au2009 lab-handout

7/30/2019 AU2009 Lab-Handout

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Quantity Takeoffs Made Easy

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Introduction&Description

Autodesk Quantity Take Off (abbreviated to Autodesk QTO) cost estimating software helps cost

estimators collect and synchronize multiformat design data and high-quality images, providing

comprehensive support and enabling a smoother design-to-cost workflow. Use Autodesk

Quantity Takeoff to leverage data automatically or manually measure, count, and price various

building objects.

In this lab we will be spending 90 minutes to provide a working overview to lab attendees on the

functionality and purpose of the software. It is not meant to be exhaustive, or complete;

however, participants will get a sense of where Autodesk QTO fits in the continuum of design

and build process.

With Autodesk Quantity Takeoff, estimators can take advantage of digital data to measure,

count, and price building objects such as walls, doors, and windows, automatically or manually.

The results can be printed, exported to Microsoft Excel software, or published to DWF file

format. This lab will show users how to use dynamic counting, increase the ability to share,

query, and clarify the design intent, and create multi-format quantity reports.

LearningObjectives

After completing this class, you will be able to:

o Learn the basic tools on how to create simple takeoffs from plans, including DWFs,o How to customize the takeoff to fit your needs,o How to use previously created estimation data for current project estimates,o How to create legends,o How to create and format reports and exports

LabExpectations

This lab is designed to take approximately 80 minutes and give a very broad overview of the

basic concepts behind Autodesk QTO. The first lesson will focus on using 2D design data to

build a quick takeoff. Then, for the second lesson we will re-use some of the same takeoff

standards to develop a new project based on 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) data.


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ProjectSetupandUIoverviewOrganizeYourProject

OrganizeYour

Workspace

1. Launch Autodesk QTO 2010 and open the in-progress takeoff called "AU2009-01.ato."

2. Using Window> from the menu bar, make sure the Documents, Tools, Contextual Tools,

Takeoff, and Workbook items are checked.3. Use the Pin icon to force the Documents and Takeoff palette remain open, side-by-side.


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4. Select C1.pdf from the Documents palette. This

document will display within the canvas area. Pay

close attention the toolbar. The tools highlighted are

those that can be used with the data available withinthis PDF; In this case, the 2D takeoff tools.

5. The Workbook palette, found at the bottom of your screen, will soon display the values

for the takeoff items defined within the Takeoff palette. On the Workbook palette right-

click on the "Description" column

heading to view additional fields and

select "Total Cost". You can drag-

drop these columns to control the

order.

SettheDocumentScale

Establishing the scale of each document is

an important part of your QTO project

setup. PDF and other raster-based files will

most likely not have assigned drawingunits, so before you can perform a takeoff

you will need to input the scale manually.

1. The QTO interface is mouse right-

click friendly. Within the Document

palette, right-click while your cursor

is over the C1.pdf document to view the options. Select Properties to set the document

scale. Notice that on the General tab the DrawingUnits value indicates "Unknown".

Change to the Units and Scale tab and change the Drawing Units to "Feet and Inches"and set the Sheet Scale to 1"=10' (this is what the PDF indicates).

2. It's always recommended that you test any PDF/image

document scale accuracy. Using the Polyline Linear

Takeoff tool draw a straight line across the sidewalk.

After starting the tool select two points to define a

distance across the width of the sidewalk. Select the


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left point first then double-click to define the

stopping point as shown in the diagram. For

now, ignore the Takeoff item conflict message.

3. The PDF indicates this should be a 4' sidewalkbut our measurement shows approximately 2'.

This is because the PDF was plotted as a 1/2

size set. Edit the document properties again

and adjust the scale to 1"=20'. You can right-

click on the document OR go to

Document>Units and Scale from the menu bar.

4. Delete the linear takeoff item by selecting it from

your canvas and using the delete button on your

keyboard when you are done.

