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All infrastructure projects are, full of challenges: distant goals, complex and expensive resource provisioning, evolving scope, risk management, tough communication, unrealistic expectations, and more. To me, this is why embracing a Building Information Modelling (BIM) platform is so important.

I see this as a single, unified mechanism that can bring together people, ideas, design documents, functional characteristics, and operational details of a large infrastructure project, without spilling out or creating duplicate data. The beauty of BIM in this context is that it not only improves productivity and reduces cost, but also improves coordination and collaboration, brings transparency, reduces rework, helps track progress, and ensures projects are completed within time and budget.

In a developing economy like India, infrastructure projects are a totally different ball game. Common challenges include land acquisition, lack of coordination, and nuanced dispute resolution mechanism between various government bodies, as well as significant shortfalls in planned investments along with large time and cost overruns. For me, the experience of working on Maha Metro Rail Corporation’s Nagpur Metro project, one of the largest infrastructure projects in India, was exceptionally enriching.

The project – an elevated metro corridor with a total length of 40+ km, 36 stations, and 2 depots – was no mean feat. In addition to being a large, complex, time-bound project, it was one that included a massive team of architects, contractors, engineers, consultants, suppliers, and designers; each with a distinct perspective, each offering a solution to every problem faced. There were a lot of challenges faced, but also a lot of learning was achieved. Here are 5 things I learned from working on one of India’s biggest infrastructure projects:

1. Focus on the end objective: Unlike smaller projects where processes are fairly simple and straightforward, managing a large and complex Metro Rail project was like starting on a clean slate. The challenges faced were unique and there was nothing to compare them against. Since the infrastructure project called for a one-of-a-kind 5D BIM platform, we faced several implementation challenges, sometimes with no answers to explain what was being done or why it was to be done. The challenges with respect to the supply chain were always holding us back. Very often, we ended up wondering why something was enforced, or what benefits we would derive from a particular task or process. I had to train myself to focus on my task while looking for small and large points of alignment with the overall vision. In fact, keeping the overall objective in mind -delivering a functioning public transport alternative to the city, helped me focus on my own tasks better.

2. Teamwork wins: One of the most striking characteristics of the Metro Rail project was the presence of people from varied educational backgrounds, different experiences, and multiple locations from across the world; a team of experienced professionals trying to use one common platform was a pioneering effort. All through the project, the team consisting of design consultants, contractors, specialist sub-contractors, bureaucrats, site supervisors, finance/accounting professionals, project planners, suppliers, and more work towards one common goal – the goal of building a world-class Metro Rail project that meets international building and construction standards and Global Best Practices. Teamwork was manifested in the way each member adhered to the best architecture and engineering quality standards and this drove a favorable outcome.

3. Handling process challenges: The implementation process of the Metro Rail project was a complex one. There was so much dynamism as the process to be followed for any action through the project life cycle had to be identified, defined, tested, implemented, monitored, and then enhanced as and when needed. People had to be trained on the process, as well as on the tools that had to be used for a particular task. We had to overcome a lot of hurdles around process management, organizational hierarchy, reporting structure as well as communication protocols. We learned to adapt our internal execution processes and client reporting methods and adapt them to help us achieve our goals.

4. Integrating technology: Multiple software and the need for collaboration between them brought up several interoperability issues. We had to find ways of integration and we also had to find the right people, and train them on the technology while making them comfortable with using the technology. Since most infrastructure projects use a top-down approach, we used the same for the Metro Rail project as well; and even though this led to some resistance from the project team, we were successful in bringing everyone together.

5. Nothing can be perfect; learn to evolve: Considering the size and complexity of the Metro Rail Project, a key learning was to evolve with time. We realized nothing can be perfect; we had to accept the different ways of working of different individuals (even with the flaws) and incorporate that onto our BIM-mandated plans instead of asking everyone to follow a new way or process. To ensure the highest quality output, we always made sure to implement stringent measurements. Peer reviews, customized quality checklists, and automated software-based model checking were some ways by which we ensured we delivered our best at all times.

