SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN

BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)

CSC60603 – Software Application for Quantity Surveying

Submission Date: 14th October 2013

Lecturer: Ms. Lim Tze Shwan

Group Members:

Hong Kai Yin 0323361

Lau Chin Sheng 0317899

Welson Lum Wei Jiunn 0319515

Yong Sing Yew 0318766

Kong Zhen Chung 0319528

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Content

Title Page1.0 Introduction 3

2.0 Intro to Cost X2.1 Advantages2.2 Disadvantages

4-7

3.0 Intro to Glodon TAS3.1 Advantages3.2 Disadvantages

8-11

4.0 Intro to Masterbill4.1 Advantages4.2 Disadvantages

12-14

5.0 Intro to Buildsoft5.1 Advantages5.2 Disadvantages

15-18

6.0 Comparison Checklist 197.0 Recommendation 208.0 Intro to Part B 219.0 Benefit in Preparation/Briefing Stage9.1 Constraint in Preparation/Briefing Stage 22-24

10.0 Benefit in Design Stage10.1 Constraint in Design Stage 25-28

11.0 Benefit in Pre-Construction Stage11.1 Constraint in Pre-Construction Stage 29-31

12.1 Benefit in Construction Stage12.0 Constraint in Construction Stage 32-34

13.0 Benefit & Constraint in Other Stage 35

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1.0 Introduction to BIM

BIM is an architectural process of Virtual Design and Construction that through the

heavy use of technology integrates and connects information with the virtual model. It has

become a standard practice in the construction world. BIM is widely used in multiple large

companies worldwide, including quantity surveying companies, construction companies,

subcontracting companies or civil companies. The Building Information Model is primarily a

three dimensional digital representation of a building and its intrinsic characteristics. It is

made of intelligent building components which includes data attributes and parametric rules

for each object. It is a platform to share knowledge and communicate between project

participants. In other words, Building Information Modelling is the process of developing the

Building Information Model.

We chose the following 4 types of software program as our study of software application for quantity surveying:

1) Cost X

2) Glodon TAS

3) Buildsoft

4) Masterbill

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2.0 Cost X

Cost X is a software that enables us to quickly and accurately take off quantities from

2D drawings. In addition, generating automatic quantities from 3D models / BIM using Cost

X is also available. By using this software, we are able to prepare estimates, bills of

quantities and tenders easily and all in a fraction of the time and cost.

There is a total of 5 types of Cost X software available in the market. Each type of

software has its own functions and features.

The 5 types of Cost X software are as following:

1. Cost XL

2. Cost X Take Off

3. Cost X Take Off 2D

4. Cost X Viewer

5. Cost X Education

2.0.1 Cost X Take Off 2D

Cost X 2D does not support 3D/BIM drawings and do not allow for auto-revision.

However, it contains the world-leading 2D take off and integrated workbook system. This

software is suitable for companies who only needed to take off 2D drawings.

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2.0.2 Cost XL

Cost XL is an Excel plug-in which allows Excel to read Cost X data and live-link the

data directly into its spreadsheets. We can simply drag and drop the measured dimensions

from Cost X directly into the spreadsheet or set up a template so dimensions from the Cost

X program will be automatically appeared in our Excel spreadsheet as they are measured.

Cost XL allows us to use Excel more efficiently.

2.0.3 Cost X Take Off

Unlike Cost X 2D, Cost X Take Off not only supports a variety of 2D drawings, but

also supports 3D/BIM models.

2.0.4 Cost X Viewer

This software takes the advantage of the all-electronic estimation platform and offers

interactive projects to clients and co-workers complete with detailed cost breakdowns and

building revisions with live links to CAD drawings & BIM.

2.0.5 Cost X Education

Cost X Education gives all tertiary education institutions the chance to use the

estimating software. Free student licences allow students to install the software on their

computer at home to assist with coursework allows them to have the benefit of increasing

their knowledge of estimating software. In addition, Cost X Educational licences are a

valuable estimating tool for any quantity surveying, building or construction management

student to navigate their entry into the workplace.

