Quantity Take off Using Building Information Modeling (BIM)

A Case Study of an Educational Building

By
Umair Saleem 2015-UET-QET.SWL-CIVIL-02

Muhammad Kamal 2015-UET-QET.SWL-CIVIL-06

Mirza Shoaib Nasir (Group Leader) 2015-UET-QET.SWL-CIVIL-20

Talha Najam 2015-UET-QET.SWL-CIVIL-24

Muhammad Bilal Khalid 2015-UET-QET.SWL-CIVIL-36

A report submitted in partial fulfillment of

The requirements for the degree of
Bachelors of Engineering
In
Civil Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

Quaid-e-Azam College of Engineering and Technology Sahiwal

Affiliated With

University of Engineering and Technology Lahore

 This is to certify that the
Report entitled

Quantity Take off Using Building Information Modeling (BIM)

A Case Study of an Educational Building

Submitted by

Umair Saleem 2015-UET-QET.SWL-CIVIL-02

Muhammad Kamal 2015-UET-QET.SWL-CIVIL-06

Mirza Shoaib Nasir (Group Leader) 2015-UET-QET.SWL-CIVIL-20

Talha Najam 2015-UET-QET.SWL-CIVIL-24

Muhammad Bilal Khalid 2015-UET-QET.SWL-CIVIL-36

Has been accepted towards the partial fulfillment

Of
The requirements
For

Bachelors of Engineering in Civil Engineering

_______________________
Engr. Asif Raza
Lecturer,
Department of Civil Engineering
Quaid-e-Azam College of Engineering and Technology Sahiwal
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................ 3

Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 4

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 General .............................................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 5

1.3 Problem Statement ............................................................................................................ 5

1.4 Scope ................................................................................................................................. 6

1.5 Reasons and justification ................................................................................................... 6

1.5.1 Market Adoption and Growth..................................................................................... 6

1.5.2 User Experience .......................................................................................................... 6

1.6 Advantages of BIM ........................................................................................................... 7

1.6.1 Improved Design ........................................................................................................ 7

1.6.2 Improved Visualization .............................................................................................. 7

1.6.3 Improved Communication .......................................................................................... 7

1.6.4 Reduced Errors ........................................................................................................... 7

1.6.5 Reducing Rework ....................................................................................................... 8

Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 9

Literature Review ......................................................................................................................... 9

2.1 Background ....................................................................................................................... 9

 2.2 BIM Introduction:- .......................................................................................................... 10

Fig. 2.1 BIM life cycle .............................................................................................................. 11

2.3 Importance of construction industry ............................................................................... 11

2.4 Problems in construction industry ................................................................................... 12

2.4.1 Cost related problems:-............................................................................................. 12

2.4.2 Time related problems .............................................................................................. 13

2.5 BIM Tools ....................................................................................................................... 14

Chapter 3 ..................................................................................................................................... 15

Methodology ................................................................................................................................ 15

3.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................... 15

3.2 Project Streams ................................................................................................................ 15

3.3 Flow Diagram .................................................................................................................. 16

3.3.1 Selection of topic ...................................................................................................... 17

3.3.4 Data Collection ......................................................................................................... 17

3.3.5 Learning Software .................................................................................................... 17

3.3.7 Quantity Takeoff....................................................................................................... 18

3.3.8 Analysis .................................................................................................................... 18

3.3.9 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 18

3.3.10 Preparing report and presentation ........................................................................... 18

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................ 19
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express thanks and gratitude to our teacher Engr. Asif Raza who
gave us the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic Quantity
Take Off Using BIM, he also helped us in doing a lot of research and We came to
know about so many new things We are really thankful to him.

We would like to thank Engr. Imran Ali who helped us in software learning.

We would also like to thank Muhammad Amir (Undergraduate Student at QCET)

who helped us in data collection.

