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Quantity Surveying Softwares, Trends &

Their Impact on Quantity Surveyors

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To: Mr. Gamini Rajakaruna

Department: NG/HNDQS/04/28

Submission Date: 18th.February.2015

Name: Udara Madusanka

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ICBT Campus| HND in QS, Batch No: 04

Acknowledgement

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all those who provided me the possibility

to complete this research. A special gratitude I give to Quantity Surveyor Mr. Ekanayake,

whose contribution in simulating suggestions and encouragement, helped me to do gather

information in related research.

I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude and deep regards to my guide Mr.

Gamini Rajakaruna for his exemplary guidance, monitoring and constant encouragement

throughout the research.

Furthermore I would also like to acknowledge with much appreciation for my parents and

friends who helped me to do this assignment by simulating suggestions. Last but not least,

many thanks go to Course Co- Coordinator, Mr. Madushan who given much guidance in this

research. Thank you very much.

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………………………….01

List of abbreviations………………………………………………………………………………….03

List of illustrations………………………………………………………….……………………...…04

Executive Summary…………………...……………………..…………..…………………………...05

1.0 Introduction…...……………………..……………..………………………………………..…06

2.0 Chapter One: Introduction of Quantity Surveying Softwares…………..…………………...…07

3.0 Chapter Two: Usability of Quantity Surveying Softwares……………..……………..……..…17

4.0 Chapter Three: Impact on Quantity Surveyor Profession from Quantity Surveying Software...36

5.0 Chapter Four: Trends in Quantity Surveying Softwares……………...…………..…………….43

6.0 Chapter Five: Newer ideas and suggestions in Quantity Surveying Softwares……….……..…46

Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………………….…..49

References…………………………………………………………………….………………………50

APPENDIX-A………………………………………………………………………………………..

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List of abbreviations

I. QS- Quantity Surveyor

II. BIM- Building Information Modeling

III. CAD- Computer Aided Designing

IV. QTO- Quantity Takeoff

V. MS- Microsoft

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List of illustrations

Figure 1: Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors Group’s cover ............................................................................ 7 Figure 2: Survey 01 Results ...................................................................................................................... 7 Figure 3: BIM Life Cycle throughout a project .......................................................................................... 9 Figure 4: MS Excel Logo ......................................................................................................................... 10 Figure 5: WinQS Logo ............................................................................................................................ 11 Figure 6: QSPlus Logo ............................................................................................................................ 12 Figure 7: AutoCAD Logo ......................................................................................................................... 13 Figure 8: SketchUp Logo ........................................................................................................................ 14 Figure 9: Autodesk Quantity Takeoff Logo ............................................................................................. 15 Figure 10: WinQS Interface .................................................................................................................... 21 Figure 11: Example Bill........................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 12: QSPlus Interface .................................................................................................................... 24 Figure 13: Quantity Takeoff (QTO) Logo ................................................................................................. 28 Figure 14: SketchUp Logo ...................................................................................................................... 30 Figure 15: AutoCAD Interface ................................................................................................................ 32 Figure 16: Bill of Quantities produced by MS Excel................................................................................. 17 Figure 17: Bill of Quantities produced by MS Excel................................................................................. 17 Figure 18: Summary Sheets produced by MS Excel ................................................................................ 18 Figure 19: Measurement Sheets produced by MS Excel ......................................................................... 18 Figure 20: BIM (Building Information Modeling) Interface ..................................................................... 34 Figure 21: Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors Group's Cover photo .............................................................. 36 Figure 22: Survey No. 01- BIM ............................................................................................................... 36 Figure 23: I'm Quantity Surveyor, I have no life Group's Cover Photo ..................................................... 37 Figure 24: Survey No. 02 - BIM............................................................................................................... 37 Figure 25: Survey 01 Results .................................................................................................................. 38 Figure 26: QSI LinkedIn Group's Cover Photo ......................................................................................... 39 Figure 27: Discussion No. 01 .................................................................................................................. 39 Figure 28: Professional Quantity Surveying LinkedIn Group's Cover photo ............................................. 40 Figure 29: Discussion No. 02 .................................................................................................................. 40 Figure 30: BIM 360 GLUE Logo ............................................................................................................... 44 Figure 31: BIM 360 GLUE Software on ipad ............................................................................................ 44 Figure 32: BIM 360 Field Logo ................................................................................................................ 44 Figure 33: BIM 360 Field Software on ipad ............................................................................................. 45 Figure 34: AutoCAD 360 Software availabale on Google Play Figure 35: AutoCAD 360 software on ipad .................................................................................................................................................. 45 Figure 36: IQSSL Website Interface ........................................................................................................ 46 Figure 37: Vision and Mission Statements of IQSSL ................................................................................ 46 Figure 38: QS Android Softwares ........................................................................................................... 47

