 424 construction firms in United States shows that various BIM tools have already been adopted in the construction industry. Figure 6 shows the market share of various BIM tools which are used by these 424 construction firms. Autodesk BIM tools are the most widely used BIM solutions in U.S with 54% of those construction firms using them; Graphisoft ArchiCAD™ follows with 10.7% and Bentley BIM tools with 8%. Tekla and Vico BIM tools are utilized by 6.5% and 5.8% of the construction firms based on the survey. The other software tools such as Innovaya™, Dprofiler™, Vectorworks™, etc. are also being utilized by a small portion of the construction firms (Burcin et al. 2010). The software tools have been used in different phases during the project lifecycle such as Preliminary Design and Feasibility Study, Shop Drawing and Fabrication, Estimating, Scheduling, and File Sharing & Collaboration. The purchase of the software package is different from regular purchases, since the buyers need to consider the capabilities of each software tool in the package. This section provides general information about BIM software packages which are widely adopted by users.

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Figure 6 Percentages of market share of BIM tools which are used by construction firms (Adapted from Burcin and Samara 2010)

Autodesk

According to Young et al. (2008), Autodesk™ BIM software package is the best known and most popular among BIM users—93% of building stakeholders have heard about it and 73% are using this package. According to Burcin and Samara (2010), 54% of the respondents (contractors in the case of this survey) are using Autodesk BIM products in their projects. Autodesk’s first BIM product—Revit Architecture™ was introduced to the industry in 2002 for the architectural design purpose and was quickly adopted by most architecture firms who were using BIM technology. After years of development, the Revit package has evolved into a product

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which can support multiple functions during the construction process—Revit Architecture™ for architectural design, Revit MEP™ for electrical engineering and plumbing design and Revit Structure™ for structural design. For the schedule and cost controls, Autodesk has Navisworks™ which allows users to simulate and manage the construction process and Autodesk Quantity Takeoff Software that supports cost estimating function. Other than these, Autodesk™ also developed software tools such as Autodesk 3ds Max for model visualization and Autodesk™ Inventor for data exchange to benefit the users from higher control level. Most of the software tools from Autodesk™ can support multiple file formats which include: DGN, DWG, DWF, DXF, IFC, SAT, SKP, AVI, ODBC, gbXML, BMP, JPG, TGA, and TIF. The multiple file formats supporting function allows these software to be compatible with products from other software developers. Autodesk™ also provides free trial versions of the software and training webinars.

Graphisoft

Graphisoft is one of the earliest companies to market BIM capabilities. Its main product ArchiCAD™ is marketed since 1980s and is the only object-model-oriented architectural CAD system running on the Apple Macintosh (Eastman et al. 2008). Today, ArchiCAD™ can serve both Apple Platform and Windows. One special feature of ArchiCAD™ is the Virtual Building Explorer, a real-time 3D navigation which is enhanced with gravity, layer control, fly-mode, egress recognition and pre-saved walkthroughs. ArchiCAD™ also includes a built-in analysis tool to conduct the

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energy analysis function on its BIM model. ArchiCAD supports a range of direct interfaces: Maxon for curved surface modeling and animation, ArchiFM™ for facility management and Sketchup™ for 3D sketching. It also contains object libraries for users with an Open Database Connection (ODBC) interface. MEP modeler™ is another key product from Graphisoft, the extension to ArchiCAD™, which is used for MEP modeling pipes, fittings, ducts, and others. Graphisoft embeds large object libraries in its product. However, the software tools have some limitations in parametric modeling capabilities. As an example, automatic update to related objects is not supported. The company offers free trials and education opportunities to its potential users.

Bentley

Bentley is another major software company that offers products for architecture, engineering and construction. The architectural designing tool in BIM, Bentley Architecture™, introduced in 2004, can be integrated with other software tools such as: Bentley Structural Modeler, Bentley Building Mechanical Systems, Bentley Building Electrical Systems, Bentley Facilities, Bentley Generative Components and Project Wise Navigator. Bentley offers a broad range of BIM software tools which are involved in almost all stages of building lifecycle. Its products can deal with almost all aspects of AEC industries such as Bridge design and engineering, Building analysis and design, Plant operations, Rail design and operations, Transportation operations, Water and Wastewater Network analysis and design and others. Currently,

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Bentley products are in version V8i and according to Bentley, the “i" stands for five key new capabilities and enhancements: more intuitive conceptual modeling capabilities; interactive dynamic views; intrinsic geo-coordination capability; incredible project performance and speed; and finally, a high degree of interoperability. Its supported file formats include: DGN, DWG, DXF, PDF, STEP, IGES, STL, and IFC. The supported file formats are not as diverse as Autodesk™ BIM software tools which limit the interoperability capabilities of Bentley software tools. Bentley also provides product tours, training and online seminars for users to educate them about its products.

Tekla

Tekla is a Finnish company founded in 1966 which has multiple divisions: Building and Construction, Infrastructure and Energy. The main product of Tekla is Tekla Structures™ which was formerly named Xsteel in mid 1990s. The basic functionality of Tekla Structures is for structural design. It allows users to create a complete digital model that depicts the structure combined with both physical model and analytical model, and then this structural model can be used for different types of structural analyses. Tekla Structures is also used by detailers, fabricator and manufacturers for generating detailed information for steel, precast and rebar detailing. Tekla Structures supports interfaces with: IFC, DWG, CIS/2, DTSV, SDNF, DGN, and DXF file formats. It links with various systems through Tekla Open API™ (Application Programming Interface) that is implemented using Microsoft .NET technology. Tekla

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Structures™ is capable of supporting large models, even with multiple users operating concurrently by its Multiuser Server. This Multiuser Server is developed by Tekla Corporation and can support a maximum of 40 users operating simultaneously. However, since the concurrent operation from multiple users is more complicated than a single user operation, these users need to be highly skilled to fully utilize the complex functions of this software.

2.3 BIM Application Areas As section 2.1 indicated, BIM model is parametric-object based and all the information stored in the model can be shared and reused by different stakeholders involved in the building lifecycle. By storing and exchanging the information of the building automatically, BIM model can provide more accurate data and information of the building. BIM technology can be utilized in different application areas such as design/modeling, energy analysis, clash detection, cost estimation and construction scheduling. These multiple application areas in BIM can help users to improve the communication, reduce errors, and potentially save time and money. This section will explore important BIM application areas in various phases of the building lifecycle.

Design/Modeling

The object-based parametric modeling feature in BIM allows architects, MEP engineers, structural engineers and fabricators to leverage multiple functions on the

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same building model for their own use. With accurate building information and object models, the design/modeling process is dramatically facilitated. The design accuracy and information sharing enhancement span all the phases of the design/modeling process which also benefit the subsequent activities such as accurate quantity takeoffs that can be used in cost estimating and the construction phase can be automated for the project control.

Energy Analysis

The capability to link the building model to energy analysis tool allows users to conduct the energy analysis in the early design phase. Traditionally, a separate energy analysis would be conducted at the end of the design process and it is not possible for users to modify the design to improve the building’s energy performance. By using BIM technology, the building model can be linked to energy analysis tools for the energy evaluation during the early design phase. The analysis allows users to make energy-conscious decisions and to test the energy-saving ideas without postponing the design process (Stumpf et al. n.d.).

Clash Detection

The designs from all organizations can be brought together and compared, and the geometric clashes between architectural, structural and MEP systems will be detected, checked and modified. Coordination among different organizations is enhanced and errors and omissions are significantly reduced, thus speeding up the construction Page 31 of 88

process, reducing costs, minimizing the likelihood of legal disputes, and shortening the construction period.

