Software Application in Quantity Surveying - Report

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Software Application for Quantity Surveying | CSC 60603 | Group Report
School of Architecture, Building, and Design
Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Hons)
Software Application for Quantity Surveying [CSC 60603]
Assignment 1:
Group Report
Group Members:
Pang Khai Shuen 0318423
Mok Po Yi 0318207
Yap Jia En 0319550
Darren Loong Chi Yong 0318029
Tan Zhao Ming 0318724

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Table of Contents:
Part Title Page
A
1.0 Introduction 4
2.0 Cubicost (Glodon)
2.1 Functions of Cubicost
2.2 Limitations of Cubicost
5
3.0 CostX
3.1 Functions of CostX
3.2 Limitations of CostX
7
4.0 Buildsoft Cubit
4.1 Functions of Buildsoft Cubit
4.2 Limitations of Buildsoft Cubit
9
5.0 Vico Software
5.1 Functions of Vico Software
5.2 Limitations of Vico Software
12
6.0 Summary 14
B
7.0 Briefing Stage
7.1 Building Information Modelling (BIM)
7.1.1 – BIM Benefits
7.1.2 – BIM Constraints
7.2 Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
7.2.1 – CAD Benefits
7.2.2 – CAD Constraints
7.3 Manual Measurement
7.3.1 – Manual Measurement Benefits
7.3.2 – Manual Measurement Constraints
15
8.0 Design Stage
17
9.0 Construction Stage
19

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10.0 Briefing Stage
21
11.0 Briefing Stage
23

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1.0 Introduction
The era of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has arrived. Since the past few years, this
term has become amalgamous to the construction industry. BIM is not simply the virtual
modelling of a building; It is a key that enables information to be shared among parties in a
construction project. This system is often adopted by construction companies to improve the
3 most important aspects to their projects, namely time, cost, and quality. BIM covers the
whole construction lifecycle from the briefing stage all the way to the operation and
maintenance of a building. Generally, the application of BIM is divided into 3 levels, starting
from Level 1 with minimal collaboration between parties up to Level 3, where all parties
collaborate on the same model and share the same data on the same repository.
As the industry shifts towards the massive use of BIM softwares for construction, the
industry professionals, including the Quantity Surveyor, has taken a step forward to fully
utilise the benefits that can be obtained from BIM. Several BIM QS softwares on the market
can now enable a QS to easily take off quantities and estimate the project costs from any
drawings or models available. As BIM is more than 3D-CAD, information such as Schedules
and Cost plans can be included in the files. This speeds up the process of rectifying errors
and accommodating variations throughout the project, thus reducing the time needed to
tackle mishaps. By taking off quantities using BIM, no time is wasted on the lengthy process
of manual measurement, not to mention the increased precision obtained from software
measurement.
In this first part of the report, we delve into the myriad of BIM QS softwares and
analysed their respective functions and limitations. These 4 softwares are, in our opinion, the
few of the best softwares in the market.

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2.0 Cubicost (Glodon)
Cubicost offers four types of individual BIM-based software products, namely the
Cubicost Takeoff for Architecture and Structure (TAS), Cubicost Takeoff for Rebar (TRB),
Cubicost Takeoff for Mechanical and Electrical (TME), and Cubicost TBQ. Having said that,
Cubicost is truly the game changer of the technology that is being used within quantity
surveyors today. Cubicost is currently made available in a total of fifteen countries around
the world, which are United Kingdom, USA, Finland, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore,
Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, India, Indonesia, and
Philippines.
2.1 Functions of Cubicost
i) Quick modelling and BIM-based quantity takeoff
Build BIM model efficiently by identifying DWG, JPG, PDF or by tracking 2D
drawings. Only one click is needed to complete quantity takeoff based on
model. Deals with variations quickly by only adjusting model information and
performing calculation again.
ii) Professional, accurate and easy to check
Built-in local measurement methods, which has been proved by users from
many countries. It can also deduct automatically based on the relations
among elements in BIM model to ensure calculation accuracy. It has support
viewing calculation basis and expressions to facilitate rapid result checking
and less calculation errors.
iii) Various quantity reports
Cubicost has the ability to generate reports by floor, element type or other
conditions. Unique Reversely Check helps to trace the origin of quantities in
BIM models, making it easy to check and modify quantities. It can also

