Software report

SOFTWARE APPLICATION FOR

QUANTITY SURVEYING REPORT

Group:

Muhd Hasif bin Alias 0316413

Gregory Ho Fung Cheang 0321793

Liew Yong Sheng 0315108

Lee Kim Thiam 0310710

Wong Geng Sen 0321690

Lecturer:

Miss Lim Sze Shwan

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part A-

Solibri Model Checker

2

AutoDesk Revit 5

BIMMeasurement 8

CostX 10

Recommendation 13

Part B-

Preparation stage

14

Design stage 16

Preconstruction stage 18

Construction stage 21

Others 24

Reference 27

INTRODUCTION

Over the course of human construction history, the process of construction gets more

systematic. In time, technology advances and brought software to the table when all the

while Quantity Surveyors at its time uses purely calculator and scale ruler purely for the

measurement of building and costing.

Architects were introduced with AutoCAD developed by Autodesk in 1982, which is 33 years

ago in 2016, and were able to provide Quantity surveyors measurement needed to get the

tendering of document easier. However, as time passes on, construction industry realizes

that they need more than just AutoCAD, as mentioned in BIM Handbook; A Guide to Building

Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors by

Eastman.C, Teicholz.P, Sacks.R and Liston.K, The design and coordination with 2D CAD

system is error prone, labour-intensive, and relies on a longer cycle times.

The introduction of Building Information Modeling, or BIM, allows “virtual construction” in

nearly all stages and aspect in construction industry. From scheduling of construction to

prediction of outcome and prices as well as checking details designed by engineers and

architects.

In this report, we will introduce four BIM software programs that are available in the

construction market that would best aid Quantity Surveyors in our interest of taking off and

so forth. The four BIM software are:

Solibri Model Checker

AutoDesk Revit

CostX

BIM Measure

Additionally, we will also compare the benefits and restrictions of BIM, CAD Measurement

and Manual Measurement in all of the construction stages.

Solibri Model Checker

As the name suggests, Solibri Model Checker is Building Information Modelling software that

aids in checking the model in three dimensional spaces based on the standards, protocol,

regulation and the best practices configured by the company that uses it. The software,

generally speaking, validates that the data required exists while also place in check that the

data provided is correct, aiding user to bring builder a greater assurance as well as quality of

the building. The components of which it inspect are components, context, relationship to

other pieces of components, description provided by the designer, attribute as in structural

data, constraints, classification and metadata.

Function

“Solibri Model Checker helps you find and visualize issues and problems before and during

construction. It will also provide a wealth of information that can be taken off throughout the

building‟s life-cycle and utilized for needs that include area calculation, accessibility and

building code compliance.”

Solibri.com

1. Automated Analysis and Checking

One of the key functions of the software is its ability to check potential design issue in the

3Dimensional visualization model. Unlike any other software, the Ruleset manager can

be used to customize rule and rulesets for model checking, making the rules more

flexible based on the standards and laws of said region. The software also provides

model revision comparison between previous project and current project to meet said

standards and quality. More importantly, it also checks escape route for the building. The

design issues are categorized into groups based on how severe the problem is.

2. Presentation and Communication

The software allows user to collectively create a presentation slide for the problem

issued within the software making the communication towards designer easier. The use

of BCF file format would directly bring designer right away to the problem issued by the

software. Reducing the time needed to find the issue within the building especially if said

building is extremely complex in design.

3. Information Take-off and Reporting

Solibri Model Checker also provides basic quantity calculation service such as

dimensions, area and volumes. Listing functionality is customizable and could lists any

property for any set of component within the building. The listing is also integrated with

3D view with visualization and zoom-in ability.

Limitation

The general limitation of the software is not critical. Due to how new the software is, the

software currently could not add in slides to an existing presentation. In a journal of an

architect, McCune.M , he complained that the software do not have a categorization of

results. The software also automatically creates folder for user based off of things unknown

to use. Most of the time, it is the level of the object that are in the first column of “Checked

column”. The software also do not allow reorganization of results like Navisworks. This

problem would create unnecessary confusion and waste of time.

The only most critical limitation that is mentioned by Director Alan Baikie is, although is one

of its strongest point, its ability to flexibly change rulesets in the Ruleset Manager. While the

idea is to allow company to construct based on standards and regulation of the region they

are in as well as the protocol of the company, it is also possible for errors in the rules made

in the management system. A single error within the ruleset would be disastrous to the entire

project since the entire project‟s correction was based on the rules. The one way to avoid the

worst possible situation is to check the rules configured.

