14 65 PDF
14 65 PDF
14 65 PDF
1
Research Professor, Department of Architectural Engineering, Dankook University, Korea
2
Professor, Department of Architectural Engineering, Dankook University, Korea
Abstract
The cost estimating methods for reinforced concrete structures based 3D design can be categorized into
quantity takeoff (estimation) and quantity prediction in the design development stage. The main estimating
elements are concrete and formwork that can be considered in a quantity takeoff, whereas the quantity
prediction element is the reinforcing bars in the design development stage.
This study proposes a cost estimation system that applies automatic quantity takeoff and quantity
prediction with parameters. Firstly, the logic of a quantity takeoff calculates the quantity of formwork with
the object information. The Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) automatically estimates the quantity
of formwork upon receiving physical shape information from the 3D-object. Secondly, the logic of quantity
prediction estimates the quantity of reinforcing bars with data mining tools such as the Decision Tree Model
(DTM) and Case Based Reasoning (CBR). To predict the quantity of reinforcing bars, Information Gains (IG)
of design attributes are evaluated, and then the valid attributes are selected as the parameters. The Parameters
can statistically classify the quantity of reinforcing bars by generating decision tree nodes.
Keywords: quantity takeoff; prediction; Information Gain (IG); cost estimating; formwork; reinforcing bars
Since the 'IG (Column Module) = 0.39' has the Fig.5. The DTM on the Reinforcing Bars by the Attributes
highest value among the attributes, it is selected as the
test attribute with the highest priority. A node is created 8. Cost Estimation Systems
and labeled with the column module, and branches are This section carries out 3D-based design, and
grown for each of the attribute's values. proposes a cost estimation system (refer to Fig.6.).
Here, the threshold for the attribute value is above The cost estimation system proposed in this study is
0.03. In general, the values are set between 0.05 applied to the superstructure of a building. The system
and 0.01, and experts can also define a value to take consists of three modules. Each module is defined
into account the importance of prediction. Since the as a quantity takeoff logic, quantity prediction logic,
attributes of IG (Area of Upper Floors) = 0.02 and and unit price application logic. The cost estimation
IG (Exterior Type) = 0.01 are smaller than the critical system first receives the physical information about the
value of the IG (Threshold = 0.03), we could consider 3D object, and computes the quantity of concrete and
that there is a weak correlation. Therefore, these formwork. Next, using the design features chosen by
attributes can be eliminated. The analyzed samples are the user, the quantity of reinforcing bars is predicted
then partitioned according to the IG. through the decision tree model as the algorithm.
Although each attribute may present a different The types of valid design features include the
value of information gain depending on the number of column module, design load, number of floors, and
samples, the order of importance remains the same (27 seismic design. The quantity of reinforcing bars is
cases and 51 cases refer to Fig.4.). predicted as the ratio of reinforcing bars to the amount
The DTM is changed case-by-case; if no data occurs of concrete in the superstructure of the building.
in a node, the average value in the bottom-most nodes A cost estimator can select a construction type
should be used. The difference between the average taking into account suitable constructability, once the
values according to 'seismic design' was analyzed as process of quantity takeoff for concrete, formwork,
0.08. Therefore, a new branch can be created by adding and reinforcing bars is completed. At the final
the average value or subtracting from the ratio of stage, the unit price is applied in accordance with