LCC Software

Both Davis Langdon (2007) and Kishk et al. (2003) have carried out an assessment of LCC software. A number of these tools are outlined in the previous section and are based on spreadsheet programmes such as the US’s NIST BLCC and Norway’s LCProfit. Other LCC applications identified by Kishk et al. (2003) and Pelzter (2007) include commercial LCC software, but they are structured to the requirements of the particular jurisdiction to which they apply and in most cases are applicable to specific functions such as; energy analysis in the US (BLCC); bridge construction in the US (BridgeLCC); military projects in the US (LCCID); LCC in manufacturing

(Relex LCC) and residential construction in the Neatherlands

(Kostenreferentiemodel). Some applications provide a generic system for LCC analysis (Amposol, ACEIT, Bid-Builder, and LCCWare) but do not incorporate the latest capabilities in Computer Aided Design (CAD) technologies and are not sufficiently flexible to accommodate particular methodologies in different jurisdictions.

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The EU has co-financed the development of a collaborative WLCC tool called ‘Construction Industry LifE Cycle Cost Analysis’ (CILECCTA). This software application allows full WLCC analysis to be carried out based on a database of LCC data (CILECCTA, 2013). The software is custom built and provides an integrated link between LCC calculations and a comprehensive database of costs. It does not utilise CAD technologies and similar to LCC software outlined above requires users to carry out their measurement and pricing in a separate application to their estimating software.

‘WLC Comparator’ is software developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and is a simple tool that has been designed to calculate the LCC of building components. The tool is a straightforward concept similar to the spreadsheet templates outlined above that includes discounting PV costs through future income streams (Kirkham, 2012). It is aligned to BS-ISO 15686-5 but, similar to the commercial software outlined above, does not have the flexibility of a generic spreadsheet for variable sensitivity analysis and does not have the capability to link to CAD or quantum produced by CAD.

Kishk et al. (2003) maintain the main limitation with almost all these applications is that the classification structure has to be built manually by the user and is mostly non-elemental, i.e. if applying ISO 15686-5 the user would have to build the classification structure in the system. Another disadvantage is that because some applications are bespoke systems they would require potential investment and training by the user.

BIM technologies that accommodate software capable of carrying out LCC leveraging CAD are outlined in the next chapter.

2.13 Summary

In general, literature on LCC have agreed on the principle that LCC is used to assess the costs associated with the wider implications of operation, maintenanace and disposal, in addition to, the more traditional CAPex view of the asset. This allows for a number of applications such as option appraisal; measuring sustainability; evaluation for procurement and tendering and utilsation for FM. Although these benefits are well documneted, there are a number of barriers that prevent LCC being

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more widely practiced by QSs in the construction industry. The principle barriers reported are; lack of client demand; availability and reliability of quality data upon which to base calculations; lack of standards or guidance notes and the perception that calculations are complex and time consuming. Standard methodologies and LCC guides are over theoretical with little in the way of practical examples and lack process implementations to guide a cost professional through the procedurers calculating and presenting LCC. The achievement of greater success implementing the requirements outlined in the OGC in UK, the CWMF in Ireland and per the EU directive 2014/24/EU, depends on a process that would allow for easier calculation, preparation and analysis in a uniform method. The process must also become more adaptable to apply to different standard LCC methodologies and to apply to different projects.

In addition, QSs use a number of well recognised software applications such as Buildsoft, CostX, Vico and CATO. The majority of these applications tend to have a spreadsheet-based workbook which could embed the calculations addressed in Section 2.8 and 2.9 and in a format that is line with the relevant standards outlined in this reveiw of literature. Furthermore, a number of these applications have the ability to utilise BIM. The next chapter explores these applications and BIM and identifies the potential for LCC to be utilised within the 5D BIM process, by embedding an LCC calculation structure within the 5D BIM work-flow.

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3

BIM and its Application for QS Practice

3.1 Introduction

Fung et al. (2014) and Underwoord & Isikdag (2010) claim BIM has the potential to increase efficiency in the construction industry by changing traditional 2D information exchange to a method of delivery that promotes collaboration and integration across the construction supply chain. BIM can ensure a thorough life cycle analysis, service life planning and more solid life-cycle optimisations of the design and use of the building from a shared digital resource (Eastman et al., 2011; Cheung et al., 2012). Common to the definitions of BIM, discussed in Section 3.3, are BIM’s capabilities in delivering value throughout the whole building process including its operational life cycle. If this is accurate, harnessing the abilities of BIM may facilitate an LCC approach.

One of the key aspects of BIM is its ability to provide QSs with detailed 3 Dimensional (3D) project views that combine vital information from tools within the BIM model. QTO and estimating using BIM software is a comprehensive process that maps the components of a 3D building model to material, labour and equipment cost data (Matipa & Keane, 2008; Monteiro & Martins, 2013). BIM offers capabilities to generate take-offs, counts and measurements directly from a model. This provides a process where information stays consistent throughout the project and changes can be readily accommodated (Sabol, 2008). Though sophisticated, BIM is not extensively used to provide estimation software with the data requirements for LCC, such as escalation rates, discount rates and study periods (Whyte & Scott, 2010). This chapter; describes the development of BIM; outlines its benefits and challenges; and discusses its current applications. The latter part of the chapter addresses BIM use for cost management and discusses the possibility of utilising BIM for additional QS services, including LCC.

3.2 IT Development in Construction