Improving estimation accuracy with Cubicost TAS

Cubicost TAS C-III Case Study for Globe Road, Leeds

Project Information:

Globe Road is a new residential complex to be built in the South Bank area of Leeds City Centre consisting of eight multi-story apartment buildings – the tallest of which is 23 stories including roof level. RC structural components underpin the framework of the entire site; it was Moortown Group’s responsibility to ensure a comprehensive RC frame and groundworks package is successfully estimated and delivered to the client within the allotted time. Entities included piles, pile caps, ground beams, slabs, walls, and tie beams.

We asked our Trainee Engineer Aidan Harrison who joined Moortown Group at the beginning of summer 2021, for an 8-week Work Experience placement, to learn and experiment with the software by discovering its full capabilities. His brief was to use Cubicost TAS to produce precise quantity takeoffs and visualise a large eight-building project. Using both CAD and PDF drawings, and applying the auto 3D visualisation feature they created a detailed 3D model, which helped to significantly improve estimation accuracy and communication.

Main Challenges/Tasks:

The main challenges included identifying all elements shown in the provided structural drawings and positioning them correctly within the model to ensure accurate and consistent quantity/material takeoffs. Paying careful attention to details such as varying slab levels and soffits was important as these aspects are easily overlooked, especially in large scale projects such as Globe Road. Cross-checking the results against engineers’ drawings was important at every stage of the modelling process to achieve the desired outcome and then to import drawings both in .dwg and .pdf format to extract data.

Solution Used/Approach:

Using Cubicost TAS C-III, Aidan was able to create a precise 3D model which he could use to locate specific quantities/materials. By making use of the project settings, he was able to define zones, floor levels and material grades prior to the modelling stage. He then imported structural drawings and followed the identifying process outlined in the provided tutorials on a floor-by-floor basis, starting with the foundations. Specific areas required a greater deal of precision and used the custom element tool to create non-standard entities within the model i.e., slab edge thickenings. After finalising the model, Aidan conducted quantity and material takeoffs using the built-in calculation feature. By modifying the output template, he was able to tailor the BQ, ready to be sent to the client.

            

Outcome/Achievements:

Through TAS C-III, Aidan was able to produce a 3D visualisation of the whole project including everything within Moortown Group’s RC package, allowing for a clearer understanding of the job within the business. The BQ created alongside the model contained all the necessary information to carry out the job tender, without further modification using other software. By exporting the model as an IFC file, the project may also be shared with the client to aid with project clarity and communication.

Aidan commented that he’d felt like “a valued member of an experienced team of estimators and quantity surveyors who have been exceptionally welcoming” throughout his time at the company. He added, “everyone has been very helpful and receptive; I have learnt a great deal about the construction industry all round, especially the nature of work within the subcontracting sector.” He feels his technical knowledge of RC structures, including how to conduct accurate material and quantity take-off, has been “improved considerably” and is thrilled he will be returning to university with some “great industry experience and connections which will form the basis of a future career”.

About Cubicost TAS C-III:

Cubicost TAS makes the quantification of buildings less time-consuming, more intuitive and highly automated. Redefine the quantity takeoff of architecture & structure for 2D & BIM. The software enhances drawings, allowing for elements such as walls & columns to be automatically identified and visualised in 3D, for unparalleled efficiency. Embedded measurement rules including SMM7 and NRM2 enable automatic deductions for producing precise bill of quantities. For more information click here.