Using BIM technology for precise engineering quantity calculations offers numerous advantages over traditional methods. These benefits are particularly evident in the following aspects:
1) Enhanced Calculation Accuracy
The adoption of BIM technology has transformed China’s engineering measurement methods, introducing BIM-based quantity calculation. Previously, during the CAD era, metrologists manually compiled Excel spreadsheets, extracting quantities from CAD drawings to perform calculations and summaries. This process was not only time-consuming but also prone to errors, leading to low accuracy. Discrepancies in calculation methods often caused conflicts between contractors, owners, and auditors.
With the integration of BIM and 3D computing, many specialized software tools such as Guanglian Da and Qinghua Siwei have emerged in China. Metrology professionals now convert drawing elements into software components, assigning relevant attributes that enable automatic measurement. This shift has significantly improved calculation efficiency.
Moreover, BIM components inherently carry attributes that previously required manual input, reducing time spent on data entry and minimizing human errors. As a result, the accuracy of engineering quantity calculations has greatly improved compared to traditional approaches.
2) Multi-Purpose Initial Mock Examination Reduces Re-Modeling
BIM models created with software like Revit can directly generate quantities and grouped prices, allowing the initial mock examination to serve multiple purposes. This capability reduces the costs associated with repeated model creation.
Throughout consulting or multi-stage projects, BIM forward design is implemented, and the calculation model is finalized immediately after design completion. This enables issuing a controlled price list for bidding, effectively bypassing traditional calculation stages and shortening construction timelines.
Currently, popular BIM calculation software in China includes Guanglian Da and Luban.
3) Fast and Accurate Bill of Quantities Completion
The precision of bill of quantities pricing critically influences material procurement. Completing these bills quickly and accurately is vital for subsequent processes such as purchasing and schedule management.
Engineering quantity calculation forms the foundation for preparing bidding control prices but is often the most labor-intensive and time-consuming task. Traditional calculations based on 2D drawings increase workload and error rates, which negatively affect downstream accuracy.
In contrast, BIM-based workload calculations deliver faster and more accurate results, substantially reducing the effort required from budgeting personnel and providing more reliable data. This also eases the responsibilities of cost management teams, who can leverage precise data to perform cost queries and adjust market prices, ultimately enhancing project profitability.
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