An investigation into BIM based detailed cost estimating and drivers to the adoption of BIM in quantity surveying practices

Babatunde, S; Perera, S; Ekundayo, DO; Adeleye, T

Abstract

Purpose Although studies have shown the relevance of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in cost estimating process, efforts at investigating BIM based detailed cost estimating among professional quantity surveyors through quantitative approach are scanty. The purpose of this study is to identify and examine the usage of BIM based detailed cost estimating software; and assesses the drivers to BIM adoption within the Nigerian quantity surveying consulting firms. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review, pilot study, and questionnaire survey were adopted. The survey targeted both the BIM users and non- BIM users’ quantity surveying consulting firms in Lagos, Nigeria. The data collected were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney test, and factor analysis. Findings The study found that 46.58% of quantity surveying consulting firms are aware of BIM and have adopted it for detailed cost estimating, while 49.32% of quantity surveying consulting firms are aware but have not adopted BIM based detailed cost estimating, and 4.10% of quantity surveying consulting firms are not aware at all. Also, the study identified various BIM based detailed cost estimating software used in quantity surveying practices and found that Microsoft excel is often used alongside 3D software; Autodesk QTO, Navisworks, Innovaya composer, and CostX respectively are prevalent BIM software used for detailed cost estimating. In addition, the study identified 21 drivers to the adoption of BIM in quantity surveying practices. The result of factor analysis grouped the 21 identified drivers into five principal factors: improved whole life cycle/design quality; enhanced decision and visualization; cost and time saving; marketing and support for quantity surveyor tasks; and government and client pressure. Practical implication This study provides significant insight into the application of BIM to quantity surveying consulting practices, thereby enables consultant quantity surveyors to make informed decisions to select BIM cost estimating software to suit their practices. Further, the study findings can be useful for individuals, clients’ and contractors’ quantity surveyors to be fully aware of the opportunities BIM could bring in relation to their service delivery. Originality/value Accurate cost estimating, effective cost monitoring and control are essential elements to a construction project success. This study further emphasized the importance of BIM to quantity surveying practices, particularly in the area of the detailed cost estimating.

Citation

Babatunde, S., Perera, S., Ekundayo, D., & Adeleye, T. (2020). An investigation into BIM based detailed cost estimating and drivers to the adoption of BIM in quantity surveying practices. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 25(1), 61-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMPC-05-2019-0042

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 15, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Nov 23, 2019
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Oct 16, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 2, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Financial Management of property and Construction
• Print ISSN: 1366-4387
• Publisher: Emerald
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 61-81
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMPC-05-2019-0042
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMPC-05-2019-0042
• Related Public URLs: https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1366-4387