Organizingthe

Documents

You are almost ready to begin your takeoff. The last step is to organize your documents. QTO

supports the creation of folders, subfolders and duplicating documents within the Document

Takeoff palette. For larger scale Takeoffs this management will be essential. In this lesson we

will organize the documents to match the CSI naming conventions.

1. Right click on the Document Palette area and

select "New Folder" to create a folder called "0300

- Concrete"

2. Right-click on C1 (a DWF version of the site plan)

and select "Copy" then select the 0300 - Concretefolder and right-click to "Paste" a copy of the

document.

3. Right-click on this new document and select

"Rename" to change the name to "Sidewalk

Paving". Right-click again to set the Drawing scale

in this document. Note that this document, unlike

the PDF version, has a Scale value of "Published"

meaning that the scale information is embedded

within the DWF. This is one of the advantages of

using DWFs.

4. Repeat steps 8-9 with these values: Copy the A5 document and place into the 0700

- Windows and Doors folder while renaming to

"Window Takeoff"

Copy the C1 document (again) and place into the 0200 - Site folder while renaming

to "Site Prep Work"

5. Select File>Save from the menubar before proceeding to the next steps.


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CreatingandAssigningTakeoff

Items

Now that your documents are organized andscaled properly you are ready to create a catalog

of takeoff items. An item is a way of categorizing

similar objects according to their characteristics.

The important thing to remember about items is

that they define the primary takeoff unit type as

either: Linear, Area, Volume or Count. For

example '4" Concrete Paving' is an item that

describes an assembly of crushed stone base

and 4" concrete and sealer. This item might use

Area as its unit type. All instances of concretepaving should be organized under this item.

In this lesson we'll be utilizing most of the 2D takeoff tools found in the middle of the toolbar:

We'll start with the site plan documents and sketch the sidewalk paving areas using the

Rectangle Area Takeoff tool then describe some temporary fencing via the Polyline Takeoff tool.

We'll finish with counting some of the windows on the building elevation document with the

Count Takeoff tool.

RectangularTakeoffItems

1. From the Takeoff palette, put your cursor over

the group called "Div. 03 - Concrete" and right-

click to create a "New Item" called '4" Conc.

Paving' and assign the unit type to "Area".

2. With your cursor on this new item select the

Rectangle Area Takeoff tool . We're now ready

to draw rectangular areas to define where the

paving objects are within the project.


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3. From the Documents palette browse to

the 0300 - Concrete folder and make

the Sidewalk Paving document active.

Create a few takeoff objects to definethe pavement areas. Note that the

area values display in the center of

each takeoff object within your canvas.

4. Within the Workbook palette expand

the Div. 03 - Concrete group to view

the area totals for all the objects under

the 4" Conc. Paving item.

5. To make modifications to the Takeoff item double-click on the item within the Takeoff

palette. On the General tab change the Thickness value to 4".

6. Per the File Settings, the default area unit is set to "sq. ft.". You may want to export

cubic yard data about this item. To do so, go to the Cost Data tab, within the same

Takeoff Item Properties dialog, and set the Quantity2 units to Volume and "cubic yd".

TIP: To see Quantity2 values in the workbook you may need to right-click and select from

ths list of possible fields.

LinearTakeoffItems

Linear takeoff items are appropriate for objects such as fencing, structural members, curbing,

and any other items that would typically be priced on a per-foot basis.

1. Make the Site Prep Work

document active on your canvas.

2. Highlight the Group "02 - Site

Construction" from the Takeoff

palette and right-click to create a

new item based on this criteria

shown in the image for

Temporary Fencing.

3. With this new item selected from

the Takeoff palette, pick thePolyline Linear Takeoff tool and

use your cursor to describe some temporary fencing you'd like to see for this project.

This object has not been defined within the document itself, so you can sketch it out as

you see fit.


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TIP: Use the Shift key to keep your lines straight and double-click to terminate a line

segment.

TemporaryFencingdepictedwithheavydashedlineforemphasis.

