Incorporation of expert reasoning into the bim-based cost estimating process

Abstract

The analytical cost estimation is an efficient and robust data based approach. Yet, there are two key issues associated with analytical cost estimation; the need to make sure that practice standards are adhered to and the implementation of subjective recommendations. The degree of precise detail, and the intricacy of standards and expert insight is a hindrance to its computerisation, as a result of complicated software development schedules and increasing expenses. A rule based semantic method is utilised as a model and is demonstrated as a way to tackle these problems. The investigation of BIM-based cost estimation confirmed that industry foundation classes (IFC) can provide construction project semantics but incapable of relating domain semantics and pragmatics. Our model is founded upon the belief that three components are necessary to gain a full awareness of the domain which is being computerised; the information type which is to be assessed for compatibility (syntax), the definition for the pricing domain (semantics), and the precise implantation environment for the standards being taken into account (pragmatics). Moreover, organizational semiotics is employed to uncover the semantic components of cost estimation from a procedural standpoint and suggest an improved knowledge based system. This report outlines the way in which the proposed approach has been verified, by employing a selection of codes created by the prototype of the data based model. The standards of practice which have been establish are then verified, in accordance with actual building information gained from IFC. The utilisation of this approach has significantly advanced the procedure of automating professional costing practice within a BIM context. These pleasing outcomes demonstrate that, by implementing this model, the reasoning ability can be used by the BIM context and the restrictions around the application of BIM will be reduced.