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2.1 Advantages

1. Speed

One of the most notable benefits of using Cost X is speed. This software is able to

allow us to measure all the elements quickly. For example, just a few clicks on the image, it

will generate the quantity of the elements. By using the exact same procedures, the

measuring stage will only become faster as we have getting well on using the software.

Besides that, workbook can be created in the software to summarize the cost of all

elements. This results in productive back office and streamlined process.

2. Accuracy

Today’s construction industry remains a competitive market, and contractors need to

be able to bid accurately based on actual labour and material costs as well as equipment

and subcontract expenses to win more bids. Using Cost X, we will be able to determine a

job’s true cost and develop a selling price accurately. Other than that, it can remove manual

entry tasks thus reduce the possibility of human error. Besides that, we are able to view the

model we measured in 3D mode to check whether any error was made. This further reduces

the possible error or miscalculation.

3. Professionalism

In addition to speed, precision, accuracy and consistency, Cost X delivers a higher

level of professionalism. By using Cost X viewer, we are able to demonstrate to our client

with detailed cost breakdowns and building revisions. The estimate is used to show that the

client’s sales presentation has been professionally prepared using an estimating software

system compared to traditional taking off manually.

4. Versatility

Unlike other software, Cost X able to open drawings in various format such as

scanned, PDF, JPEG and CAD drawings, as well as generation of automatic BIM quantities

from 3D/BIM models. This brings a lot of convenient to Quantity Surveyor, and also civil

engineers and architects.

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5. Paperless estimating

With Cost X, we are no longer need to take off elements using taking off paper,

dimension sheet and query sheet etc. All quantities and data that we have measured can be

key in directly into the workbook in the software. This can help us to save a lot of paper.

2.2 Disadvantages

1. Price 

Although Cost X allows us to save a lot of time and make taking off stage a way lot

easier, the capital cost of the Cost X software, however, is relatively high comparing to

taking off manually. The company needs to invest a huge sum of money first in order to

enjoy the benefits. The license of the Cost X software also need to be renewed yearly.

2. Implementation 

For first time user, we probably need some initial help from Cost X workers to know

how the software truly works. This will usually be a chargeable service, thus resulting in

higher cost.

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3.0 Glodon TAS

Quick Modelling & BIM-Based Quantity Take off

Glodon Take off for Architectural and Structural, also known as TAS, is a suite of

quantity calculation software based on the Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology,

which is embedded with ground breaking 3-dimensional measurement and calculation rules.

It enables the users to perform quantity taking-off from electronic drawings or images with

immediate 3D visualization effect and shows accurate results for each component in real

time. As there shall be less data and formulae input by the user is needed in calculation of

the quantities, hence, the accuracy level of the result is higher with minimal undesirable

careless mistakes. Other than that, Glodon TAS is the quantity take off software that enables

the editing of BIM models and supports the direct import of IFC, DWG and PDF drawings to

build 3D models efficiently. It only requires one click to complete quantity take off based on

the model. It also deals with variations quickly by only adjusting model information and

performing calculation again.

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TAS is one of the modules in GLODON quantity taking-off suite that would allow the user to

carry out the measurement works for the following main elements:

1. Structural Element

2. Architectural Element

3. Finishing Work Internally and Externally

4. Work Below Lowest Floor Level

3.0.1 Key features and Functions

BIM-base measurement software

Interoperability with BIM authoring Software

Built-in calculation rules with options to customize

Import 3D model from TRB to calculate quantities

Produce 3D model from by identifying CAD entities or on image

User-friendly interface

Dynamic links of quantities to BQ description

Calculation result with detail breakdown

Various reporting format

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3.1 Advantages

1. High efficiency and productivity

The system comes with in-build SMM which allow the user to take off the element

according with the actual SMM clauses. This result in saving time for QS to check the Bill of

Quantities.

