Software

ApplicationASSIGNMENT 1: GROUP REPORT

GROUP MEMBERS:

Ee Hui Teng 0322548

Lim Hong Wei 0322741
Loo Siah Mong 0321995
Pui Chun Shian 0323470
Tan Jia San 0322406
Yip Xiaojung 0323852
 Part A
Compare the functions and limitation of BIM QS computer software in the market.
Introduction to Building Information
Modelling (BIM)
 What is BIM?
the process of designing Divided into 3 levels
a building collaboratively where parties
using one coherent improve the 3 most collaborate on same
system of computer important aspects to model and share same
models rather than as their projects: date on the same
separate sets of - Time repository.
drawings. - Cost
- Quality
 maintains updated information
erases communication
brings operational efficiency
lag and noise

improves coordination
prunes redundant data
among departments

Benefits of using BIM

helping a construction
gives an overall
project move from the enable a QS to easily take
efficiency to the whole
design desks to physical off quantities and estimate
lifespan of the project
reality the project costs
Vico Office Takeoff Manager CostX

Buildsoft Cubit Cubisoft (Glodon)

 Functions of Vico Office Takeoff Manager (8)
1) 2D to 3D Management (Vico Document Controller)
Identify the changes of 2D and 3D versions
Compare coodinated 3D model to 2D contract documents for final checking
2) 3D BIM for Visualization
Performs well with practical BIM authoring tools such as Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft
ArchiCAD and Tekla Structures
additional import softwares such as Google SketchUp, 3D DWG, CAD Duct and IFC file

3) 3D BIM for Clash Detection (Vico

Constructability Manager)
Help to identify constructability problems in
the planning process
- integrated solutions for clash detections
- coordination resolution.
4) 3D BIM for layout (Vico Layout Manager)
Offers precise analysis of virtual model
critical points
offers speedy installation and remove costly
rework.

5) 3D BIM for Quantity Takeoff (Vico

Takeoff Manager)
provides more precise, up to date
schedules, estimating and cost planning
helps scans a 3D models content and
automatically generates take of items
with a set of construction-caliber
quantities off the 3D model.
6) 4D BIM for Scheduling and Production Control (4)
Vico LBS Manager Vico 4D Manager
- Divides the project into work locations - provides a clear 3D visualization of project timeline.

Vico Schedule Planner Vico Production Controller

- Uses BIM model elements to generate - manages on-site production and planning
construction schedules schedules during the build phase
7) 5D BIM for Estimating (2)
Vico Cost Planner
- A strong model-based cost estimating
solution
- uses Vico Takeoff Manager
- provide a precise estimation within a short
period of time

Vico Cost Explorer

- the first model-based budgeting application
- enables project team to visualize the
elements of the projects that are affecting
the changes in the cost
8) Construction Management Report
enable information to be communicate across the
project team
delivers constructability reports
provide cost and resource loaded schedules
cash flow reports
cost estimates
proposed design changes

Limitation of Using Vico Office

allows only one model file to be used at one
time
unable to detect any collisions automatically
require more time to complete the 3D model
Functions :
1. Auto-revisioning
- ability to compare and review the contemporary
drawings with the previous one.
- allows the user safe plenty of time and fastens the
work.
2. Subcontractor Comparison
- workbooks can be generated in CostX allow the
user to compare with the subcontractors
information.
- allow the user have better view and make
comparison with one another about the cost and
quality.
3. Able to support various files types
- allows quantity surveyors to extract quantities and
measure through existing project drawings.
- allows for a productive back office and streamlined
process.
4. 3D / BIM Takeoff
- enables them to visualise their measurement in 3D,
leveraging the latest developments in automated take-off.
- helps users to visualize and understand the drawing have
a general idea of the building before build.
 Limitations :

1. Add-on Cost 2. Rebar detection

Main reinforcement bar and Bents for mesh fabric reinforcement
QS firms need to pay more for other products like Cost XL in (BRC) of the beam or column could not be detected by using the
order to exploit the software to its full potential including its software, hence the users will have to measure the length of fabric
function. reinforcement of the whole beam .
Functions :

1. Natural Estimating 2. 3D Takeoff 3. Price Lists

Collect pricing information and save them as

Application that seamlessly integrates takeoff
with estimating for an all-in-one solution that
called Natural Estimating.
By tracing directly over imported plans, simple
template price lists to control how the
or complex quantity takeoffs are performed
company prices jobs, ensuring accuracy and
quickly and accurately.
maximising profitability.