CountTakeoffItems

Count Takeoffs are used for items that are priced on a per-unit basis such as doors, heating

units, electrical panels, signage, etc.

1. Change the active document to the "Windows Takeoff".

2. Select the "Fixed 36 x 48" item from the Takeoff palette under the Div 08 Group

3. Using the Count takeoff tools, place a marker on some of the windows identified as a #3on one of the elevations.

4. Change the active item to "Single Hung 48 x 42 " and identify some of the #2 windows

from the same elevation.

5. Save your takeoff.


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QTOExportFormats

There are several formats to export Autodesk QTO Reports (File>Export>Report):

Crystal Reports (.rpt) A format that many software use for a general purpose reporting

tool, including Microsoft Visual Basic.

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (.xls) fully formatted Excel spreadsheet that is formatted

in the same way the screen produced reports look.

Microsoft Excel Data Only (.xls) this is closer to a .csv version. Easier to import into

other databases, estimating programs, etc.

Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) to pass to clients, or to keep as a digital record of the takeoff.

Microsoft Word (.doc)

Rich Text Format (.rtf)

Additionally quantities can be exported from Autodesk QTO (File>Export>Quantities):

CSV (.csv) commonly used formatting (comma separated) for transferring data

between spreadsheet-based applications.

XML Spreadsheet (.xml) Extensible Markup Language rule based document

exchange open standard.

GAEB Data Exchange XML (.x81) European version of .xml.


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AutodeskQTOOutput

Reports can be created to document summarized or detailed takeoff data for the entire project

or a selected portion of the project. Autodesk QTO report types:

Summary includes all quantities and cost information for each takeoff group that

contains takeoff data.

Group (Items Only) A detail report that includes quantity and costs for each item in

the project.

Group (Items and Objects) A detail report that includes quantity, costs, object

properties and dimensions, and sheet location for each item and object.

Material (Items Only) A bill of materials that includes quantities and cost information

for each item in the project.

Material (Items and Objects) A bill of materials that can include quantity and cost

information, object properties, dimensions, and sheet location for each item and object in

the project.

All reports are custom, however, Report>Recent Reports can give the most recent reports used.

The process to create a custom report:

1. Report Menu>Custom Report.

2. In the Reports dialog box:


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a. General Tab: Give Report unique name. The project name is the default.

Decide which Report Type needed. The Level of Hierarchy value determines

how many levels of groups are displayed. Level 1 would only be the top level. In

the available list, select the information to include in the report and use the arrowto move it to the Selected List.

b. Columns Tab: Select the column headers to use in the report.

c. Labels Tab: Select the label style. Label Style controls item descriptions in the

report. Items are listed in ascending order, based upon the label style. Note the

preview sample is given to assist.

d. Layout Tab: Specify the page numbers, grids and orientation.

e. Header & Footer Tab: Specify header and footer (similar to Microsoft Excel).

3. Click Create Report.

AddingaLegend

A legend is a reference table on the sheets (.pdf, .dwf) that shows the colors used for takeoff

markup on that sheet. The legend is comprised of the color block, item label, and quantity

information on that sheet. Legend entries are listed in ascending alphabetical order.

TIP: If your project has items named only by size, such as windows or doors, choose a label

style with a group name to assist with identification within the legend.

After a legend is created, contents cannot be edited directly QTO reports what is visible.

Legends are updated automatically when changes are made to item names, colors, quantities,

visibility settings, and group designations.

To add a legend to a sheet:

Documents Palette>Select a 2D sheet that has either a model based or manual based

takeoff.

Document Menu>Legend. This will place the legend on that 2D sheet. It can be sized

or moved with grips


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To modify the legend settings, select the legend, and refer to the Options Bar:

Label Style: Select Item Name, Item and Parent Group, or Item and Root Group. Parent

Group speaks to how the project is organized in the Takeoff (Uniformat, CSI, other).

Root Group is the secondary level underneath the Parent Group.

Show Quantities: Show different quantities taken (QTY 1 or QTY 2) or show both.