AutoDesk Revit

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Since its

introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest

portfolio of 3D software for global markets. Its product, AutoDesk Revit BIM software is

peculiarly built for Building Information Modeling (BIM), which provide tools for architectural

design, MEP engineering, structural engineering, and construction, and allows coordination

between disciplines.

Function

Bim interoperability

Revit imports, exports, and links data with commonly used formats, including DWG, DXF,

DGN, and IFC.

It uses existing geometry in a linked Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) model as a reference

for dimensions, alignment, snapping, and hosting of some face-based families in a Revit

model. When linking an IFC file, its elements are assigned to a default phase, further

integrating open standards into Revit.

Autodesk supports BIM interoperability and open source data exchange methodologies,

including IFC. Revit 2017 has been certified by BuildingSMART International for IFC version

2.0 Coordination View import and export.

Revit Server

It aid project teams to collaborate more easily on shared models across a wide-area network

(WAN) using Revit Server. Sustain an integrated collection of central models on a single

server that can be accessed from local servers.

Built-in redundancy served as protection in case of WAN connectivity loss.

Construction coordination

Cloud-connected office-to-field workflows using BIM 360™, a Cloud-based collaboration

service system. Autodesk allow 24/7 access to project data throughout the building

construction life cycle as well as authorized those in the field to better anticipate and act, and

those in the back office to optimize and manage all aspects of construction performance.

Autodesk Exchange add-in applications

Extend Revit functionality with add-ins and an expanded content library. Buy(Some are free)

and install directly from the web into an active Revit session for more efficiently author data-

rich Building Information Models. Allowing user to create an all-in-one software.

More flexible Annotation Tags & Modernized text layout and editing

Create a tag with a calculation (easier to find).

Communicate designs more efficiently with new “what you see is what you get” editing

providing extra features to increase user control, including:

1. Edit in-canvas.

2. Set all text to upper- or lower-case.

3. Add spaces between bullets.

4. Create lists with multiple levels, indents, and numbers.

Limitation

From the research and review provided inside the internet, there are no clear limitations

since its last update of AutoDesk Revit 2017. There are limitations about the software

system, however, these are not something that should be consider as major problem for a

BIM system:-

1. Big system requirement (over 15GB space).

2. A fussy program even for experienced worker (take times and patiences).

BIM measurement

BIM measurement is a software program that allows users to visualize the building even

before the construction has begun. The software also provides users to share updated

information to each department at ease should there be any changes on the project.

Causeway has come up with one of the BIM software. It provides the ability for users to

measure directly from drawing models be it in 2D, 3D or BIM format. It is also able to

integrate with cost planning, taking-off and billing designed for cost consultants as well as

contractors.

Functions

Measurement.

To measure the lengths, areas or volumes of the building, BIMMeasure is able to support

drawings from DWG, DWF and DWFx files. Not only that, BIMMeasure also supports

drawings from IFC format. Image formats like bmp, gif, jpg and tif is also compatible for

BIMMeasure. Different varieties of file format allow users to use the software with more

convenience since some drawings they receive may not only be in one format.

Multi-file support

BIMMeasure is also able to support other files such as Raster format image files or even

PDFs as image files. Entity measurements for model files are also made possible using the

software.

Auto-scheduling

Grouping of the similar items are enabled using BIMMeasure. Examples of similar items

could be concrete grade 35 and concrete grade 40 in slabs or columns. Multiple schedules

can be easily handled by the software so the work done will be a neat and tidy. This

eliminates the hard work of manually calculating each item one by one.

Slicing

Slicing the images in 2D or 3D up to 3planes is also possible with BIMMeasure. This

function enables users to discover interesting regions that are not discovered. What is even

better that measurement can be done on the sliced planes.

Limitations

1. Team communication. Since changing designs are made a whole lot easier, clients

may constantly change their ideas of the building. This will cause some department

of the project to be left out of the updated information causing some

misunderstanding between the departments.

2. Expensive cost. The start-up cost may be too high for some contractors to purchase

it. This will cause them to lose out on the market trend since most contractors,

engineers or architects are using this software. By not being able to purchase the

software, these contractors may be laid off from their jobs.

3. Training. As with all new technology, there will be needs to discover the software

more thoroughly. Companies may spend a lot of time just for everyone in the

company to get used to the software. There will also bound to be some functions that

users may not be able to access to since they are not used to the software.