2. High level of security

Glodon TAS provide a security function which allow user to create a temporary

account to each project which come with passwords or without passwords. This result in

provide a higher security level to Glodan TAS user which avoid unrelated personal to access

the data.

3. High traceability

Glodan TAS will pop up a reminder to the user to save their current work to avoid the

file being lost due to accident happens.

4. High flexibility

Glodon TAS accept almost every kind of files, for example, IFC, DWG, PDF and

JPEG files and so on.

5. Paper-less production

By using Glodon TAS, this can allow the user to save in using paper which is

required for traditional method taking off.

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3.2 Disadvantages

1. Lack of experts

The relative newness of BIM means that there are limited numbers of experts

working in the field. This software purchase may require an additional investment in training

and education.

2. Cost of Software

GLODON TAS software requires a substantial investment in new technology. The

advantages usually make the investment worthwhile, but only if the software is used to its full

capacity.

3. Incompatibility with partners

GLODON TAS is not yet universally used among construction professionals

(Malaysia). There is always the possibility that one of the partners or subcontractors may not

use GLODON TAS and may not be able to use TAS models.

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4.0 Masterbill

Masterbill is the complete BQ Production System, fully featured and including pricing, cost

analysis and tender comparison routines. Masterbill uses a Project Structure, which is

divided into four parts, that is, parts, elements, references and cost code, which together

with full sortation results in the ability to produce bills in almost any sequence. It also has the

ability to measure faces, areas and lengths directly from the 3D model.

Masterbill also allows the user to create a Bill of Quantities at any point in the measurement

process. In creating a BQ the user can set:

The BQ sequence

The user may choose from the 10 available sequences, allowing the BQ to be

sequence to suit their particular requirements.

Measurement selection

The user may choose which parts, elements, workgroups and cost codes they would

like to include within their BQ.

Layout

With user-defined headers, footers, page numbering, fonts and column widths.

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4.1 Advantages

1. Time saving

It enables the cost plans to be produced in minutes.

2. Easy to use

It only requires us to complete the data entry screens. Once it is done, the system will do the

rest.

3. Cost & Investment Consideration

The overall cost to implement this system is not expensive compare to the benefit that will be

obtained. In long-term prospect, investing to this system will guarantee a superior return to

us by giving us better quality of products to our clients and customers.

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4.2 Disadvantages

1. Difficulty

Even though this software is more convenient and can help to save a lot of time, we

will still experience a learning curve when converting to any software package. It takes time

to learn to fully utilize the software.

2. Maintenance

Maintaining software not only includes performing upgrades to the software package,

but also maintaining and upgrading all the necessary equipment to utilize the software. New

versions sometimes require upgraded equipment such as PC or laptop, monitor, printer,

internet connection and modem, backup drive and operating system. This result in more cost

needed to operate the software.

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5.0 Buildsoft

Buildsoft specialized in 3D on-screen take off, construction estimating and bill of

quantities production software. Buildsoft can enhance estimating skills by introducing the

innovative ways to speed up the estimating process, saving both time and money. The

Buildsoft Cubit Reader software enables users to take off quantities quickly and accurately,

directly from 2D (CAD/PDF) drawings or 3D BIM Models directly into the estimate for pricing.

MudShark can be used for precise cut, fill and spread by building a 4D model of both

existing and proposed site stages which can be used as part of the BIM Process.

There are types of products for Buildsoft, which are:

i) Cubit Lite

ii) Cubit Standard

iii) Cubit Pro

iv) Mudshark Earthwork

v) Buildsoft Global

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5.0.1 Cubit LiteCubit Lite is the modern estimating software without complexity. It suited the

subcontractor who wants better visibility, keep track of estimators within job manager screen

and regularly estimate without a plan. Cubit Lite also contains the estimating tools that help

to estimate a project that is on a budget.

