Author(s)

Xinan Jiang,

Advisor(s)

Ali Touran

Contributor(s)

Asli Pelin Gurgun, Jerome F. Hajjar

Date of Award

2011

Date Accepted

8-2011

Degree Grantor

Northeastern University

Degree Level

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department or Academic Unit

College of Engineering. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Keywords

BIM, Cost Estimating, Project Scheduling

Subject Categories

Building information modeling

Disciplines

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an emerging technology in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. BIM is a computable representation of building and its related information, which provides a virtual view of the objects in the building with physical geometry (2D or 3D) and other functional parameters. Compared to parametric models in CAD, the object-based parametric models in BIM represent the objects by both physical and functional parameters. Diverse BIM tools such as Autodesk Revit Architecture™, ArchiCAD™, Bentley Architecture™, etc. have been widely adopted within AEC industry in design/modeling, construction energy analysis, clash detection, construction scheduling and cost estimating.

In this thesis, diverse BIM tools and applications have been introduced with an emphasis on construction scheduling and cost estimating. Two approaches for 4D scheduling in BIM have been presented: i) BIM tools with 4D capacity, and ii) use of 4D BIM tool to link the 3D BIM model with the project schedule. For the cost estimating capability, three types of available methods have been discussed: i) export the Quantity Takeoff (QTO) list from the BIM tool to the estimating software such as MS Excel, ii) link BIM components to estimating software, and iii) use QTO tool to extract the QTO list from the model. Based on the available methods, a case study is presented to illustrate the scheduling and cost estimating processes in BIM based on the BIM model of a three-story training facility.

The case study shows that BIM does enhance the traditional scheduling and cost estimating methods with a more reliable and automated technology. Based on the reviews on BIM and the case study, the thesis finds out that there are three areas of potential development in the future: i) higher levels of detail (LOD) in BIM model will be available as BIM technology develops, ii) linking time and cost parameters concurrently to BIM components in the building model to deliver a scheduled financial analysis, and iii) allocation of resources on 4D BIM model to analyze and plan the resource usage based on the most updated design, and even simulate the resource allocation.

In this thesis, diverse BIM tools and applications have been introduced with an emphasis on construction scheduling and cost estimating. Two approaches for 4D scheduling in BIM have been presented: i) BIM tools with 4D capacity, and ii) use of 4D BIM tool to link the 3D BIM model with the project schedule. For the cost estimating capability, three types of available methods have been discussed: i) export the Quantity Takeoff (QTO) list from the BIM tool to the estimating software such as MS Excel, ii) link BIM components to estimating software, and iii) use QTO tool to extract the QTO list from the model. Based on the available methods, a case study is presented to illustrate the scheduling and cost estimating processes in BIM based on the BIM model of a three-story training facility. The case study shows that BIM does enhance the traditional scheduling and cost estimating methods with a more reliable and automated technology. Based on the reviews on BIM and the case study, the thesis finds out that there are three areas of potential development in the future: i) higher levels of detail (LOD) in BIM model will be available as BIM technology develops, ii) linking time and cost parameters concurrently to BIM components in the building model to deliver a scheduled financial analysis, and iii) allocation of resources on 4D BIM model to analyze and plan the resource usage based on the most updated design, and even simulate the resource allocation.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights Holder

Xinan Jiang


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