The growing importance of BIM for construction dispute resolution

Maximilian Benz, a quantum expert at SJA in Singapore, outlines why quantity surveyors and quantum experts should closely watch the latest developments in the area of Building Information Modeling (BIM).

The construction industry is evolving rapidly, bringing about changes in the nature of disputes and the role of the quantity surveyor or quantum expert. The primary driver of this change is new technology.

As the industry adapts, so too must the quantity surveyor’s approach to resolving disputes. The days of using printed drawings and manual measurements are behind us; today’s practices involve sophisticated computer software.

To stay relevant, quantity surveyors and quantum experts must remain up to date with technological advancements, including:

Building Information Modeling
BIM software allows for the creation of detailed 3D models of building projects and enhances collaboration among stakeholders. Advanced 5D BIM integrates cost estimation with design.

Cost Estimating Software
This helps quickly and accurately estimate project costs based on inputs such as labor and materials prices.

Drones
Used for surveying construction sites and collecting data on site conditions.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
AR and VR tools aid in visualizing designs, reviewing projects, and training onsite workers, while also facilitating communication with remote teams.

Mobile Applications
These apps support communication, document sharing, scheduling, and workflow management, ensuring project team members and stakeholders stay connected and informed.

Automation and Machine Learning
Tools such as artificial intelligence can analyze large datasets, identify trends, and improve project planning, cost estimating, and risk management.

All these technological advancements are constantly being enhanced and developed. Not everything is done on a excel spreadsheet these days and with such a progressively more dynamic working environment, it is important to keep on top if not one step ahead of this change.

Building Information Modeling

Of the above, BIM is seen as the leading advancement in construction matters. BIM is the digital representation of a building’s physical and functional characteristics, and it can be used by quantity surveyors in a variety of ways. Some of the key uses of BIM for quantity surveyors include:

Quantity Take-off
BIM can be used as an output for generating accurate quantities of materials, which can then be used to understand the labour and equipment required for a project. This helps quantity surveyors to manage payments and budgets not only in the early stages but as the project progresses, providing an effective and efficient tool that can be used in a live environment.

Financial Estimation
BIM can be used to generate accurate estimates for building projects by providing detailed information on materials, this allowing the understanding of labour and equipment costs. This is dependent on the inputs and requires a regular update of current market information for the cost of material, labour etc. This feature is useful in a live project as it allows the quantity surveyor to understand the budget and manage the financial risk of the project.

Risk Management
BIM helps to identify potential risks and hazards associated with a building project, which can help quantity surveyors mitigate those risks and ensure the safety of workers and the public. One key area which is often overlooked is the development of a risk register. If a risk register is developed with the assistance of BIM during the early stages, risk can be updated and monitored as the works progress to mitigate potential financial overruns.

Scheduling and Planning
BIM is used to create detailed schedules and plans for construction projects, which helps quantity surveyors better manage resources and identify potential delays. Not to say a quantity surveyor is a delay analyst, but it can help with the understanding of where the project has been prolonged, and the specific costs incurred at that given time.

General Collaboration
BIM allows multiple parties and stakeholders to access and update the building information for a variety of aspects, and from a quantity surveying perspective this allows for the management of budgets through the design stages. When a project is live, it allows for an understanding of the completed works and the labour, material, and equipment metrics beyond this. All of these can improve collaboration between parties and reduce risks on a project.

Conclusion

The construction sector is still getting familiar with BIM and the even more recent introduction of artificial intelligence to the world and the industry is a slow industry to adapt. With the advancement of BIM and other automative technologies it will greatly assist quantity surveyors and quantum experts in reducing the unknown and inherent risks common on projects.

This will increase the clarity and understanding of projects, likely providing clearer and more concise analysis when undertaken in disputes. In the other hand it may also add another level to disputes around whether the BIM or analytical model accurately represent what actually happened.