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provide a variety of report formats and support exporting Excel for different
requirements.
iv) Teamwork high efficiency
Cubicost supports the rapid adjustment and reuse of BIM models, to reduce
the working intensity and greatly increase the efficiency of team collaboration.
2.2 Limitations of Cubicost
i) Cost
The license to have Cubicost installed in a computer is very costly and not
many QS firms especially the smaller firms can afford to install this software
in their computers. Hence, the smaller QS firms would still rather use other
BIM-based taking off softwares such as CostX and Vico since it is much more
affordable but having less functions as compared to Cubicost.
ii) Newly introduced in the industry
Cubicost is still a relatively new BIM-based product for taking off in the market
and the countries that this software is available is still limited. Cubicost is also
constantly updating and improving its software thus it is not a completely
stable product yet as there may still be some flaw that affects the
performance of this product. Moreover, there are still not many users that are
familiar with the usage of Cubicost and the company requires to appoint more
trainers to enable the firms that are using this product become familiar with
the functions of it.

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3.0 CostX
In July 2004, CostX was first released by Exactal. Then, it has been widely grown in many
countries in the world as it is very helpful BIM tool in the construction industry. It can be used
among quantity surveying, construction, development, subcontracting and more. There are
various type of products under Exactal, such as CostX, CostX 2D, CostX Takeoff, CostX
Takeoff 2D, CostX XL and CostX Viewer.
3.1 Functions of CostX
i) Ability to support various type of files and 3D model or BIM
PDF or CAD drawings can be supported by CostX without running a CAD
software. Besides, drawing file formats such as SKP, DWF, IFC, SWG and DGN
also can be supported by CostX.
ii) Auto-revisioning
One of the most important function of CostX is auto-revisioning. When a building
design changes, there will be a revised drawing for the building. In CostX, the
building revision status can be incremented. By the way, all changes of the
drawing will be scheduled in a revision log in the software. Besides, the software
itself can also compare the dimensions between the previous drawing and the
new drawing as well as display them for adjustment and acceptance by using
simple clicks.
iii) Sub-contractor comparison
CostX enable user to create a workbook which contain all the detail of the sub-
contractors. Subcontractors can key in their quotation details in the workbook

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then quantity surveyors can compare the rates and sum cost of each element
during the tender period. Then, the subcontractor with the best quotation will be
picked to involve in the project.
iv) Workbook
The workbook structure is spreadsheet based, it is something like Excel. It can
automatically append secondary quantities to workbook descriptions by just
simple steps. For example, the slab area measured by volume. Besides, it also
has a live linking function. All the dimensions data can be transferred from
dimension groups to workbook by simple steps which is called live-linking or
automatic updating.
3.2 Limitations of CostX
CostX has many functions and features which is very beneficial to the construction industry.
However, there must be some of the limitations that occur in CostX.
i) Pay more for add-on
Unless user purchase CostX, other product might not include all the functions.
User might need to pay more for other products if he or she requires to extend
the capability of the BIM tool.
ii) Skilled and experienced estimator is needed
The multiple functions of CostX always provide easier ways for collaboration and
analysis, testing and validation. However, it is still insufficient for construction.
Therefore, skills and experience of the estimator will be needed when
manipulating the software so that the software can be fully utilize achieve the
maximum benefits.
iii) Minor problem on detections
For example, reinforcement bar detection is one of the limitation. CostX could not
detect the rebar of the column. Besides, bents of mesh fabric reinforcement
(BRC) could not be detected as well. This might affect the accuracy of the
measurement sometimes. Besides, overlapped lines could not be detected.