Construction Scheduling

The design and the construction schedule can be synchronized by linking the building model to the project schedule. It allows users to simulate the construction process and show the virtual view of the building and the site. More details about construction scheduling will be provided in the following sections.

Cost Estimating

BIM users can generate accurate and reliable cost estimates through automatic quantity takeoff from the building model and get a faster cost feedback on changes in design. It is possible to make all the involved organizations aware of the cost associated with the design before it progresses to a more detailed level. The following sections will provide more detailed discussions about cost estimating in BIM.

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Chapter 3 BIM and Construction Management It has been widely accepted that construction management skill of the contractor is the hub of the construction process, and any activities and decisions made by contractors during the construction phase will influence the productivity and cost of the whole project. It has been reported that as much as 30% of the cost of construction is wasted in the field due to coordination errors, wasted material, labor inefficiencies and other problems in the current construction practice (CURT 2002).One of the benefits in BIM is to limit the above inefficiencies, thus enhancing the productivity and reducing the project cost. According to Gallaher et al. (2004), the estimated “cost of inadequate interoperability in the U.S. capital facilities industry is $15.8 billion per year” and the AEC industry are targeting to reduce this $15.8 billion losses by providing a more integrated project life-cycle. In this chapter, the utilization of BIM in construction management will be discussed with special emphasis on scheduling, cost estimating and project controls.

3.1 Project Scheduling in BIM Project scheduling (4D modeling) in BIM is to link a BIM model to a schedule to visualize the schedule of the construction. The use of scheduling function in BIM (4D Model) can help the users establish optimized schedule of the project in a 3D Page 33 of 88

environment which also allows the users to have a virtual view of the whole project. The concept of 4D Model was first mentioned by Egan John (1998) that “certain principles and management techniques could successfully cross-over from other industries like manufacturing to serve the project delivery demands of the construction industry.” Koo and Fischer (2000) developed a 4D model for a commercial construction project. They were able to find the incompleteness of the original schedule, detected the inconsistencies in the level of detail among the schedule activities and discover the impossible schedule sequence. They proved that 4D models are able to evaluate the effectiveness of the project schedule and anticipated the future improvement in 4D tools. The experiment of Songer et al. (2001) focused on the 3D/4D visualization on project schedule review and the results provided quantitative evidence of the advantages of 3D/4D representations for schedule review for improving construction projects. Kamat and Martinez (2001) proved that visualized simulation could significantly improve the effectiveness in construction operation; however, the supportive software tools were still not available in the market. They also provided the first version of a general-purpose 3D visualization software tool of construction operations. Clayton et al. (2002) showed that “3D modeling and computer simulations provide new ways for architecture students to study the relationship between the design and construction of buildings.” Heesom and Mahdjoubi (2004) provided emerging research initiatives in 4D CAD by “identifying three research areas: product modeling and visualization, process modeling and analysis, and collaboration and communication.” Mallasi (2006)

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developed a new concept for “visualizing workspace competition” between the progressing activities. The 4D simulation tool, which was named PECASO, provided a dynamic 4D simulation environment to analyze workspace congestions among progressing activities. De Vries and Harink (2007) described a method for automated construction planning and provided an algorithm that derived the construction sequences from a solid model of the building. Finally, a perspective view was presented on a more advanced and automated planning method which includes contractor’s professional knowledge for more accurate results. Jongeling and Olofsson (2007) presented “a process method for the planning of work-flow by 2

combined use of location-based scheduling and 4D CAD.” They also suggested that a location-based scheduling could improve the usability of 4D models and 4D models could enhance the value of location-based schedules. Kang et al. (2007) proposed a web-based 4D CAD to enhance the collaboration during construction scheduling process. Jongeling et al. (2008) presented that the application of 4D is a promising approach to extract different types of quantitative information from 4D models for time-space analyses of construction operations. The paper also showed how to extract different types of 4D contents from 4D models for project planning purpose. Young et al. (2009) delivered surveys of thousands of AEC participants such as Architects, Engineers, Construction Managers, etc. in the U.S to evaluate the market value of BIM technology. The report showed that almost 50% of the industry is now using

2

Location-Based Scheduling: Location-based Scheduling uses production lines in a linear

scheduling method (LSM) to represent work performed by various construction crews that work on specific locations in a project (Jongeling et al. 2007). Page 35 of 88

BIM and some users currently experienced value from 4D scheduling of BIM, which was also one of the main future development areas in BIM (Park et al. 2011). In the following section, project scheduling process in BIM will be discussed. Users can choose from a variety of software tools which can support the 4D model functions of BIM. They are: i) Manual method using 3D or 2D tools, ii) Built-in 4D features in a 3D or BIM tool and iii) Export 3D/BIM to 4D tool and import schedule. The main focus in this section will be on the last two options of the methods.

BIM tools with 4D capability

As stated above, two main 4D scheduling methods will be discussed in this section— i) Built-in 4D features in a 3D or BIM tool and ii) Export 3D/BIM to 4D tool and import schedule. The first method is to assign the “phase” of a BIM object to the object property or parameter—adding the “phase” parameter to the BIM object. In the building design, architects may need to create multiple design phases—“existing” and ‘new construction” phases for renovation projects or “demolished” phase for temporary construction, or define the basic timeline of the project during the design phase.

This will require the built-in 4D capability in BIM software tool which will

allow users to assign simple phases to the building model. For example, in Autodesk Revit Architecture™, users can define the project phases such as Existing, New Construction and Demolished (Fig.7) or by timeline such as March 1st or by the end of March under the Project Phases Tab. The BIM objects in Revit Architecture™ could be assigned to these phases, and the phase works as the 4th parameter of the

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model—4D model. As an example, in Figure 8, the Curtain Wall in the building design is selected and under the Properties dialog, the Phasing Category is shown. The selected Curtain is assigned to the “New Construction” phase in this project. When the building model is completed, users can get a straight-forward breakdown of project phases generated by Revit Architecture™. Users can also apply filters to show the objects in a specific period of time or in a specific phase. Under the Phase Filters tab, users can manage how to show the related objects. For example, “show demo+new” filter will show all objects that are demolished and the objects that are in new construction phase (Fig.7). However, the built-in 4D capability in BIM tools is for basic project phasing since the phases defined are not based on the “date” and “time”. For users who need to track a more accurate project schedule such as the Actual start date, Actual end date, Planned start date, Planned end date, etc., the direct integration with schedules generated by professional software tools like Primavera™ is more applicable.

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Defined Phases

Figure 7 The phasing function in Revit Architecture 2011

Figure 8 The objects are linked with the defined phases in Revit Architecture 2011

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Export 3D BIM to 4D tool and import schedule

The limitations of previous BIM 4D method encouraged the software developers to find out a way which can fully integrate the scheduling function with the 3D model (see details of software tools in Table 3). Generally, the steps involves importing the existing 3D BIM model into the BIM software tool, importing the schedule created by another scheduling software tool (such as PrimaveraTM and Microsoft Project™) and then linking the schedule with its relevant objects in the BIM model (Fig.9); some BIM scheduling software tools may have the in-built function to define the schedule itself. Autodesk Navisworks™, ProjectWise Navigator™, Visual Simulation™, Synchro Professional™ and Tekla Structures™ are the object-based 4D tools, which mean the imported schedule will be linked to the objects of the building model. Vico Control™ is different from others; it is a quantity-based 4D scheduling tool. In order to calculate the schedule, Vico Control™ links the quantities of the building objects to a “recipe” that contains the description of materials, labor, resource, cost and even location information.