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Executive Summary

This Research Project would widely discuss about Quantity Surveying Softwares, Trends and

Their Impact on Quantity Surveyors. As we are Quantity Surveyors it is necessary to have a

good knowledge in Quantity Surveying Softwares and its trends to save more time and to

cope up with day to day problems in QS profession. Therefore in my opinion, this research

has taken a huge effort to promote these QS software trends in Sri Lanka by presenting

suggestions and recognizing these trends. General understanding about trends in Quantity

Surveying Softwares is relatively low among Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors therefore this

research would recognize the pros and cons of QS softwares and analyze whether these QS

softwares would affect QS profession.

This research was carried out through an in depth review of existing literature, which was

defined through questionnaire survey and expert interviews within Sri Lanka. Focus of this

study is to identify the usability, trends and newest ideas of QS software.

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1.0 Introduction

Till recent past many Quantity Surveyors prepared Bill of Quantities and other documents by

writing manually, with the introduction of Quantity Surveying softwares decreases the

workload for Quantity Surveyors. Hence this research would provide a guidance how

Quantity Surveyors can reach the maximum effectiveness by using these Quantity Surveying

Softwares.

Furthermore this project report would be a collection of ideas and suggestions of Sri Lankan

Quantity Surveyors on QS Softwares for further improve and it would present for Software

Developers for identify newer requirements in Quantity Surveying.

As well as this project would explain what the Quantity Surveying Softwares are and how

they can be used in Quantity Surveying. General understanding about trends in Quantity

Surveying Softwares is relatively low among Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors whilst receiving

high volumes of attention among Quantity surveyors around the world therefore, it is

necessary to aware of trends in these QS Softwares. Therefore this research guides all Sri

Lankan Quantity Surveyors towards these trends in QS Softwares.

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2.0 Chapter One: Introduction of Quantity Surveying Softwares

In Sri Lanka, there are very popular Quantity Surveying Softwares used among Quantity

Surveyors. I have done a little research on this particular matter. This report would widely

discuss about these QS Softwares. Therefore, I have done a survey on Facebook Quantity

Surveyor Group for list out these QS Softwares according to popularity order. As well as this

survey indicates the most popular software among Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors.

Figure 1: Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors Group’s cover

Figure 2: Survey 01 Results

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This Survey received 82 votes for this Survey and as per the preferential order of Voters we

can list out these softwares as follows;

1. MS Excel

2. AutoCAD

3. WinQS

4. Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

5. SketchUp

6. QSPlus

7. BIM

As per the this survey we can decide MS Excel is the most popular software which is widely

used among Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors and BIM is the least popular software among Sri

Lankan Quantity Surveyors.

In first chapter we would provide a general introduction about these QS softwares and

reasons for their popularity.

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BIM

BIM is an intelligent model-based process that provides insight to help us plan, design,

construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. AS well as Building information

modeling (BIM) is a newer way to design and documentation the building projects. Many

Quantity Surveyors from worldwide are started to use BIM. Building information

models (BIMs) are automated files which can be exchanged or networked to support

decision-making.

BIM is considering the entire lifecycle of the building (Design/Build/Operations)

BIM provides all information about the building and its lifecycle.

BIM defining and simulating the building, its delivery, and operation using integrated

tools.

Figure 3: BIM Life Cycle throughout a project

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MS Excel

Figure 4: MS Excel Logo

Microsoft Excel is a Spreadsheet application. I would say MS Excel is the most popular

software among Quantity Surveyors. It is used for preparing BOQs, Quotations, Interim Bills,

and etc.

Ms Excel is very easy to handle due to its GUI (Graphic user Interface) tools and easiness of

calculations.

Excel is a spreadsheet good for data manipulation but easy to overwrite formula or miss a

decimal place. Therefore we have to set up checks and cross checks to detect errors.

Also most software packages export to excel for report manipulation. (Wikipedia, 2015)

Quantity Surveyors use specific Quantity Surveying software;

1. To eliminate mistakes.

2. To save time.

3. To concentrate on input of relevant information.

4. To train others specifically to their career of choice.

5. To file properly.

6. To save computer space.

7. To be compliant with the law of a specific country.

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Excel is a spreadsheet good for data manipulation but easy to overwrite formula or miss a

decimal place. Therefore we have to set up checks and cross checks to detect errors. Also

most software packages export to excel for report manipulation.

