An ever-changing scenario of the construction life cycle is its complex and challenging nature. Dependent on multiple stakeholder minds and various variants the outcome may have delays and pressures to match. Planning the schedules, getting the permits, estimating the cost of material and labor, and scheduling the roles and timelines of the task are innumerable. In this scenario efficiency with quality is infused through the adoption of software like Revit, Naviswork, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Tekla Structures, and many more.
In the beaming light of BIM technology in construction fifth dimension defines the cost parameter. The 5D BIM cost information in the 3D model includes cost and labor hours. A bi-directional flow of information is established between 5D cost estimating applications/software linked to 3D design applications.
Challenges of Conventional 2D Techniques for Cost Managers, Contractors & Surveyors
2D schematic is the only description on the x-axis and y-axis. Lack of visualization of paper layout into the model does create certain obstacles bringing delays. AEC markets across the world including USA, Canada, Europe, and UAE are adopting estimating software as an aid to estimators for better cost analysis. This even allows us to cover a few gaps created in the 2D cost estimation process, including:
Tracking Cost Increase:
- Inconsistency in data: Multiple stakeholders need a common platform to control the change management. A lack of consistency may happen bringing delays and stress amongst stakeholders.
- Poor Decision Making: Absence of virtual 3d modeling lack of visualization, and design decisions for value engineering.
| Traditional Cost Control Process – Time Consumption | 5D BIM Based Cost Control |
| Traditional Cost Estimate – 65 Hours | 3D BIM Modeling – 17 Hours |
| Schedule Integration – 8 Hours | With 4D Model – 5 Hours |
| BOQ Generation – 12 Hours | With 5D Model – 5 Hours |
| Acquiring Time Based Cost – 3 Hours | Obtaining Time Based Cost – 1 Hour |
The Present Scenario of the 5D Estimating System
5D cost estimation and budgetary process effectively generate cost estimates for the early construction phase and operational costs for the execution phase. This detailed cost information may include schedules, prices, labor and material cost, equipment costs, and quantities. The interesting part is that information can be analyzed and updated consistently in real time throughout the construction life cycle.
BIM estimating system allows retrieving of historical data facilitating cost analysis to improve ROI. As per McKinsey & Company, 75% of AEC businesses that used 5D BIM saw a positive return on investment. Stepping up the stress of re-work 5D BIM in project management even improves Bills Of Material (BOM) and Bills Of Quantities (BOQ). So, stakeholders can comprehend, analyze and determine changes and impact on project cost. This simplifies your budgeting, accelerating decision-making with accuracy.
How Benefits of 5D BIM Modeling Overcome Construction Challenges:
➡️ Accurate Cost Assessment:
With real-time cost assessment tuned to project development can put cost estimators on the same page as Architects and engineers. Adopting 5D estimating software facilitates automatic database creation for mappings and detailed cost budgetary creation and export. Customized data formats like uni format, Master format, and uni-class could be implemented with a centralized database.
➡️ Project Planning:
Integrating 5D into a 3D model facilitates easy import and export of schedules from the Primavera Microsoft project. This mapping software of cost elements can generate automated scheduling, resource planning, and critical path method analysis for calculated design decision-making.
➡️ Cost Optimization
The advanced analysis and optimization bring in better resource management and allocations and leveling. BIM Integrated 5D estimation helps the stakeholders to analyze the flow of cost incurring and create a better cash flow environment. For a quantity surveyor, this eases the manual burden of periodically examining the project cost throughout the development.
➡️ Construction Simulation
The design and construction phase has to constantly match up with accurate quantification. So, the procurement process with quantity takeoff generated from BIM has tools to optimize efficiencies. Autodesk Fabrication CADest or Naviswork estimating abilities can create QTO reports for collaboration to maximize the value of the model.
➡️ Progress Tracking
The design changes bring cost adjustment that is calculated in real-time. This helps general contractors with improved value engineering decisions with improved designs. Construction progress, resource monitoring, and automation of schedules can be monitored in the digitized construction environment.
➡️ Reporting
The benefit of the 5D BIM/VDC model is detailed task reports, work breakdown structures, and comparative analysis between planning and actual. With Autodesk Sigma Estimate and BIM 360 integration quantities can be extracted from the 3D model into BIM 360. This can be connected with a 5D model for cost, and budget understanding in a visually explainable manner. The benefit of Sigma estimate software is its direct capability to work with Autodesk Revit. The benefit of Autodesk BIM 360 from BIM Estimate is the linking of 3D to 5D and quick creation of 5D BIM/VDC model. The specialized estimation software reduces estimation errors and saves time.
Also Read:- How does BIM 360 support document management?
Real-Life cases of 5D BIM Implementation:
- Planning of Reinforced Concrete Bridge:
Value flow mapping of bridge piles’ construction pre-visualization assisted stakeholders in a study on BrIM 5D models and Lean Construction for planning work activities in reinforced concrete bridges and making wiser decisions about building costs.
The Future Perspective of 5D Growth
5D BIM has the potential to bring unmatched efficiency to BIM market USA, saving costs and budget-related issues at a later stage. The market is expected to exceed USD 4422.24 million by 2030 at 33.5% from 2023-2030 as per Global Newswire. The process of 5D Revit BIM services is extremely productive for future construction projects. By using 5D BIM, contractors can give more accurate and helpful cost recommendations across multiple design concepts. As the project continues, cost managers will be able to fine-tune these estimates, providing them with excellent possibilities to significantly improve the value of their services. Cost estimators and quantity surveyors will continue to develop more exact methods of estimating building project costs with the use of upgraded BIM technologies.
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