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Table 3 BIM software- scheduling Tools Product Name

Manufacturer

Navisworks ProjectWise

Visual Simulation Synchro Professional Tekla Structures

www.autodesk.com

(e.g. MS Project or Primavera) Linking 3D model to project schedule applications

Bentley

Navigator

Supplier Web Link

Linking 3D model to project schedule applications

Autodesk

Manage

Primary Function

www.bentley.com

(e.g. MS Project or Primavera) Linking 3D model to project schedule applications

Innovaya

www.innovaya.com

(e.g. MS Project or Primavera) Bi-directional linking to project schedule

Synchro

www.synchroltd.com

applications (e.g. MS Project or Primavera) Schedule driven by link between

Tekla

www.tekla.com

model and project software Schedule is analytically derived

Vico Control

Vico Software

from the resource-loaded, cost-loaded,

www.vicosoftware.com

location-based BIM

Schedule from Primavera or MS. Project

3D BIM model

BIM scheduling tool

4D schedule

Figure 9 The flowchart of 4D scheduling process

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Most of the 4D tools such as Autodesk Navisworks™ can provide users a virtual view of the building and site. The 3D virtual view of an office building in Autodesk Navisworks™ is shown in Figure 10. The schedule (shown at the bottom of Fig.10), which is defined by the in-built scheduling function in Navisworks™, is linked to the building components in the 3D building model, and this integration of 3D model and project schedule is called 4D model. The benefits of this integration are: 

The 4D model can produce a visual representation of time, show the project status, provide the virtual simulation of the project and even provide views of physical completion of building at various points in time.



Contractors can communicate with other stakeholders and coordinate the expected time and space flow based on the simulated project process. By providing the simulation in the 4D environment, contractors can ensure that the plan is feasible and efficient (Eastman et al. 2008).



This integration allows the real-time project process to be updated more frequently. The process of the project can be updated automatically according to the change in the building design (Hwang et al. 2010).



Contractors can arrange the site logistics based on the virtual 4D simulation such as arrange lay-down areas, location of equipment, etc.

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3D Virtual View Building Objects

Linked

Schedule

Figure 10 Snapshot of a 4D software interface showing how schedule is connected to objects (Autodesk Navisworks)

3.2 Cost Estimating in BIM The cost estimating process involves performing quantity takeoff (QTO) 3and adding cost data to the QTO list. Traditional QTO process with CAD drawings involves selecting individual elements in CAD drawings, using the software to automatically determine the dimensions for the take-off, and inputting the quantities into the QTO list (Khemlani 2006). This process requires estimators to spend substantial amount of time on generating the QTO of the entire drawing. Since the selecting and measuring processes are all based on manual operations, the errors and omissions happen during the QTO process. The construction industry is a unique industry that contractors need to guarantee a price to owners before they know the actual completion cost (AGC,

3

Quantity takeoff list (QTO): a list of item and material quantities needed for the project.

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n.d.). The calculations must be conducted before the project actually starts and this will require a higher level of accuracy during the estimating process for contractors. Since BIM models are object-based with in-built parametric information, it is easier to capture the quantities of the objects in BIM and the QTO with BIM drawing will be more accurate with less errors and omissions. The QTO process is also expedited– it can require 50% to 80% of a cost estimator’s time on a project (Rundell 2006). QTO process can be enhanced with higher accuracy and less time using BIM technology. Mapping the QTO list with cost databases, which can be built-in in BIM models or a standalone external cost database, estimators can generate a more accurate and reliable cost estimate of the building with minimal effort. There are three main options to leverage BIM for quantity takeoff and to support cost estimation. They include: -

Export building object quantities to estimating software

-

Link the BIM tool directly to the estimating software

-

Use a BIM quantity takeoff tool

Export Quantities to Estimating Software

Most BIM software tools offered by software vendors include features for extracting the QTO off the BIM Model. These tools also include features to export quantity takeoff data to a spreadsheet or an external database. In the United States alone, there are over 100 commercial estimating packages that secure these needs and many are specific to buildings of certain occupancies (Eastman et al. 2008). Microsoft Excel™ is the most commonly used estimating tool which is also sufficient for most estimators Page 43 of 88

to extract the QTO from the BIM Model (Christofferson 2000, Sawyer and Grogan 2002). For example, designers and architects can utilize Revit Architecture™ to easily export the material information—initial bill of quantities and material takeoffs—into MS Excel Spreadsheet, thus more accurate budget estimates will be available at the early stages of the project lifecycle. However, this approach requires significant setup and standardized modeling process—such as sufficient information on the object model—in order to generate the intact QTO information from the model.

Directly link BIM Components to Estimating Software

The second alternative is to use a BIM tool that is capable of linking BIM model directly to an estimating package in the plug-in or third-party tool. Many of the larger estimating software packages now offer plug-ins to various BIM tools. See Table 4 for a few examples which have the plug-in functions for BIM tools. As an example, Innovaya™ (a BIM cost estimating tool) uses a plug-in tool to link to “Sage Timberline.” This plug-in function allows the user to associate components in the building model directly with assemblies, recipes, or items in the estimating package in Sage Timberline™. The user will be able to use rules to calculate quantities for these items based on the component properties or manually enter data that was not extracted automatically from the building information model. The assemblies of building components will follow the rules in Sage Timberline, thus all information required to develop a complete cost estimate can be generated from the BIM Model directly and the building information will be highly integrated and assembled. In addition to that,

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there is no need for users to manually map the cost data with the building components, since the cost data will be mapped as soon as the quantities are generated and assembled. However, contractors may need to cooperate with subcontractors when they work on different estimating packages in this approach.

Table 4 Plug-in tools for cost estimation

Product Name

Manufacturer

BIM Use

Supplier Web Link

Success Estimator

U.S. Cost

Estimating

www.uscost.com

Graphisoft

Estimating

www.graphisoft.com

Innovaya

Estimating

www.innovaya.com

Graphisoft Estimator Innovaya

Quantity Takeoff Tool

A third alternative is to use a specialized quantity takeoff tool that imports data from various BIM tools. Users can choose a takeoff tool specially designed for their needs without having to learn all of the features contained within a given BIM tool (see Table 5 for a few examples). These takeoff tools typically include specific features that link directly to items and assemblies, annotate the model for specific ‘object information’, and create visual takeoff diagrams. These tools offer varying levels of support for automated extraction and manual takeoff features. The user assembles the objects in the model and dimensional data will be transferred from the model to QTO list for further pricing. Visualizing all the items being taken off reduces the chance of the estimator missing items. It also reduces the chance for transposition errors as the design changes the linked model updates the estimated quantities (Khemlani, 2006).

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Example of this is: Autodesk QTO™ can automatically extract QTO from the building model according to category information leveled on the object model and it also allows manual modification of the takeoffs based on the users’ own preference. After that, the QTO list can be exported to the MS Excel spreadsheet and users can associate the quantities with any suitable cost database. The QTO process in this approach can be finished automatically and categorize the objects based on the “Category” information leveled on the object model. After the automatic takeoff, users can also make some changes on the QTO list manually. One advantage of this approach is that users may not have to apply to the assemblies based on the specific cost estimating package; any suitable cost data can be mapped with the QTO list after the quantities are generated. However, compared to linking components to estimating software directly, this method may take more time on mapping the cost database.

