# Automation of Construction Quantity Take-Off: Using Building Information Modeling (BIM)

**Authors:** Hosein Taghaddos, Ali Mashayekhi, Behnam Sherafat  
**arXiv:** [1906.02400](https://arxiv.org/abs/1906.02400)  
**Date:** 2019-06-06  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/1906.02400v1/

## Key points

- Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the construction industry
- Recent advancements in API technology have facilitated the integration of BIM in construction
- Research aims to develop API codes that automate estimation of construction quantities
- Developed API filters items specific to a discipline within a defined work area for systematic quantity take-off
- Proper 3D work areas and estimating materials and man-hours optimize resource allocation and project efficiency
- Comparison with hand-calculated and BIM software results ensures accuracy and reliability
- Case study on petrochemical project validates successful implementation of developed API codes
- Research contributes to advancing construction management practices by automating quantity take-off processes in BIM models

## Summary

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the construction industry, offering numerous advantages in construction management. Recent advancements in application programming interface (API) technology have addressed some of the limitations and facilitated the integration of BIM in the construction industry. This research aims to contribute to the state of practice in construction management by developing API codes that automate the estimation of construction quantities. The developed API is designed to filter items specific to a particular discipline within a defined work area, enabling systematic quantity take-off in different work areas. By defining proper 3D work areas and estimating required materials and man-hours throughout the project, planners can optimize resource allocation and improve project efficiency. To validate the effectiveness of the automated approach, results obtained from this method are compared with hand-calculated results as well as those calculated using BIM software interfaces in special cases. This comparison ensures accuracy and reliability in estimating construction quantities. The research findings are further validated through a case study conducted on an actual petrochemical project. This real-world application demonstrates how the developed API codes can be successfully implemented in practical construction scenarios. Overall, this research contributes to advancing construction management practices by leveraging API technology to automate quantity take-off processes in BIM models. By streamlining estimation procedures and enhancing accuracy, this approach offers significant potential for improving project planning and execution efficiency in the construction industry.