Size: Select the font size desired on the sheet for the legend.

To move the legend, select the grips and relocate.

Legends are printed on sheets only if they are displayed on the canvas. When the legends areon sheets that are published to DWF, Design Review can view the legends, but cannot modify

them.

AutodeskQTOCatalogImport/ExportExporting an Autodesk QTO Catalog

is crucial to leveraging previous

information on future projects.

Catalog data fields are storage

containers for data that is retained

from an external source and imported

into the project during the Project

Setup Wizard.

The catalog used can be None, CSI

16 format, CSI 48 format, Uniformat, or a custom format created by the user. A custom format

has numerous advantages and possible customizations, including SKU numbers or database

ID, through the use of user-defined fields.

Catalog data fields are created in QTO during catalog import. Catalog data fields and their

associated values are displayed on the Catalog Data tab of the Properties dialog for the groupor item.

To create and import a catalog with catalog data fields:

Export customized material/object database from companys cost estimation application,

in either CSV or TXT format.


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Open the file in Microsoft Excel, and review and modify the data.

CRITICAL NOTE: There is an issue with Microsoft Excel corrupting the csv header information

and making it corrupt if you bring the altered csv into Autodesk QTO. There are two

workarounds. 1) Use a CSV Editor that does not alter the csv header

(http://csved.sjfrancke.nl/index.html ). 2) Manually modify (from Jason Dodds blog):

ExportoutthesameCatalog2times:1filetoedit(andallowtheheadertogetcorrupted)andtheothertoremainintact.Iusuallynamethesecondfile"clean"andmakesuretoneveractuallysaveoverthat"clean"file.

MaketheneedededitstothefirstCSVfiles.SaveandclosewhenreadytoimportintoQTO

Openthe

"clean"

file

with

a

text

editor

(notepad

works

well)

and

copy

the

first

3

lines

of

the

header.Youwillwanttoreplacethecorruptlinesintheotherfile.

OpentheeditedCSVfileandreplacethefirst4linesofcorruptedheaderinformationwiththe3linesofheaderinformationfromthe"clean"file.

Thereshouldstillbeaspaceaftertheheaderandbeforethestartofthestartofthetext(asinthecleanfile).

SaveyourfileasaCSVandimportwithQTO.o Note:AnytimeyoumakeandeditwithExcel,youwillhavetorepeattheabovethe

processtoreplacethecorruptheaderinformation. Save the edited CSV or TXT file.

In Autodesk QTO>File Menu>Import>Catalog. Import catalog.

On Takeoff Palette, double click a takeoff item.

In the Takeoff Item Properties dialog, click the Catalog Data Tab.

Verify information is correct>OK.


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Exporting Takeoff Catalogs the hierarchical structure of the items and groups in the Takeoff

Palette is saved in the file format selected. The purpose of exporting catalogs is to provide a

consistent data structure and format across project in the company. Additionally the ability to

use customized data can be valuable for maintaining data sustainability throughout the takeoff construction process.

ExportCatalog

1. While AU2009-01.ato takeoff is still open, go to File Pull Menu>Export>Catalog. You

can also export a catalog from the Takeoff Palette.

2. Save your catalog as "AU2009.att".

3. Save and close the current takeoff.

AskfortheHighestQualityData

PreparingaRevit-BasedDWFFileforQTOSo far we've been dealing with 2D data and the related Takeoff

tools. In this next lesson we'll re-use the Catalog we developed in

the previous lesson. This new Takeoff will include 3D data

published from a Revit model and will include both 2D and 3D DWF

files. As you start to use Autodesk QTO in your workplace you'll

want to familiarize yourself with the different "flavors" of DWF and

to make sure that you know how to ask for the highest quality files

possible.

Currently there are four basic flavors of 3D DWFs: Revit, AutoCADMEP, AutoCAD Architecture, and Civil 3D. Find out what file types

your partners are able to produce and ask them to give you a set

that includes this embedded data. Let's see how it's

done on the Revit side...

