The impact of BIM: Project duration and cost estimation in housing projects
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Last Updated: 2-2015
There are a lot of definitions of BIM because most researchers try to define BIM in their own terms. In this thesis, the BIM definition incorporates 1) the use of BIM to digitally represent a facility with physical and functional characteristics attached in 3D, 2) the ability to use BIM during the entire lifecycle and 3) a process to reduce errors and improve project success compared to traditional ways. For many years, on-site progress data collection has mainly been paper-based and was reported as one of the major problems causing project delays and cost overruns (Tserng et al., 2014). The design decision-making on building projects critically needs accurate and timely cost feedback. Using BIM could potentially eliminate this threat to the project duration and costs by positively influencing factors that affect project duration and cost estimation. A lot of research has been done on the impact of BIM on project duration and cost estimation, mostly in a qualitative way. BIM can reduce the project duration by, among other things, the cutback of rework (using automated clash detection), early coordination, 4D simulation and automation of quantity take-off. The impact on cost estimation affects both the estimating process and the quality of the cost estimation. Studies have shown that BIM can reduce the process time up to 80% in comparison with the traditional process and generate a more accurate quantity take-off. The implementation of BIM within the construction industry still has a long way to go, mainly due to a lack of knowledge and the conservativity of the AEC industry.