Table 5 Software list—quantity takeoff tools

Product Name

Manufacturer

BIM Use

Supplier Web Link

QTO

Autodesk

Quantity Takeoffs

www.autodesk.com

Exactal

Exactal

Quantity Takeoffs

www.exactal.com

Innovaya

Innovaya

Quantity Takeoffs

www.innovaya.com

Takeoff Manager

Vico

Quantity Takeoffs

www.vicosoftware.com

OnCenter

OnCenter

Quantity Takeoffs

www.oncenter.com

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3.3 Dealing with Electronic and Paper-based CAD Drawings Although BIM is a rapidly developing technology in construction industry, traditional building drawing formats such as paper drawing and conventional CAD drawing are still dominating the market of the existing buildings. As stated in previous section, compared to these traditional drawings, the BIM design consist of object-based parametric models which contain not only the parameters but also the associated rules, specifications and some non-geometric properties and features such as materials, special relationship, etc. In order to benefit from BIM technology, users may choose to convert paper or conventional CAD into BIM drawings. The converting process may take users substantial amount of time, but BIM technology may benefit users by shortening project period and reducing project cost. For example, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) planned to build a new $100 million, 45,000 square-foot high-explosives Pressing Complex System in Texas. When the conventional CAD documents were 95% completed, DOE chose to convert existing CAD design into BIM model. It took DOE four months to convert the design, but the project ended up with $10 million in savings and a shorter expected finishing date after utilizing BIM (Young et al. 2009) In this section, methods for converting conventional CAD drawings and paper drawings into BIM will be discussed respectively.

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Converting Conventional CAD Drawing to BIM

There are software tools (See Table 6) such as Revit Architecture by Autodesk, MicroStation by Bentley and ArchiCAD by Graphisoft, which are capable of converting conventional CAD drawings into BIM files. For example Revit Architecture 2011 can import or link CAD Files using the ‘Import CAD’ and ‘Link CAD’ Tools with the geometry information in the CAD Files. By using the geometry information as a starting point in BIM model, the users can also define the other properties in this defined model. Once all the data is captured in the BIM model, users can generate the QTO from the converted BIM model to conduct cost estimating of the project.

Table 6 Software tools to convert CAD drawing to BIM model

Product Name

Manufacturer

BIM Use

Supplier Web Link

Revit Architecture

Autodesk

Architecture and Site Design

www.autodesk.com

MicroStation

Bentley

Creating and Reviewing 3D models

www.bentley.com

Dprofiler

Beck Technology

Conceptual Design And Cost estimation

www.beck-technology.com

ArchiCAD

Graphisoft

Conceptual 3D Architectural model

www.graphisoft.com

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Converting Paper-drawing to BIM

BIM users can use software tools such as Dprofiler from Beck Technology to generate the BIM model from paper based drawings. Figure 11 shows a paper-drawing of a building and its BIM model generated by Dprofiler. The users can first scan the paper-drawing and then use this scanned sketch to start the building model in Dprofiler as a starting point. The elevations, floor plans, and site plans in the paper drawing can also be used to speed up modeling process. Once all the data is captured in the BIM model, users can generate the QTO from the converted BIM model to conduct cost estimating of the project.

Figure 11 Generation of BIM model from paper drawing using Dprofiler (Adapted from Dprofiler)

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Chapter 4: A Case Study using BIM 4.1 Introduction In the previous section, the methods of scheduling and cost estimating in BIM were introduced. In this chapter, a BIM model of a training facility will be utilized to illustrate the process of scheduling and cost estimating in BIM. The training facility is a three-story building in Munich Germany, designed using Autodesk Revit Architecture™ 2010 (Fig. 12). The building is 19,673.52 sq ft and is equipped mainly with curtain walls and masonry insulation with seven main rooms and five stairs on each floor. The first step is to utilize this building model to generate the QTO list and then level the cost data on the list to estimate the project cost. The second step is to link the building model with the defined project schedule to simulate the project process in the 4D environment. The main purpose of the case study is twofold: 1) The case study will illustrate how BIM technology can work for cost and schedule controls 2) Based on the existing technology, what kind of improvements can be made in the future.

Figure 12 The training facility model in Munich, Germany (Source: model provided by Autodesk)

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Problem Statement

BIM as an emerging technology has developed very rapidly in the past decade, and BIM technology has already started to benefit the designers with intelligent and model-based design and owners with a more feasible and accessible project. Contractors, as inter-media between designers and owners, also start to deliver the project with BIM model. As stated in the previous section, the LOD will be increased as the project progresses, which means each involved party in the project needs to add information to the model based on its own preference. From a contractor’s perspective, two dimensions—time and cost will be added by the contractors after the models are completed. Since cost and schedule are two key parameters for the construction management process, it is essential to know if the information in BIM model can help contractors for the cost and schedule controls and the potential developments can be made on BIM technology for contractors. Research Questions

1. Can BIM model be fully utilized by contractors for cost and schedule controls? 2. What kind of improvements can be made from contractor’s perspective for cost estimating, scheduling and project controls? Delimitations

The following delimitations define the scope of this study: 1. The purpose of the case study is to illustrate the scheduling and cost estimating processes with the available BIM model and find out the improvements that can be made in the future.

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2. This research is limited to performing a quantity takeoff and schedule simulation since the building model only contains the Shell, Interiors and Services Parts of the building (Appendix 2). 3. The quantity takeoffs were performed on a building model which has lower LOD and the total project will be adjusted based on RS Means (2009)(See in Appendix 2). 4. The 4D scheduling and simulation were performed on a building model which has lower LOD and the schedule is created based on the existing building components, so the project period developed in the case may not be the accurate period of the project. 5. The BIM model and software tools used were all adapted from the Autodesk since Autodesk provides full access of its products to students. The selection of the software tool may have limitations. 6. The building shown in the model is a training facility in German and the cost estimation will be adjusted according to “2-4 story office building” category in RS Means (2009) (See in Appendix 2). Assumptions

The assumptions of this research included the following: 1. The contractors will have full access to all the selected software tools. 2. The planned and actual dates of schedules are created hypothetically in this case. 3. The building model in the project is drawn correctly with no clashes and errors so that the measurements and quantities of the objects in the model are reliable.

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Software Tools Selected

The software tools selected in this case study are stated as follows: 1. Autodesk Revit Architecture™ 2011: A BIM-enabled design tool for architects and designers; Autodesk Revit Architecture™ can capture the design concept and provide the virtual view of the building design. 2. Autodesk Quantity Takeoff™ 2011: A building cost estimating software for cost estimators; Autodesk QTO™ can automatically measure areas and count building components, export to Microsoft Excel, and publish to DWF™ format. 3. Autodesk Navisworks™ 2011: A project review software that supports intelligent 3D model-based designs with scheduling, visualization, and collaboration tools, as well as advanced clash detection capabilities.