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4.0 Buildsoft Cubit
Cubit is a solution that specializes in onscreen takeoff directly linked to estimating. If a user
makes a change to their takeoff, it will show in real time in an estimate. Users have the
ability to trace directly over imported plans to perform quantity. Plus, there are a number of

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features in Cubit allowing users to validate and cross-reference your estimating and takeoff
at any stage.
Takeoff is designed to work equally well from rasterized PDF’s as it does with CAD
when a plan is traced over with vertex snapping or advanced drawing tools. Takeoff tools
can be embedded into as many estimates as needed, and the system has drag and drop
capabilities that update the estimate as shapes are moved in and out of rooms.
Cubit is suitable to a wide range of users in the construction industry, including
estimators, quantity surveyors, commercial and residential builders, contractors and
subcontractors.
4.1 Functions of Buildsoft Cubit
i) Natural estimating
Cubit is a specialised estimating system with flexible functionality that allows you
to estimate the way you want. It’s the only application that seamlessly integrates
takeoff with estimating for an all-in-one solution which called Natural Estimating.
It’s all laid out in one view, meaning the information is where you want it, when
you need it. This makes it up to three times faster than other software packages.
ii) 3D takeoff
Errors can be minimized y tracing directly over imported plans, simple or complex
quantity takeoffs are performed quickly and accurately. We can see elements of
takeoff from any angle in 3D, and use this as a cross-referencing tool to make
sure we don’t miss taking off any items, or to check all your openings. The
perform quantity takeoffs from PDF, CAD (DWG, DXF), BIM (DWFx), and image
files.
iii) Create and update estimates more efficiently
Collect pricing information and save them as template price lists (or even import
supplier price lists) to control how your company prices jobs, ensuring accuracy
and maximising profitability. Go even further by creating template jobs that collate
all the common trades and items, making it easier to start your next estimate,
time and time again. Updates that made to the template price lists and jobs can

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be pushed into existing estimates so we can work with the most up to date
information.
iv) Automatic Plan Revision
Revisions to plans are overlaid on an existing plan you’ve already taken off. Not
only that, it allows you to edit plans as part of the revision process. Within the
viewport, you can clearly see where the differences occur and you can update
your takeoff to reflect any revisions. This can save hours of estimating.
v) Customisable reports at the click of a button
Buildsoft can generate and print a range of professional reports including trade,
markup, rate, takeoff, and Bills of Quantities (Pro only). Customisable reporting
allows us to quickly hide and show various items, making it easy to share
different elements of your estimate with a range of people. All reports can be
exported in a range of common formats.
4.2 Limitation of Buildsoft Cubit
i) Permanently deletion
The job file that had been created will be permanently deleted when we do the
amendment on the existing data. Its mean the amendment that had been done
cannot be called back. So the user must be carefully in doing the amendment.
ii) Typing errors
This software has not created to check or identify the typing errors like numbers
or figure that already type in. We have to use human skill to check the errors.
This method of BQ preparation will need extra time to key-in the figure into the
computer to avoid the mistakes or errors.
iii) Virus Attack
It is common problem to all the computer users especially using internet. The
user should have licensed anti-virus software so that the virus definition can be

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updated daily. The software can detect the virus attack and quarantined or killed
the virus and also protect the computer and system. The problem is when no
anti-virus was installed, the virus can attack the computer system and also all the
content of the computer. This will cause data lost and may be can’t be recovered
by any means.
5.0 Vico Software
Vico software is a software that provides construction software and services to the
commercial building industry. The building owners or the users use Vico software to reduce
risk, optimize schedule on complex projects and manage costs. Vico's 5D Virtual
ConstructionTM solutions pioneered the category of BIM for Construction, and they remain
the industry's most integrated approach to coordination, cost estimation, quantity takeoff,
project scheduling, and production control.
5.1 Functions of Vico Software
There are some benefit and limitation in Vico software. The advantages in Vico software
is it can be performing in few way, such as quantity survey, budgeting, physical planning,
control and forecasting planning, construction sequence simulation and report.
i) Quantity Survey
The quantities adapted to the measurement rules of each company, it can
audit the quantities visually in 3D, and it can explain the definition of the
locations of a visual and intuitive way.

