Automation of Construction Quantity Take-Off: Using Building Information Modeling (BIM)

TL;DR

This paper presents an API-based method to automate construction quantity take-off using BIM, improving efficiency and accuracy in estimating materials and labor across different work areas.

Contribution

It develops API codes that automate filtering BIM items for systematic quantity take-off, enhancing construction management practices.

Findings

Automated approach matches hand calculations and BIM software results.

Validated method through a case study on a petrochemical project.

Improves efficiency and accuracy in construction estimation processes.

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) is a major upheaval in construction industry. Although BIM advantages in construction management has been proved in many papers reviewed, there are still many limitations that inhibit organizations to use BIM models efficiently. However, advancement of application programming interface (API) in the recent years has facilitated employing BIM in construction industry. This research contributes to the state of practice in construction management by developing API codes to automate estimation of construction. The developed API automatically filters items related to a particular discipline within a particular work area and facilitate systematical quantity take off in different work areas. This allows the planner to define proper 3D work areas and to estimate the required materials and man-hours in different work areas throughout the project. The results of the developed automated approach are compared with hand calculated results as well as the results calculated from the BIM software interface in special cases. Finally, the research has been validated by a case study of an actual petrochemical project.