5.0.2 Cubit StandardCubit Standard has an extra function compare to Cubit Lite is take-off software. This

application allows us to perform the quantity take-off directly inside the estimate. The work

will become more accurate with the link of quantity take-off and estimate. This application

allows the import of plans and perform quantity take-off from PDF, CAD, and image files.

5.0.3 Cubit ProCubit Pro has the extra function compared to Cubit Lite and Standard. It has the

control to modify and delete any row in the estimate with grouping columns. Most

importantly, Cubit Pro produces professional Bills of Quantities.

5.0.4 Mudshark EarthworkMudshark Earthwork allows to build a 4D model to define how the site currently looks

like and how the site will look like after all earthworks are complete. Mudshark also has an

advance solid modelling engine to perform simulations of earthwork. It is a very precise

representation of all the cut, fill, stripping and structure foundations. There is another add-on

module, which is Mudshark Trench, which is a good choice for estimator to perform take-off

for trench and pipe networks accurately. It feature depth categories, automated clash

detection and interactive 3D display.

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5.0.5 Buildsoft GlobalThe main function of the Buildsoft Global is that it is a subcontractor comparison

program. This is normally use by contractor to hire a subcontractor. It is because the

contractor is able to compare the subcontractors based on the cost calculated by the

subcontractors and determine their opportunities and risks of each subcontractor.

5.1 Advantages1. Time Speed

It helps reduce time for squaring, total up figures and transferring quantity, compare to

manual system, which need staff to do the checking manually. It is also able to shorten the

time to complete the task given.

2. Internet Accessible

It enables us to tender the project in kind of e-tendering system. The contractor can price

their tender in their own computer and send it via e-mail to the QS office. In this case, the

QS can do the tender assessment or valuation faster to let the contractor awarded earlier.

3. Shorter Tendering Period

If there are additional of drawings, documents or information during the tendering process, it

can informed to the contractor, sub-contractor and suppliers via Buildsoft in the shortest

time.

4. Low Labour Cost

By using Buildsoft software, the company can reduce its labour costs because it only

requires one or a few persons to handle the job by using Buildsoft.

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5. Centralized Storage of Data

Buildsoft manages all the data sequences in computer to make it easier to refer for the data

and low risk of losing of data. The storage can only entered by password that allow the

specific workers to access the storage.

6. Easier Arrangement and Carry of Documents

Work done on Buildsoft is able to save into a thumb drive instead of written down in paper

and store in the files because it might get lost easily. Other than that, when there is a

meeting or discussion sessions, a thumb drive act as a data carry is able to carry all the

documents to the meeting.

5.2 Disadvantages

1. Permanently Delete

It must be very careful when we do amendment because when amendment is add to the

existing data, the data cannot be undo to its previous part.

2. Typing Errors

Buildsoft is unable to detect the typing errors.

3. Virus Attack

Before installing Buildsoft software, make sure the computer has the anti-virus software. This

is because once the Buildsoft is not been protected, all the data may be lost and may not be

recovered by any means.

4. High Utilities Bills

Buildsoft software is running in a computer so it required usage of electricity, internet

connection and the initial cost to purchase the software.

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6.0 Features Checklist

SofwareFeatures

Cost X Glodon TAS Buildsoft Masterbill

3D visualisation

On screen takeoff

Contain various build-in element

Support various files format

Paperless

Various quantity report

Embedded with different

calculation rules

Free student license

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7.0 Recommendation

There are various BIM QS computer software in the market nowadays. Every software have

their own benefit and limitation. The best BIM software does not mean the one that having

most features compare to others. It’s all about which one is more suitable and comfortable

for the users. Based on our study and understanding on the 4 BIM QS software we had

chosen, we recommended Cost X as the best BIM software between this four. The reason

we recommend Cost X are as following:

1. Easy to useCost X is easier to use compared to other software. For example, the overall

operating for the software is very simple and easy to learn compare with others.

