Part A: Compare the functions and limitation of BIM QS computer software:-

- Glodon- Buildsoft- Vico- Cost XSummary and recommendation

● Known as TAS.

● Is a measurement tool for QS in construction field.

● Utilize environment data to 3D Visualization effect.

● Enable modeling BIM drawing directly from DWG or PDF files.

● It allow user to carry out measurement calculation.

● Or adjusting model for variation calculation.

Function● Professional management tool - Provide accurate information for decision

making (cost).

● Quick modeling & BIM-based quantity takeoff - Allow direct editing (DWG,IFC)

to erect 3D model.

● The ideal data interface, accurate model data - Merge with international

format.

● Project management for 5D BIM - Support web and mobile to inquire 5D

information anytime.

● Takeoff products with high market share - Core source for BIM application.

Limitation ● Cost

● Expensive to require full function of BIM product.

● Management and maintenance fee.

● Software operation update fee for new features.

● Cost is the biggest limitation for Glodon.

BUILDSOFT is an Australian company in Sydney serving the construction in around the world that established in 1985. Its main function is estimating software for the building and construction industry.

Buildsoft Global Estimating is the software program for commercial use in the building and construction industry. It produces Bills of Quantities or detailed Estimates and Cost Plans. Besides, it allows users to validate and cross-reference the estimating and takeoff at any stages. There are 3 types of products in Buildsoft which are cubit, Estimating series and Mudshark.

Function1. Update estimation efficiently

Collect pricing information and save in template price list to control the prices

jobs, ensuring accuracy and maximizing profitability over the company. Any of

updates in further, template price list and jobs is able to push into estimates

so information is the latest.

2. One seamless process

Specialized estimating system with flexible functionality which integrates take

off with estimating make users work the way they think.

3. Zero errors

Pinpoint accurate takeoff from any angle in 3D drawing no matter how

complex is the drawing by tracing directly over imported plans. Without

second doubt of their own skill, work can be easily done in fast and accurate.

5. Greater control, insights and analysis

It is handy if jobs are grouped together and make more visibility. Codes the

estimating allows users to differentiate formats and giving a quick or breakdown a

job by cost code or material.

4. Easily view and edit plan

Clearly differences occurs when takeoff already

done and save countless hours. This may be

avoiding the overlapping taking off in the same

phase. It allows editing plans as part of the

revision process.

Limitation1. High utility bills

Buildsoft is latest software which also requires the latest internet connection

and huge installation fee. Facility fee is also involved although does not

involve in the software but must exist such as photocopying, mailing, faxing

and etc.

2. Typing errors

Buildsoft does not detect typing errors like computer. It has to depend on

manpower to check the errors especially in BQ (Bill of Quantities) will take

more time and focuses to type into the computer.

3. Virus attack

Existing of Buildsoft must with antivirus due to attacking of the virus to the

computer system will also affect the contents. Data might lost and may be

can’t recovered by any means.

Vico Software● provide construction software and services.● Building owners, general contractors and construction managers.● To coordination, quantity takeoff, cost estimation, project scheduling and

production control.

Function 1. Clash detection - VIco Constructability Manager ● To identify clashes● Mix and match● Design and save ● Examine the clash● Prepare Constructability Analysis Report

2. Layout - Vico Layout Manager● Plot out the point and transfer data.● Allow to add very accurate Layout Points.● Export the Layout Points.● Easily mark points with the integration with Trimble gear.● Validate the actual field points.

3. Quantity Takeoff - Vico Takeoff Manager

● Generate quick and highly accurate model.● Extract location-based quantities from BIM models.● Filter and classify.● Get accurate quantity takeoffs.● Generate quantity takeoff reports.

4. Scheduling and Production Control - Vico schedule planner & Vico LBS Manager

● Used for scheduling which allow integrating model-based quantity takeoff information with resource quantities and projecting location to create optimized schedule.

● Design schedule without increasing any risk● Used to define location structure & alternate location structure● Maintain persistent location structures

5. Estimating - Vico Cost Explorer & Vico Cost Planner

● Visually see the budget as a 3D model● Compare 2 or 3 budget/design options side-by-side● Gradually plan the cost from “idea” to “pre-construction”● Rapidly create cost plan

Limitation● Only one model file can be operated at one time

CostX software● Is a construction estimating program with an off-screen takeoff system.● It was released by Exactal in July 2004.● It can be used among Quantity surveying, construction development and

more.

Function1. 3D Take-off/ BIM Model● Enables user to have a clearer visualization of 3D drawings● Allow QS to have more accurate estimate quantities and costs compared to

traditional method.

2. Auto-revisioning● Compare the measurement that have been extracted from previous drawing

to the similar drawings objects in the new drawing issues.

3. Sub-contractor comparison● Generate subcontractor comparison workbook by comparing the quotation

details.● Allow QS to make comparison for the rates and sum cost and quality of each

element during tender period.