Latest Version- Excel 2013 (v15.0)

WinQS

Figure 5: WinQS Logo

WinQS is an efficient cost-effective software solution for all Quantity Surveyors and cost

engineers for the production of:

Cost plans

Detailed Estimates

Multiple Cost Analysis

Bills of Quantities

Monthly Progress Valuations

Financial Reviews/

Tender Analyses

Final Accounts

Latest Version- WinQS-SQL 1.9.4.2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Excel#Excel_2013_.28v15.0.29

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QSPlus

Figure 6: QSPlus Logo

QSPlus is comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective, QS software among quantity surveyors

and other professionals in construction.

The main advantage over others is the affordability and efficiency of the software. It is faster

and easier to preparing Bill of Quantities (BOQs) with QSPlus. (QSPlus, 2015)

QSPlus is a perfect way of presenting Bill of Quantities after measurement. It is a perfect way

to presenting bills to client rather than the traditional quotation manner. QSPlus generates

quotation in a more unique and most presentable way which looks very standard.

QSPlus User Comments

User Friendly

Adaptable

Multitasking

Multiple users on same project

Contractor Friendly

Excellent Support Service

Operating Systems

Windows XP

Windows Vista Business or Professional

Windows 7 Business or Professional

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AutoCAD

Figure 7: AutoCAD Logo

Autodesk is a software application for 2D and 3D computer Aided Design (CAD) and

drafting. AutoCAD is developed and marketed by Autodesk. Inc. The data in AutoCAD file

can be extracted into a data file for pricing, materials estimation, and other values related to

the objects represented. Additional Tools in AutoCAD generates standard 2D drawings, such

as elevations and sections, from a 3D Architectural model.

AutoCAD software is available for many languages. As well as another product of AutoCAD

is available as AutoCAD 360 which is a web-based and cloud-based application. (Wikipedia,

2015)

Newest Version- AutoCAD 2015 (20.0)

File format of AutoCAD is .dwg.

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SketchUp

Figure 8: SketchUp Logo

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software. SketchUp is currently owned by Trimble Navigation.

SketchUp is a program that lets us do all types of 3D drawings, currently owned by Trimble

Navigation. Using SketchUp Quantity Surveyors can generate model objects to provide

additional quantities. Models can be quickly produced in SketchUp; also they can be used for

quantification purposes.

SketchUp is available in both free and commercial versions. There are few SketchUp

versions SketchUp Make is one of that. SketchUp Make is the free of charge version for

home, personal and educational use. (Wikipedia, 2015)

SketchUp features include:

Easy to use

We can find out what part of the model is hit by sun

We can do experiment with colours and textures

Push and pull tool

Freeware version- SketchUp Make (2013) for home, personal, and educational use.

Paid Version - SketchUp Pro (2013) with Additional functions.

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Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (QTO)

Figure 9: Autodesk Quantity Takeoff Logo

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff building is a cost estimating software which makes material

costing faster, easier, and more accurate. Quantity Surveyors can create synchronized,

comprehensive project views that combine important information from BIM (Building

Information Modeling) tools such as Revit Architecture. Automatically or manually measure

areas and count building components, export to MS Excel and publish to DWF format.

Easy to takeoff

Greater flexibility than typical databases or spreadsheets

Dynamic Counting

More efficient manual takeoff

Share, query, and clarify

Faster and more insightful quantity reports

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System Requirements

Operating System

Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Microsoft Windows Vista

Microsoft Windows 7

Web Browser

Microsoft Internet Explorer® 7.0 or higher

Processor

Intel Pentium IV processor, 800 MHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor (or

faster)

Multiple processors supported

Dual core supported

Memory (RAM)

2 GB (minimum)

4 GB (recommended)

Hard Disk

550MB free space

Display Resolution

1024 x 768 True Color (minimum)

Display Card

128 MB Video Adaptor Card (minimum)

256 MB or greater, Direct 3D compatible 3D Video Adaptor Card (recommended)

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3.0 Chapter Two: Usability of Quantity Surveying Softwares

MS Excel

MS Excel is used for prepare:

Bill of Quantities

Figure 10: Bill of Quantities produced by MS Excel

Figure 11: Bill of Quantities produced by MS Excel

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Summary sheets

Figure 12: Summary Sheets produced by MS Excel

Bar Schedules

Measurement Sheets

Figure 13: Measurement Sheets produced by MS Excel

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Etc…

Generally MSExcel is easy to use and readily available. To some Quantity Surveyors

there are no obvious drawbacks. However excel has some limitations as bigger the

project is, including:

Excel may not feed other computerized systems that you use, such as scheduling.

Projects may involve very complex calculations

If Quantity Surveyors in organization are going to estimate as a team that has to wok

together and Excel has limited multi user features.

Excel can be customized to eliminate some issues, but it can be expensive, and customizing

Excel at the user level makes it difficult. Also MSExcel provides greater individual flexibility

but Excel may not perform as efficiently as specialty Quantity Surveying software that comes

with the processing power necessary for complicated calculations.