CostX

Since the late 20th Century, the construction industry has begun to use electronic

information in project. In time, most of the QS firm have embraced electronic measurement

appropriately because it could provide the most efficient in terms of productivity, particularly

if drawings can be provided in an agreed layering convention the moment CostX®, a product

of Exactal- the new-generation estimating software, came out. It contains numerous

additional features to increase ease-of-use and speed of taking off. CostX® is Exactal‟s top-

of-the-range product where many companies are using it for their complete estimating

solution and are demonstrating strong returns on their investment. Besides that, CostX® is

also a powerful project costing tool that enables estimators to utilise the most advanced on-

screen measurement system while embracing BIM to deliver better results to clients. It can

reduce take off time by up to 80%. Here are some of the key features of the software and it

functions.

Functions

2D Takeoff

By using CostX, it can support scanned, PDF or CAD drawings and 3D models/BIM without

the need to buy CAD software. Not only that, it also supports various drawing file formats

such as, SKP, SWG, DWF, DGN and IFC. This allows quantity surveyors to extract

quantities and measure through existing project drawings since it is compatible with any

industry standard drawings including Revit support and do on-screen measurement for

taking-off quantities. Letting technology do its part in removing manual entry tasks and the

possibility of human error allows for a productive back office and streamlined process.

3D / BIM Takeoff

By using 3D taking off, it enables them to visualise their measurement in 3D, leveraging the

latest developments in automated take-off so that they can populate their cost plan. This

allows the QS have a more accurate estimate quantities and costs compare to traditional

measurement. The database information from 3D model view and 2D plans, sections and

elevations can be utilize by QS to initiate quantities mechanically and improve on the

database quantities with additional measurement of 2D or 3D drawing sheets. Besides that,

3D view helps users to visualize and understand the drawing have a general idea of the

building before build.

Workbooks

Powerful spread sheet based workbooks are live-linked to the drawings. It can used to

create or authorize information about the facility. It allows the user to do BQ at the same time

while doing the measurement. It can transfer all the data from the measurement directly to

the BQ workbook to eliminate errors and improve accuracy. This also makes the user have a

better control of all data information for checking in a more easy way compared to traditional

measurement. In addition, workbooks allows for retaining a history of job costs gives the

estimator the tools necessary to adjust future estimates and avoid costly overruns, or to

point out cost-saving procedures.

.

Auto-Revisioning

This is one of the unique functions of CostX where it has the ability to compare and review

the contemporary drawings with the previous one and highlight the changes that is being

made. This function allows the user safe plenty of time and fastens the work. Auto-

revisioning function will continue by creating an audit trail likewise revises the previous

quantities and workbooks as well as updating the latest quantities.

Subcontractor Comparison

Subcontractor comparisons workbooks can be generated in CostX allow the user to

compare with the subcontractors information. Subcontractor Comparison system able to link

the report and quotation detail of every subcontractor and allow the user have better view

and make comparison with one another about the cost and quality.

Network Capability

Network capabilities allow multiple users to work on the same project at once. Allow the

users fasten the work and safe time. At the same time, if there are any changes of the

project or building, user just have to update and make changes in the software and update

other team member to take noted. It is more efficient compare to traditional way where

users do not have to reprint the drawing or detail for every team members.

Paperless Estimating

In the traditional way of measurement, company will have to use countless paper for drawing,

measurement, billing paper and so on. At the end the project, we will have tons of paper and

we will have to send it to client or person in-charge of the next procedure. Sometime these

tons of paper actually bring trouble and difficulties for user to find the information. CostX is

impending to go-green by ensuring reports and estimates to be viewed without any printing

of paper. When received the drawing, the user is able scan the drawing into CostX and all

measurement and estimate are done in the software. In addition, CostX Viewer enable

CostX projects can be shared to other users mainly the client in an easy-to-use format.

These projects can be viewed by the client anytime and anywhere without the requirement of

running CAD software.

Projection View

One of function of CostX, while measuring, are allowing user to illustrate the building in a

3D structure. This help user to visualize what he have done measuring for the building and

altering windows, doors and walls at the same time in one dimension.

Limitation

Initial setup cost

It is obvious that the software is not free, company will have to pay for the software and

install in every computer. To allow the software to run smoothly during work there are

some requirements for the computer like certain grade graphic card, ramps and so on.