4. Paperless estimating● Allows the user to view all the report and receive the drawing without printing

any paper.● Scan drawing into CostX and will be able to view all the measurement in the

software.● Provide an easy to use format for the users to share all their project

information to their client.

5. Network capability

● Allows multiple user to work on the same project at the same time.

● Increase productivity output by shortening the time to complete a project.

● Users can make changes of their data in the software without printing any

paper.

Limitations1. Additional costs for add ons

There are many other functions that are not provided, unless they purchase CostX.Users are required to pay extra to extend the capability of BIM tool.

2. Experienced users is neededIn order to fully utilize this software, a company requires an experienced user to guide their workers on this software when the company is still practicing traditional measurement method.

3. Limitation in measurementFor example, the main reinforcement bars of the beam and column could not be detected by using this software. Bents of mesh fabric reinforcement bars (BRC) could not be detected as well.It may affect the accuracy of the measurement.

Compare and Recommendation

Table of summary

Compare and Recommendation

● Recommendation: Glodon

● REASONS:

1. Professional management tools

- Provide accurate data and information for decision making.

- Save cost, time and improve the quality of the construction project.

2. Quickly modelling and BIM-based quantity takeoff

- Enable QS to cope with various design changes.

- Produce the quantity takeoff quickly.

3. Nation-wide takeoff software

- Most the QS using same BIM computer software.

- Increase the collaboration of work to others QS which using the same BIM

computer software.

Part B: Compare benefit and constraints of Building

Information Modelling(BIM), CAD measurement

and manual measurements:-

1. Preparation stage

2. Design Stage

3. Pre-construction Stage

4. Construction Stage

5. Post-construction / Other Stage

Preparation Stage : BenefitBIM MEASUREMENT

1. Improve visualisation- Establish the 3D model of

the building.- Allow the client to have a

better understanding.- To ensure the building

design reach the client’s requirement.

2. Feasibility Study- Able to evaluate different

design option of the building.

- Less time consumed.

3. Better understanding of the site analysis

- Easily access to site information with aerial imagery and digital elevation.

CAD MEASUREMENT

1. Accurate valuations - Accurate scaled drawings

which eliminate error in quantities take off

- the analysis will be more in depth as variation of alternative design with high precision.

2. Sharp visualization- Created model to prevent

misunderstandings and achieve satisfaction.

3. Provide storage and database

- When information is available and confirmed, the database could be formed and stored on a single disk.

MANUAL MEASUREMENT

1. Cost Effective - Printing cost- Low initial software cost- Low training cost

Preparation Stage : ConstraintsBIM MEASUREMENT

1. High investment cost in BIM software

- Expensive BIM software- Construction company

need o have enough financial support for the software.

2. Lack of standardization- Different operation way of

the business at every building process

- Cause inconsistent performance.

CAD MEASUREMENT

1. High expenses- costly and required

regular upgrades - Client bare the AutoCAD

cost to do some updates according the client’s need.

2. No backup system- Does not have the

autosave system.- Constantly save manually

to ensure the data is secured and saved.

3. Training needed - Allow them to master and

understand the software and function it properly

MANUAL MEASUREMENT

1. Time consuming in preparing documents.

- Low output by preparing manually

2. Unable to produce cost plan

- Advice on budgeting based on cost plan.

Design Stage : Benefit

BIM MEASUREMENT

1. Better representation and visualization of architect’s design

- Enable them to put all the information correctly.

2. Resolve Conflict- Able to discover design errors in the early

stage of design.- Save time and cost.

3. Reduce usage of material- Provide accurate quantity of total

materials required

4. Increase the efficiency of work- Speed up preparation process.

5. Bills of Quantity

CAD MEASUREMENT

1. Flexible drawing information

- Overlays such as electrical lines or plumbing

lines will be seen as transparent overlays.

2. High accuracy

- Accurate scale of drawings in 2D or 3D

drawings could be drawn

3. Easier to measure irregular shape

- irregular shape could be measured in a faster

way by just tapping the limit of all unpredictable

shape.

4. Gain more profit – CAD providing many

shortcuts in calculation comparing to manual

calculation, thus the QS firm could pick up more

projects and handle additional scope of work.

Design Stage : ConstraintsBIM MEASUREMENT

1. Require high performance computer

- BIM software occupies large space of memory on the computer

- Affect to work speed.- Need to keep upgrade the

computer.

2. Data can be modified- Data can be modified by

suppliers and contractor.

3. Training to employees- Training to construction

member - To ensure enhance their

understanding and enable them to use BIM.

CAD MEASUREMENT

1. ‘Polyline issue’

- drawing is given in

polyline, there will be less

usage of CAD.

2. Difficulties to quantify

sketches

- couldn’t measure

sketches .