Persistence is key

For such a large and complex infrastructure project as the Nagpur Metro to be successful, persistence is key. I kept telling myself to be persistent but have a little give and take. In addition to process challenges and technology roadblocks, we also had to find ways to deal with the highly diverse team of expert professionals. Since each team member had a different outlook and different tips and tricks that worked well for his/her job, coming together was hard. I think that relying on plans driven by the BIM models helps us. We could identify issues in time and plan to minimize their impact. This not only helped us in mitigating risks but to my mind, was a key reason for our success on this massive Infrastructure construction project.

(BIM) has had a moderately slow emergence since its existence in the 1970s. In recent years the recession which affected the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, resulted in the slow adoption of BIM. However, a significant rise in the BIM market globally is expected to take place in the coming years due to the introduction of cloud-based BIM technology.

The implementation of BIM has helped construction managers to improve quality control and productivity which is one of the major drivers in the market. This has led to expanding BIM into other management areas. The advantages of this technology have in turn supported the widespread adoption of BIM in the US and UK construction industries.

The use of BIM helps to reduce a significant amount of project cost while meeting time and quality expectations in projects due to effective and efficient information sharing; better coordination in planning among other team members and accurate designing of models which extensively supports lean construction techniques.

Stanford University’s Center for Integrated Facilities Engineering reported the following benefits of BIM after conducting research on 32 major projects –

• Diminishes changes up to 40% by early problem detection.
• Compared to traditional methods of estimation, BIM produces estimates within 3% of accuracy
• Reduces cost estimation time by 80%

BIM emerged as a supporting technology that was developed and used to address the growing and complex challenges of modern-day AEC industries that could not be taken care of with traditional technologies.

BIM or 3D modeling has resulted in an abrupt reshaping of the AEC industry in the areas of technology and process.

As the construction industry focuses on harnessing digital technologies to improve efficiencies and data availability, 5D BIM technologies are becoming more and more pronounced for their use. Maha-Metro Corporation decided to make use of 5D BIM processes to have an integrated environment for all the BIM data along with the project schedules and costs.

Overview of 5D BIM system Architecture:

The Nagpur Metro 5D BIM system had the 3D models and the related data at its core on a common data environment euphemistically called Electronic Data Management System (EDMS). The model data was linked to the project schedules on a Prima Vera server and costs data on the SAP ERP system.

Excelize’s expertise on the BIM models, and various software for BIM resulted in Excelize being trusted with the EDMS part of the 5D BIM system. The EDMS comprised of Bentley system’s Project Wise and Asset Wise software.

Excelize devoted its expertise to formulating modeling guidelines, the configuration of the Bentley software, installation of the client application on user machines, license control, and training on the use of the software.

Excelize had been in consultation with the owner (Maha Metro) and their technical consultants (called General Consultants or GC); formulated the information and workflow processes and configured them on the system. Excelize formed the part of the Owner’s Support Office (OSO) that gave necessary support to the owner to effectively use the system. This included the training of Owner / GC and Contractor personnel, coordination with Bentley, and other 5D BIM vendors, and system administration for the Asset wise and Project wise systems.

The administration part included the user configuration, contract configuration, and creation of the box reports as well as custom dashboards. Excelize helped the GC personnel in the review of models on the system by helping them to ensure that the models meet the necessary guidelines, federate different models from different sources on the Project Wise system, and derive different outputs required by the owner.

Asset Management:

One of the core features of the 5D BIM system is an integrated asset management system. Excelize engineers interacted extensively with the different disciplines of the Metro Rail project such as Stations, Via-ducts, Rolling stocks, Tracks, Signalling, Telecom, OHE, Security systems, etc.

With the deep consultations from Excelize, the asset strategy, asset tagging system, and the workflows for asset management for the life cycle of the assets were formulated. The workflows and asset tag structures were mapped on the system so that the contractors and GC were able to connect the asset tag to the model entity and all the technical documents such as drawings, operation manuals, inspection reports, etc were tied to an asset tag.