1. Using Revit 2010 (Architecture, Structure or

MEP versions) open the file "Sample Revit to

QTO.rvt". What you need from a Revit model is

any relevant 2D sheets AND view that includes

the model. The process required for Revit 2009

projects is somewhat different so you'll want torefer to the Help Files.

2. To Start the DWF Creation go to the Application

Menu (big "R")>Export>DWF.

3. On the View/Sheet Set Tab define a list of

Sheets and at least one 3D View in the Export

drop-down list. For the purposes of this lesson


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the "2009-12 TakeOff V1 Set" has been pre-defined to include (3) sheets and (1) 3D

View. Select this name from the list.

4. The last step to take when preparing a Revit file for use with QTO is to specify that

Room and Area data be included in the DWF. While still in the Export DWF Dialog box,on the DWF Properties Tab, check "Room and Areas in a separate boundary layer"

5. Select Export from the lower right-hand corner. Now you've successfully created a

Revit-based DWF file for use with QTO.

TIP: You'll notice that It's possible to export to either DWF or DWFx file format. At present

the DWF format is recommended due to smaller file size; QTO does not yet leverage

any DWFx specific functionality. DWFx is mainly for viewing dwf information in an

internet browser application (Internet Explorer, etc).

GettingtotheCompellingBIMProposition...theModelTakeoff

The vision of the Integrated Project Delivery world is one where the architect, engineer,

designer, and contractor share real-time data about the project without fear of liability. In this

world the building model, site topography, etc., are given wholesale to the contractor for re-use.The project is not flattened to fit onto a 30x42 sheet but remains intact as a 3D record of what

the building will shortly become. Until that time arrives, Autodesk QTO can move us towards

that goal by facilitating the re-use of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) database for

takeoff purposes via the DWF file format.

OrganizingYourTakeoffProject

For our second Takeoff we will re-use the Catalog that we've created already to save us time

and to assist in standardizing how we

organize our data.

1. Launch Autodesk QTO 2010 and starta New Project using the following

choices (or open AU2009-02.ato):

2. Name = AU2009-02

3. Path =leave as is

4. Unit Systems = Imperial

5. Currency = $,USD

"Pin"IconsShownCircled


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6. Catalog = AU2009

7. Drawing/Models = Sample Revit to QTO.dwf

8. Using the Pin icon organize your workspace so that you can see the Document, Takeoff

and Workbook palettes all at once.9. Browse to the Div. 08 - Door and Window group from the Takeoff palette and review the

items imported from the AU2009 catalog.

PerformingaModelTakeoff

In our previous takeoff we needed to use the Count takeoff tool to count all of the window

objects based upon our elevation sheets. When you are able to obtain DWF files based on BIM

data this process is unnecessary!

1. From the Documents palette, make "3D

View: 3D Takeoff" active.

2. Select the Model Takeoff button fromthe toolbar area and select anywhere

on the model to initiate the model

takeoff. This process may take a

minute or two depending upon the size

of the model. Upon completion QTO

will display a new Group matching the

name of the document from which the

model takeoff was generated. All the

items that existed within the Revit-

based project will now display withinthis Group.

3. Browse to the 3D Takeoff>Window

Group to find the item for "Fixed: 36 x

48" and right-click to select "Assign to

Item". The work you did in the previous

takeoff can now be re-used.

4. Select the Div. 08- Doors and Window

> Windows>36x48 Fixed item. This will

move the object from the 3D Group into your Div. 08 Group and assign those item

characteristics to the windows.

IMPORTANT CONCEPT: While this assignment process is manual during early takeoffs, in

future takeoffs the assignment will become automatic.

BrowsingtheBIMTakeoffData

One of benefits of using DWF files with this BIM data is that the ability to browse the data from

either the Takeoff palette or from the Documents palette.

AssigningModelTakeoffItemstoCatalogItems


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CreatingtheAssembly

1. Using your mouse to drag and drop, move the

"GWB on Mtl. Stud" item from the "3D Takeoff"

group into the newly created "Ceilings" group.