4.2 Cost Estimating In this case, since the BIM model of the building is available for the quantity take-off, it is easy to generate the QTO list directly from the building model. As mentioned before, the BIM model of the building is on a lower LOD. In order to generate a more accurate project cost, the following steps will be taken: (1) Export the building model from Revit Architecture™ to Autodesk QTO™: Transfer the available model to a readable file format for quantity takeoff tool. (2) Generate the QTO list from the building model. (3) Export the QTO list to MS Excel™ and map QTO list with RS Means (2009) cost database. (4) Adjust the cost according to RS Means (2009) and get the total project cost. Page 53 of 88

Step 1: Export the building model from Revit Architecture to QTO tool

Since the Autodesk QTO™ 2011 can only read BIM model in .DWF file format, the first step is to export the building model from Autodesk™ Revit Architecture 2011 to .DWF file format and then import it into Autodesk™ QTO 2011.Figure 13 shows the building model is transferred from Autodesk Revit Architecture™ to Autodesk QTO™ 2011 and the building components are categorized and colored automatically in Autodesk QTO™. For example, the curtains walls are categorized and colored in yellow automatically by Autodesk QTO™ (Fig.13).

Figure 13 Export the building model from Revit Architecture into Autodesk™ QTO

Step 2: Generate the QTO list

In the .DWF file, multiple interfaces of the building model can be included, such as the 3D view, the elevation view, the floor plan views, etc. Autodesk QTO™ 2011 can

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take only minutes to generate the QTO of the entire building and each generated building components will be colored coded. Figure 14 shows the interface of Autodesk QTO™ 2011 and three parts are shown: (1) the list of grouped building components, (2) the 3D view of the building model and (3) the generated QTO list. In the list of grouped building components, the building components are categorized into different groups such as doors & windows, walls, ceilings, curtain panel, etc. In the QTO list, each building component is designated to the same color as shown in the 3D view. The curtain wall is categorized in the “Curtain Panel” group and colored in yellow. The quantity of the curtain wall is 23,768.516 sq ft which can be read directly from the QTO list. The entire process is only finished within 15 minutes and the QTO process is finished automatically.

Grouped Building Components

QTO List

Figure 14 The QTO list has been generated by Autodesk™ QTO 2011

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Step 3: Export the QTO list to Excel and calculate the cost

The third step is to export the QTO list to MS Excel™. Since the categories in QTO list of BIM model is sufficiently clear, users do not need to categorize them manually; the following work is only to map the cost data such as material cost, labor cost and equipment cost with the QTO list. In this case, the source of cost data being used is RS Means (2009). The QTO list in MS Excel™ with the quantity list circled in blue; the cost data has been added on the list and circled in red (Fig 15). The total estimated cost of the building is $1,849,766.88

Total Cost

Figure 15 The QTO list shown in Excel with the cost data added

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Step4: Adjust the cost to get the total project cost

The available building model only contains the Shell and Interiors parts of the building, so the cost estimated in Step 3 cannot be considered as the total project cost and the adjustments should be made according to RS Means (Appendix 2). Table 7 shows the building components with its percentage of sub-total cost for a 2-4 story office building (RS Means, 2009). The two colored categories are the components contained in the building model and it takes 52.3% (12.2% + 15.8% + 1.6% + 22.7% = 52.3%) of the sub-total cost, so the total sub-total cost is $3,537,030.36. By adding Contractor fees and Architect Fees, the total Project Cost is $4,668,880.08 and the cost per square foot is $237.32:

Sub-total cost

$3,536,89.16

Contractor Fees (25% of sub-total cost)

$884,257.591

Architect Fees(7% of sub-total cost)

$247,592.125

Total Project Cost

$4,668,880.08

Cost Per sq ft of floor area

$237.32/sq ft

Table 7 Model cost calculated for a 2-4 story office building (RS Means, 2009)

Building Components A. SUBSTRUCTURE B. SHELL B10 Superstructure B20 Exterior Enclosure B30 Roofing C. INTERIORS D. Services D10 Conveying D20 Plumbing D30 HVAC D40 Fire Protection D50 Electrical E. EQUIPMENT & FURNISHINGS F. SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION G. BUILDING SITEWORK

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% of Sub-Total 4.4% 12.2% 15.8% 1.6% 22.7% 8.9% 2.8% 11.8% 2.8% 17.0% 0.0% 0.0% NA

4.3 Construction Scheduling By using the same .DWF model, Autodesk Navisworks™2011 can simulate the schedule of the project by adding the fourth dimension—time into the model. The time frame we set up for this case is starting at Mar. 21st 2011 and the project would approximately last 7 months and completing by Oct. 31st. As stated in Chapter 3, there are two different ways to add/incorporate the schedule into the building model: (1) Importing Primavera or MS Project schedule or (2) defining the tasks in the Autodesk Navisworks directly. For this case study, the second approach was used; the tasks were defined directly in the Autodesk Navisworks™ 2011 and the steps are stated as follows: (1) Define the tasks in Autodesk Navisworks™ 2011 (2) Get the Gantt View of the project schedule (3) 4D simulation view

Step 1: Defining Tasks

Autodesk Navisworks™ 2011 allows users to define tasks directly in the software tool itself and then link building components with these defined tasks. In Figure 16, under the “Tasks” tab, each task is defined with Start date and End date, Planned Start date and Planned End date. The limitation is that the precedence relationships between tasks cannot be defined in the Autodesk Navisworks™. The Start date and End date show the actual project start and end dates and the scheduled dates are shown under “Planned Start” and “Planned End”. Each task also has its own Status identified by an Page 58 of 88

icon, representing planned against actual relationships. Each icon shows two bars: the top bar represents the Planned dates and the bottom bar represents the Actual dates. If the Actual start and finish dates are the same as the Planned start and finish dates, the bars are displayed in green. Any variations between Planned and Actual dates are displayed in red. Missing Planned or Actual dates are shown in grey. The interface can clearly show to the Contractor and the Owner the updated status of the project. In this case study, 25 tasks are defined based on the available building model and as the building design has changed, the tasks can be changed accordingly.

Figure 16 Tasks are defined directly in Autodesk™ Navisworks 2011

Step 2: Gantt View

Under the Gantt View tab, a Gantt chart view provides a graphical representation of the project schedule based on the tasks defined in Step 1. In Figure 17, the tasks are shown in multi-column table on the left and colored Gantt bars are shown on the right. Each task takes up one row. Planned, Actual, and Planned vs. Actual Gantt charts can be selected based on the users’ preference. In Figure 18, the bars of Actual and Planned Gantt charts are shown as blue; in the Planned vs. Actual Gantt chart view,

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the planned dates are shown as grey bars and the actual dates are shown as red bars (Note: the color of the red and grey bars are not representing the status of the project).

Figure 17 Tasks are shown in Gantt View

Actual

Planned

Actual vs. Planned

Figure 18 Three Gantt Chart views can be selected based on the user’s preference

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Step 3 4D Simulation

The third step is to simulate the project phases in the 4D environment. In step 1, the tasks defined are linked to the relevant building components in the Autodesk Navisworks™ 2011. Under the “simulate” tab, the tasks are simulated. In Figure 19, the simulation of the project progress is shown on 12 weekly based interfaces. On the upper left side of simulation interfaces, the date, on-going project sequence and its finished percentage are shown. By showing project phases and site logistics in a virtual environment, 4D simulation in BIM dynamically provides users with different project statuses. It is also convenient for the project contractor to provide the owner with a virtual and intuitive view of the project progress. The contractor, the owner and even the designers can be on the same page at any time to share understanding of project status, milestones, responsibilities, and construction plans. If the contractor defines a date under the simulation tab, the simulation interface can also show the on-going tasks with the percentage of finished tasks on the defined date. The 4D simulation in BIM provides the contractor with a virtual view of the project status. Moreover, it helps the contractor to adjust the project schedule according to any design change since the simulated tasks are linked to building components of the building model.