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ii) Budgeting
Budget automatically updated if there are changes to the model or design, the
visual identification of the model which elements contribute amounts to a
service and possibility of budgeting based on reference projects
iii) Physical Planning
The tasks linked to budget and enriched with the respective inputs, the
balance line-based planning which facilitates the optimization study of
scenarios and risk analysis and the changes to the project have an immediate
impact on the budget and planning.
iv) Construction Sequence Simulation
It will automatic update of the simulation if there are changes to the model
and planning
5.2 Limitations of Vico Software
i) Could not be used for more model file
According to American Society for engineering Education states that by using
Vico Constructor, all structural, architectural and MEP elements were
modelled. Only one model file can be operated at one time by using this
method, hence it will take longer time to complete the project

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6.0 Summary Table:
Feature Glodon CostX Cubit Vico
Simplicity Yes Yes No; Manual
Input
No; Only one
3D Model at a
time
Taking-Off Yes Yes Yes Yes
Applicable for
Architect &
Engineer
No No No No
Able to read
different types
of drawings
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Able to export
into other
formats
Yes No Only Microsoft
Excel
Yes
Overall, through our research, Glodon has the best features as a BIM QS software. We will
recommend this software to improve the QS’s workflow in a construction project.

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Part 2:
In this second part of the report, we examine the application of BIM, CAD, and Manual
methods of taking off in various stages of construction. We list down the several benefits and
constraints that each method brings to the construction project.
7.0 Briefing Stage
i. Faster decision making process - The decision making process can also be
improved using BIM. The ability to keep the date and information of the
project up to date and easily accessible enables the project team members to
have a better understanding and vision of the project, which means that they
will be able to make decisions faster and more effectively.
ii. Feasibility study - BIM capability enables fast and accurate evaluation of
multiple design options
iii. Floor Area/Volume Elemental Methods - BIM will extract as much
3D/geometric data to generate preliminary cost estimates
i. High investment in cost, time and training-The cost of BIM software is expensive,
some companies may not have enough capital to implement it. The need for training
will increase the cost and can give time constraints to the company’s projects.
ii. Lack of standardisation and inappropriate pricing format- even though a quantity
surveyor can be provided with a full breakdown of quantities through the automation
capabilities of BIM, they are rarely given in a format suitable for pricing. BIM adopted
currently is contended to be fragmented and there is no industry standard yet for the
link between the model and cost estimating

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i. Improve the quality of the design-The computerized design system allows the
designer to a deep and accurate analysis of the design as well as provides a large
number of alternative designs that can be tested, and the design errors less because
of the high precision provided by the system.
ii. Provide the data base for manufacturing- When the developed dimensions of the
design as well as the determined lists of materials and specifications is available, the
data can be used in the manufacturing process.
i. Training required- Enable users to know how to use the software effectively and
efficiency.
ii. Expenses on Software-There are some free software such as QCAD or OpenSCAD
but for AutoCAD is high priced for users. Companies need to incur more cost on the
software update.
iii. Lack of Information Backup- CAD does not have a backup system so it can’t auto
save projects. This would cause the users need to save their work manually in order
to safely back it up.
i. Cost Effective- BIM and CAD measurement need to be purchased however manual
measurement would cost for printing only.
ii. No Training Required- BIM and CAD measurement required trained skill to ensure
users could use the software in a proper way. Therefore, firms which are using
software might have to spend extra expenses in order to send those fresh graduates
for training programme.

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i. Cost Plan- QS need to advise the client on the budgets and variations of the
particular project. Nevertheless, they may require cost dare to create cost plan. This
wouldn’t be a problem for experienced QS as they are experts based on their past
experience projects while young QS such as fresh graduates who are lack of real life
experiences might not be able to create a proper cost plan.
8.0 Design Stage
i. Ability to see a clearer picture of the design of a building- The application of BIM
allows the designer to create a full 3D model with a 360-degree rotation of the model.
ii. Enhances efficiency- The application of BIM in design stage can improve the
management and collaboration of a project. Utilising BIM can also foresee the cost of
the project within a short period of time.
iii. Reduces material usage- The usage of BIM can reduce material costs greatly as
compared to using traditional methods such as CAD and Manual measurement.
i. Requires knowledgeable members- As BIM is still a relatively new technology in the
industry, a member who has the knowledge of BIM must be able to make changes to
the complex model.
ii. Adaption against time- The usage of BIM is transition from drafting to modelling.
Hence, more time is required for someone who is new to BIM to learn and adapt to
this transition.
iii. Cost- With great functions comes the high price. BIM-based softwares such as CostX
and Cubicost can be very costly and not many firms can afford to use these
softwares.