Excelize’s core architectural and construction modeling and the industry experience have come in handy for Maha Metro corporation for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project to successfully implement the 5D BIM system’s EDMS. It also resulted in Excelize being further mature in its knowledge of greenfield project implementation as well as exposure to different systems that form a large infrastructure project.

Excelize will build on this to provide the benefit of this combined knowledge of 3D BIM modeling along with EDMS, 5D BIM systems,s, and industry practices in various disciplines. Excelize would attempt to garner more business in this area and supplement its leadership position.

“The #SmartCity vision envisages a balance of heritage with modernism –  we can be #smart while we keep our heritage protected” – Smt. Vasundhara Raje (Chief Minister of Rajasthan)

Excelize’s director Mrs. Sonali Dhopte was invited as an eminent panelist for the Smart and Digital Rajasthan Summit & Expo 2018 scheduled on March 14th and 15th, 2018 at Jaipur. The event was organized jointly by IACC & The Guild to discuss and address the challenges and opportunities in implementing the blueprint of Rajasthan’s Smart Cities vision.

The key leaders at the summit were Mrs. Vasundhara Raje Scindia (Chief Minister of Rajasthan), Shri. Venkaiah Naidu (Vice-President of India), Kenneth Juster (United States Ambassador to India) and Shrichand Kriplani (Hon’ble Minister, UDH & LSG and Chairman, RUDSICO).

This 2-day summit had 50 speakers & over 500 delegates participated in the event. The presentations and the panel discussions were highly inspiring and had a great emphasis on the global perspectives on how to create smart & sustainable cities and showcase best practices & technologies that can help Indian cities and other urban areas become efficient, sustainable and smart by developing more interconnected infrastructure, communications and data systems.

Excelize is honored to have participated in the Summit and embellish the opportunity to share technical knowledge, discuss the challenges and understand the cross-industry opportunities.

Check out the event details: https://www.smartrajasthanexpo.com/

About Excelize:  Excelize is an engineering services firm providing Building Information Modeling (BIM) & CAD solutions to clients in India, Mid-East, UK, Europe, Australia, and the US. These clients include Architects, Engineers, Design-build contractors, General Contractors, Real-Estate developers, building owners and consultants.

About Sonali Dhopte: Architect and Interior Designer since 1993, Sonali has worked with the top architectural firms in the US and India. As Technical Director at Excelize (www.excelize.com), she oversees and guides the BIM team and manages project deliveries as per client requirements. As a leading woman Architect, Sonali is a nationally recognized BIM Expert and has presented and participated in various panel discussions in prestigious conferences and has published various articles on BIM in prestigious journals.

How can a real estate organization in India benefit from BIM on their project?

While the real estate sector in India was the domain area of only a handful of players in the 90s, now its growth has reached investors, developers, and global stakeholders in the growing construction industry in the country. The second-largest employment sector in India, after agriculture, is real estate. Besides generating a high level of direct employment, it also increases the demand for ancillary industries like paint, brick, steel, building materials, consumer durables, etc.

NRIs get an exciting opportunity for investment in real estate with the constant depreciation of the Indian rupee. As the Indian rupee is falling, more Gulf-based non-resident Indians (NRIs) start to invest in the real estate market, as it ensures relatively higher returns.

CHALLENGES OF INDIAN REAL ESTATE SECTOR

The main challenges faced by Indian building industry are significant schedule and cost overrun, which is mainly occurring due to wastage of material, poor coordination, significant rework, and lack of information sharing. Let us point out the main issues faced by firms involved in the built environment as follows.