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Week 1

Week 3

Week 4

Week 7

Week 10

Week 13

Week 16

Week 17

Week 20

Week 22

Week 23

Week 25

Figure 19 The interfaces of Autodesk Navisworks™ of 4D Scheduling in BIM

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4.3 Conclusions A careful review of the case study shows that BIM technology brings many advanced construction management skills to cost estimating, project scheduling and even project controls for contractors. In this case study, the QTO process is automatic and reliable, which is finished within 15 minutes, since the quantities of the building components are “read” by Autodesk QTO™ 2011 from the building model directly. This will save contractors substantial amount of time on cost estimating. On the other hand, the change of the design in the building model can be updated and reflected in the QTO list in minutes, which means that the owner (and in case of contracts where contractors are part of the team during design phase, contractors) can get a faster cost feedback on changes in design using BIM technology. The 4D BIM links the building components with tasks and simulate these tasks in the 4D environment—the design and the construction schedule are synchronized. In this case study, the tasks defined with planned and actual dates are represented in Gantt chart view. By comparing the planned and actual dates, the status bars can tell the contractor the progress of the project in an intuitive and simple way. The simulation of the progress can also help contractor to adjust the project schedule according to the design change in building model.

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Chapter 5: Conclusions and Future Work 5.1 Conclusions Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an emerging technology in AEC industry. It provides users with more accurate and consistent project information throughout the lifecycle. In this thesis, diverse BIM tools and BIM application areas have been discussed with emphasis on scheduling and cost estimating. Two approaches for 4D scheduling in BIM have been presented: i) BIM tools with 4D capacity ii) use of 4D BIM tool to link the 3D BIM model with the project schedule. After that, three types of cost estimation methods have been discussed: i) export the QTO list from the BIM tool to the estimating software such as MS Excel ii) link BIM components to estimating software iii) use QTO tool to extract the QTO list from the model. Based on the available methods, a case study is presented to illustrate the scheduling and cost estimating processes in BIM based on the BIM model of a 3-story training facility. The case study shows the QTO process can be finished in a more automatic and reliable way and the 4D scheduling function in BIM simulate the project schedule in the 4D environment. Based on the literature review and the case study, some developments might be foreseen in the future.

5.2 Future Work Contractors are “responsible for providing all of the material, labor, equipment, (engineering vehicles and tools) and services necessary for the construction of the

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project” (Wikipedia). In order to ensure the project is completed on time, there are many functions that the building contractors need to be responsible for: (1) implement a proper plan to deliver the project on time, (2) review the progress and implement any changes in project delivery on the way to ensure on time completion, (3) establish the budget and follow the budget as closely as possible, (4) make sure to have sufficient financial resources to successfully complete the project (5) and develop a proper plan for manpower and materials needed for the execution of the project. In the case study, it was shown that the improved cost estimating approach reduces the potential errors in quantity takeoff process and expedites the process of cost estimating. The scheduling in BIM can synchronize the schedule with the construction of various building components. Currently, BIM technology cannot support all contractors’ responsibilities; however, the technology is under development for potential improvement in the following fields in the future: (1) Higher LOD of the Object Models (2) Scheduled financial analysis (3) Resource Allocation These points will be discussed in more detail in the following sections.

5.2.1 HIGHER LOD OF OBJECT MODELS DURING DESIGN PHASE Cost is the most essential consideration to the contractors, since every decision that the contractors make in the project will eventually aim to keep the project cost within

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the budget. As we discussed before, some BIM tools have the functions to generate the material information such as bill of quantities and material takeoffs, then it will be easier to control the project cost at the early stages of the project. However, the limitation of this approach is that BIM model might not have sufficient information during the design phase. As stated before, the LOD of the BIM model will be increased as the project progresses. It means that when the building is in the conceptual design phase, the LOD of the BIM model will be at its lowest point and other users will need to add more detail to the model as more information becomes available and project scope is better defined. The building model used in the case study is on a lower LOD and as the project progresses, more information will be added, such as material information, HVAC information and MEP information. If the design has higher LOD, the QTO list the contractor generates from the building model will include information that is sufficient for cost estimation. Since BIM technology is still under development, designers or architects may not provide sufficient information such as material information on the BIM model during the design phase; thus the generation of bill of quantities will also be insufficient. As the design technique in BIM becomes mature and more predefined BIM models will become available, the design in BIM might be able to conclude sufficient information at the early stages of the building lifecycle. By then, owners and even contractors can track a more accurate cost of the project at the early stages of the project lifecycle and ensure the cost will be kept within the budget.

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5.2.2 SCHEDULED FINANCIAL ANALYSIS — TIME AND COST INTEGRATION It is well known that the financial aspects are very important to contractors since more often contractors cannot be paid by the end of the payment cycle. Contractors need to make sure to have sufficient financial resources to complete the project by arranging a solid financing schedule to meet their cash flow requirements and reduce the cost for financing. In the case study, we saw that the time and cost parameters were considered separately—adding the cost to QTO list for cost estimating and linking the schedule to the 3D model. As shown in Figure 20, the QTO list is generated from the building components 3D model and the cost data is mapped with the generated quantities; meanwhile, the tasks in the schedule are also linked to relevant building components in the 3D model. So, the cost and schedule are indirectly linked by the 3D model. Thus another potential development in BIM is to integrate these two parameters with 3D building model. As seen in Figure 19, the cost data and 4D schedule can be linked to get a scheduled financial analysis in BIM. This integration will (1) allow contractors to see the cost distribution based on project schedule, (2) help contractors to arrange financing activities in a more effective way, and (3) assist contractors to make faster adjustments to the financial plan according to the design change. Since the design changes will occur all the time throughout the project lifecycle, the contractor’s financial plans will need adjustments accordingly. The integration of cost and schedule together with the 3D model will allow the user to automatically adjust Page 67 of 88

the budget and schedule if the design is changed. Contractor then can make faster adjustments to the financial plan based on the changes in cost and schedule. This integration can ensure that the contractor has enough financial resources even when there is a change in the design.

QTO LIST

3D MODEL

Schedule

Scheduled

Cost Data

Financial Analysis

4D BIM

Figure 20 Overall layout for the proposed financial analysis by integrating cost and schedule

5.2.3 RESOURCE ALLOCATION Another important responsibility of the contractor is to make the proper plan for manpower and materials requirements. As was shown in Table 3, most BIM scheduling software tools can import MS Project™ or Primavera™ schedule. One benefit of using MS Project or Primavera software is that they can level other resources on the schedule, such as labor and equipment requirements, and then analyze the resource usage based on the schedule. Contractors can make workload Page 68 of 88

plans, procurement plans and even budget plans by using MS Project™ or Primavera™. As is shown in Table 8, compared to MS Project™, the scheduling function of Autodesk Navisworks™ is limited to the 4D scheduling only. Other useful functions such as assigning resources to tasks, cost loading and analyzing budget which MS Project™ supports, are missing in Autodesk Navisworks™. Thus, another potential improvement in BIM is to develop mechanisms for assigning resource information on the 4D schedule. By assigning the resources to the 4D model, contractors can allocate the resources on the 4D model, analyze and plan the resource usage based on the most updated design, and even simulate the resource allocation.