Secondly we would also like to thank our parents and friends who helped us a lot
in finalizing this Report within the limited time frame.
Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 General
The Quantity Take-Off (QTO) is an essential process in project, because it allows managing the
costs involved in construction, supporting the investment analysis, as well as the decision-
making and resources planning. QTO can be applied through the construction process, where
valid results can be obtained in the early stages that will assist the estimation of a preliminary
cost. Before construction, it can be used as a planning tool with the construction activities. The
BIM model guarantees the automatic update of results obtained in QTO after any change in the
model. During the works, it can be used to control the economic part of the construction. The
traditional quantity take-off, through manual measurement of the different project elements, is
based on 2D drawings that can present inconsistencies and, therefore, might produce errors on
the results obtained. (Silva, 2016)

The level of automation in the industry has been a major concern over the last years with the
academic community working hard to raise it. (Monteiro, 2013) Nowadays, BIM technology
presents a valid alternative to the traditional process, allowing better results to the quantity
takeoff process and raising the automation present in the project, while facilitate the information
management in construction. BIM is an automated tool based on a virtual model where
information is automatically generated from it. BIM tools allow various uses, like visualization
and clash detection, based on the automation and transfer of information using the virtual model.
Using BIM to create bills of quantities will reduce the time spent on obtaining them and,
therefore, will reduce costs on the project. (Shen, 2010) Despite these considerations, this feature
is overlooked and BIM is mainly used to visualization.

The utilization of BIM in QTO process is still target of reservations in the industry, due to some
lack of information about the advantages provided in BIM utilization as a QTO tool. The
strengths of using BIM in a QTO process are:

 Faster execution;
 QTO in design phase;
  Costs analysis through the project;
 Reliable Results;
 Competitive Advantage.

But there are some problems identified, such as:

 Lack of technical standards;

 Insufficient interoperability between systems;
 Changes in the company, due to the necessity of collaborative work and new work
methods;
 Additional work in obtaining quantities that can’t be obtained automatically. (Doloi,
2011)

1.2 Objectives
 To develop 3D model in Revit for case study of an educational building.
 To use output of Revit (2016) in Nevisworks (2016) for quantity take-off.
 To compare manually calculated quantities with BIM calculated quantities.

1.3 Problem Statement

Quantity takeoff is an important discipline that provides cost management services in the
construction industry. The major tasks provided by quantity surveyors include Quantification,
bills of quantities preparation, estimation and pricing of construction projects. The use of
traditional manual quantity surveying practice such as excel spreadsheet and 2D CAD have made
quantity surveying a tedious and time consuming task, which are less efficient and are more
susceptible to human errors.

As a result, it has reduced the performance of quantity Surveyors which subsequently affect the
project cost outcomes. Besides, clients are becoming dissatisfied with the conventional ways of
quantity surveyors performing their practice.

With the help of BIM we can accelerate the quantification of the building for estimating
purposes and for the production of updated estimates and construction planning.
1.4 Scope
The scope of the project is limited to quantities extraction of an educational building situated in
QCET Sahiwal using Revit and Navisworks (BIM Tools).

1.5 Reasons and justification

1.5.1 Market Adoption and Growth

Many experienced users are realizing the benefits of BIM modeling such as better
communication, improved productivity, and greater chances of winning over the client. This is
because of the fact that BIM helps in improving coordination between different departments in
the project team due to increased overlapping and integration. This helps in further improving
productivity, enhancing quality control and strengthening communication systems. A survey has
shown that out of a 100 BIM experts, 82 experts have responded that BIM usage has been very
beneficial in improving the productivity of their firm. BIM usage is not only increasing in the
construction industry but many new firms are starting to adopt this technology. (Dobson, 2004)

1.5.2 User Experience

The increasing use of BIM corresponds with a wholly pragmatic assessment of the general
impact on the BIM user’s business practices. As users begin to see its vast benefits, they deepen
their involvement with BIM. More than half of the users claim that BIM has had a very positive
impact on their respective firms.

A recent survey shows that in Construction Industry:

 61% of Contractors believe that BIM is good for their Company.

