Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
246764 | Automation in Construction | 2013 | 10 Pages |
Cost estimation for tendering of building projects (TBP cost estimation, hereafter) is one of the most critical tasks in the architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management (AEC/FM) industry. However, it is currently both time-consuming and prone to error because of the working complexity and comprehending deviation caused by the traditional two-dimensional representation of design. The advent of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology enables a potential solution to these problems through the support of open data exchange standards such as the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard. This paper discusses the key issues for semi-automatic and specification-compliant TBP cost estimation based on the IFC data of the design model, taking TBP cost estimation for the architectural and structural engineering of the cast-in-place concrete structure projects as an example. A Chinese national mandatory specification for TBP cost estimation is introduced as a representative specification and is interpreted into a computer-processable format. An IFC-based construction product information model of TBP cost estimation is established. A general process map and the involved key algorithms for semi-automatic and specification-compliant TBP cost estimation based on the IFC data of the design model are formulated. The application of the process map and algorithms in developing a prototype BIM-based software application for TBP cost estimation and the results of applying the prototype in an actual building project in China are presented. This paper lays a sound foundation for developing BIM-based software applications for TBP cost estimation in China, and demonstrates a feasible approach to satisfying the similar requirements in different countries.
► A representative specification is interpreted into computer-processable format. ► An IFC-based construction product information model is established. ► A general process map and the involved key algorithms are formulated. ► A prototype of BIM-based software application for cost estimation is developed. ► Results of applying the prototype in an actual building in China are presented.