Using BIM technology for cost estimation during the construction process significantly enhances project cost control, supports rational financial planning, and plays a vital role in managing project funds. Airport construction serves as the fundamental backbone of air transportation, and accurate cost estimation is a crucial aspect of managing civil airport construction projects that must not be overlooked.
1. Practical Significance of BIM-Based Cost Estimation
Civil airport engineering projects encompass multiple disciplines, including civil aviation engineering, interior decoration, water supply and drainage, fire protection, electrical systems, ventilation, air conditioning and heating, low-voltage systems, municipal engineering, outdoor infrastructure, and equipment systems. These projects represent large-scale, complex systems engineering endeavors. Given the substantial investment, extended construction timelines, and various external factors, budget overruns are common in airport construction projects—whether for new builds or renovation and expansion. Such overruns not only impede government oversight of civil airport investments but also place financial strain on subsequent airport operations.
2. Cost Control During the Decision-Making Stage
During the initial planning phase, civil aviation investment entities can leverage BIM technology to analyze project costs and related parameters, enabling more intuitive and faster decision-making. BIM also facilitates preliminary selection of construction units based on different project plans and cost estimates, helping stakeholders identify suitable partners and evaluate the potential return on investment for civil aviation airports.
3. Cost Control in the Design Phase
In the design stage, BIM technology allows the creation of a comprehensive database that consolidates various economic indicators. This enables diversified cost control from multiple perspectives. Additionally, BIM supports consistency checks and clash detection across different specialties within the design model, minimizing coordination issues and mismatches. These capabilities streamline design revisions, ultimately reducing the financial impact on civil aviation airport projects.
4. Cost Control at the Completion Stage
At project completion, retrospective reviews are commonly performed. The Ximengtech cost calculation software integrates with the BIM model during construction, providing a comprehensive overview of acceptance and settlement status. Using 3D computer visualization for quantity verification significantly reduces the time needed for these reviews. All cost data is preserved, serving as valuable reference material for future airport construction cost estimations.
BIM technology greatly improves the efficiency of cost estimation in airport construction. However, its adoption in China’s airport construction cost calculation remains limited. Promoting wider application and expanding its use across scenarios will enable more accurate real-world measurements and accelerate the development of smart airports. I hope this article proves helpful to everyone!
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