Construction cost estimating incorporating Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Malaysian construction industry

Abstract

Construction cost estimating is one of the main activities performed by Quantity Surveyors. Various factors influence the reliability of a cost estimate, but Quantity Surveyors’ understanding and knowledge of project information provide the most vital input towards the accuracy of estimates. While Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been acknowledged as contributing to more efficient and effective construction industry working practices; it also provides a significant advantage in the preparation of cost estimates. The adoption of BIM technology and processes is currently accelerating worldwide. However, compared to other countries, Malaysia has made slower progress, although it has urged Quantity Surveyors to take appropriate actions in evaluating the influence of BIM in the country, especially for their practices. With the recent national agenda of Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP) (2016-2020), overcoming the limitation of BIM usage becomes a priority to be cultivated by all stakeholders in increasing the productivity of the construction industry. Therefore, the aim of this research is to build a framework to guide the Quantity Surveyors in Malaysia to use BIM to achieve more dependable results in their cost estimating practices. A questionnaire survey was used to explore these and other factors leading towards BIM technology adoption. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied to examine causal effect relationships between the elements. This study then employed further focus group interviews to better understand the surveyed outcomes. Most of the surveyed respondents observed or forecast better understanding of input information through the use of BIM capabilities, including data visualisation, a reliable database and data coordination. Also, they perceived the benefits of accomplishing their tasks more quickly through using those BIM capabilities. The focus group discussions subsequently validated those factors’ interconnections and delineated guidelines for incorporating cost estimating within BIM. Amongst the key findings highlighted are the strategic actions underlining the process and the functions of people to act accordingly towards the BIM technology capabilities in improving the reliability of cost estimates. The overall analysis contributes to the establishment of a framework of BIM adoption in cost estimating practices in Malaysia. It produces a strategy to promote the BIM innovation endeavour amongst Quantity Surveyors.