Table 8 Comparison between MS Project™ and Autodesk Navisworks™

Functions

Microsoft Project™

Autodesk Navisworks™

Develop Schedule





Assign Resources to Tasks



Tracking Progress



Manage Budgets



Analyze Workloads



Gantt Chart







Clash Detection



Simulation



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References 1. Adrian, R., Doru, S., Edward, B., Benjamin, H., Kevin, M. and Robert, R. (2009). "Dynamic Visualizations for Soccer Statistical Analysis." Proceedings, 2010 14th International Conference Information Visualization, iv, 207-212. 2. Advancing HVAC&R to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world (ASHRAE) (n.d.). “An Introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM)—A Guide for ASHRAE members.” ASHRAE.

3. Arayici, Y., Coates, P., Koskela, L., Kagioglou, M., Usher, C. and O'Reilly, K. (2011). “Technology adoption in the BIM implementation for lean architectural practice.” Automation in Construction, 20(2), 189–19. 4. Autodesk (2005). “Tapping BIM using ODBC.” 5. Autodesk Revit Architecture [Computer software]. San Rafael, CA, Autodesk. 6. Autodesk Quantity Takeoff [Computer software]. San Rafael, CA, Autodesk. 7. Autodesk Navisworks [Computer software]. San Rafael, CA, Autodesk. 8. Azhar, S., Hein, M. and Sketo, B. (2008). “Building Information Modeling (BIM): Benefits, Risks and Challenges.” Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. 9. Bedrick, J. (2008). “Organizing the Development of a Building information Model” AECbytes.

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10. Burcin, B.G. and Samara, R. (2010). “The perceived value of building information modeling in the U.S building industries.” Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 15,185-201. 11. Christofferson, J. P. (2000). “Unlocking the Power for Home Builders: Estimating with Microsoft excel.” Home Builder Press, Washington DC. 12. CIS/2 @ Georgia Tech (2008). “Exchange Capabilities.” 13. Clayton, J.M., Warden, B.R., and Parker, W.T. (2002). “Virtual construction of architecture using 3D CAD and simulation.” Automation in Construction, 11(2), 227-235. 14. Construction Users Roundtable (2002). “Collaboration, Integrated Information and the Project lifecycle in Building Design, Construction and Operation.” 15. De Vries, B. Harink, J. M. J. (2007). “Generation of a construction planning from a 3D CAD model.” Automation in Construction,16(1), 13–18 16. Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., and Liston, K. (2008). BIM handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors, Wiley, Hoboken, NJ.

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17. Eastman, C., Jeong, Y., Sacks, R., and Kaner, I. (2010). “Exchange model and exchange object concepts for implementation of national BIM standards.” Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering© ASCE, 24(1),25-34 18. Edwin T. D. (2010) “Interoperability and the Structural Domain.” Nishkian, Portland, Oregon 19. Egan John (1998) “Rethinking Construction” Department of Trade and Industry. London 20. Heesom, D. and Mahdjoubi, L. (2004). “Trends of 4D CAD applications for construction planning.” Journal of Construction Management and Economics, 22(2), 171-182 21. Howell, I. and Batcheler, B. (2005). “Building Information Modeling Two Years Later—Huge Potential, Some Success and Several Limitations.” The Laiserin Letter, Manchester, NH 22. IFCwiki. (2009). “IFC-certified software.” 23. Jongeling, R. and Olofsson, T. (2007). “A method for planning of work-flow by combined use of location-based scheduling and 4D CAD.” Automation in Construction, 16(2), 189-198.

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24. Jongeling, R., Kim, J., Fischer, M., Mourgues, C. and Olofsson, T. (2008). “Quantitative analysis of workflow, temporary structure usage, and productivity using 4D models.” Automation in Construction, 17(6), 780-791. 25. Kamat, R.V., Martinez, C.J. (2001). “Visualizing simulated construction operations in 3D.” Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 15(4), 329-337. 26. Kang, J. H., Anderson, S. D., and Clayton, M. J. (2007). “Empirical study on the merit of web-based 4D visualization in collaborative construction planning and scheduling.” Journal Construction Engineering and Management, 133(6), 447–461. 27. Khemlani, L. (2006). “Visual Estimating: Extending BIM to Construction.” AECbytes, 28. Koo, B., Fischer, M. (2000). “Feasibility study of 4D CAD in commercial construction.” Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(4), 251-260 29. Khemlani, L. (2006). “Building the future, Visual Estimating: Extending BIM to Construction.” AECbytes 30. Kymmell, M. (2008). “Building Information Modeling: Planning and Managing Construction Projects with 4D CAD and Simulations.” McGraw Hill Construction, New York

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31. Lee, G., Won, J.S., Ham, S. and Shin, Y. (2011). “Metrics for quantifying the similarities and differences between IFC files.” Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering©ASCE, 25(2),172-181. 32. Leite, F., Akcamete, A., Akinci, B., Atasoy, G. and Kizilta, S. (2010). “Analysis of modeling effort and impact of different levels of detail in building information models.” Automation in Construction, 20(5), 601-609. 33. Gallaher, M. P., O'Connor, A. C., Dettbarn, J. L., Jr. and Gilday, L. T. (2004). “Cost Analysis of Inadequate Interoperability in the U.S. Capital Facilities Industry” U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST GCR 04-867 34. Hwang, S. and Liu, L.Y. (2010). “BIM for Integration of Automated Real-Time Project Control Systems.” Construction Research Congress 2010, 509-517 35. Mallasi, Z. (2006). “Dynamic quantification and analysis of the construction workspace congestion utilizing 4D visualization” Automation in Construction, 15(5), 640 – 655 36. National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). (2007). “National Building Information Modeling Standard.” NIBS, Version 1, Part 1 37. Park, J.J., Kim, B., Kim, C.Y. and Kim, H.K. (2011). “3D/4D CAD application for life-cycle facility management” Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 25(2), 129-138. 38. Refsnes Data. (2009). “XML Introduction: What is XML?”

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39. Rundell, R. (2006). “1-2-3 Revit: BIM and Cost Estimating.” Cadalyst, 40. Rundell, R. (2007). “BIM and Analysis for Sustainable Design (1-2-3 Revit Tutorial.” Cadalyst, 41. Rundell, R. (2008a). “BIM and Digital Fabrication (1-2-3 Revit Tutorial).” Cadalyst, 42. Rundell, R. (2008b). “BIM and Searching for Product Content (1-2-3 Revit Tutorial).” Cadalyst, 43. Sabol, L. (2008). “Challenges in Cost Estimating with Building Information Modeling.” Design+ConstructionStrategies,LLC, Washington, DC 44. Sawyer, T. and Grogan, T. (2002). “Finding the bottom line gets a gradual lift from technology.” Engineering News Record (ENR),Aug 12, 2002

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45. Shen, Z. and Issa, R. (2010) “Quantitative evaluation of the BIM-assisted construction detailed cost estimates.” Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 15, 234-257. 46. Songer, A. D., Diekmann, J. E., Rasheed, K.A., and Hays, B. (2001). "Construction schedule using 3-D CAD and walk-thru." Construction Innovation, 2001(1), 191-207. 47. Stumpf, A. and Brucker, B. (n.d.). “BIM Enables Early Design Energy Analysis” 48. Tang, P. Huber, D., Akinci, B., Lipman, R. and Lytle, A. (2010). “Automatic reconstruction of as-built building information models from laser-scanned point clouds: A review of related techniques.” Automation in Construction, 19(7), 829-843. 49. Yong, N. W. Jr., Jones, S. A. and Berstein, H. M. (2008). “Building Information Modeling (BIM): Transforming Design and Construction to Achieve Greater Industry Productivity.” SmartMarket Report, McGraw-Hill Construction, New York. 50. Young, N. W. Jr., Jones, S. A., Berstein, H. M., and Gudgel, J. E. (2009). “The business value of BIM: Getting Building Information Modeling to the Bottom Line Premier.” SmartMarket Report, McGraw-Hill Construction, New York.

