Abstract

Building Information Model/Modeling/Management (BIM) is a tool that allows for efficient working methods. BIM saves time and money while providing the potential for visualization. This method of working is based on a 3D-model, and then a fourth and fifth dimension are connected. 5D modeling means that a spreadsheet creates cost estimates based on the 3D model. This provides opportunities to carry out calculations in the early stages of the projects.

Calculations are currently performed manually and do not contribute to the development that the construction industry requires. To examine the efficiency of 5D BIM, a comparison should be made with the traditional calculation method. The purpose of this study is to propose a more reliable quantity takeoff and to study the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

The research questions to be studied in this thesis read as follows:

•  How reliable is quantity takeoff with the help of Vico Office in contrast to traditional quantity takeoff?
• What is required of a BIM model to perform a quantity takeoff in Vico Office?

To create calculations manually, bills of quantities are performed with recipes for each building component and then price lists from recipe databases are used. With the 5D BIM, a spreadsheet is connected to the BIM model that generates price lists and calculations for each building component. Spreadsheet entries are created for the component that contain the right amount of information, that is then connected to the correct building component. Vico Office is a program that provides opportunities to import 3D models from CAD tools to then carry out timetables and calculations.

Vico Office offers many advantages in contrast to the manual spreadsheet work in, among other things, time and cost. It is easy to handle and contributes to the development of BIM. It also contributes to increased communication between participants that makes it easier to handle delays. At the same time, the program needs new knowledge. The manual spreadsheet work gives uncertain calculations and the risk of measurement errors exist.

To perform a complete quantity takeoff in Vico Office an architectural model and a construction model is required. It is also important to name the components in the model before it is imported to Vico Office. Vico Office gives more BIM, and it is easier to perform a quantity takeoff because all the tools are in one place. It is not possible to determine that it is actually more efficient with Vico Office because the building model was lacking in this study. 

This thesis demonstrates the advantages of 5D BIM, but at the same time it requires an initiative of the companies to implement the system. This transition from manual spreadsheet work to 5D BIM can be complicated because it requires time and knowledge.

Keywords: 5D BIM, Vico Office, Cost, Quantity Takeoff