BIM-enabled cost estimation: a framework for automated quantity extraction and cost database integration : master thesis

Goulart Weber, Amanda (author), Cerovšek, Tomo (mentor)

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.

• Language: English
• Keywords: master thesis, cost estimation, quantity take-off, database integration, Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), Information Delivery Specification (IDS)
• Work type: Master's thesis/paper
• Typology: 2.09 - Master's Thesis
• Organization: FGG - Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering
• Place of publishing: Ljubljana
• Publisher: [A. Goulart Weber]
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: 1 spletni vir (1 datoteka PDF (IX, 90 str.))
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-173784
• UDC: 004.42:657.474.5:69(043.2)
• COBISS.SI-ID: 250571267
• Publication date in RUL: 23.09.2025

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Title: Ocena stroškov projekta z uporabo BIM: okvir za avtomatizirano določitev količin in integracijo baz podatkov : magistrsko delo

Abstract

Gradbena industrija se spopada s postopki ocenjevanja stroškov, kar zahteva ročne posege, ki povzročajo neučinkovitost in napake. Ta raziskava razvija okvir za avtomatizacijo, ki povezuje standardizirano validacijo podatkov iz BIM s strukturiranimi bazami podatkov o stroških z uporabo standardov Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) in Information Delivery Specification (IDS). Metodologija je bila validirana na osnovi dveh študij primerov žitnih silosov v sodelovanju z brazilskim agro-industrijskim gradbenim podjetjem. Prilagojeni sklopi lastnosti, ki vključujejo kode za strukturno razčlenitev stroškov (CBS), so bili integrirani v modele Tekla Structures, pri čemer je IDS validacija zagotavljala skladnost podatkov z zahtevami. Izdelani Python skripti z uporabo IfcOpenShell omogočajo določitev količin in povezavo elementov modela z bazo podatkov o stroških podjetja preko hierarhičnih algoritmov ujemanja. Rezultati kažejo pomembne izboljšave v primerjavi z ročnimi metodami, zmanjšan čas obdelave ob ohranjanju natančnosti ocene stroškov. Okvir uspešno premošča strukturno neujemanje med BIM klasifikacijami in organizacijami baz podatkov o stroških preko prilagodljivih preslikav CBS. Raziskava prispeva ponovljivo, na standardih temelječ za integracije stroškov na osnovi BIM z uporabo odprtih standardov in orodij, kar zagotavlja široko uporabnost. Ključne omejitve vključujejo odvisnost od kakovosti podatkov modela in potrebo po specifični konfiguraciji CBS izbranega podjetja. Predlagan okvir dokazuje, da avtomatizirani, validirani stroškovski delotoki z BIM izboljšujejo zanesljivost in učinkovitost ocene stroškov pri kompleksnih gradbenih projektih.

• Keywords: magistrska dela, ocenjevanje stroškov, odvzem količin, integracija baz podatkov, IfcOpenShell