 Many architects see BIM has been helpful in improving their businesses.
 Every 4 Clients out of 10 have reported that BIM has been productive for their projects.
(Dobson, 2004)

The ability of a user to perform data analysis and extract information comes with skill and
experience in using BIM tools. More experts are shown to use BIM tools for quantity takeoff of
materials, scheduling of activities and cost estimation of the project as compared to beginners.
1.6 Advantages of BIM
Building Information Modeling will be the lightening beacon in the future construction industry.
The advantages of BIM are numerous as it covered every field of the construction from concept
to conclusion. It has made a lot of complexities simple and has lightened the burden of drafting,
documentation etc. The software evolution and new technologies in construction has been a very
helpful tool in promoting BIM. (Young, 2008)

Following are more useful benefits of BIM as discussed in ―Building Information Modeling by
McGraw Hill construction. (Young, 2008)

1.6.1 Improved Design

Building proposals can be analyzed on basis of cost and quality comparison, design efficiency as
well as real time simulations can be performed. Further changes can be made to the already
chalked out plans to improve performance and create a better design for the building.

1.6.2 Improved Visualization

BIM produces models that are far superior in quality as well as in the quantity of data stored in
them. For students and clients, BIM is an excellent starting point in helping visualize the
physical features and characteristics of a project. This makes communicating the complex
aspects of the building design to the new user very easy.

1.6.3 Improved Communication

BIM can greatly improve the cross department communication as well as between different
parties like clients, financers etc that are attached to the project and helps to remove any
confusions held by the parties. One of the main reasons why project managers and contractors
prefer to use BIM over other 3D software is that the 3D model obtained through BIM is a much
realistic conception and therefore helps the client in deciding what kind of a facility they want to
build.

1.6.4 Reduced Errors

Reduce errors and omissions in construction documents. Virtual design and construction with
BIM create the potential to identify problems earlier in the building process. Half of all users
(47%) see this as a significant benefit, particularly contractors. More experienced users recognize
its value compared to others.

1.6.5 Reducing Rework

Fixing problems early means fewer issues in the plans and ultimately fewer hassles in the field.A
majority of contractors (57%) see the potential of BIM to reduce rework as a huge benefit. It is
the highest-ranked benefit reported by expert users (77%), compared to fewer beginners that see
it in other ways (23%).
Chapter 2

Literature Review

2.1 Background
The development of the country is very much influenced by the advancement in its construction
industry. There is a dire need of infrastructure and buildings in every underdeveloped country in
order to pave way for the economic growth of the country. Building construction progress has
been hampered by the economic losses and decreased labor productivity. The economic losses
were caused by the defects in the design due to which the prefabricated components of the
building are not suitable thus the whole component has to be replaced when there is a design
failure such as constructability issues during the construction.

In 1974 Chuck Eastman and five other authors presented a paper in which they explained the
chief means of communication used in building design and construction processes which were
drawings, including notes and specifications. They mentioned few problems which were

 In 2D drawings at least two drawings are required for understanding the structure thus
one dimension is shown twice. 2D drawings also become redundant as different items
are shown in two different drawings at different scale. All this means if a change is to be
done in any drawing it has to be changed in all drawings.
 Large efforts are required to keep the design up-to-date. But even with all this hard work
there is a possibility that information somewhere is obsolete and non-consistent.
 For analysis of construction, information has to be taken manually from drawings which
is laborious work

They also suggested a solution, that is to create a computer system that could save and control
design information at great detail. This was named as building description system. (Eastman,
2008)

The solution to the above mentioned problems is BIM and it plays an important role in
developing a proper model of a building which represents every aspect and runs the analysis of
the building.
2.2 BIM Introduction:-
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of creating and managing 3D building data
during its development. BIM is a complex multiphase process that gathers input from team
members to model the components and tools that will be used during the construction process to
create a unique perspective of the building process.

The 3D process is aimed at achieving savings through collaboration and visualization of building
components into an early design process that will dictate changes and modifications to the actual
construction process. It is a very powerful tool that when used properly will save money, time
and simplify the construction process.

