From the standpoint of construction cost management, whether dealing with project progress payments or final settlements, it is essential to systematically and comprehensively analyze the relevant project quantity data. Through further research and analysis, it has been discovered that the process of quantity surveying in engineering consumes more than half of the entire construction timeline. Historically, whether calculations were done manually or assisted by software, they required significant human and material resources, and ensuring data accuracy was a persistent challenge.
Preparing a Design Budget: The BIM model contains extensive project components and detailed information. Its powerful computing capabilities allow for rapid calculation of all data needed for design budgeting, eliminating the tedious manual work based on traditional drawings and reducing uncertainty. This provides highly reliable and comprehensive data, significantly easing the complexity of design tasks and supporting effective cost management. Additionally, BIM can perform calculations according to different rules to accommodate various requirements. For example, in 2014, Jilin’s quota calculations were based solely on the quantity of cast-in-place concrete, overlooking specific bidding conditions. As a result, the actual contact area of formwork could be included as an item in the bill of quantities during calculations.
Supporting Bidding Processes: With the adoption and promotion of BIM technology in the construction sector, bidding procedures have transformed notably. BIM quantity and pricing software are widely used by construction and cost consulting firms, streamlining the preparation of bills of quantities. The BIM model supplied by the design team encompasses all project-related information, and BIM quantity software can analyze component attributes to directly generate accurate results. This not only speeds up calculations but also improves precision, enhancing the effectiveness of preparing bidding quantity lists.
Assisting in Bid Planning: Bidding teams can quickly calculate work quantities using the BIM-associated database, saving time while improving review accuracy and efficiency. If the BIM model of the project is included in the bidding documents, bidders can verify project quantities based on the model itself. If only CAD drawings are provided, modelers need to adjust the overall project settings, then use manual modeling or CAD conversion to build the model. Cost calculations can then be performed using local quota pricing methods or lists to compare project quantity outputs. Moreover, BIM technology facilitates report generation, allowing flexible statistical summaries that integrate data within the model for easy viewing and verification of the calculation process.
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