Subject: BIM-based Cost Estimation (5D)
Presented by Vahid Balali, Sr. VD&C Engineer with Swinerton

Bio - Vahid Balali, Sr. VD&C Engineer with Swinerton since May 2019. Vahid also teaches at California State University Long Beach. He received the ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering Outstanding Reviewer Award in 2016 and 2017, and was one of Consulting Specifying Engineer's (CSE) 40 Under 40 in 2017. He was also named as an Engineering News Record (ENR) California Top Young Professional in 2017. <br><br>This presentation addresses BIM-based cost estimation (5D) and design-change issues during the preliminary design phase and leverages end-user satisfaction through the use of collaborative functions in a VR environment for material cost estimation. In this regard, a VR-based framework for interior finish material selection, incorporating both visual aesthetics and associated cost impacts. A systematic approach for converting building information models into interactive VR models is presented.

As the construction industry strives to evolve and better its processes, more tools are being developed to help in the estimating effort. BIM technology has risen to offer faster more accurate acquisition of quantities. We will analyze various BIM tools used currently to extract quantities, how they directly relate to the estimate, and how these tools are used by various professionals. Also, we will explore some of the myths attributed to cost estimating when using BIM tools. The benefits of having BIM tools are seen in every aspect of the construction industry. There are multiple advantages that these tools provide in estimating, scheduling, project management, and actual construction. We will be identifying BIM advantages that have allowed us to drive time and cost savings, produce better projects, and allow for coordinated project delivery.