• Changes in design
• Time, and work affect consumption
• Higher possibilities for error and rework
• Increasing input costs
• Deficiency of skilled labor results in high risks for workers
• Construction cost estimations
• Anxieties about the quality and productivity of the project
• Lack of organization in the market
• Rare virtual environment work

INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN REAL ESTATE SECTOR

The bigger challenges faced by Real estate sector can be solved up to a limit with the emergence of technologies like BIM models. A lot of different IT-enabled project management tools have been introduced in the real estate market and the industry can ensure more efficient project delivery with the help of these technological tools. Such technologies can act as a catalyst to change the real estate companies in India and redefine their space in the country for both now and in the future. They can make tremendous changes in all areas of construction, project management, business management, marketing, customer service, etc.

How BIM modeling benefits to real estate industry

BETTER OUTPUT THROUGH BIM COLLABORATION

BIM creates a collaborative working relationship among all project partners including various design disciplines, contractors, specialists, suppliers, and customers, using a single shared 3D model. As a result, everybody involved in the project will focus on achieving the best value throughout the project from project inception to eventual decommissioning.

OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE

As a swift and accurate comparison between various design options is possible with BIM, it can develop more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions.

ENHANCED SOLUTIONS

The deployment of new generative modeling technologies enabled cost-effective solutions against agreed parameters.

BETTER FORECAST

Using BIM, the project team can build the project in a virtual environment before construction started. This virtual model rehearses complex procedures, optimizes temporary works, and plans the procurement of materials, manpower, and equipment. As BIM can provide the owners and operators with a visual representation of the project at an early stage, they get a clear idea about the design intent. So they can suggest modifications in the design to get the output they really want.

QUICK PROJECT TURNAROUND

As BIM allows changes in design concept in the early stage of the project, last time design changes can be avoided. Similarly, it uses standard design elements and so complex construction details can be solved before the project starts. Moreover, it produces fabrication and construction drawings from the model, uses data to control construction equipment and checks design integrity, and estimates quantities. All these features of BIM will help the construction industry to save time by up to 50%.

ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES

The designs using BIM can optimize public safety with the help of crowd behaviors and fire modeling capability. Asset managers can enhance operational safety using the 3D model. Contractors can also review complex details or procedures before the project starts and it avoids construction risks.

ELIMINATION OF ERRORS AT EARLY DESIGN STAGE

The single 3D model can integrate multidisciplinary design inputs that enable to identify and resolve interface issues prior to construction. It eliminates chances of redesign and saves time and costs. Using this model we can also integrate existing and new assets seamlessly.

REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE BROUGHT BY BIM IN CONSTRUCTION

The fundamental changes brought by BIM can rapidly transform the real estate and construction industry in India. For centuries our construction industry represents and communicates design intent for client approval, procurement, bidding, fabrication, installation, construction, etc. by using the traditional method of symbols on paper, which includes drawings and specifications. But these abstractions lack native intelligence in them and so they need human interpretation and manipulation to provide meaning and value.

Get to know more about the “Status of BIM adoption and outlook in India” – A Report by RICS School of Built Environment. Download the Free Copy Below:

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Building Information Modeling brings a revolutionary change to the construction industry. This process involves the generation and management of digital representation of physical and functional features of places. Nowadays, the private industry widely wants to implement BIM realizing its benefits. Project teams can explore the designs before they are built with the help of BIM. Using the intelligent 3D models and the data derived from them, all critical aspects of projects like communication, coordination, and collaboration can be made easier. As BIM enables better visualization of projects, it speeds up approvals. BIM can also help the team to reduce the environmental impact of projects.

All over the world, many design and construction firms worry that their ability to compete in the industry may be affected, unless they soon adopt BIM. But on the other hand, some firms are afraid of adopting BIM that which may prove difficult and disruptive. It restricts them from their move. Here are discussing eight steps for BIM VDC Modeling.

1. GET MORE INFORMED ABOUT BIM

As the first step, assign the responsibility of learning more about BIM and its effectiveness in the team works to one or two people at the firm. If the details are left to the later stages of the design process in the 2D world, the design details should be worked out much earlier in BIM.