4. Job Analysis 5. Automatic Plan Revisions

Estimate in a way that allows us to sort data

Able to save countless hours estimating as
into different formats, giving us the ability to
revisions to plans are overlaid on an existing
quickly analyse or breakdown a job by cost
plan that already taken off.
code or material.
 Limitations :

3. Virus Attack
1. Permanently deleted

The job file that had been created in When no anti-virus was installed, the virus can
Buildsoft will be permanently deleted attack the computer system and also all the
when doing the amendment on the existing content of the computer.
2. Typing errors
data.
This software has not created to check or
identify the typing errors like numbers or
figure that already type in.
Cubicost Glodon

Cubicost Takeoff for Cubicost TBQ

Architecture and Structure
(TAS)

Cubicost Takeoff for Rebar Cubicost Takeoff for

(TRB) Mechanical & Electirc (TME)
Functions :
1. Quick modelling and BIM-based
3. Professional, accurate and easy to check
quantity takeoff
- Local measurement method which proved by users
- Can identify different types of drawings files like from many countries.
DWG, JPG , PDF or tracking 2D drawings. - Deduct automatically based on the relations among
- Deals with variations quickly by adjusting model elements in BIM model to ensure calculation
information accuracy.

2. Various Quantity Reports

4. Teamwork High Efficiency

- Ability to generate reports by floors, element type
or other condition.
- Can supports rapid adjustment and reuse of BIM models,
- Unique Reversely Check which can trace the
which can reduce working intensities.
origin of quantities in BIM models. Making it easy
to check modify changes.
Limitations

Cost
- Extremely costly to own Cubicost
license and installed in a QS firm.
- Fees will be incurred when users which
to update.
 Summary & Recommendations
Feature Glodon Cost X Buildsoft Cubit Vico Office

3D Model
Visualization

Simplicity

Auto-revisioning

Able to export into

others format

Able to read
different types of
drawings
 Part B
Compare benefits and constraints of Building Information Modelling (BIM), CAD
Measurement and Manual Measurement in each stage.
Briefing/
Preparation Stage
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

Provide visualization of project Cost of Software

- Provided with a visual to know how a - Very costly and is a huge capital
building will look like way before the investment.
project commences. - Huge restriction for small companies
- better insight of the project. who have difficulties to afford it.

Ability for Collaboration Lack of Experts

- Project data are readily accessible. - New to the industry.
- Input information and make necessary - Requires additional investment in
amendments. time to train and educate an
individual to be an expert.
 Computer-Aided Design
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

Provide the data base for manufacturing High Initial Cost

- Include the date in CAD for designing - High expenses incurred
purpose. - (eg. computer hardware, software
- 2D drafting tool updates and training cost for the
workers.

Visualisation Training is required

- The size and resolution of the - To ensure that they know to use the
drawings can be changed. software effectively and efficiently
- Helps in visualizing the final product
that is to be made

Improve the quality of the design Higher risk of loss of information

- Large number of tools that help - CAD software does not have a
designers to consider large number of backup system
investigation.
 Manual Measurement
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

Cost Experience
- Does not require purchasing of - Cost plan is required to be produced
software - Need experience to produce cost
- Only require printing, which is cheap plan

Training
- Software requires training and fresh
graduates are usually more well
versed in manual measurement
Design Stage
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BENEFITS
Amendments Can Be Made Easily
- Links all data related to the
construction together.
- When a change is made, it
automatically amend the other related
data.
Ability to Design Complex Projects
- Any design complication and clashes
can be detected easily.
CONSTRAINTS
Requires Adaptation Period
- Long period to adapt and get used to
functioning it.
- Extra time and effort is essential
before one can fully operate
effectively it.
Incompatibility
- Barrier for many especially small
scale companies to own BIM as it
requires high cost.
- incompatible to be used if one of the
parties involved in the project do not
own the software.
 Computer-Aided Design
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