Specifically created Quantity Surveying softwares do calculations for materials, labor,

equipment, taxes, mark ups, bonds, insurance and other costs are automatically calculated and

leaving no error.

Specifically designed QS softwares offer a level of insight that excel simply can’t. These

specifically design QS softwares summarized the estimations by cost type, material, labor,

sub contractors or any level of grouping, including user defined groups by phase, area or

location.

Also these softwares offering greater control and more informed decision making, moreover

it offers continuous upgrades and enhancements that reflect current construction industry

conditions.

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WinQS

WinQS is used by many Quantity Surveyors for the production of:

Cost plans

Detailed Estimates

Multiple Cost Analysis

Bills of Quantities

Monthly Progress Valuations

Financial Reviews/

Tender Analyses

Final Accounts

Features of WinQS

WinQS provides a visual view of the bill on screen all times without printing or

previewing. All information that is entered can be viewed and edited on screen.

In Bill production and estimating we can copy, multiply and select multiple sets of

prices stored in previous projects or current projects.

Item and page numbering, summary pages, controlling pages all are done by

automatically by the system.

Special features of WinQS

Customizing:

The user can customize layout and wording on Bill pages.

Any new units of measure can be added

Items, dimension and whole bills can make hidden or unhidden

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Figure 14: WinQS Interface

Progress Valuations:

Monthly valuations can be prepared based on trades, work groups, activities,

elements or any other user defined grouping.

A drill down feature allows valuation of any grouping or single BOQ item.

Printing of current, previous and next valuations can be done

Dimensions:

All dimensions can be entered using spreadsheet style formula input and all

dimensions are saved for editing.

Dimensions goes directly into the bill as measured and can be previewed on

screen as BOQ totals or as an abstract.

All measurements can be entered into a multi level location.

All previous projects can be used as libraries for any new project including the

ability to copy items and dimensions from previous projects. (QSPlus, 2015)

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Figure 15: Example Bill

Estimating:

A BOQ is automatically produced from the estimate measured.

Cost Analysis:

This feature allows for the extraction of costs per work group, element, work

breakdown or any other order that is user defined.

Tender Analysis:

A fully detailed or summarized analysis of up to six rates at a time can be

printed to highlight the variances in tendered rates.

Cost Reports/ Financial Reviews:

Allows the monthly review of a project based on the contract value.

Financial Reviews are showing all savings as project progress to final cost.

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QSPlus

Cost Plan / Estimating

QSPlus prepare, measure, price and output Cost Estimates and Elemental Cost Plans

in Elemental format with all levels of summary of detail. Also QSPlus provides fast

and easy conversion of cost estimates and Elemental Rates for the current project to

the relevant building type benchmark. Present take off dimensions and provides

graphic comparison of the Elemental rates for the current project, to the relevant

building type benchmark.

In this part we can enter of general product data such as project description, client,

consultants, cost plan dates, VAT % and price increase forecast data for auto

calculation of escalations from Cost Plan date to project completion. Also we can set

percentages or amounts for auto calculation of Preliminaries and Contingencies

Setup of Cost Plan sections for multi-use building cost plans and locations within

each building to further break down the detail, if required. Locations carry a factor

which can be amended. Preliminaries and Contingency percentages or amounts can be

set up differently for each section for auto calculation.

We can straightforward enter measurements which can be used later for the

measurement of cost plan items

Dimensions are entered as listed under Take off functions

Allows to edit cost plan item description to the project also we can edit Variables in

the formula.

Printouts

Dimension Detail

Dimension Summary

Cost Plan Abstract

Can import items from previous projects, with or without dimensions

Print the Cost Plan at various levels,

o Project

o Section (building)

o Elemental Analysis

o Item Detail including or excluding the detail of the rate buildup items

http://www.qsplus.co.za/screenshots/take_off.htm

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o Elemental Analysis and Item Detail to Excel

Using the Rate Buildup items associated with each Cost Plan item this process

extrapolates them into Bill data using the quantity measured against each Cost Plan

item. Trades, Bill headings, subheadings and items are automatically generated.

(QSPlus, 2015)

Bill Documentation

Prepare, measure, price and output Bills of Quantities

Tender Analysis

Elemental Cost Analysis

Figure 16: QSPlus Interface

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Sections and Locations

Setup of Bills of Quantities sections for multi use building projects and locations

within each building to further break down the detail if required.

Import items from previous projects, with or without dimensions

Print the Bills of Quantities either blank for Tender, priced with internal office rates,

or contract rated. Output Bills of Quantities to Excel and send to tendering contractors

for pricing.

QSPlus price the Bills with either internal QS rates or contract rates submitted by

tendering contractors.

