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The BIM Knowledge Base for Cost and Time Elements

In an environment where there are smaller projects with plenty of bidders under a hard bid deadline, it’s imperative that you remain competitive.

Having a database for costing, resources, and productivity rates ready to go when a new bid is being developed would help ensure that you have the latest pricing at your fingertips. Tying this knowledge base to a BIM augments your 3D model to a 4D schedule and a 5D estimate. All of a sudden, the "I" in BIM means more than geometry: it contains procurement lead times, costing, activities, crew size, and productivity rates, not to mention LEED points, energy analysis information, and even warranty details.

This knowledge base links BIM objects with costs and schedules and improves the decision-making value of your 3D model. The knowledge base allows you to build resource-loaded schedules and cost-loaded estimates with element assemblies and activity assemblies, all divided into labor, material, machinery, subcontractors, etc. But the question remains: how do you get a knowledge base? Should you build one or should you invest in one?

What:	BIM Knowledge Base of Cost and Time Elements
When:	available at your convenience
Where:	a free online webinar series
How:	Register today at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/295544185

In this special Fridays with Vico webinar, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of building your own database versus purchasing a pre-populated one. We’ll demonstrate best practices for developing geography-specific cost and schedule databases. And we’ll also have a frank discussion of why this data is hard to pinpoint and gather.

Many companies do have a robust estimating database in place. So it’s important to note that there is a major difference between a normal estimating database and a knowledge base of time and cost elements from which schedules and estimates can be generated. For example:

Estimating Items need to be split into schedule activities
• Erecting and stripping side #1 and side #2 formwork are separate activities because
   they can’t be done at the same time)
Unique descriptions for all element types
• No simple Concrete to Foundations task. The tasks need to be broken out:
     • Pour PSI4000 Concrete to Grade beams
     • Pour PSI4000 Concrete to Pier caps
     • Pour PSI4000 Concrete to Pad foundations
Unique descriptions for like element types
• Even a slight change in dimension effects the costing. For example, a 6” concrete wall
   has a different amount of rebar and a different pour and cure time than a 2’ wall.
Estimating quantity types versus Scheduling quantity types
• A scheduler may be likely to work on a basis of number of like-sized items (like piers,
   piles, steelwork, etc.) per day rather than its dimensions and if that element always
   requires a crane.
Resource Pricing
• It’s important to identify labor resources who will move from task to task across the
   site rather than thinking of them as a “crew” who will go home after each task. This
   means having a calculation for labor per day rather than crew per cubic yard.
Classification Systems
• We prefer Uniformat Level 4 for element assemblies and CSI Masterformat 2004 for
   activity assemblies.

What:	BIM Knowledge Base of Cost and Time Elements
When:	available at your convenience
Where:	a free online webinar series
How:	Register today at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/295544185

For more information on Vico Services and developing your own knowledge base configuration, please read more about the Vico 5D Library.

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See highlights of this Fridays with Vico episode on the video clip below. If the content is meaningful to you and your BIM Team, please watch the entire archived movie via the link above.