Quantity Take-Off Process Supported by Building Information Modeling (BIM) Methodology

Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers the Construction professionals the tools to optimize and increase the automation of various design and construction tasks, namely, the Quantity Take-Off (QTO). In a construction project, this task is essential for accurate preliminary cost estimations, investment analysis, cost and resource planning, and control and supporting decision-making processes. The BIM methodology is progressively being implemented in Construction, bringing recognized benefits in the quality of the final product and in the efficiency of the design and construction processes. As BIM is based in the generation and updating of a centralized model, containing all the information of the construction project, it presents a valid alternative to the traditional process, allowing consistent results concerning the QTO activity and facilitating the information management in construction. However, the implementation of BIM in QTO processes, by a majority, is still hindered by the lack of BIM-based measurement rules and is thus often looked upon with reservations in the industry. This paper aims to contribute to the knowledge and dissemination of the benefits of using BIM as a tool for automated QTO. The study demonstrates the main advantages of a BIM/QTO activity and discusses solutions to overcome the limitations identified in a practical case study.