All these actually need an extra cost for the company for setup the software. Besides

that, to master or allow workers to fully control over CostX it actually needs someone

professional having workshop to teach the workers. Hence, it is another cost need when

the company have no one who literate the software.

Rebar detection

while measuring rebar in CostX, the main reinforcement bar of the beam or column

could not be detected by using the software. Bents for mesh fabric reinforcement (BRC)

cannot be detected in CostX as well hence the users will have to measure the length of

fabric reinforcement of the whole beam or column assuming it is the reinforcement bars.

Projection of windows

All windows are illustrated at the bottom of the wall when using 3D view. CostX cannot

show the exact location of the window 3D view. Thus, the price of fixing window might

be fluctuated because the contractor does not know the exact height allowance for the

window by look at the drawing.

Recommendation

By the end of the research and discussion, we have come to a conclusion that perhaps the

best BIM software among the four of which we have introduced earlier is BIMMeasure by

Causeway.

Both Solibri Model Checker and Autodesk Revit are two powerful tools that are better in

other functions. For example, Solibri Model Checker have an astounding ability to check

issues that is made in drawings, measurement or calculations whereas Autodesk Revit is

powerful software used to generate design for architects, MEP planning and engineering

details. However both of which are not specifically made for Quantity Surveyor‟s main tasks

such as measurement and taking off. CostX on the other hand, although powerful to

Quantity Surveyors, is not as powerful as BIMMeasure by Causeway.

The software BIMMeasure by Causeway has the ability to automatically come up with

measurements in a few simple clicks. For example, to measure a square room, upon

clicking the element necessary, only three clicks is needed to measure the area of the

whole room. In CostX however, the user is required to type in the elements, click four times

and then the click enter. The main reason of why the software is so simple is because

BIMMeasure allows the configuration of „measuring rules‟ which the system uses to

automatically calculate based on measurement provided including irregular shapes.

The software allows 3D visualization for the entire building making it easier to visualize the

entire building. This includes that ability to cut the building into section at any length or part

of the building for easy viewing. By click and dragging the section lines, user are able to see

nearly every part of the building. In CostX, it is required to put in every file into the system

which is a very tedious process.

The software also automatically creates Bill of Quantities, Tender Pricing and so forth based

on the information the user have keyed in. Making the process of tendering a lot more faster

as well as easier to refer back to for checking.

Preparation/Briefing Stage

This is the earliest stage in construction. During this stage, consultant QS have to

estimate the cost and works for the project, feasibility studies according to the drawing of

the client and deciding the method of procurement system. In this stage, every decision

make will bring a great affect to the entire construction. As a quantity surveyor, we are

asked to give the best recommendation for the client and prepare a budget for the client

based on total capital cost expenditure. There are software available for QS to enhance the

efficiency and accuracy of work for example Building Information Modelling (BIM), CAD

Measurement and also the traditional way manual measurement. Different system will have

their own benefits and also constraints as show as below.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Benefits

3D model visualize –

BIM software allows the design team on a project construct a 3D model that represents their

idea. It actually help the team members have a better understanding of the building idea

and allow the contractor have a rough idea of what he should prepare and forecast the

challenges face during construction.

Capture Reality –

Before the construction get started the team will have to start aerial imagery and digital

elevation, along with laser scans of existing infrastructure, accurately capturing reality and

greatly streamlining project preparations. With BIM, designers can have all of that input

compiled and shared in a model which helps contractor to understand the site conditions

and forecast the problem might face.

Constraints

Initial Cost –

The cost to obtain any BIM QS computer software is very expensive. It is very common that

newly built companies do not have enough capital or money to buy this software to help

ease their work. Besides that, to master the software there is a need of training which incurs

cost and time for the company.

CAD Measurement

Benefits

Better visualization than manual measurement –

CAD drawing is electrical drawing where will not bring confusion on drawing style and faded

in writing. CAD able to bring a better visualization for the team member to understand the

idea compares to hand drawing and allows the user to alter the size and resolution of the

drawing.

Constraints

Initial cost –

It is the same as the BIM software where the company will have to pay for the software and

training for the company. Hence it may cost a large amount of money which not every

company have the capital to afford.

Manual Measurement

Benefits

Cost effective –

Manual measurement is the cheapest method compared to the other two measurements

where it does not need any initial cost like installation or training. The mainly cost of manual

measurement is only based on printing work hence it safe a lot of money compare to using

software.