Tender Analysis on multiple rates.

An Elemental Cost Analysis of the Bills of Quantities can be produced using a

window which allows us to check the Element allocations against each Bill Item.

The output includes Elemental Quantities and Rates per Element, per Section, for the

Project.

Valuations

Prepare process and produce Progress Payment Valuations based on a default

percentage, an allocation of money, or individual inputs by quantity, percentage or

amount valued to date.

Also QSPlus Allows detailed valuation of Work done Late

Setup of general Contract data such as Contract Type, Contract dates, adjustment

basis, various methods of valuing Preliminaries, etc.

Advance payments may be defined with a set of proposed recoveries.

Work done late may be entered against bill items

Materials On and Off Site may be recorded

All figures calculated or entered are carried through to the next certificate

All the Dayworks to be recorded against the Contract.

Work done late may be entered against Quick Variations

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Values for Final Account Variations may optionally be presented on the Summary of

Work Done as:

o A single line of print for all Final Account Variations

o A line of print for each individual Final Account Variations

Final Accounts

Prepare, measure, price and output Final Account

Output Final Account as a Remeasured Bill or as a schedule of Additions and

Omissions

A series of items can be omitted with a single click

Setup Final Account items with a Number and Description

Set Status to one of the "pending" status codes or "Approved", in which case the Final

Account Item is included in the presentation printouts

Select whether to include in Progress Payment Valuations

Printouts

o Final Account Items

o Site Instructions

o Items Measured

o Dimension Detail

o Dim Summary

o Abstract of Final Account Item

o Abstract by Page (of Bill)

o Abstract by Location

o Abstract by Work Group

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Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (QTO)

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff software helps make cost estimating faster, easier and

more accurate.

With QTO automatically or manually we can measure areas and count or price

building components such as walls, doors, and window.

QTO helps to print the results to Microsoft Excel Software, or publish to DWF file

format.

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff reporting tools helps enable users to create digital,

detailed materials reports much faster than paper based processes.

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff keeps workflow digital and helps ensure that reports,

materials quantities, and other data remain up to date.

With QTO we can efficiently count and quantify building components and their

compositions.

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff uses the latest Autodesk technology to provide drawing,

viewing and quantification.

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff software provides greater flexibility than typical

databases or spreadsheets, enabling a smoother, more accurate workflow for Quantity

Surveyors.

QTO quickly perform area calculations, linear measurements, and counts, and

organize our results more quickly and easily in the project catalog.

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Figure 17: Quantity Takeoff (QTO) Logo

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (QTO) can use two dimensional and three dimensional deigns to

create a quantity takeoff that can be used to create a cost estimate. QTO can use various file

types as its source files such as Design DWF or non DWF files such as PDF files, DWG files,

and JPG image files. The DWF file is a file type created by Autodesk and which can import

into QTO. User able to use the Automatic Takeoff function. When importing non DWF files

into QTO, the user would have to manually perform the quantity takeoff.

Most of the Quantity Takeoff softwares are generally only allows manual takeoffs to be

performed but QTO allows the estimator to automatically extract quantities based on the

model.

As well as using QTO Quantity surveyors could adjust the taken off quantities based on

waste factors.

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Performing a Takeoff

Everyone perform take offs in so many different ways but QTO organize the takeoff to make

creating an estimate easier. QTO is provided easier way to perform basic take off steps as

follows;

Setting up the take off project name

Choosing the correct unit because once the units are chosen it cannot be changed.

Choosing a catalog would help especially if the company has their own format for

estimates.

Groups and subgroups can be added into the catalogs or WBS for similar items to

further organize the quantity take offs.

We have to make sure we are using the right units for each items. Ex: a simple

mistake such as having square inches or square yards instead of square feet for walls

could greatly affect the cost of the project.

Generally there is no set of rules to where to begin perform take offs. Some choose to follow

their company’s estimate format, starting from superstructure and concrete and then moving

onto the architectural trade, while others choose to do the opposite and start from

architectural than move to the superstructure. It is all a matter of preference.

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SketchUp

Accurate Measurement

Everything we create in SketchUp has a precise dimension. SketchUp software let us to build

models that are as we need them to be. To model with precision, we can simply type in

dimensions as you draw.

Copying & Arrays

SketchUp’s Move tool is also a tool for copying entities while moving something. It is a

newer way to modifying models. Copying and arrays works the same way with the rotate tool

too.

Edges and Faces

Edges are straight lines, and faces are the 2D shapes.

Figure 18: SketchUp Logo

Follow Me

Follow me tool is another example of innovativeness of SketchUp. Follow Me tool creates

3D forms by extruding 2D surfaces along predetermined paths. Also we can use Follow Me

tool to round off edges on 3D models.

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Push/Pull

Push/Pull is the most specific tool in SketchUp. Push/Pull tool extrude any flat surface into a

three dimensional form.

Add Dimensions and Callouts

Linear and angular dimensioning tool set the format, scale, and precision of displayed

measurements.

Export PDFs, images and CAD files

If we need to send our work to someone who needs a CAD file, we can use Layout to export

pages as DWG and DXF files. Layout also exports multi page PDF, as well as images in

TIFF, JPEG and PNG formats.

Give Full Screen Presentations

Layout can jump into presentation mode at ant time. We can orbit, pan, zoom, and walk

through as we are presenting of embedded model. Also it is possible to produce a 3D

animation during full screen presentation.

Print to scale

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AutoCAD

The preparation of cost modeling in the initial stages of the design process is important as the

cutting down of cost can be done at this stage. Before the emergence of CAD software, the

quantity surveyor had difficulties in identifying the effect of design and cost because the

production of rough plans took a longer time and delayed the cost estimate. This caused many

ideas diminish before they can even be brought to the client.

Figure 19: AutoCAD Interface

CAD has helped in improving communication ties between the Quantity Surveyor and the

client as clients now are given the liberty of studying and visualizing the types of design

produced by the architect. The Quantity Surveyor will then be able to take necessary actions

immediately to show the implications of the cost involved. It would be redundant if the

architect were able to produce various designs using CAD according to the client’s

requirements in such a short period of time, yet the Quantity Surveyor is not able to quickly

estimate the cost of the designs due to the time consuming tasks of measuring quantities.

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AutoCAD replaced the manual drawing board and drawings can be produced in the digital

format. Making changes to the design will automatically update the changes in all documents,

views, sections, elevations, schedules, layouts leading to tremendous saving in time and risk

of errors.

Realizing the possibility of acquiring quantities directly from the CAD drawings, software

providers has managed to produce CAD based measurement software (CBMS). CBMS has

added function of allowing the user to extract quantities. Some of the CBMS that is available

in the market is CADlink, Revit and Autodesk QTO. (Wikipedia, 2015)

Benefits of CAD software in measurements

The measurement process for irregular shape is faster and easier. If the irregular shape

will need to be divided into a few regular shapes and the areas of each shape is

calculated and added to get the area of the whole irregular shape. By using CAD

software, the area of irregular shape of a building can easily be measured by just

clicking the tool.

The layering concept in CAD software will assist the taker off in the ease of viewing

and identifying the different types of floor finishes. Different floor finishes can be

separated using various colors or hatch patterns and the exact area of the different

type of floor finishes is then calculated by clicking on the objects. Area floor finishes

in separate location but is of the same type can be easily obtained by commanding the

software to calculate area for all objects that contains the same code of the selected

hatch pattern.

Measurement is more accurate as CAD drawings are produced in actual size and thus

error in quantities due to usage of wrong scale is eliminated.

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BIM

In past, Quantity Surveyors did measuring and valuing construction works but now Quantity

Surveyor role become professional experts on the contractual and financial aspects of

construction developments. But with the introduction of BIM;

Time taken to measure buildings drastically reduced

Leaving more time to estimating calculations

Redefine traditional professional boundaries in Quantity Surveying.

Raise the professionalism of Quantity Surveyors

Figure 20: BIM (Building Information Modeling) Interface

Also BIM softwares are supporting the traditional methods for developing construction

products. These software implementations enable the systems to be user friendly and further

they offer a gradual change to using automated systems and most systems present data in

traditional paper format such as take off paper.

Cost estimates are prone to contain various inaccuracies as they are usually based on limited

information and prepared within a limited time frame. But as first step BIM would design of

a 3D model of the client’s proposal.

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The second step would be automatically generate

Resource demands

Cost calculations or estimates

Bill of Quantities

These steps require the extraction of all dimensions and information on building components

from the 3D model and then combining it with databases containing unit costs and other data.

BIM is a newer technology in construction industry and typically slow to adopt change. But

BIM will grow to play an even more crucial role in building documentation.

BIM offers:

1. Improved visualization

2. Improved productivity due to easy retrieval of information

3. Increased coordination of construction documents

4. Embedding and linking of vital information such as vendors for specific materials,

location of details and quantities required for estimation and tendering

5. Increased speed of delivery

6. Reduced costs

7. Improved visualization

8. Improved productivity due to easy retrieval of information

9. Increased coordination of construction documents

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4.0 Chapter Three: Impact on Quantity Surveyor Profession from Quantity Surveying

Softwares

Still most of the Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors is not aware of usefulness of BIM Software.

I have done a survey on Facebook QS group to have a certain idea about whether BIM

software would affect Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors. BIM is the leading concern among Sri

Lankan Quantity surveyors whether it would affect their profession more than other newest

QS Softwares. Survey Results are as follows;

1) Survey No. 01:

Figure 21: Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors Group's Cover photo

Figure 22: Survey No. 01- BIM

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2) Survey No. 02:

Figure 23: I'm Quantity Surveyor, I have no life Group's Cover Photo

Figure 24: Survey No. 02 - BIM

As per results of these two surveys we can decide some people have recognized BIM

(Building Information Modeling) is not a threat to the QS profession. Moreover this thesis

would justify how much BIM would be beneficial to the Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors.

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Also as per other surveys we can recognized BIM Software is not widely used in Sri Lanka.

Figure 25: Survey 01 Results

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As well as, I have done a research on LinkedIn Online QS groups to further analyze whether

Newer QS softwares would affect Quantity surveying profession or not.

1) Discussion No. 01

Figure 26: QSI LinkedIn Group's Cover Photo

Figure 27: Discussion No. 01

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2) Discussion No. 02

Figure 28: Professional Quantity Surveying LinkedIn Group's Cover photo

Figure 29: Discussion No. 02

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According to these two discussions with opinions of world wide quantity surveyors, we can

recognize newer Quantity Surveying softwares raise the professionalism of Quantity

Surveyors rather than becoming a threat to the QS profession. Furthermore this report would

discuss about how these QS softwares would affect QS profession.

Usually Quantity Surveyors are more involved in the latter part of the design appraisal

process. In this part of the process Quantity Surveyor starts to prepare bills of quantities and

other documentation that can support the procurement process. Estimating in the design

phase is usually conceptual and is based on limited project information. Therefore automation

of bills of quantities reduces error and misunderstanding and evolves in step with the design

changes. It removes some of the tedium and speeds up the process. Therefore with the

introduction of new QS softwares;

Raise the professionalism of Quantity Surveyors

Redefine traditional professional boundaries in Quantity Surveying.

Leaving more time to estimating calculations

Preventing inaccuracies of data re entry and ensure consistency between models.

Time taken to measure buildings drastically reduced

Organizing of data into a logical and consistent format.

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Drawbacks of Quantity surveying softwares

The development and technology and the implementation of new Quantity Surveying

softwares will cause some issues. They are as follows:

1. Newest Softwares are expensive

2. Lack of knowledge and skill relating to the technology

3. Quantity Surveying standards are different country to country therefore some

softwares cannot be used in every country.

4. The newest multi purpose QS softwares create big and complex files hence the

scalability and manageability of a fully loaded project database becomes a major

challenge.

5. Quantity Surveyors typically rely on a number of purpose built models therefore

difficult in adopt one system for an organization

Solutions for drawbacks in Quantity surveying softwares

1. Training programs, Seminars and Workshops should be before adopting newer QS

softwares to the Organization.

2. In order to use QS softwares with significant outcomes and fee scales will need to be

adjusted in order to match with appropriate professional responsibilities.

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5.0 Chapter Four: Trends in Quantity Surveying Softwares

Traditional building designing was two-dimensional drawings (Plans, elevations, sections,

etc.). But now Building Information Modeling extends this beyond 3D. Width, height and

depth are the elements of 3 dimensions. But upcoming trends are Time as the fourth

dimension (4D), cost as the fifth dimension (5D) and facilities management as the sixth

dimension (6D).

BIM covers more than just geometry; it covers spatial relationships, light analysis,

geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components (for example,

manufacturer’s details).

BIM design tools allow extraction of different views from a building model for drawing

production and providing cost estimates as well as material tracking and ordering.

BIM can be used beyond the planning and design phase of the project, extending throughout

the building life cycle.

BIM supports:

1. Cost Management

2. Construction Management

3. Project Management

4. Facility Operation

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BIM 360 GLUE

Figure 30: BIM 360 GLUE Logo

BIM 360 GLUE is a cloud based software for BIM management and collaboration. BIM

connects entire project team of the particular project and stream line BIM (Building

Information Modeling) project workflows.

Figure 31: BIM 360 GLUE Software on ipad

BIM 360 FIELD

Figure 32: BIM 360 Field Logo

BIM 360 FIELD is a field management software that use mobile technology. BIM 360

FIELD is a software for 2D and 3D environments that use mobile technology at the site for

cloud based collaboration and reporting. This software helps to take critical information from

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the BIM to people who are at the site. As well as this software helps to improve quality,

safety and commissioning for construction.

Figure 33: BIM 360 Field Software on ipad

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is available as AutoCAD 360 which is a web-based and cloud-based application.