The BIM application process can be used during design and architecture process creating a clear
picture used for better and more integrated designs. The software will be used to foresee
problems and coordination between different contractors and as a way to generate construction
documents and process that will later be implemented during the physical process. It is ideal
when there are many trades executing at the same moment or when schedules are compressed.
There are multiple applications for BIM so it can be used by the following groups:
(RODRIGUEZ, 2018)

 Architecture
 Sustainability
 Structures
 MEP
 Construction management
 Utilities
 Road construction
 Scheduling
 Property
Fig. 2.1 BIM life cycle

2.3 Importance of construction industry

The flow of the economy is based in large part around the construction industry. New home
construction is particularly important. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, residential
house construction can account for 4.5 to 6.3 percent of the nation's gross domestic product.
When this industry contracts, the impact is sufficient to send the economy into a recession.
Economic recovery is also historically tied to the recovery of the housing industry. (Zhang,
2013)

Construction requires planning, which creates jobs for architects and engineers. Construction
also requires tools and supplies, which creates jobs for people who manufacture excavation
equipment, cranes, backhoes, lifts, lumber, cement and building supplies. The impact of the
construction industry goes beyond the erection of buildings. New houses and offices need
furniture and appliances. Roads, commercial properties and homes all need landscaping, which
creates the need for maintenance. The construction industry is at the core of this job creation
process. (Zhang, 2013)

2.4 Problems in construction industry

Nowadays there are different types of problems faced by our construction industries which are
listed below.

 Lack of skilled workers

 Lack of communication
 Unreliable subcontractors
 Scheduling
 High Insurance Costs
 Changing minds of owners
 Available cash
 Document management
 The blame game

But here we will focus on cost and time related Problems

2.4.1 Cost related problems:-

One of the principal objectives of Cost Control for most project or organization is the
achievement of minimum cost for a particular project. Achievement of minimum cost is to
maximize the profit and profit in simple terms is what is left after all the income accruing to the
enterprise has been received and all of the costs or outgoings have been paid. For all construction
projects, cost must be monitored and controlled, whether from the point of view of owner,
designer or a contractor. It helps to distinguish the problems arise and understanding of the
problems which occur in each phase of industry enables better co-ordination of the activities of
the many participants in a single project. (Clark, 2018).

Difficulties of applying cost control procedures:-

 Fail to Estimate the Project Exactly

  The Compilation of Project Budget Has Poor Reliability
 Working Drawing Budget is Unpractical
 Do not Follow Basic Construction Procedures and Cannot Control Costs
 Contract is not Managed Well
 Irregular Management and Many Changes for Project
 Rise of Cost Due to Unreasonable Financing Structure
 System is imperfect

2.4.2 Time related problems

Time Management is essentially the ability to organize and plan the time spent on activities in a
day. The result of good time management is increased effectiveness and productivity. It is a key
aspect of project management and involves skills such as planning, setting goals and prioritizing
for a better performance. A lack of effective time management can have a negative impact on a
project in the long run. Time is one of the three triple constraints and any deviation from the
schedule has an effect on the cost and scope of a project. In most cases time really is money.
Ineffective time management can also increase stress and frustration in the project manager and
the team members. (Tran, 2015).

Difficulties of applying time management procedure:-

 Poorly defined goals

 Insufficient team skills
 Improper communication
 Geographically dispersed teams
 Not using project management software
 Clash within parties
 Not prioritizing task correctly
 Scope creep
2.5 BIM Tools

The table 2.1 shows the BIM tools which are widely used in the construction industry.