Assign the unit type to "Area" for this item.

2. Repeat this process, moving the "Stair Core

Walls" and "Typ. Partition Wall" items into the

"Interior Walls" group as show in the screen

shot. Assign the unit type to "Area" for this

item.

3. Double-click on the GWB on Mtl Stud ceiling item to edit its Properties.

4. On the Assembly tab select the "+" symbol to add the new "5/8" GWB item as part of the

ceiling assembly. If we want to takeoff the area of the gypsum then the value for

Quantity 1 would be "Area". If we want to takeoff the number of sheets required we canget more detailed and create a

formula based on the wall area

or length. In the example shown

here the goal is to create a

count of the sheets required by

dividing the wall area by 32 sf

(sheet of GWB is 4' x 8').

5. If time permits try adding the

same 5/8" GWB to the two

interior wall items. For the Stair

Core Walls, assume a double

layer of 5/8" on each side and

use a formula of 4*(Area/32).

For the Typ. Partition Wall item

use a formula of 2*(Area/32).

6. If we want to view the sum total of all the 5/8" GWB items we can run a Report using the

Materials (Items Only) report to see that we have a total of 2,360 sheets of gypsum

wallboard thus far.


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There's a lot more to cover in QTO but hopefully these two lessons have given you a sense of

how the product works and how to begin a takeoff project.

Estimating(Post-AutodeskQTO)

In the goal of continuing data forward, to be able to use it for estimating and then onward to

construction accounting; it is reasonable to ask how this is done with Autodesk QTO.

Continuing this digital data forward to estimating is probably best suited for those firms who

need to produce financial statements (Contractors, Sub-trades, etc), than for Architects and

Engineers (who probably can use spreadsheets to manage the data).

To export to Microsoft Excel:

File Menu>Export>Quantities.

Select whether you want selected

items or all items in the Export

Quantities Options dialog box. Select

OK.

After deciding which file type you

would like (if to Microsoft Excel, select

.xml).

Open in Microsoft Excel.

If you are using Autodesk QTO as a step towards a construction estimating package

(Timberline, MCSquare, etc), review how that estimating package accepts the information,

because it varies. Winest (www.winest.com) imports via a .csv text file. Please review with

your construction estimating program for further information.

TipsandTricks

QTO is a static method of taking quantities. It is most logically used to build estimates at

project milestones. Explain the ability to update an estimate for an RVT that is in-

progress. If model items need to be mapped to groups or takeoff items this work will be

lost.

Understand the limitations of the various file formats. Avoid image files or older

PDFs where estimating scale can produce results with too much variance. Ask

for DWF sheet sets that include a 3D view of the overall model if your architect or


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engineer are using: AutoCAD Architecture, Civil 3D, AutoCAD MEP, or any of

the Revit products.

Know your estimating needs and dont over-estimate in QTO. For objects likewall sheathing that are a function of another takeoff items (wall area), consider

managing that takeoff item within your estimating tool.

Weight can be derived for an item by using a formula to convert the length into a

weight unit, such as tons. For information about performing calculations on

takeoff quantities, see Entering Formulas in the Workbook.

You will notice that unit types will start to be automatically mapped with future

takeoffs and may be interested in standardizing those across all estimators.

QTO has a file located in the home directory of each user. It is called

ObjectTypeHistory.xml. If you copy this file to other QTO users, they will sharethe same mappings for Item type preferences. The file is located in:

C:\Documents and Settings\**username**\Local Settings\Application

Data\Autodesk\Autodesk Quantity Takeoff\3.0.x.0

The 3.0.x.0 folder may vary depending on which build you are using.

Conclusion

Autodesk QTO is software that allows Architects, Engineers and Contractors to extend thedigital data in PDF and DWF including legacy information. It is built on Autodesk Design

Review technology.

Thank you for attending Autodesk University 2009.