Assessing building information modeling estimating techniques using data from the classroom

One of the main applications of building information modeling (BIM) in the construction management process is estimating. BIM has proven to offer great advantages over traditional estimating methods. There are, however, many estimating methods using BIM and the literature on the accuracy and precision of each of the BIM modeling methods remains scarce. Moreover, data on the actual benefits of utilizing BIM in terms of time and cost savings remain fairly limited and are hard to collect from companies in the field. In this paper, data collected over the course of two years in a graduate construction course where BIM is taught for the purpose of costing and estimating are analyzed and presented. The paper first discusses the various techniques that could be used for BIM estimating and then presents the results of an experiment designed to assess the accuracy, effort, and cost of each of the various estimating techniques. This is a pioneering paper, which for the first time quantifies the benefits of using BIM in construction estimating. The results show the difference in estimating time, accuracy, and cost of the different estimating methods and the results should be useful for construction managers as well as educators. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers