Open BIM-based quantity take-off system for schematic estimation of building frame in early design stage

Since construction projects are large and complex, it is especially important to provide concurrent construction process to BIM models with construction automation. In particular, the schematic Quantity Take-Off (QTO) estimation on the BIM models is a strategy, which can be used to assist decision making in just minutes, because 70–80% of construction costs are determined by designers׳ decisions in the early design stage [1]. This paper suggests a QTO process and a QTO prototype system within the building frame of Open BIM to improve the low reliability of estimation in the early design stage. The research consists of the following four steps: (1) analyzing Level of Detail (LOD) at the early design stage to apply to the QTO process and system, (2) BIM modeling for Open BIM based QTO, (3) checking the quality of the BIM model based on the checklist for applying to QTO and improving constructability, and (4) developing and verifying a QTO prototype system. The proposed QTO system is useful for improving the reliability of schematic estimation through decreasing risk factors and shortening time required.