No training needed –

Every graduated quantity surveyor have already exposed to manual measurement which it is

the core subject of QS course. In this sense, company does not need any extra training for

the worker on manual measurement because it is understood they already excel in this area.

Constraints

More time consuming –

Human manually measuring will take more time compare to software measuring which

human may make calculation mistakes due to drawing faded or unclear and human error.

Design stage

BIM

Benefits

BIM software is able to capture the existing condition of the site so that the team will have a

good idea on how they should design the building. BIM is also able to reduce wastages on

drawing papers since the design of buildings can be easily edited and changed. Since

editing is a lot easier, users may be able to take in the different ideas and dreams‟ of the

clients to be made into a reality. BIM software is also able to visualize real life effects such

as the sunlight or wind directions or even the seasonal changes in some countries. This will

give architects a good idea on where the building should face to provide for the client‟s

requirement. Clashes of electrical circuit can be detected early in the beams or slabs

preventing conflicts that are bound to happen in tense moments.

Constraints

Similarly to CAD, BIM software also requires the users to be well accustomed to the

software and programs. If users are not familiar, they may even slow down the construction

process instead of speeding it up. There are also possibilities that some of the contractors

may not be able to purchase the software causing them to lose out on a lot of job

opportunities. This is because the start-up cost for this software is too high for them causing

them in the missing opportunities.

CAD Measurement

Benefit

Design models can be designed more quickly. It is able to eliminate the time consuming

process of editing the designs that the clients may change due to a sudden change in mind.

By using CAD, costly mistakes may be avoided since engineers may be able to test the

strength and durability of the building materials. Documents can be printed out in various

forms for multiple users. For example, the contractors for upper floor slabs may start

planning on what they should do while contractors for the elevator service may also plan

their workload at the same time. This will greatly shorten the duration of the construction

process since the contractors do not have to wait for other contractors to finish their work

before they could start their own. Complex technical elements can also be easily visualized

to increase the understanding of the team and prevent miscommunication.

Constraints

For CAD software, there will be some users who will be misusing the functions and ability of

the software. This may be because they did not get enough training and understanding of

the software before using it. This will cause the construction team to face difficulties while

constructing the building since there was something wrong during the design stage.

Manual Measurement

Benefit

Users do not need to be computer literated to operate these measurements since this

method does not or requires little use of the computer. Senior shareholders may also find it

easier to understand the measurements since they are more used to the traditional method.

Another benefit of using the manual measurement is that companies do not have to fork out

a large amount of money to purchase the software and to get the staff the training they need

to operate the measurements.

Constraint

Time is a major factor in the disadvantages of manual measurement. Since it is all done

manually, work will be very troublesome and tedious should a change in design arise.

Personnel in charge may need to remeasure everything that has already been done yet they

may still not find the mistake in the calculation should there be any. Work done may not be

organized since amendments are bound to happen. To redo everything neatly will again be

time consuming. Sharing of information will also be another disadvantage of manual

measurement. Since there will only be one original copy of the drawings, departments may

need to reprint the drawings so that it saves them time from doing the measurements.

Pre-Construction stage

Going past the designing stage, the project still needs to be planned accordingly to ensure

construction are to be constructed accordingly to schedule, budget and as well finding the

right person to get the job done. In this stage, contracts between client and consultant are

made, documents are finalized, and budget and schedule are also settled. Within the

company, a Quantity Surveyor is definitely involved with the pre-construction stage along

with other professionals in a process of constructing a structure. They are to bring Bills of

Quantities as well as suggesting the best contractor for the project provided to the client to

ensure integrity and efficiency for the job. The method of coming up with the Bills of

Quantities are also affected by the software, or the lack thereof, they use which will affect the

accuracy of the bills.

Building Information Modeling

Benefits

Production Time

Due to the feature of which BIM offers, time required to calculate built-up rates such as plant,

labour cost and also material cost has been reduced noticeably. Another effect this brings

was, thanks to the ability to take-off automatically as well as estimation, the time needed to

complete the pricing based on the measurement is reduced substantially.

Quality

It is certain that the use of BIM would provide opportunity to quantity surveyors to provide

better cost estimates based on actual elements provided digitally. Inaccuracies, if correctly

configured, can be easily removed by using BIM. Henceforth, it could not only reduce errors

but also improve the quality ratio of the project.

Constraints

Contract Requirement

With the intention to reflect shared responsibilities in obtaining information as well as aligning

duties, there are a few changes needed for the implementation of BIM. Henceforth,

submission of building plans in these formats to authority is not assured, making the use of

BIM software.