2. DISCUSS THE CHANGE WITH YOUR STAFF

High-level firm leaders should take a leading role in the move to BIM. They have to inform the firm that they are changing to BIM definitely. The leaders should convince the need for this move with a message that it is critical to the future. The anticipated benefits of BIM for the firms and the clients should be clearly communicated to the team members.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE NEEDS

BIM, instead of software, is a collaborative process, which depends on intelligent 3D models. However, you require software to create these models. So, you have to explore available software taking enough time. Moreover, you also have to ensure that your current hardware has sufficient processing power. Sometimes you may have to replace the older and less powerful hardware with a new one. You can give the older one to the team members other than the design department.

4. PLAN TO IMPLEMENT A PILOT PROJECT AND TRAIN THE TEAM ACCORDINGLY

Running a BIM pilot makes sense for most firms. If you do some small projects every year, you can consider them as one pilot and capture lessons before running many more pilot projects. If a firm has a few massive multi-year projects, they can prefer to capture lessons from an initial pilot, while also initiating all new projects in BIM.

5. PROCESSES PREFERRED SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED

While your pilot project is in progress, tell your team to document BIM processes. You can document the preferred results and the steps from your team to get maximum output from BIM. It helps you to create standards during or before running a pilot. But your standards will evolve as you use BIM. If you start with standards, it may slow your team down, which will lead to more complications in BIM adoption process unnecessarily.

6. FIND OUT BIM LEADERS FROM THE PILOT TEAM

There may be some people, who are excited about BIM, in every firm. They even have learned about BIM during their education time or while working at another firm. Try to find out such people and consider them as BIM leaders on every pilot project. You can give them additional training and support so that they can help the teammates adopt BIM.

7. COLLABORATE ALL THE MODELS

The most important benefit of BIM is that when we share models with other firms, they will also work in BIM. As BIM models can be integrated into a single, shared model, it can accelerate the coordination process. This will really help collaboration to a new level.

8. EXPAND AND INNOVATE WITH BIM

You can understand the abilities of BIM such as new visualization, coordination, and analysis capabilities when you use BIM. You can communicate these values of BIM to your current and potential clients in your marketing. So they will be convinced that you can meet the requirements of the clients in coming BIM mandates.

Even though you can refer to the above-described steps to get started with BIM, don’t think that they are rigid suggestions. You may have to change the order of the steps depending on the types of projects you do. Sometimes, you may have to skip or alter some. The important things to keep in mind are that you have to start with an adoption plan supported by the firm leaders and you have to focus on your goal even if some modifications are needed in the plan along the way.

Architectural Engineering Construction (AEC) companies face a number of challenges in executing large complex projects. A construction firm typically faces challenges like availability of BIM Experts, teams resisting to change and accept the use of BIM, the capability to manage information, and most of all bear that additional cost of BIM implementation on the initial stage.

There exist significant limitations in the basic set of design tools. Developers & designers imagine their building projects in 3 dimensions. They visualize their projects as 3-dimensional projects. Their designs are then captured in the language of drawings which are essentially 2 dimensional. These drawings are sent to the construction site and the team of contractors then interprets these 2D drawings to build in 3 dimensions. This transition from 3D to 2D and back again to 3D causes distortion/loss of information at each level.

All major construction projects are executed by a team of professionals – architects, structural engineers, service engineers, various consultants & contractors. This team may not necessarily work out of one location.  Coordination and collaboration between this team are very important for the success of a large complex project. Today industry is limited in the way teams work together & share information – we do this via drawings. Everyone is working on their own set of drawings. A large amount of effort has to be spent to ensure that the work of different consultants is coordinated. With the increasing complexity coordinating from 2D drawings is very challenging.

Change is inevitable in any project lifecycle. Managing this change, ensuring that it’s propagated throughout the design adds more complexity.

While the challenges of introducing a new process to the slow-to-accept-change real estate industry are clear, so are the potential benefits. The owner stands to gain through cost-saving which is one of the greatest advantages of BIM. The major part of the life-cycle cost of a building does not come from the design and construction phase, but from operating the building over 20 to 50 years. Using BIM effectively in all these three phases – design, construction, and operations have been of utmost importance for the clients.

