5D BIM: an investigation into the integration of quantity surveyors within the BIM process

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the integration of a QS role and practice within the BIM process to enable better implementation of 5D BIM technology. It proposes the use of a 'level of development and level of detail' (LoDs) to provide a structured approach for quantity surveyors' integration within the BIM process for an improved implementation of 5D BIM technology. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses semi-structured interviews with quantity surveyors from academic and industry in the UK. A total of 20 face-to-face semi-structured interviews with two groups (Industrial and Academic) of 10 participants from the West Midlands region in the United Kingdom. The interview questions have focused on gaining perspectives on BIM, BIM and government protocols for the QS profession, expectations and challenges when implementing 5D BIM. Findings: The findings show that BIM is perceived differently, inflexibility of standardising costs reduce reliability in 5D BIM and implementing of 5D BIM needs an understanding of workflow and complexity of information. Research limitations/implications: Although the findings reveal many of the complexities that face quantity surveyors within the BIM process as well as the shortfalls of 5D BIM Technology, the results may lack generalisability. Thus, future research seeks to test the proposed framework further. Practical implications: This paper elicits implications of shortfalls that impact the implementation of 5D BIM technology and the complexities the face quantity surveyors within the BIM process. Originality/value: This paper reveals the need to understand the process of integrating stakeholders and their information requirements for better implementation of technologies within BIM.

The Strategic Application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to the Role of Construction Project Management

“…A study of this kind has not been undertaken in the South African context, however when looking at available literature similar studies have been conducted in other countries. The study by Mohammad, Michael, and Sharon, [20] which conducted in the United Kingdom investigated the integration of a QS's role and practice within the BIM process to enable better implementation of 5D BIM. Furthermore the study by Patil and Manish [24] focused on BIM application for Project Scheduling and Costing of Construction projects including barriers in implementing BIM.…”

Utilization of digitized Building Data and Information Models (BIM) in value estimation of building in rural areas

“…The articles, which are referring to operational phase, are focused mostly on specific problems, usually from technical perspective ( [8], which is examining railway tunnels and their long term technical state). Some articles also deal with the topic of "5D" on general level (like [9], in context of quantity surveying) or in context of different project phases (like [10], dealing with architectural study), but they were not useful for the purpose of this research. Some articles deal with the systematic approach for using BIM in specific cost related processes ( [11] in terms of process modelling, [12] in terms of LCC), but such papers do not deal with the topic of value estimation of existing buildings in the operational phase of the project.…”

5D BIM Applications in Quantity Surveying: Dynamo and 3D Printing Technologies

“…It is easy to case unneeded work due to inefficient communication and inconsistent drawings. In addition, the design drawings and specifications may conflict, which is caused by the errors or data missing and ultimately leads to inaccurate cost estimation [17,18]. Furthermore, the model's errors may be not revised timely, which will affect the accuracy of the quantity take-off [3].…”

“…Furthermore, the model's errors may be not revised timely, which will affect the accuracy of the quantity take-off [3]. Mayouf et al [17] also stated that the 5D BIM implementation requires a comprehensive workflow and information. One of the difficulties of quantity surveyors' work is the poor quality of design documentation.…”

“…One of the difficulties of quantity surveyors' work is the poor quality of design documentation. Multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches play an essential role in improving the efficiency of communication and the quality of the documentations [17].…”