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Appendices Appendix 1 Floor plans of the Building Model

Entry Level Floor Plan

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Second & Third Floor Plans

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Appendix 2 RS Means

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Page 80 of 88

Appendix 3 Interface of Autodesk Quantity Takeoff™ 2011

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Appendix 4 Quantity Takeoff List

WBS

Description

Items

Ceilings

Compound Ceiling Compound Ceiling Compound Ceiling System Panel System Panel L Corner Mullion Rectangular Mullion Rectangular Mullion

600 x 600mm Grid Furred Ceiling Plain Glazed Solid L Mullion 1 30mm Square 50 x 150mm M_Curtain Wall Dbl Glass M_Curtain Wall Sgl Glass 1730 x 2134mm 1730 x 2134mm 20 Minute Rated 1830 x 2134mm 1830 x 2134mm 0915 x 2134mm

Curtain Panels Curtain Wall Mullions

Doors & Windows

M_Curtain Wall Dbl Glass M_Curtain Wall Sgl Glass Doors\M_Double-Flush Doors\M_Double-Flush Doors\M_Double-Flush Doors\M_Double-Glass 2 Doors\M_Single-Flush

Labor Cost

Equipment Cost

Total

Cost

29,420.339 sq. ft 9,924.188 sq. ft 330.144 sq. ft 23,768.516 sq. ft 3,759.340 sq. ft 79.000 EA 120.000 EA 3,029.000 EA

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

0.93 1.97 1.37 29.00 20.50 20.00 18.00 19.00

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

0.53 1.47 0.69 7.05 7.80 2.10 2.20 2.00

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

-

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

1.46 3.44 2.06 36.05 28.30 22.10 20.20 21.00

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

42,953.69 34,139.21 680.10 856,855.01 106,389.34 1,745.90 2,424.00 63,609.00

6.000 EA

$

62.00

$

8.05

$

-

$

70.05

$

420.30

11.000 EA

$

48.00

$

7.45

$

-

$

55.45

$

609.95

1.000 EA

$

95.00

$

43.00

$

-

$

138.00

$

138.00

4.000 EA

$

95.00

$

43.00

$

-

$

138.00

$

552.00

2.000 EA 1.000 EA 63.000 EA

$ $ $

95.00 885.00 65.00

$ 43.00 $ 172.00 $ 43.00

$ $ $

-

$ 138.00 $ 1,057.00 $ 108.00

$ $ $

276.00 1,057.00 6,804.00

0915 x 2134mm 20 Minute Rated

6.000 EA

$

65.00

$

43.00

$

-

$

108.00

$

648.00

Doors\M_Single-Flush Vision

0915 x 2134mm

4.000 EA

$

65.00

$

43.00

$

-

$

108.00

$

432.00

0915 x 2134mm

1.000 EA

$

65.00

$

43.00

$

-

$

108.00

$

108.00

0915 x 2134mm

1.000 EA

$

65.00

$

43.00

$

-

$

108.00

$

108.00

Windows

0915 x 1220mm

24.000 EA

$

55.00

$

45.00

$

-

$

100.00

$

2,400.00

Floor

Metal Sunscreen

2,221.222 sq. ft

$

2.39

$

0.45

$

0.03

$

2.87

$

6,374.91

2,576.873 sq. ft

$

3.74

$

3.44

$

-

$

7.18

$

18,501.94

18,943.701 sq. ft

$

3.96

$

4.28

$

-

$

8.24

$

156,096.09

33,436.501 sq. ft

$

2.95

$

2.03

$

-

$

4.98

$

166,513.77

1.000 EA 207.221 ft

$ $

50.00 39.50

$ $

9.80

$ $

0.68

$ $

50.00 49.98

$ $

50.00 10,356.90

Floor Floor Floor Pads Railings

Material Cost

Doors\M_Single-Flush

Doors\M_Single-Flush-Dbl Acting Doors\M_Single-Glass 1 Floors

Quantity1

Pad Railing

Standard Timber-Wood Finish Concrete- 100mm Hollow Core Plank Concrete Topping Pad 1 900mm Pipe

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WBS

Description

Items

Railing

900mm Pipe - Wall Monted

Railing

Quantity1

Material Cost

78.829 ft

$

44.00

406.468 ft 20,158.938 cubic ft 598.449 sq. ft

$ $ $

1.16

765.249 sq. ft

$

1.16

967.048 ft

$

0.41

5.000 EA

$

700.00

Labor Cost

Equipment Cost

Total

$

9.80

$

0.68

$

175.00

$

13.10

$

-

$

1.16

$

0.02

$

-

$

3.50

$

$

2.80

$

$

0.08

$

Cost 54.48

$

4,294.58

188.10

$

76,456.64

$

1.18

$

23,787.55

-

$

4.66

$

2,788.77

-

$

3.96

$

3,030.39

$

-

$

0.49

$

473.85

78.50

$

-

$

778.50

$

3,892.50

Basic Roof

Guardrail - Pipe Concrete Deck - Tapered Insulation Generic - 400mm

Basic Roof

Generic - 75mm

Slab Edges

Slab Edge

Stairs

Stair

Slab Edge 150mm max riser 300mm tread

Columns

M_Concrete-Round-Column

300mm

1,530.999 cubic ft

$

17.40

$

33.23

$

-

$

50.63

$

77,514.49

M_Concrete-Round-Column

450mm

61.628 cubic ft

$

16.11

$

13.33

$

-

$

29.44

$

1,814.33

Roofs

Structural Framing

Walls

Basic Roof

M_W-Wide Flange-Column

W250X49.1

4.328 cubic ft

$

15.00

$

15.00

$

-

$

30.00

$

129.83

Curved Beam M_K-Series Bar Joist-Angle Web M_Precast-Rectangular Beam M_W-Wide Flange

Curved Beam

3.611 cubic ft

$

2.02

$

7.60

$

-

$

9.62

$

34.74

8K1

308.120 ft

$

3.20

$

6.70

$

-

$

9.90

$

3,050.39

300 RB 600

963.111 ft

$

3.20

$

6.80

$

-

$

10.00

$

9,631.11

54.056 ft

$

1.50

$

6.80

$

-

$

8.30

$

448.66

8,435.732 sq. ft

$

0.82

$

0.62

$

-

$

1.44

$

12,147.45

4,087.402 sq. ft

$

2.62

$

3.50

$

-

$

6.12

$

25,014.90

687.168 sq. ft

$

5.10

$

4.68

$

-

$

9.78

$

6,720.50

31,085.232 sq. ft

$

1.52

$

1.91

$

-

$

3.43

$

106,622.35

921.860 ft

$

4.56

$

8.10

$

-

$

12.66

$

11,670.75

Basic Wall Basic Wall Basic Wall Basic Wall Basic Wall

W310X28.3 Exterior - Insulation on Masonry Generic - 200mm Generic - 225mm Concrete Interior - 138mm Partition (1-hr) Parapet Wall

Total Cost

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$ 1,849,766.88

Appendix 5 Interface of Autodesk Revit Architecture™ 2011

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Appendix 6 Interfaces of Autodesk Navisworks™ 2011

Tasks are defined

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Gantt Chart View

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4D Simulation

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