BIM Implementation is taking a good pace and construction companies are also realizing the worth of BIM. The concept of BIM helps in better problem solving, more effective communication, and faster project building in a more cost-effective way. Right from the concept stage to design, construction, and throughout the lifecycle of the project, BIM ensures better decision-making.

With projects to be executed at multiple locations simultaneously and for each to be completed speedily, it is necessary to avoid the problems that are associated with the conventional way of Challenges Faced by Construction Companies.

While the challenges of introducing a new process to the slow-to-accept-change construction industry are clear, so are the potential benefits. The owner stands to gain through cost-saving which is one of the greatest advantages of BIM. The major part of the life-cycle cost of a building does not come from the design and construction phase, but from operating the building for over 20 to 50 years. Using BIM effectively in all these three phases – design, construction, and operations have been of utmost importance for the clients.

BIM Implementation is taking a good pace and construction companies are also realizing the worth of BIM. The concept of BIM helps in better problem solving, more effective communication, and faster project building in a more cost-effective way. Right from the concept stage to design, construction, and throughout the lifecycle of the project, BIM ensures better decision-making.

With projects to be executed at multiple locations simultaneously and for each to be completed speedily, it is necessary to avoid the problems that are associated with the conventional way of working. In the design phase of a project, smooth coordination between various teams that are located at different locations becomes critical. Reducing the design time is crucial and getting a set of coordinated clash-free drawings is even more so.

Cost estimation in construction using 5D BIM Modeling.

The BIM model that contains objects and assemblies to add cost dimension to it is called 5D BIM. The cost data is incorporated into the BIM model objects themselves or it is linked to estimating software tools. Thus 5D BIM Modeling helps create a relationship between elements and include the properties and specification of each element and object. So, we can extract comprehensive and accurate information from the model used for costing.

A collaborative effort of people is required to get the maximum effect from the models. So, the main aim of 5D BIM is to enhance collaboration on projects. It also facilitates the management of the project overall. But, the designers have to generate appropriate 3D information and the construction team should check for clashes to become the 5D model effectively.  As 5D software is able to check clash detection, it can encourage a collaborative atmosphere throughout the project. BIM, through the use of a centralized model, enables automatic updating of the design changes and coordination among the project team.

SOME BENEFITS OF 5D BIM COST MODELING:

• 5D BIM Modeling can increase the visualization of projects such as construction details.
• It helps the people to work together to make the models effective and thus enhance the collaboration on projects.
• 5D BIM improves the quality level of the finished projects because the users maintain the quality of data in BIM models.
• As the costing of design options can be done during the early design stage with the help of 3D and so 5D BIM Modeling makes project conceptualization easier.
• Using 5D software, design details can be pointed out with more clarity and it facilitates the analysis capability of the model.
• 5D ensures more take-offers during the stage of the budget estimate.
• Its efficiency to generate quantities for cost planning is higher than the traditional software and manually takes off during the detailed cost plan stage.
• As it helps identify potential risks at an earlier stage, the team can improve clash detection in the design stage itself than traditional approaches can.
• It increases the ability to resolve RFI’s in real-time.
• As 5D BIM is able to model project options before and during construction, it improves estimating.

5D – MATERIAL MANAGEMENT

5D included extracting quantities from the BIM model and helping the site team to manage the material resources based on the master project schedule.

The quantities extracted from the BIM model are further used to generate a materials management sheet. This sheet helps to extract exact quantities of the materials based on the master project schedule. The Site team can extract the required material quantity for any given time frame in the project cycle. This greatly helps to minimize the project waste as there would be no material dumping required on-site and an exact quantity of material could be ordered prior to the execution.

BIM makes project conceptualization easier. For example, 3D facilitates the costing of design options during the early stage of design. According to experts, BIM is able to check each part of the project related to each of the project options.