2. Suitable software for QSCost X provide many good features that bring benefits to Quantity Surveyor. For

example, on-screen take off, 3D visualisation, paperless estimating, estimating

solution for 3D BIM model and others. Traditional manual measurement is not

required if using this software. It saves up a lot of time for a quantity surveyor while

doing measurement and preparing a BQ.

3. Free student license Cost X provides free student license. This allow students to enhance and improve

their skills of using the software at home.

4. World recognized productCost X is one of the world leading 2D take off software and integrated workbook

system. They also have a very good customer reviews.

Customer Reviews:

Overall 4/5

Ease to use 4/5

Customer Service 5/5

Features & Functionality 3/5

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8.0 Intro to Part B

The design and construction of a building is often divided into stages. This can be

helpful in establishing milestones for the submission of progress reports, the preparation of

information for approval and also for making payments easier. Basically, there are four main

stages in the construction of building, that is preparation stage, design stage,

preconstruction stage and construction stage. Each stage has its own significant functions.

Nowadays, software such as AutoCad and BIM has started to widely used in construction

industry. We are going to discuss about the impacts of software and manual measurement

that brings to the four main construction stages.

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9.0 Benefits in Preparation/Briefing StageBuilding Information Modelling

(BIM) CAD Measurement Manual Measurement

Allow For 3D Views And Detect Problems At Early Stage

Compare to 2D drafting,

building information

modelling improves over 2D

drafting by allowing

designers to view the building

and its contents from all

angles, and revealing

problems at earlier stages to

reduce the errors to the

lowest and allow for

correction without costly

changes.

Performance Evaluation It can also help to evaluate

building’s performance

according to regulations

regarding constructability and

functionality.

Generation Of Site Terrain Profile Surveyors can create a

terrain model for higher

accuracy of site conditions,

which allows project team to

review viability of

construction and prevent

possible problems and

overruns.

Measurement On Printed Copy Using Digitizer

CAD Measurement can

measure from paper

copy by the addition of a

digitizing tablet, or from

photo digital images

taken with a digital

camera. It can also be

used to measure from

fax copies when saved

to digital format.

Produce Accurate Design The ability to producing

very accurate designs

and thus error in

quantities due to

incorrect scale is

eliminated.

Drawings Can Be Created in Different Models

CAD Measurement

programs can definitely

accelerate the design

process, especially if you

do a lot of design work or

have clients who change

their mind frequently

during the design phase.

Reduce The Risk Of Loss Of Information

All the measurement

will be in hand written

so it will reduced the

risk of loss of

information where the

use of software will

have a higher risk in

loss of information

because if the files are

not save properly or

the computer suddenly

corrupted, all the

information will be

gone.

No Training Required The complexity of

using manual

measurement is much

lower compared to

using software where

training is compulsory

if you want to use the

software

Cost Effective You can also save a lot

of money by using

manual measurement

because it technically

does not charge you

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Improve of Visualisation Projects can be visualized as

of this stage, giving users,

clients and operators a rough

idea of design intended. They

can have some ideas for

them on what is going to be

done soon on that particular

project.

Accelerate The Design Process

Programs can definitely

accelerate the design

process, especially if you

do a lot of design work or

have clients who change

their mind frequently

during the design phase.

Better Presentation Better presentation to

the clients to prevent

misunderstandings to

ensure that the final

product is to their

satisfaction.

anything where you

need to pay an amount

of money for the usage

of the software.

Save Time And Easier To Present To Client

When some of the

clients who change

their mind frequently

during the design

phase, it is easier to do

it manually compare to

digital use because it

can helps save a lot of

time and can provide

the clients a better

understanding of the

design.

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9.1 Constraint in Preparation/Briefing Stage

Building Information Modelling (BIM) CAD Measurement Manual Measurement

Need High Performance Computer

BIM requires higher

performing computer

hardware to operate it

effectively, so it will also

cost a lot when using it.

Training Is Required BIM requires substantial

training at first in order to

know more and have a

better understanding of it.

