Empirical Study of MacroBIM and Conceptual Estimation

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has set up a mark in the construction industry over a decade. In order to gain benefit of BIM in estimating the project cost at the early stage of construction with the limited data available, a new concept of MacroBIM has been introduced in the industry. However, limited amount of research has been implemented to determine how MacroBIM has been accepted in the construction industry. Most research was focused on the accuracy of the conceptual estimation. This research attempted to determine the effectiveness of MacroBIM process applied at early stages of construction for conceptual cost estimation. Experts from the discipline of architecture, contractor and owners were interviewed and their professional opinions on MacroBIM were analyzed using grounded theory. The results show that, compared to the traditional conceptual estimating process, MacroBIM is an effective method for 1) saving labor hours, 2) conveying assumptions with the help of its visualization capabilities, 3) enhancing the collaboration among the project participants, and 4) evaluating multiple design scenarios. However, fear of using MacroBIM and trust in its outcome existed among some contractors, architects, and owners because this technology has not matured yet. Moreover, the need of interoperability between the MacroBIM tools and MicroBIM tools, such as Revit, has also surfaced in the study.

Author dc:creator

• Gajbhiye, Anand Dhanraj

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kang, Julian

• BIM
• Building Information Modeling
• MacroBIM
• DProfiler
• Virtual Design and Construction
• Conceptual cost estimation
• Grounded Theory: Construction Visualization

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-05-7866

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:tdl-ir.tdl.org:1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-05-7866