As BIM is involved in the design at an earlier stage than on conventional projects, the design team can produce more design options. Thus BIM gives advice on the cost of each option to the design team and client quickly and efficiently. It enables direct comparison to be made.

The nature of the information contained in 5D models is such a way that the model can be used to print out design details and to generate reports useful to other members of the team. For example, design changes made by architects and changes to the construction programs, etc.

The high level of cost details provided by 5D BIM is useful in the early design stages. Therefore, some software providers are now linking the model to a 5D cost library to develop detailed cost plans. A quantitative study found that 5D is more effective than traditional 2D estimating methods even for relatively inexperienced estimators to produce detailed estimates. It really helps reduce errors and time taken.

The accuracy of BIM Quantity Take-Off and consequently material procurement!!!

If the estimation is not correct on a project, it will affect the business negatively. While underestimation of the cost leads to loss of money, the overestimation may result in failure at the bidding phase. Even though the direct victim of this issue in traditionally fixed-price contracts is a contractor, the impact of poor estimation will be seen in the entire project.

The typical pain areas for BoQ’s industry-wide are:

• As quantity take-off from 2D drafting is not connected to the resulting BOQ dynamically, the surveying team has to take many days in order to visualize the construction of 2D drafting.
• Even though BOQ industry needs the cost and resource-loaded schedule. It is not in the hierarchical structure of the BOQ.
• There are different methods to estimate cost codes and schedule resources at various levels of detail.
• BOQ or the schedule is not the structure for cost controlling and cost capture. But a third structure should be mapped to these two for cost controlling and cost capture.

ESTIMATING PROCESS

A baseline of the cost required at the various stages of project development is called cost estimation. The cost engineer or estimator predicts an amount at a given stage, based on the data available. Even though several types of cost estimation methods exist, Bill of Quantities (BOQ) Unit costs are the most commonly used. In this approach, the bill of quantities assigns a unit cost to each of the components or tasks. If you sum the quantities that are multiplied by the corresponding unit costs, you will get the total cost of the project.  The unit cost method is based on a simple arithmetical principle and is very accurate in estimating. But the proper application is essential. However, there are three key factors that decide the success of this method.

• The first and most important factor is that BOQ should be accurate
• There should be a well-defined framework for the construction procedure, which is commonly called as Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) or Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). The framework should contain a series of tasks with the allocation of quantities to those tasks.
• Estimating tools are the third factor. They are used to calculate cost accurately based on WBS and BOQ and report the expecting estimates in client-defined formats.

Besides the three main factors, there are many other fixed or variable factors like inflation, consumption rates, taxes, currency fluctuations, contingencies, etc., which should be considered by the estimator.

GENERATING ACCURATE BIM QUANTITY TAKEOFF:

The best way to get an accurate BOQ is nothing but the adoption of Building Information Modeling services. The possibilities of common errors in BOQs are minimal in the projects that use BIM processes and technology. BIM represents a single and accurate design model instead of providing several drawings. A BIM model can create a bim quantity takeoff automatically, which means it has the inbuilt intelligence to know about each building element and what it is made of. Therefore, if any change occurred in the design of a model, the BOQ will also be updated.

EXAMPLE OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING SERVICES QUANTITY COMPARISON:

Costing is one of the most important aspects of a project to the owners of the project. Controlling cost escalation and managing material is one issue that cannot be compromised.

Quantities for architectural and structural components are extracted at the schematic, tender, Good-For-Construction (GFC), and construction stage. At the schematic stage, it is used for budgeting. While tender, the BIM quantities are compared against the tender costs. As the design is refined at the GFC stage, the revised quantities are used for evaluating change requests. On completion of execution, the bim quantity take-offs from the model are used for bill verification.

At every stage, the accuracy of BIM quantities exceeds the accuracy of conventional thumb rule calculation. Overall adoption of building information Modeling services helps control cost escalation and disputes during the checking process.