Legal Responsibility

Problems made in BIM will have their faults pushed from one party to another due to the fact

that the software do not have a standard guideline nor does it have a contract within that

dictates the true party at fault.

Configuration of automation-

Even though the ability to automatically create a taking off reduce the time of making a

tender document, the problem would arise if the configuration of the automation itself is

wrong. This would mean that all that is checked correctly by the software would be wrong

even though it is right creating a disaster that would take greater time and cost to solve.

CAD Measuring

Benefits

Accuracy-

Due to the fact that CAD drawings are drawn in actual size, measurements collected are

more accurate. This means that error of quantity caused by using the wrong scale is

impossible.

Data Management-

Management of data of project can be done effectively using CAD software. Data managed

are classified as graphic and non-graphic. Graphic refers to the drawing of a project while

non-graphics refer to data that are not drawing related such as specifications and quantities.

They are all grouped and arranged systematically, allowing quantity surveyors to refer to

these data easily and quickly. With the data in store, cost analysis can be easily done at the

stage. Should there be any changes needed to be made by the architect or engineers,

quantity surveyors could easily change the cost estimates and could be completed in shorter

period of time.

Constraints

Limitation of Usage

In order to generate the Bill of Quantity, all quantities need to be transferred manually or

exported to software to generate quantity. This is because CAD software is limited to only

measure the quantity than compiling them professionally. This could be troublesome, time

consuming and also risk mistakes during the transfer of data.

Manual Measurement

Benefits

Flexibility in workflow-

Software is made in such a way where they need to follow certain steps to get things done.

However, manual measurement allows quantity surveyors to work in however workflow they

are comfortable with thus making workflow more fluent within company. This method is also

more suitable to situations that are not expected by the software because of its flexibility as

well as changing or working according to rules and regulation of region.

Constraints

Production Time

Owing to the fact that quantity surveyors are to write all the calculation of elements as well

as descriptions within bill of quantity, it will take a great deal of time to complete especially if

the building are complex and have a lot of drawings to work with, making this method

actually not cost effective.

Errors

Considering the amount of work need to be done to make a bill of quantity for a complex

building, it is no doubt there will be errors in either calculation or writing of description such

as miscalculate of measurement or grammatical and spelling error. Not only does this

increases the time needed to get the Bills of Quantity done, it is, once again, not cost

effective.

Construction Stage

When a construction begins, the quantity surveyor‟s major tasks are to conduct and attend

meeting for review of progress to keep track of updates and changes. They are to also

provide the schedule as per requirement of client and practical applicability. The preparation

of cash flow data (interim payment) so that the client can arrange the finances required for

each stage of the project are also one of quantity surveyor‟s responsibility. Estimation cost

effect (variation evaluation) when changes to the project occur like delays and agree on

variation with contractors appropriately and the responsibility to resolve disputes between

clients, designer and building contractors are one of quantity surveyor‟s greater job scope.

Building Information Modelling

Benefits

Efficiency to variation

BIM software has the ability to identify the changes and errors within drawing and is able to

make amendment in one click.

High Accuracy towards resources

Quantities extracted are accurate, specific and also in proper to reduce waste in terms of

labour, cost, time and space of which are limited and should be used efficiently.

Great project facilitator

BIM is capable of creating or following up projects activities, cost and time schedule when

updated and also being able to provide overall visualization for worker involved.

Constraints

Expense

The use of BIM software is expensive in everywhere. Not only does it require training

because of how tedious of a program it is. Companies also need to pay software‟s initial and

monthly subscription price. Most BIM software takes a great toll on the computer system and

therefore requires a good computer with stronger processor and a large amount of digital

space.

CAD measurement

Benefits

Clarify of Output

CAD measurement is easier for worker to understand the design and measurement,

reducing the misinterpretation and uncertainty when reading a plan.

Accurate Measurement

Drawings can be measured accurately because due to its actual size for the drawings be it

regular or irregular in shape.

Standardization procedure

It standardized procedure between companies in the industry in terms of designing, drafting

and documentation for clarity.

Constraints

Expenses

The software are individually priced and are expensive. Operators must update his skill

along with the release of CAD software updates and patches.

Function Limitation

CAD measurement is limited to measuring quantities only.

Manual Measurement

Benefit

Cost effective

There is no need for training since even students are already familiarized with manual works

also; there is no extra cost for machinery or software except for printing paper format for

inputs.