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i. Draw to scale- The usage of CAD can produce a very accurate design. The designer
must first decide the unit of measurement to be used, then draw the model at a 1:1
scale.
ii. Draw efficiently- Instead of using pencils, scales, compasses and other manual
drafting tools, CAD has a variety of drawing tools that can create straight lines,
circles, curves and many more.
i. Requires update of skill- With every release of a CAD software, the operator has to
update their skills in using the software.
ii. Inability to retrieve quantities for sketches- Sketches are usually made during the
early design stages and CAD cannot measure the representations.
9.0 Pre-Construction Stage
i. Easy measurement- BIM can auto-scale length, width and depth of the 3D model
easily with just few clicks for instant measurement. Besides, it has the function of
auto generating descriptions and quantities for the elements of measurement from
the saved database of previous project.
ii. Sub-contractor quotation- Sub contractor quotation details can be placed together in
spreadsheet so that the quotations can be compared easily to calculate the prime
cost sum in Bill of Quantity

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iii. Save time and effective- All the functions of BIM enable user to save time, reduce
error and also increase efficiency for the whole project especially preparing tender
document.
i. Risks on legal responsibility - This is because there is no standard guideline so that
every party will push the responsibilities to another party when there is something
happened or any mistake occurred.
i. On-screen take off- During this stage, CAD enable users to do on-screen take off
from 2D and 3D drawings easily. Not only normal shapes such as square, rectangle
or any polygon can be easily detected and calculated, any irregular shapes can be
measured as well. Users can choose to measure any elements and several items
can be measured together in one simple drawing.
ii. High accuracy - The accuracy of using CAD to do measurement during this stage is
high, error and wrong scale is nearly impossible occurred.
i. Unable to prepare bill of quantities- CAD does not have the function of preparing bill
of quantities. It is only used to measure quantities. Therefore, data has to be
transferred manually or imported to other software to prepare bill of quantities which
is time consuming. Mistakes might occur when transferring the data from CAD to
other software.

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i. Save cost- This method is the cheapest, the most traditional and basic way to do
taking off in this stage. This because it does not need any software tools. It only
need the basic measurement knowledge and it need no software training. These all
can save cost for the company and money would only be spent on printing papers
since company no need to purchase those high cost software such as CAD or BIM.
ii. Create clearer image- By using manual measurement, users will be able to develop
clearer images on the project itself while doing taking off. Users would be more
familiar to the project as they know every little detail.
i. Time consuming- The amount of time required to do taking off has been increased.
A project might have hundreds or even thousands of drawings so that the time to
complete all the task by hand will really take a lot of time. Time is very precious in
construction industry.
ii. Human error- Besides, manual measurement might cause some human error and
lower down the accuracy. There are too many elements that has to be taken into
account. Some elements might be missed out while doing huge amount of taking off
and this might cause differences in the final cost of the project. Therefore, manual
measurement is not recommended in this stage.
10.0 Construction Stage
i. Speed of Construction- BIM is able to identify changes, glitches and issues in the
drawings for refinement, as well as the detection of design errors using clash
detection system. It will reduce the variation orders.

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ii. Project management- Using of BIM can reduce the issue about the design of
building, budget control and work performance. It can easily follow up the actual
construction status to the model. Thus, the project management can easily be
following up the activity of the project, the cost and the time schedule.
iii. High accuracy leading to waste reduction- The quantities are very accurate to come
up with good and high efficient ordering process, it can also reduce the waste of the
storage on site when using BIM. Besides that, BIM also can produce specifications
accurately for prefabrication(IBS), because of this it will reduce the labor cost, time
and wastes.
i. Standardization procedure- BIM is lack of standard form, contractual documents
and the code of practices for BIM. There might be clash or argument in the project
between 2 parties because of the unstandardized procedures.
ii. External parameters- When using BIM, we have to put more care and effort
manually because it does not include external factors during construction, it does
not take into consideration. The factor includes price fluctuations for construction
materials.
i. Standardization procedure- CAD has standardized their procedure, it imitates to the
industry and company standards. The CAD systems help in standardized the
design, drafting and documentation procedures. With these standardized
procedure, the client wont confuses when using it.
ii. Improves communication via clarity- CAD improves communication processes. This
will improve the understanding of client about the design and measurement. The
simplicity and consistency of the output from CAD reduces misinterpretations and
uncertainly in reading plans.