On average, while comparing the benefit of BIM for Accurate Quantification and material procurement it can be summarized through our project experiences that

• Time is taken to calculate quantity from BIM -1 day
• Time is taken to calculate quantity by site team -1 week

The difference in the quantities is anywhere between 1% – 8%.

BIM SOLUTIONS APPLICATION AND BENEFITS TO STAKEHOLDERS:

The availability of software packages that can help prepare bills of quantities is increasing day to day. Bills of quantities are produced with the help of building information Modeling services. They do this task using the information contained in the model. The benefits of integrated BIM solutions are several and they are beneficial for everybody in the construction industry including owners, cost consultants, project managers, and contractors.

Building Information Modeling services help owners take a ‘hands-on’ approach to managing investors, stakeholders, and contractors. Using this technology, the project managers and architects can provide their services on behalf of their clients. Cost consultants can provide various services like rapid and credible cost planning, energy analysis and procurement services, etc. BIM helps contractors support revaluation amendments.

The AEC industry has adopted quite a few interesting and innovative technological advancements to enhance its productivity over the years. The important one among them is Scan to BIM. We can see the application of Scan to BIM process extensively in renovation projects. Here data is derived with the help of laser scanning technology and later productive 3D BIM models are developed using these data.

As-built data deprived of 3D laser scanning captured with the help of laser scanning equipment assist in generating accurate 3D BIM models faster as compared to the traditional methods. External and internal laser scanning helps to build accurate 3D surveys further assisting in creating intelligent 3D models.

BENEFITS OF 3D SCAN TO BIM:

• Scan to BIM helps in improved transparency, communication, and collaboration.
• BIM model generated from the scan data allows more reliability & quality assurance
• Reduces the construction cost
• Scan to BIM eases project alterations and assists in faster decision making
• Using BIM throughout the building process leads to better sustainability in the project
• The virtual creation of BIM model from scan data helps eliminate costly mistakes during construction

Building data are extracted during the scanning process using highly effective laser scanners. When laser beams get back the hardware and they were directed towards the structure, in the beginning, points clouds are acquired.

SCAN TO BIM WORKFLOW:

• Modelers should open Revit first to include point cloud data in Revit project
• Once the modelers get accessible to Revit, converting the available scanned data into effective file formats is the next procedure.
• BIM Modelers are generally covert raw scanned data into point cloud files using Autodesk® ReCap.
• Models should transform raw scanned data into appropriate cloud files during the indexing process.
• After the indexing process, the raw scanned data is transformed into .rcp and .rcs file formats.
• So, users can link the point cloud files within a Revit project soon after they get .rcp and .rcs file formats.
• Countless .rcs files (Reality Capture Scan files) are included in an .rcp file (Reality Capture Project File).
• So, cloud files modelers should click ‘Insert tab’ first and then ‘Link Panel’. After that, they can select ‘Point cloud icon within Link panel.
• After selecting Point cloud, the modelers have to identify the files which should be linked to the project.
• BIM modelers are allowed to pick either a .rcp extension file or a .rcs extension file, depending on their requirement.
• BIM Models should use Point Cloud tool in order to insert the file into Revit Project.
• Once the modelers select a suitable file, then they have to focus on how to position a file in the project.
• Modelers can position a file in the project either by selecting Auto-center to center option or by using an option among Auto – Origin to Origin, Auto – Origin to Last Placed, and Auto –By Shared Coordinates.
• Once the modelers choose an effective file positioning option, then they can link the point cloud file in the project by clicking on “open’.

If the modelers follow the above-described steps effectively, they can easily and efficiently link the point cloud files into Revit Project.

With BIM implementation the fundamental techniques of operation in the construction industry are rapidly changing. It is believed that BIM’s feature of openly sharing information would derive substantial benefits in cost and value proposition. Renovation or refurbishment BIM projects could be more accurately and comprehensively completed with the help of Scan to BIM method of capturing 3D survey data.

To know more about Scan to BIM Download our Case Study where Excelize offered its Scan to BIM Services for a more than 60 years old Heritage Building in the USA.