Constraint

Production speed

The progress is slower with addition to delay due to changes and error including the time

needed for checking and amendment. Time consumption due to the absent of 3D, 4D and

5D system capability in software.

Output accuracy

Cost data can only accept error of about ≧10%, meaning that the measurement have to be

correct, which is difficult to ensure and tedious work to do manually. Cost data price is

constantly changing, making input have to be constantly updated.

Others

A quantity surveyor is required to prepare the summary of the final account draft along with

the final account report. The report must be submitted on completion of the defects period.

With reference to the RIBA plan of work, it is stated that after the construction phase, there

will be the handover and close out phase. After that, there is the final phase which is in

practical use.

Handover and Close Out

Within the handover and close out phase, a project or a building is handed over back to its

rightful owner which concludes all aspects of the Building Contract. This phase focuses on

the successful handover of the completed building or project. Besides that, the contract

between the client and the contractor ends off, followed by performance evaluation and

feedback which can be used in future projects. The Schedule of Services must align with the

procurement and handover Strategies to confirm the services that are required to be carried

out. At the end of this phase, a final account will be produced and a final certificate of

completion will be awarded.

In Use

This phase states the duties carried out within the Post-Occupancy Evaluation as well as

reviewing of Project Performance. Any additional activities or services may be required as

based on the terms of the contract which was concluded along with the accordance to the

Schedule of Services. If required, services provided will be classified under an "as-need"

basis.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Benefits

Efficient data management

One of the very common points shown by BIM is its efficiency in managing tremendous

amounts of data. This software platform allows the storage of information of any project. It

assists users in updating the building manual, technical guide and health and safety files

simultaneously.

Easier management and operation

It also helps in recording and archiving of costs and schedules for future projects. It is

practically easier to manage and operate as it allows users to anticipate and manage

building projects without even having to implement a lot of operation and maintenance costs.

Constraints

Need for coordination between contractor and designers

This software platform requires major involvement of the contractor to coordinate during the

design stage.

CAD Measurement

Benefits

Data management

Solely being its only main attribute, the CAD software is known for its data management

capabilities. This software helps with organization and management of data for project teams

to use. It is ease the changes of design during the construction phases and following up into

the final account, which can be completed using the data stored.

Constraints

Requires skilled personnel

Improper use of blocks and layers may lead to consequential error during the updating of

changes in design.

Manual Measurement

Benefits

Cost effectiveness

This method is by far, the cheapest method to uphold in comparison to BIM and CAD as

incurred costs only apply for printing of documents. BIM and CAD are basically more

expensive as their software are to be purchased prior to usage.

Low training requirements

Graduates must start off with manual measurements before moving on to the construction

industry, thus already possessing the necessary skills for manual measurement. Firm that

implement major usage on softwares must put in more cost and time to train fresh graduates

in learning how to use the firms' software of choice.

Constraints

Manual Measurement

Lower quality and accuracy of data

Hard copies have to be manually worked out and due to the existence of human error

probability, quality and accuracy of the data produced may not suffice to standard.

REFERENCES

1. Sean, B. D. (2016, April 21). Five Standout Features from Autodesk Revit 2017.

Retrieved April 28, 2016, from

http://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/products/five-standout-features-from-

the-newly-released-autodesk-revit-2017_o

2. A Model of Efficiency. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2016, from

http://www.btc.co.uk/Articles/index.php?mag=Cad

3. Advantages of CAD Modeling at the Design Stage of Development - Seifert

Companies. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2016, from

http://www.seifert.com/blog.aspx?id=advantages-of-cad-solid-modeling-at-the-

design-stage-of-development#sthash.kp9im33u.dpbs

4. Article : Advantage & Disadvantage of CAD. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2016, from

http://www.paper2dwg.com/articles/advantage-disadvantage-cad.htm

5. CostX®. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2016, from

https://www.exactal.com/en/products/costX

6. Home. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2016, from https://www.exactal.com/en

7. Solibri Model Checker - Solibri. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2016, from

https://www.solibri.com/products/solibri-model-checker/

8. The Legal Risks of Building Information Modeling (BIM) | Construction Law Signal.

(2010). Retrieved May 11, 2016, from http://www.constructionlawsignal.com/by-

subject/design-and-technology/the-legal-risks-of-building-information-modeling-bim/

9. Video Tutorials. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2016, from

http://www.exactal.com/en/training/tutorials?name=revisioning