Effect of building information modeling(BIM) innovation on quantity surveying

Abstract

Quantity surveyors (QS) have various roles in the construction industry. One of their main roles is preparing bills of quantities that mainly entails taking measurements and pricing of construction work. They also develop schedule of project work, engage in construction project management, arbitration and dispute resolutions. Quantity take-off was their original role during 1820s when the profession was conceived. Critical observations brought criticisms alluding to the inability of the profession to survive if a tool could be developed that substituted QS roles in construction. Contingent to that criticism has seen the emergence of Building Information Modeling (BIM) that has specific attributes where the BIM technology can be used to quantify building works and produce schedule of works in 5D model interface. Thus far, has the BIM technological innovation posed threats to the QS roles and/or to the profession? The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of BIM innovation in the construction industry and to evaluate its effect on the quantity surveying profession. Is it a bane or boon to the QS profession? Specific objectives were to determine the extent of BIM usage by QS, the magnitude of relationship between the current BIM usage and the future of QS considering BIM growth in the construction field. Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis was conducted about BIM usage. Survey questionnaire was administered to investigate the effect of BIM, current usage and future standing in construction. The results showed that BIM was an opportunity that added to the progress of QS. It was concluded that QS needed to embrace BIM technology more with integration of digital twins for full benefit in the construction industry.