Besides that, in order to

effectively use the BIM

software, we may need to

upgrade our computer

system frequently. BIM

also results in a much

larger file sizes compare to

CAD systems.

No Standard Name For Layers

They are not formed

using a standard

method in layering and

also there is no

standard in naming the

layers. This will make

the user had the

problems in searching

for the applicable items

during measurement.

Requires More Steps For 3D As the drawings are

2D, measurement is

easily done for unit of

measure that required

2D only. Quantities that

require 3D such as the

measure of volume

would require

additional steps in

obtaining the quantity,

thus it will also require

more time for it to be

done.

Requires More Time Compare to using

software, manual

measurement requires

more time and delay

the completion of the

tasks.

Accuracy Of Scale The scale we used in

manual might not be as

accurate compare to

software so it might be

a little difference in the

final answer.

Carry Out Checking Manually And Requires Longer Time

Manual measurement

cannot identify error as

quickly as software

because manual

measurement doesn’t

have systems to help

us to check errors like

software, so in order to

make sure it is

accurate, we need to

carry out the checking

manually and will

require more time

compare to software.

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10.0 Benefit in Design StageBuilding Information Modelling

(BIM) CAD Measurement

Manual Measurement

Empowered to Make Desire Changes

BIM makes design

information to be readily

available to all stakeholders

that are involved in the

design process. The design

team is empowered to make

desire changes in real time

without the need to do

expensive and time-

consuming coordination and

checking manually.

Evolution of Design Progress When there is evolution of

the design progress, it can

done directly through BIM

software instead of required

manual verifying by

designer because the

design has implemented

into the BIM model.

Reduce Errors Next, BIM reduce the errors

to the minimum. Therefore,

it allows the quality of

design work and its

documentation to be greatly

improved.

Improve Accuracy CAD has an ability to

produce a very accurate

scale of drawings with

2D or 3D drawings and

able to rotate with

different degree.

Flexible to Organize Drawing Information.

CAD is flexible to

organize drawing

information. With CAD,

layers like structural,

electrical and plumbing

components are

equivalent to transparent

overlays. As with

overlays, it able to

display, edit and print

layers separately or in

combination.

Establish Drafting Standards Able to create styles for

text, dimension and line-

types. A text styles able

to established font and

format characteristics

such as height, width

and slant. With different

darkness and styles of

Client’s Satisfaction When meeting with

client, the client might

have some changes for

the design. Thus, the

designer can draw out

the design manually on

the spot for the client to

have a clearer view or

more understanding

instead of showing in

CAD measurement

design. This is because

if the designs shown in

CAD, it consumes time

because many tab

folders are required to

open and the client

might not have the

background of

computer software

application.

Other than that, the

client might also not

familiar with the

software. Design

manually can produce

the designs with

curves, shapes, and

different kind of lines to

meet the requirement

from clients, which has P a g e 25 | 35

Provide 3DModeling BIM also provide three-

dimensional modelling to

support the target value

method of design. With

three-dimensional view, the

building value with all the

elements and materials will

clearly show to keep within

the target value. As design

work progresses, cost-

estimating need to be up to

date with development of

the design. With the

traditional conventional

method, this would be too

slow for the projects that are

fast-paced.

Generate Bills of Quantity Three-dimensional

modelling can automatically

generate bills of materials

with the pricing to keeps

designer updated of the

overall project cost.

lines produced the

drawings more clearly

with light, mid and dark

lines to differentiate the

distance between the

lines.

Variety of Drawing Tools CAD provide variety of

tools that can create

lines, circle, spline

curves and patterns of

shapes and lines. It also

able to move, copy,

offset, rotate and mirror

the objects.

Different kinds of size and resolution apply in a drawings

Able to zoom in the

drawings to view the

detailed works within the

area and zoom out to

view more of the

drawings area.

more flexibility,

compare to the CAD

measurement design.

Although CAD also can

provide different kinds

of shapes, curves and

lines but it need some

times to draw them out

compare to free hand

drawings.