Figure 34: AutoCAD 360 Software availabale on Google Play Figure 35: AutoCAD 360 software on ipad

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6.0 Chapter Five: Newer ideas and Suggestions in Quantity Surveying Softwares

In Sri Lanka, Most of the Construction Organizations have not recognized the benefits of

using Newest Quantity Surveying Softwares. But Countries like South Africa, Australia,

Nigeria and China Widely use these QS softwares. Building Information Modeling Softwares

to be played a vital role in construction industry but preparation for these trends among Sri

Lankan Quantity surveyors is a big concern. Therefore an Organization like IQSSL (Institute

of Quantity Surveyors Sri Lanka) which is the governing body for initiating and fostering

higher standards of the Quantity surveying practice in Sri Lanka, has a huge responsibility to

promote these trends in Sri Lanka.

Figure 36: IQSSL Website Interface

Figure 37: Vision and Mission Statements of IQSSL

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Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors should adopt BIM software into their QS profession. Several

researchers evaluated several reasons for this. They are as follows (Thomas, 2010); The

Second World Construction Symposium 2013: Socio-Economic Sustainability in

Construction14 – 15 June 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka

30% of projects do not meet original budget

92% of clients said that designer’s drawings are typically not sufficient for

construction

37% of materials used in construction become waste

10% of the cost of a project is typically due to change orders

In Sri Lanka it is difficult to get information about materials, suppliers and etc. Therefore a

requirement arose about island wide database of Contractors, Sub Contractors, and Suppliers.

If there is a database every Quantity Surveyors can access to acquire information about

suppliers, contractors, and sub contractors it would be really useful for every Sri Lankan

Quantity Surveyors. Also if there is a way to acquire quotations online, directly from

suppliers it is another advantage to all Quantity Surveyors. Therefore I suggest a database to

acquire information from above all sources.

Sometimes Quantity Surveyors face difficulties in drafting sketches properly when they are

doing measuring works at sites. If Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors can use an Ipad for draft

the sketches properly by using online AutoCAD 360 software it would be really time saving.

Figure 38: QS Android Softwares

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Most of the International Quantity surveying softwares supports International Standards like

SMM 7. Therefore IQSSL should encourage Sri Lankan QS software developers to design

softwares that support Sri Lankan Standards like SLS 573.

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Conclusion

This Research Project helped me to improve my knowledge on “Quantity Surveying

Softwares” which are to be used through out my career. This report has widely discussed

about Quantity Surveying Softwares, Trends and Their Impact on Quantity Surveyors.

General understanding about Trends in Quantity Surveying softwares is relatively low among

Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors compared to the other countries hence this Research project

guided Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors for identify the newest trends in Quantity Surveying

Softwares. After interviewing Professional Quantity Surveyors in Sri Lanka, this research has

taken an effort to present suggestions for software developers to improve these QS softwares

as per requirements of many Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors.

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References

[1] Autodesk. (2015). BIM 360 FIELD. [ONLINE]. Accessed 12 February 2015 available

at: http://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-360-field/overview

[2] Glodon BIM Check. (2015). [ONLINE]. Accessed 12 February 2015 available

at: http://www.gbimcheck.com/showIndex.

[3] Construction: QTO. (2015). Construction: QTO. [ONLINE]. Last Accessed 12 February 2015

available at: http://www.autodesk.typepad.com/construction/qto/page/4/.

[4] (2015). Would anyone agree that quantity surveying in the traditional sense is a dying profession

and will be succeeded by the use of BIM? LinkedIn. [ONLINE]. Last Accessed 12 February 2015

at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Would-anyone-agree-that-quantity-

2108952.S.5791897396053041155.

[5] Bayt.com. (2015). What software are used for quantity surveying?. [ONLINE]. Last Accessed 13

February 2015 available at: http://www.bayt.com/en/specialties/q/20745/what-software-are-used-

for-quantity-surveying/.

[6] (2015). Sri Lankan Quantity Surveyors. [ONLINE]. Last Accessed 13 February 2015 available at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/184686418355893/.

[7] Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2015). SketchUp. [ONLINE]. Last Accessed 16 February 2015

available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SketchUp.

[8] Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2015). Building information modeling. [ONLINE]. Last

Accessed 16 February 2015 at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_information_modeling.

http://www.gbimcheck.com/showIndex

http://www.autodesk.typepad.com/construction/qto/page/4/

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Would-anyone-agree-that-quantity-2108952.S.5791897396053041155

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Would-anyone-agree-that-quantity-2108952.S.5791897396053041155

http://www.bayt.com/en/specialties/q/20745/what-software-are-used-for-quantity-surveying/

http://www.bayt.com/en/specialties/q/20745/what-software-are-used-for-quantity-surveying/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/184686418355893/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SketchUp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_information_modeling

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