BIM-enabled cost estimation: a framework for automated quantity extraction and cost database integrationGoulart Weber, Amanda (Avtor) Cerovšek, Tomo (Mentor) master thesiscost estimationquantity take-offdatabase integrationIndustry Foundation Classes (IFC)Information Delivery Specification (IDS)The construction industry struggles cost estimation processes, requiring manual interventions that create inefficiencies and errors. This research develops an automated framework connecting standardized BIM data validation with structured cost databases using Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and Information Delivery Specification (IDS) standards. The methodology was validated through two grain silo case studies in collaboration with a Brazilian agro-industrial construction company. Custom property sets embedding Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) codes were integrated into Tekla Structures models, with IDS validation ensuring data compliance. Python scripts using IfcOpenShell extracted quantities and linked model elements to the company’s cost database through hierarchical matching algorithms. Results demonstrate significant improvements over manual methods reducing processing time while maintaining estimation accuracy. The framework successfully bridges the structural mismatch between BIM classifications and cost database organizations through flexible CBS mapping. The research contributes a reproducible, standards-based pathway for BIM-cost integration using open standards and tools, ensuring broad applicability. Key limitations include dependency on model data quality and need for organization-specific CBS configuration. The framework demonstrates that automated, validated BIM-to-cost workflows enhance estimation reliability and efficiency in complex construction projects.[A. Goulart Weber]20252025-09-23 08:46:14Magistrsko delo/naloga173784UDK: 004.42:657.474.5:69(043.2)VisID: 174761COBISS_ID: 250571267sl