Area of BIM Product Name Manufacturer BIM Use

Architecture Autodesk Revit Autodesk Creating and reviewing
3D models

ArchiCAD Graphisoft Conceptual 3D

Architectural Model

Bentley Architecture Bentley Creating and reviewing

3D models

Revit Structure Autodesk Structural

Structure Tekla Structure Tekla Conceptual 3D
Modeling
Bentley Structures Bentley Multi-discipline
Autodesk Ecotect Autodesk Energy Analysis
Analysis
Sustainability
Autodesk Green Building Autodesk Energy Analysis
Studio
Bentley TAS Simulation Bentley Structural
Analysis/Detailing,
Quantity Take-off,
Building Performance

Revit MEP Autodesk Shop Drawing

MEP
Bentley Hevacomp Bentley Structural
Mechanical Design Analysis/Detailing,
Quantity Take-off,
Building Performance

Scheduling Primavera Oracle Schedules

Autodesk Navisworks Autodesk Clash Detection

Table 2.1 BIM Tools

Chapter 3

Methodology

3.1 Overview
This chapter gives a brief overview about the working methodology adopted for different
streams of project comprising of selection of building and developing 3D model to quantity
calculation by using BIM tools & comparing it with manual calculations. The chapter also
describes the complete methods of the working of the software.

3.2 Project Streams

There are three major streams of the project based on objectives:

 Development of 3D model in Revit (2016).

 Quantity takeoff with help of navisworks (BIM tool).
 Comparing the results of automated and manual calculation
3.3 Flow Diagram
3.3.1 Selection of topic
In order to carry out the project BIM was selected as BIM provides the modern tools for
construction and allows the user to maintain the focus on other important issues.

3.3.2 Literature Study

In previous chapter some important terminologies were mentioned and discussed which proved
helpful in studying BIM and its uses including better visual effects, prefabrication, project
planning and management and cost control. Literature study was facilitated by attending lectures
and presentation more over official website of Autodesk and thesis were studied, case studies
including Krakow stadium, Marina bay front pedestrian bridge, Melbourne Stadium and research
books related to BIM were consulted. This helped to understand and gain the required
information about BIM.

3.3.3 Site Selection

Literature study and site selection were performed simultaneously. For the quest of building site
different buildings were visited in Sahiwal. But Academic Block 3 of Quaid-e-Azam College of
Engineering and Technology, Sahiwal was most suitable site and feasible in all aspects.

3.3.4 Data Collection

Data collection and understanding is very important in order to process the data into very useful
in information. Thus, Architectural drawings were provided by the site officials to kick start the
project and with the passage of time structural. But data collection requires some official permits
to share some confidential data.

But still there are some aspects of data which are left to be desired.

3.3.5 Learning Software

The Project progress depends on a certain tool. Thus, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Navisworks
were selected tools for modeling, quantity take off respectively. The reasons behind selecting
these tools were there availability and special access for students to these tools with the help of
student licenses. Different tutorials were used for the process of learning. The main sources for
these tutorials were YouTube and Autodesk.
3.3.6 3D Modeling

3-D modeling can only be performed when the user is familiar with the software. For 3D
modeling we used Revit 2016. It contains both architecture and structural sections. Architectural
model consists of basic walls, flooring, finishes openings doors and other architecture
components. Structure model consist of beams, columns, walls and structural items. This model
was made with the aid of template available on the internet.

3.3.7 Quantity Takeoff

Much BIM software have integrated Cost estimation tools which can easily extract material
quantities from the BIM 3-D Model and then use the unit price method to calculate the total cost
of all materials.

The quantity takeoff tool analyzes the 3D BIM model and extracts the quantities of all the
materials into a database such as a MS Excel file. The tool used efficiently in BIM is Autodesk
Navisworks. This tool performs the quantity takeoff directly from the 3-D model made in
compatible modeling tool.

3.3.8 Analysis

By the end of estimating costs, the aim of having 3D model was achieved. At that stage there
was a requirement of checking all the work that was done so far so that errors and omissions
could be traced and eliminated. In final review the data obtained from models was checked. The
data obtained from the 3-D model was then compared to manual Calculations and original site
data which yielded the impact of BIM on a certain facility.

3.3.9 Conclusion

After analyzing the project it was crystal clear impact of BIM in managing the project and then
the conclusions were drawn about the methods that could be deployed for having a better
management and control over the project.

3.3.10 Preparing report and presentation

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