Lastly, the architect or

engineer who can draw

manually provide a

good impression to the

client that he or she is

professional in his job

10.1 Constraint in Design Stage

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Building Information Modelling (BIM) CAD Measurement Manual Measurement

Slow Work Speed The BIM has the slow work

speed because the

software use up a lot of

memory on the computer is

partly to blame for the

slowdown of designs.

Although the computers in

the firm are upgrades within

the maintenance period but

the BIM still clogs the

computer and it must be

make sure that all the other

applications were close

before open the BIM

program otherwise the

computer will faces stuck

and crash situation.

High Initial Cost Where the firm required to

buy the original software

license and the computer

used to installed the BIM

software must be updated

and not the old fashion

computer. Other than that,

the firm required to send

some of the employees to

attend the software course

that will distract their

working hours in the firm.

Data Can Be Modified Engineers and architects

High Initial Cost CAD drawings are

highly priced for

individuals because it

required of the

computer system too.

Always Keep Up-To-Date Operators have to

update the CAD

software every time

when there is a new

release of version.

Less of Job Less designer who

graduated to get

employ because with

the computer system

which able to produce

quicker CAD drawings

compare to manually

drawings.

Drawings Skills The designer must be

good in drawing skills in

order to come out with

the drawings which

able to describe the

building.

Errors Other than that, the

scale used might not be

accurate enough

compare to CAD

measurement due to

the parallax error when

reading the unit from

the scale ruler.

Waste of Time It consumes a lot of

time to produce the

drawings because

there are few of

drawings that need to

be produce for a

construction, for

example site plan, floor

plan, details drawings

and elevation drawings.

During the process of

producing the drawings

it might faces the

situations like erasing

and redrawing the lines

for the design.

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are unwilling to provide

digital data to suppliers and

contractor because the data

can be modify. BIM give

access of the model for

suppliers to do taking-offs.

Normally engineers and

architects use PDF files to

protect their data and work

for liability and copyright

purpose.

11.0 Benefit in Pre-construction StageBuilding Information Modelling

(BIM) CAD Measurement Manual Measurement

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Reduce countless change orders BIM helps reduce countless

change orders and added

cost issues during

construction period and it

can accomplish space

planning and coordination

more economically.

3D Modelling

3D BIM modelling

services enable the project

team of construction

companies to visualize the

project by creating a virtual

environment or 3D-model.

Therefore, this model can

be used as a resource in

the planning stage of the

projects.

Through generating

drawing or CAD drawing

into 3D Virtual construction

model, this enable

customer/client to visualise

the actual product before

construct it.

Allow client to make changes

BIM software is able to

generate the new

quantity for the building

No erasing and redrawing of designs

CAD systems offers a

number of advantages

over conventional drafting

methods that use rulers,

squares, and compasses.

For example, designs can

be altered without erasing

and redrawing during the

preconstruction stage.

Avoid the parallax error which cause by the naked eyes

CAD allow architect and

engineer to avoid the

parallax error, which cause

by the naked eyes. This is

because CAD allows them

to draw any desire

dimension or patterns

without facing any

common circumstance

compared to traditional

drafting methods for

example wrong scaling.

Zoom Features

CAD offer "zoom" features,

whereby a designer can

Low cost Required minimum

initial cost compared

to BIM software and

CAD Measurement.

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after the variation order

and present to the client.

This helps the client to

solve the issues in

coordination and

constructability and thus

avoid extra expenditure.

Enhances communication

BIM/3D tools enhances

the communication

among the different team

members of a project like

design team,

subcontractors, owners

and others that leads to a

significant development

in the planning process of

a project.

magnify certain elements

of a model to facilitate

inspection.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) CAD Measurement Manual Measurement

High initial cost High initial cost

CAD systems have no means of comprehending real-world concepts

The nature of the object

being designed or the

function that objects will

Misunderstanding By using manual

measurement, each

specification work shall

be fully described

according SMM2

clauses, whereas the

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serve. CAD systems

function by their capacity

to codify geometrical

concepts. Thus, the design

process using CAD

involves transferring a

designer's idea into a

formal geometrical model

only.

contractor might be

misunderstand the

description and price

wrongly in tender yet

might also cause loses to

client.

