BIM and cost estimating

Working Paper #6
REFLECTIONS ON ESTIMATING - THE
EFFECTS OF PROJECT COMPLEXITY
AND THE USE OF BIM ON THE
ESTIMATING PROCESS

H. van Meerveld, T. Hartmann, A.M.
Adriaanse and C. Vermeij

COPYRIGHT © 2009
VISICO Center, University of Twente [e-mail] Reflections on estimating
The effects of project complexity and the use o f BIM on the estimating process

Bachelor thesis
September, 2009
Research period: May-August, 2009

Author:

H. (Hendrik) van Meerveld
Bachelor student Civil Engineering
University of Twente
Student number: 0112208

University:

University of Twente

Company:

Ballast Nedam

University advisor:

Dr. ir. T. (Timo) Hartmann
Assistant Professor
Department of Construction Management & Engineering
University of Twente

Company advisors:

Dr. ir. A.M. (Arjen) Adriaanse
Manager building process integration
Ballast Nedam Engineering
Ing. C. (Kees) Vermeij
Head of estimation
Ballast Nedam Infra Projecten

Abstract
Companies are starting to use Building Information Models (BIMs) for cost estimation purposes. This
BIM-based estimating enables estimators to quickly and accurately extract quantities and estimate construction costs, potentially leading to a better estimate. In projects that are more complex however, acquiring an accurate estimate requires more effort, because complexity features influence the process and increase uncertainty and the chance of making mistakes. Furthermore, the use of
BIM also influences the estimating process because the BIM determines quantities extracted and has a direct link to corresponding costs. This changes the ways estimators normally would estimate construction costs.
To explore the effects of project complexity and the use of BIM on the estimating process, I conducted three case studies, all concerning parking structure projects. The first case concerned a non-complex parking structure project to gain insight in the traditional estimating process.

References: Ballast Nedam Infra Projecten. (2008) Company manual. Ballast Nedam Infra Projecten. (2008) Handboek Project structuur en codering. Dysert, L.R. (2004). “Estimating”. In Amos, S.J. (ed.), Skills & Knowledge of Cost Estimation. Maylor, H. (2003). Project Management. Harlow, England: Prentice Halls Neil, J.N., (1982) Senate Properties. (2007). BIM requirement 2007, volume 7: quantity take-off. Required on the 17th of June, 2009 from Staub-French, S., Fischer, M., (2001). Industrial Case Study of Electronic Design, Cost & Schedule Integration Staub-French, S., Fischer, M., Kunz, J., Paulson, B., (2003). A generic feature-driven activity-based cost estimation process Staub-French, S., Fischer, M., Kunz, J., Paulson, B., (2003) An ontology for Relating Features with Activities to Calculate Costs Verschuren, P.J.M., Doorewaard, J.A.C.M. (2007). Het ontwerpen van een onderzoek. Den Haag: Uitgeverijg LEMMA September, 2009 Appendix A: Complexity features and related feature(s) of BIM-based I show in the table below, I structured my findings by relating complexity features to the five most common errors in quantity takeoff, as defined by Halpin (2006) Table 2: This table shows the five most common errors experienced during quantity takeoff, according to Halpin (2006).