High accuracy of design Lack of standardisation in design

- It can draw to scale to produce high - Few methods of drawing the plans
accuracy design . which are depends on the architect
preferences

Easy to edit Requires update of skills

- You can fix the errors and modify the
drawings easily
- CAD has a variety of drawing tools
that can create straight lines, circles,
curves and many more.
- Users have to update their skills
time to time to ensure that they can
use the software properly and
efficiently
Manual Measurement
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

Changes
- In this stage, there can be many
changes
- Hard to make changes in calculating
and could miss out certain elements

Limitation
- Could take time due to human
limitations
Pre-construction
Stage
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BENEFITS
Effective and Efficient
- Clashes of elements can be detected
immediately and with ease at early
stage.
- Ensures all elements to be perfect fit
for each other.
Time Saving
- Simplify the process of measurement
and pricing as it features an automatic
quantity taking off and cost estimation.
CONSTRAINTS
Lack of Single Point of Responsibility
- BIM enables all parties to make any
amendments easily without consent.
- Any party that made a mistake will be
difficult to be identified and the
responsibility will be push to one
another.
 Computer-Aided Design
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

On- screen takeoff Unable to produce bill of quantities

- CAD drawings are produced
according to the actual size
- Users can choose to measure any
items
- Limited to taking-off only
- Data has to be transferred manually
or imported to other software to
prepare BQ
- ( Consume more time)

Data managing
- Able to manage data effectively by
categorizing it into two categories :

a. Graphic
b. Non-graphic
 Manual Measurement
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

Data Security Human Error

- In an event of computer error, power - During this stage, projects get more
loss, the information does not get complex
removed as everything is done - Therefore, there is risk of
manually miscalculation
Construction Stage
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

Promote use of Pre-fabricated Cost Variation

Components
- Prefabricated components are rarely
used as it only has very minimal
allowance for errors.
- BIM ensures all construction
components to be perfect fit for each
other.
- BIM does not take external factors
such as price fluctuation into
consideration.
- Extra effort is required to ensure that
all these factors are being
considered.

Waste Reduction
- Quantities extracted are very
accurate.
- Reduces waste of storage space and
labour cost.
 Computer-Aided Design
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

Improve communication process Limited measurement

- Easier understanding of the design - (eg: For 2D drawing, is it just for unit
and measurement. measurement of 2D only )
- Reduce the misinterpretations and
uncertainty in reading plans

Reduce confusion Higher expenses incurred on site

- Ability of CAD to show design - Construction site may require a
information clearly and accurately computer
- Extra expenses = higher construction
cost

Increase the speed in measurement

- Produces semi-automatic ability to
measure the quantities.
Manual Measurement
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

Error Identification
- Hard to spot error as there is no tools

Information
- Does not provide much information,
like 5D, 6D
Other Stage
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BENEFITS
Data Management
- Ability to gather all project related data
and store it together in one place.
- Various information such as
architectural drawings, structural
drawings, building materials and
models can be kept in an ordering
manner and tracked easily.
CONSTRAINTS
High Maintenance
- Updates of software are fairly costly.
- In order to get the most updated
version of the software, users need
to spend extra money from time to
time.
 Computer-Aided Design (Post Construction Stage)

BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

Extension of information Limited information

- Provides information given in the
Manual by visualizing the various
compartment of the building
- There are little to no information
provided for the softscape of a
building
- Leads to an inadequate of
visualisation of the designated space
usage.

Commonly usable
- CAD files can be read in a variety of
software in the market today
- Most of them provide free file readers
- ( Very convenient)
 Manual Measurement
BENEFITS CONSTRAINTS

Experience Time
- Easy to understand - Time is needed to scan and print
- Does not require much copies
experience/knowledge

Information
- No information generated like BIM