3. Changes have to be

updated manually.

- CAD changes have to be

make manually unlike

BIM will be automatically

update.

MANUAL MEASUREMENT

1. Difficult to visualize the design of project

- Based on 2D elevation drawing to interpret design

2. Time consuming in measurement

- Wasting manpower in measurement.

- Changes needed to be updated in timely manner to ensure measurement is correct and reduces variation arises

Pre-construction Stage : Benefit

BIM MEASUREMENT

1. More accurate estimations

- Enable estimators to identify and extract the quantities and spaces require.

- Enable the estimator to produce a reliable and accurate cost estimates in early design stage.

2. Reduce the number of reworks

- Able to identify potential problem occur.

- Less omissions and errors make.

3. Constructability Analysis

- Enable the project team performs detailed constructability analysis.

CAD MEASUREMENT

1. Provide convenience

- drawings can be changed

without erasing and

redrawing

2. Data managing

- QS can easily change the

cost estimates.

3. High accuracy - CAD

could allow architect to

draw any desired

dimension or patterns

according to scale without

having any troubles.

MANUAL MEASUREMENT

1. Cost effective- Only require basic

measurement knowledge in taking off element.

- Printing charges

2. Familiarity of project- Clear image is developed

when doing manual measurement

3. Flexibility- Taking off can be done

even if there are downtime of electrical supply or internet interferences due to the facts that no softwares are being used.

Pre-construction Stage : ConstraintsBIM MEASUREMENT

1. Disruptive- Disrupt the general

construction process for ordering the materials.

- Changes of design.

CAD MEASUREMENT

1. Limitation to prepare BQ

- Limit to just measure the

amounts. Quantity

Surveyor has to transfer

the data manually to other

software to prepare BQ.

MANUAL MEASUREMENT

1. Time consuming- Request information- Manual taking off

elements( numerous drawings)

2. Unable to identify error - Error or discrepancies of

design cannot be detected

3. Human errors- Workload is high,

chances getting errors high.

- Chances of missing elements and errors is high due to number of elements need to be taken-off is high.

Construction Stage : Benefit

BIM MEASUREMENT

1. Improve the collaborative among project team

- Able to share the same information.

- More effectively to communicate the ideas and actions.

2. Control the cost and save time

- Help the project team to control the cost whitn the budget.

3. Site Coordination- Useful for contractor in

site planning.- Help contractor to identify

potential hazards.

CAD MEASUREMENT

1. Improves

communication

- better communication as

the errors and uncertainty

will be reduced.

2. Standardize technique

– CAD is following the

industry standards and

came out with a

standardized system. The

design, drafting and

documentation strategies

are all standardized.

MANUAL MEASUREMENT

1. Document Presentation- Document can be compile

securely and consistently. - Any progress payment

can be supported by picture in hard copy to facilitate the approval of progress payment by the client.

Construction Stage : ConstraintsBIM MEASUREMENT

1. Incompatibility with partners

- Not every construction company willing to invest on BIM.

CAD MEASUREMENT

1. Measurements are limited

– There are limitations on

measurements such as

we could only measure

2D outlines like lengths or

areas only based on 2D

drawings.

2. Operating expenses on

site

- CAD usually build

robotized costs,

increasing the automation

expenses. Thus there is a

financial conflict on site

when using CAD as the

site managers will want to

keep their budget low.

MANUAL MEASUREMENT

1. Time consuming- Solving variation arises,

getting approval and consent from consultant team

- Site valuation for progress payment, getting clarification and information from contractor.

2. Cost Control- Lack of a proper cost

planning system to detect cost overruns before completion.

Post-construction/ Other Stage : Benefit

BIM MEASUREMENT

1. Facilities Management- Help facilities and maintenance team

have a better understanding of the building.

2. Simplified the switching from one facility manager to another

- BIM create incentive for new facilities manager to perform better.

CAD MEASUREMENT

1. Extra information – By using CAD, the

3D drawings will show some hidden

compartments such as wirings and

some sensitive parts. With this function,

maintenance work will be carried out

easier.

2. Commonly usable

Post-construction/ Other Stage : ConstraintsBIM MEASUREMENT

1. Training required to facilities and maintenance team

- Not all member under facilities and maintenance team know how to use BIM.

- Training needed for them to update and maintain the information of BIM model.

CAD MEASUREMENT

1. Limited information

- limitation on getting the

building softscape such

as population density and

designated space usage

because normal CAD

could only get information

about building hardscape.

Thus, CAD couldn’t

provide enough

information for the

changes made in building

softscape.

MANUAL MEASUREMENT

1. Time consuming in preparation of final account

- Adjust contract sum manually

2. Problem arises from contractual claims

- Lack of communication and collaboration between consultant and contractor

- Unable to identify and resolve claims earlier and leads to more claims and unnecessary cost incurred.