11.1 Constraint in Preconstruction Stage

12.0 Benefit in Construction StageBuilding Information Modelling

(BIM) CAD Measurement Manual Measurement

3D visualization effect to users It bring benefit to contractors

by giving them a virtual copy

of the project to reference

during the construction stage.

Better communication CAD provide better and

standardized drawings. It

helps in better

documentation of the

Cost Savings No software are

required if using manual

measurement.

Everything are done

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Allow the contractor to

examine site conditions

without going to site. It also

allows them to coordinate

phasing of construction by

assigning the components of

a model to a timeline.

Improve coordination Communicating a project

schedule visually is a useful

tool for coordinating with

subcontractor on the job site

especially when schedule

data is integrated with the

quantities available. For

example, contractor can

easily present to

subcontractor the quantity of

doors and where exactly it

locate.

Time saver and cost control BIM is a huge time saver

during the construction phase,

especially in projects with

complex design. BIM

technology allows the control

of cost budget from the

beginning to the end,

facilitating automatic quantity

reports and valuation in any

phase of execution works.

design, fewer drawing

errors, and greater legibility.

With a more clarity drawing it

will improve the

communication between the

project team.

Reduce cost and result in higher quality end product 3D CAD provide virtual

reality simulations of the

layout of a buildings. This

mean construction team will

have a clarity look on the

actual building model. Thus,

it will reduce any

unnecessary mistake during

construction and result in a

better quality end product.

manually by hand. This

can save a lot of cost.

No training required Manual measurement

do not required any

training. Any graduated

quantity surveyor or

related programme can

do manual

measurement. However

using BIM software, you

will required technical

expertise on the specific

software.

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12.1 Constraint in Construction StageBuilding Information Modelling

(BIM)CAD Measurement Manual Measurement

P a g e 33 | 35

Incompatibility with partners BIM is not yet universally used

among construction

professionals. Sometime one of

the partners or subcontractor

may not use BIM. In this case,

it will be hard for them to

understand or read the BIM

because they don’t have the

technical expertise in BIM.

Disruptive Although BIM provide a benefit

that changes can be made

quickly during construction

stage but this can disrupt the

general procurement and

construction process when

orderin items that require a long

lead time.

Legal Issues BIM is a new technology, thus

there have not been many court

cases addressing issues

relating to errors and omissions

on BIM projects.

Extra expenses on site The use of CAD at

construction site may

require a computer,

which means extra

expenses may require

for a computer system.

Human errors It is normal for quantity

surveyors to make

mistake or error while

doing manual

measurement. In this

case, they must

always do checking on

what they had done

and this may cost a lot

of time.

Not able to make changes quickly If there are changes of

any dimension or

quantity during

construction,

recalculation of the

work will be required.

That’s mean time is

needed for the quantity

surveyor to calculate

the changes.

13.0 Benefit & Constraint in Other StageBuilding Information Modelling

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(BIM) CAD and Manual measurement

Safety features easier to visualize By using BIM software, the safety

features that will be required at

different times can be visualized. This

is because some of the software

contains a 4D features which allows to

predict the sustainability of the building

according to the structure and material

of the model.

Speed up the process Other than that, BIM software can

simplify the work of the civil

engineering in this stage as the

calculation and formula are already set

to the software resulting an instant

generation of sustainability checks.

Consumes more time Engineers will have to measure the

sustainability and maintenance of the

completed building manually when

CAD and manual measurement are

used in the construction process.

Engineers will go through a series of

test to check the sustainability of the

building.

More accurate Although this takes more time

compared to BIM software, it is more

accurate as the engineers can

consider some other factors which are

not able to be predicted when using

the software during the construction.

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