Cost Planning Strategy in Bidding Stage Using 5D BIM

Construction bidding is the process of submitting a tender to undertake, or manage the undertaking of a construction project. Increases in completed project cost compared to bid price is often observed in construction industry. This defect is a result of poor planning for cost, time and scope. These elements are considered as the main three important constraints of bidding phase for every project. A relative new technology that is progressively getting accepted in the construction industry is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which plays a major role on improving construction management background. BIM is based on a 3D model which is complemented by fourth dimension (time) and fifth dimension (cost). The 5D BIM technique can be incorporated into the cost planning process. A 3D model of the construction project is developed and then imported into suitable 5D BIM tool. Thereupon, the project costs are estimated on the basis of generated quantities and unit costs. A case study is presented to illustrate the cost planning and simulation processes in 5D BIM more appropriately during bidding stage, based on a BIM model of a reinforced concrete structure. RIB iTWO is one of the BIM softwares which were used in this study. It provides opportunities to import 3D BIM models, and then carry out cost planning and simulations. Results from the case study suggests that 5D BIM cost planning provides advantages during bidding process by better visualization of the building model, earlier risk identification, producing schedules of quantities for cost planning purposes, more accurate and fast cost estimation, simulated project in the 5D BIM environment and collaborative group working amongst the project team. This study intends to provide novel information process for cost planning experts, as well as it may serve as the basis for further research in the 5D BIM based construction project management field. Furthermore, it contributes to the projects to be completed on time without leading to extra costs. Keywords: Cost Planning, Bidding Process, Building Information Modeling, 5D BIM, RIB iTWO