Quantity surveying and BIM 5D. Its implementation and analysis based on a case study approach in Spain

Abstract

There is ample evidence to show that in the Spanish architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector, implementation is underway of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology, which is changing the way architectural projects are designed and managed in all their phases. This paper focuses on the quantity surveying practice, carried out in Spain using the newly available digital tools. Through a review of the existing literature and the qualitative analysis of four case studies (CS), it aims to define the key points related to the new processes, roles and skills required by quantity surveyors in this new paradigm of BIM methodology. The information collected from different sources was coded for its qualitative analysis. The findings from the research show that having a rich database and all the available information to design a three dimensional (3D) model are vital for enhancing the quality of the quantity take-off and a project’s cost estimate. From the findings, a new role emerges for the quantity surveyor as a cross-disciplinary profile needed to improve the process. In Spain, there is still a shortfall in knowledge levels of cost management software and the implementation of BIM, which differs in direct relation to company size and type.