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i. Limited measurements- For CAD, there are limited measurements. For example, 2D
drawings is just for measured the unit of measurement for 2D drawing only while 3D
drawings can calculate measurements such as volume.
ii. Operating expenses on site- The company financial management policies might be
conflict at construction site when using CAD. Usually CAD will increase automation
expenses, it might influence the decision of project managers who want to keep
their budget low.
i. Cost effective- It is a cheapest method compare to other method because the most
expense is on printing and the salary of worker.
ii. No Training required- In university, most of the students using manual method to do
dimension, so when they graduate they can do it without any specific training, it will
save a lot of training cost.
i. Dimensional restriction- It will not provide the 2D, 3D, 4D and 5D services of
software.
ii. Time consuming- The construction project might not complete on time because
everything is doing manually, include recalculation and other manual work, it will
cost a lot of time while doing it.

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11.0 Post-Construction Stage
i. Locating buildings components - During maintenance, the location of hidden
buildings equipment such as HVAC and electrical ducting can be located with
ease, as compared to using traditional 2D drawings. Locating these building
services usually take a substantial amount of effort and time. Using a 3D BIM
model, the maintenance team will be able to carry out the maintenance work in a
shorter amount of time, and thus lead to reduction of maintenance cost
ii. Real-time Data - BIM data can also be used to track the building conditions in
real time, such as the temperature of individual rooms. This enables decisions to
be made fairly quickly by eliminating any delays caused by incomplete
information.
iii. Space Visualisation - A 3D visualisation of the building space is deemed useful
when renovations are to be made, as it can be used to access the method of
construction and identifying high-density areas where equipment and machinery
access might pose a problem. The 3D model can also be used for various
training purposes.
iv. Space Management - BIM models can predict the attributes of space and assign
the space to the appropriate function, among other functions such as identifying
underutilised spaces, comparing the planning and actual space utilisation, and
forecasting spatial requirements. In the case of insurance, FM can reproduce
how the building looks prior to refurbishment/remodelling.
i. Resource constraints – Using BIM in the post-construction stage is only
practically feasible if BIM was used throughout the whole construction process. It
is impractical to port traditional measurement and estimating data into a BIM
model after construction is completed as it requires too much time and resources.

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ii. Compatibility – As the maintenance team is often hired separately after the
building is commissioned, it is possible for the hired team to not equip such
software to run the BIM models provided by the client.
11.2 – Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
i. Extension of Information – 3D-CAD files extends the information given in the
Manual by visualising the various compartments of the building, including hidden
items such as wirings. This makes it easier for major maintenance works to be
carried out especially those that involve sensitive parts of the building.
ii. Commonly usable – CAD files can be read in a variety of software in the market
today, most of them even providing free file readers. CAD files will be universally
accessible and usable by all parties, including the maintenance team.
i. Limited information – As CAD files only comprises of the building hardscape,
there is little to no information provided on the softscape of a building, which
includes the population density and designated space usage. This will cause
problems during when changes are to be made to a building as CAD files do not
provide the adequate visualisation and information needed.
11.3 – Manual Measurement
i. Ease to obtain information – The Operation and Maintenance manual is always
kept in the maintenance office and can be accessible to anyone at any given
time.

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ii. Straightforward information – The information provided is also straightforward
and can be understood by any persons with a decent amount of knowledge in
buildings. As it is in hardcopy, a person does not need to master any software in
order locate and extract the specific information needed.
i. Time needed after commissioning – Significant time isneeded to collect and
validate data needed to form the Manual, as the information often consists of 2D
Drawings and PDF documents.
ii. Limited information – A hardcopy Manual does not provide some crucial
information for the Facility Maintenance team that extends beyond the 2D
drawings such as maintenance planning and space planning.
END

Software Application in Quantity Surveying - Report

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